Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Dickens O. Ondifu, Maurice K. Murungi, Lillian Wambua, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Eric M. Fevre, Laura C. Falzon
Summary: This study identified various tick-borne pathogens in cattle in western Kenya and found that exotic breeds were more susceptible to certain pathogens, while the presence of ticks was a significant predictor for Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infection.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo, Daniel Masiga, Quirine ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a significant issue in livestock health in sub-Saharan Africa, including coastal Kenya. This study investigates the epidemiology and management factors of tick-borne diseases in zebu cattle in coastal Kenya.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jifei Yang, Xiaojun Wang, Jinming Wang, Zhijie Liu, Qingli Niu, Muhammad Uzair Mukhtar, Guiquan Guan, Hong Yin
Summary: Wildlife in Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve of China were found to be carrying various tick-borne pathogens, including multiple Theileria and Anaplasma species. Coinfection of Theileria and Anaplasma was observed in eight wild animals.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Candice Sant, Devon Seunarine, Nadine Holder, Krystal Maharaj, Melanie Vaughan, Shimon Harrus, Ricardo Gutierrez, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Gad Baneth, Roxanne Charles, Patricia Pow-Brown, Rod Suepaul, Karla Georges
Summary: This study investigated the presence of tick-transmitted pathogens in animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption. The results showed that approximately 10% of the samples contained DNA of these pathogens, indicating that neotropical mammals may serve as a potential source for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. Additionally, it is important for physicians and hunters to be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens and for hunters to receive proper training in handling carcasses.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Latifa Elhachimi, Carolien Rogiers, Stijn Casaert, Siham Fellahi, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Wannes Dermauw, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles Sonia Olmeda, Sylvie Daminet, Sarah El Hamiani Khatat, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens were investigated in cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, revealing a high prevalence and diversity of tick species, with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. having the highest infection rate. Risk factors for pathogen abundance included crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation. Locations with the highest prevalence of tick-borne pathogens were Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua.
Article
Microbiology
Kimberly J. Ledger, Lorenza Beati, Samantha M. Wisely
Summary: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in different land use types in southern Africa. Through molecular techniques, 1716 ticks were screened for infection, revealing multiple pathogen species across seven tick species collected. The findings suggest that tick species and the pathogens they carry may vary according to land use, highlighting the importance of comprehensive surveillance in understanding the diversity and ecology of tick-borne pathogens.
Review
Parasitology
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Rana Elseadawy, Somaya Saleh, Bassem Elmishmishy, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Mohamed Abdo Rizk
Summary: Background buffaloes are economically important in many countries, especially in Asia, but they are commonly infected by tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that can cause serious diseases. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence of TBPs infecting buffaloes worldwide. Global data on TBPs in buffaloes were collected and analyzed using meta-analysis, revealing a high species diversity and highlighting the economic implications for the livestock industries.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benedicto Byamukama, Patrick Vudriko, Maria Agnes Tumwebaze, Dickson Stuart Tayebwa, Joseph Byaruhanga, Martin Kamilo Angwe, Jixu Li, Eloiza May Galon, Aaron Ringo, Mingming Liu, Yongchang Li, Shengwei Ji, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Paul Frank Adjou Moumouni, Seung-Hun Lee, Ferda Sevinc, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: In this study, the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens in cattle from farms near Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda were assessed. Various pathogens were detected, with risk factors such as communal grazing and proximity to the park associated with their occurrence. The genetic analysis showed possible cross-species transmission and highlighted the burden of tick-borne diseases on farmers in the area.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdullah D. Alanazi, Abdulaziz S. Alouffi, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Mohamed S. Alyousif, Hend H. A. M. Abdullah, Ahmad M. Allam, Bassma S. M. Elsawy, Sobhy Abdel-Shafy, Muslimah N. Alsulami, Adil Khan, Furhan Iqbal
Summary: The study reported the presence of babesiosis, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis in cattle in Saudi Arabia, with the highest prevalence of Theileria and Anaplasma species found in cattle from Riyadh province.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Dieter J. A. Heylen, Bersissa Kumsa, Elikira Kimbita, Mwiine Nobert Frank, Dennis Muhanguzi, Frans Jongejan, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Alassane Toure, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Nick Juleff, Dionne Crafford, Josephus Fourie, Michel Labuchange, Maxime Madder
Summary: This study conducted a surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in rural areas of several African countries. The prevalence of different pathogens varied among countries and was associated with the distribution of specific vector ticks. Factors such as age, gender, weight, and tick exposure were also found to be related to infections. The findings of this study can provide important insights for monitoring and prevention of tick-borne pathogens in cattle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Dennis Getange, Joel L. Bargul, Esther Kanduma, Marisol Collins, Boku Bodha, Diba Denge, Tatenda Chiuya, Naftaly Githaka, Mario Younan, Eric M. Fevre, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Jandouwe Villinger
Summary: The study revealed a high diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with camels and co-grazing sheep in northern Kenya. In addition, the findings suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them serve as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases, posing a public health threat to pastoralist communities.
