Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Rickettsia in ticks collected from leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) in rural Zambia
Journal: Science in One Health
Year: 2024

In sub-Saharan Africa, limited studies have investigated zoonotic pathogens that may be harboured by ticks infesting reptiles such as tortoises. Here, we report the presence of pathogenic <i>Rickettsia</i> in ticks (<i>Amblyomma marmoreum</i>) collected from the leopard tortoise (<i>Geochelone pardalis</i>) in rural Zambia. Using polymerase chain reaction, 56% (49/87) of ticks were positive for the <i>Rickettsia</i> outer membrane protein (<i>ompB</i>) gene. Multi-locus sequence and phylogenetic