The occurrence of pathogens in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from cattle in Madagascar

Abstract

Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the most important ectoparasites of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. In ticks collected from cattle the pathogens Babesia bovis, Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. can be detected. Here, we report the first detection of the pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Madagascar from ticks infesting cattle. Furthermore, we report for the first time Anaplasma ovis, Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii and Ehrlichia muris in both R. microplus and in Madagascar. We show no correlation between the detection of B. bovis, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. DNA within the same tick. Previous reports have demonstrated strong interactions between A. marginale, A. centrale and A. ovis in the same tick, as well between these pathogens and A. phagocytophilum. A strong correlation also existed between the occurrences of Ehrlichia species within the same tick. Our findings suggest that R. microplus ticks are potential vectors and reservoirs of many tick-borne diseases of cattle.