Article
Parasitology
Lionel Nyabongo, Esther G. Kanduma, Richard P. Bishop, Eunice Machuka, Alice Njeri, Alain Bimenyimana, Canesius Nkundwanayo, David O. Odongo, Roger Pelle
Summary: The epidemiological study of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Burundi revealed that T. parva, A. marginale, and B. bigemina infections are endemic, with 82.91% of cattle having mixed infections. Understanding the spatial distribution facilitates the design of effective control strategies, but further research on tick vectors' distribution and pathogen population structure is needed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Somaya Saleh, Rana Elseadawy, Ragab M. Fereig, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: Published data on tick-borne pathogens in camels worldwide have been collected, providing an overview of their global prevalence and species diversity. Evidence of natural infection of camels with certain tick-borne pathogens is limited, particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. More research is needed to understand the role of camels in maintaining and transmitting these pathogens.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amira AL-Hosary, Cristian Raileanu, Oliver Tauchmann, Susanne Fischer, Ard M. Nijhof, Cornelia Silaghi
Summary: This study aimed to provide insight into tick species on cattle in Egypt, identify pathogens in ticks and their cattle hosts, and detect pathogen associations between ticks and cattle. The findings highlight the presence of various pathogens in ticks and cattle in Egypt, emphasizing the importance of public health and veterinary authorities in monitoring and managing tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aung Aung, Winai Kaewlamun, Duriyang Narapakdeesakul, Juthathip Poofery, Morakot Kaewthamasorn
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TTBPs) pose a serious economic threat to ruminant production worldwide. Investigations focused on goats remain limited compared to those for pathogens infecting cattle. This study examined TTBPs from 6 provinces in Thailand using PCR-based surveys and phylogenetic analysis. The results showed a low infection rate of Anaplasma spp. and piroplasmids in goats, and Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma marginale, and Anaplasma ovis were detected for the first time in goats in Thailand. It was also found that TTBP infections were linked to the rainy season.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alemayehu Godana Birhanu, Marta Gomez-Munoz, Shewit Kalayou, Tahira Riaz, Timo Lutter, Solomon Abebe Yimer, Markos Abebe, Tone Tonjum
Summary: This study uncovers the changes in the Mtb proteome in response to a sub-lethal dose of nitric oxide (NO) over several hours of exposure, revealing a two-phased proteomic response with specific proteins playing key roles throughout the different time points. The proteomic changes observed are compensatory in nature and contribute to various stress responses, providing new insights into how Mtb responds to NO at the proteomic level.
Article
Microbiology
Marisol Collins, Collins Ngetich, Milton Owido, Dennis Getange, Robert Harris, Joel L. Bargul, Boku Bodha, Daniel Njoroge, Dishon Muloi, Dino J. Martins, Jandouwe Villinger, Naftaly Githaka, Matthew Baylis, Eric M. Fevre, Esther Kanduma, Mario Younan, Lesley Bell-Sakyi
Summary: The study found that Kenyan camels are frequently exposed to E. ruminantium from an early age, suggesting that it is not the sole cause of the heartwater-like disease outbreak. Additionally, the study showed that Ca. E. regneryi does not significantly cross-react with E. ruminantium in the PC-ELISA.
Article
Parasitology
Robert Opiro, Okello Allele Moses, Robert Opoke, Francis A. Oloya, Esther Nakafu, Teresa Iwiru, Richard Echodu, Geoffrey M. Malinga, Joel L. Bargul, Elizabeth A. Opiyo
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and trypanosome species carried by tsetse flies in two districts in northern Uganda. The results showed a relatively high density of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and a high rate of trypanosome infection, indicating a high-risk area for animal trypanosomiasis in the transition zone.
