Detection and Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae and Ehrlichiae in African Ticks
2001
Detection of Rickettsiae and Ehrlichiae in African Ticks
Sample size: 332
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Philippe Parola, Hisashi Inokuma, Jean-Louis Camicas, Philippe Brouqui, Didier Raoult
Primary Institution: Unite des Rickettsies, CNRS UMR 6020, Marseille, France
Hypothesis
Can ticks from Africa carry Rickettsiae and Ehrlichiae pathogens?
Conclusion
Rickettsia africae and new Ehrlichiae were identified in ticks from several African countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Rickettsial DNA was detected in 24 of the 332 ticks examined.
- R. africae was found in ticks from Mali, Niger, and Burundi.
- New Ehrlichiae genotypes were identified in ticks from Mali and Niger.
Takeaway
Scientists found germs in ticks from Africa that can make people sick.
Methodology
Ticks were tested for rickettsial and ehrlichial DNA using PCR and sequence analysis.
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