Molecular Evidence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks and Fleas Collected from Some Wild and Domestic Animals in Different Biotopes in Algeria.

Abstract

Background: Emergent vector-borne diseases have gained significant attention in recent years due to their increasing prevalence and impact on public health. With its vast geographic and ecological diversity, Algeria has limited available data on the distribution and prevalence of neglected vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to inventory hematophagous ectoparasites, including ticks and fleas, collected from domestic and wild animals such as dogs, hedgehogs, cattle, and rodents across diverse biotopes in northwestern Algeria (Mascara, Oran, Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbes, Mostaganem, Tiaret, and Ain Temouchent) and southern Algeria (Laghouat).

Methods: A total of 984 arthropods, comprising 609 ticks and 375 fleas, were collected from domestic and wild animals. Among these, 193 ticks and 105 fleas underwent molecular screening for Rickettsia spp. using gltA and ompA gene-specific primers.

Results: The minimum infection rate (MIR) for Rickettsia spp. was estimated at 6.37%, assuming one positive individual per pool. Quantitative PCR revealed the presence of Rickettsia massiliae in 1/68 (1.47%) of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks and Rickettsia felis in 7/48 (14.58%) of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. Additionally, a novel strain of Rickettsia sp. was identified in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus.

Conclusion: This study expands the understanding of tick- and flea-borne Rickettsia species in Algeria, highlighting the diverse range of ectoparasite-borne pathogens associated with domestic and wild animals. The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and molecular characterization to address the public health risks posed by these pathogens.