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Tarekegn Fite, Tadele Tefera, Martin Husemann, Gezahegne Getaneh, Jandouwe Villinger
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of H. armigera in Ethiopia. The cyt b gene showed low-to-moderate haplotype diversity and high nucleotide diversity. The findings supported a model of population expansion and revealed significant genetic structure among populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo, Daniel Masiga, Michael Nyang'anga Okal, Gebbiena M. Bron, Komivi S. Akutse, Sevgan Subramanian, Quirine ten Bosch, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose significant economic losses to the livestock industry in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a bioacaricide called Mazao Tickoff in reducing natural tick infestation on cattle, compared to a standard chemical tick control protocol.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy M. Kegode, Joel L. Bargul, Hosea O. Mokaya, H. Michael G. Lattorff
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and bio-functional properties of Kenyan propolis. The results showed that the sampling region had a significant impact on the propolis's composition and functionality. The propolis contained abundant phytochemicals and exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. It was found that propolis collected from hotter climatic conditions had a higher phytochemical content and stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Laura C. Falzon, Lorren Alumasa, Fredrick Amanya, Armanda D. S. Bastos, Eric M. Fevre, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: Malaria is the common diagnosis for febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa. This study found under-diagnosis of other causes of fever in malaria-endemic areas. Additionally, arboviruses and Rickettsia were not detected in the samples, but other surveys indicate their circulation in the area. Evaluating the prevalence of malaria and other causes of fever is important for correct diagnosis and improving patient outcomes.
Review
Parasitology
Jackson M. Muema, Joel L. Bargul, Meshack A. Obonyo, Sospeter N. Njeru, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, James M. Mutunga
Summary: An integrated approach to combating arthropod-borne diseases involves using natural compounds to design interventions that can block pathogen transmission. This review explores the potential of natural compounds in inhibiting the transmission of human pathogens and proposes translational strategies for disease control interventions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tobias Landmann, Michael Schmitt, Burak Ekim, Jandouwe Villinger, Faith Ashiono, Jan C. Habel, Henri E. Z. Tonnang
Summary: The diversity of stingless bees, butterflies, and dragonflies is higher in protected areas compared to unprotected areas in agro-ecological zones of Kenya and South Africa. A metric based on insect diversity and landscape naturalness is presented as a reliable tool for monitoring human impacts on biodiversity and informing conservation policy. The metric showed significant differences in biodiversity status values between protected and non-protected areas, while protected areas regardless of agro-ecology had similar values. This biodiversity status metric is applicable in data-scarce environments and useful for conservation actions and reporting.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Steve Kiplagat, Jandouwe Villinger, Collins K. Kigen, Kevin O. Kidambasi, Jackson M. Muema, Stephie M. Mwangi, Maureen Wangari, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Daniel K. Masiga, Joel L. Bargul
Summary: This study conducted an entomological survey in the Laisamis area of northern Kenya and found the most common sand fly species to be Sergentomyia clydei, with the presence of Phlebotomus (Artemievus) alexandri carrying Leishmania DNA. Out of 13 blood-fed sand flies, 9 had fed on humans, and 33.3% of them carried Leishmania DNA. The findings of this study are important for understanding sand fly vector populations and the potential transmission of leishmaniasis in the area.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Timothy O. Makori, Joel L. Bargul, Arnold W. Lambisia, Mike J. Mwanga, Nickson Murunga, Zaydah R. de Laurent, Clement S. Lewa, Martin Mutunga, Paul Kellam, Matthew Cotten, D. James Nokes, My Phan, Charles N. Agoti
Summary: The introduction of rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization programme in many countries has led to a decline in childhood diarrhoea disease burden. However, the incidence of some rotavirus group A (RVA) genotypes has increased, which may result from non-vaccine-type replacement. This study investigates the evolutionary genomics of rotavirus G2P[4] strains in Kenya after the introduction of the Rotarix vaccine.
Article
Entomology
Merid N. Getahun, Jandouwe Villinger, Joel L. Bargul, Jackson M. Muema, Abel Orone, John Ngiela, Peter O. Ahuya, Rajinder K. Saini, Baldwyn Torto, Daniel K. Masiga
Summary: African animal trypanosomosis is spreading beyond traditional areas and infecting non-tsetse hematophagous flies and domestic animals in northern Kenya. The study identified potential mechanical vectors, their host feeding patterns, and trypanosome infection in these vectors and domestic animals. Different Trypanosoma species were found in biting flies and camels, indicating a wide geographic distribution of trypanosomes in Kenya. The study also revealed diverse clinical outcomes associated with infection by different Trypanosoma species. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex epidemiology of trypanosomosis in camels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)