Innocent Ayesiga, Lenz N Okoro, Chirigo Taremba, Michael O Yeboah, Justine T M Naab, Ruphline M Anyango, John Adekeye, Ivan Kahwa
{"title":"Genetic variability in snake venom and its implications for antivenom development in sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Innocent Ayesiga, Lenz N Okoro, Chirigo Taremba, Michael O Yeboah, Justine T M Naab, Ruphline M Anyango, John Adekeye, Ivan Kahwa","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/trae070","DOIUrl":"10.1093/trstmh/trae070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Snake venom, a complex mixture of proteins, has attracted human attention for centuries due to its associated mortality, morbidity and other therapeutic properties. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where snakebites pose a significant health risk, understanding the genetic variability of snake venoms is crucial for developing effective antivenoms. The wide geographic distribution of venomous snake species in SSA countries demonstrates the need to develop specific and broad antivenoms. However, the development of broad antivenoms has been hindered by different factors, such as antivenom cross-reactivity and polygenic paratopes. While specific antivenoms have been hindered by the numerous snake species across the SSA region, current antivenoms, such as SAIMR polyvalent and Premium Serums & Vaccines, exhibit varying degrees of cross-reactivity. Such ability to cross-react enables the antivenoms to target multiple components from the different snake species. The advent of biotechnological innovations, including recombinant antibodies, small-molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies and synthetic antivenoms, presents options for eliminating limitations associated with traditional plasma-derived antivenoms. However, challenges still persist, especially in SSA, in addressing genetic variability, as evidenced by inadequate testing capacity and limited genomic research facilities. This comprehensive review explores the genetic variability of snake venoms in SSA, emphasizing the venom composition of various snake species and their interactions. This information is critical in developing multiple strategies during antivenom development. Finally, it offers information concerning the need for extensive collaborative engagements, technological advancements and comprehensive genomic evaluations to produce targeted and effective antivenoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"400-406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142923395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maya Gopalakrishnan, Frank-Leonel Tianyi, Thomas Pinfield
{"title":"Uniting against the snakebite challenge: are we there yet?","authors":"Maya Gopalakrishnan, Frank-Leonel Tianyi, Thomas Pinfield","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf025","DOIUrl":"10.1093/trstmh/traf025","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"398-399"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143574122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joan Tusabe, Michael Muhoozi, Dan Kajungu, Aggrey Mukose, Simon Kasasa, Simon Peter Sebina Kibira
{"title":"Knowledge, perceptions and healthcare practices of communities for management of snakebites in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda.","authors":"Joan Tusabe, Michael Muhoozi, Dan Kajungu, Aggrey Mukose, Simon Kasasa, Simon Peter Sebina Kibira","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/trae105","DOIUrl":"10.1093/trstmh/trae105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Snakebite is one of the neglected tropical diseases in Uganda affecting rural areas, especially during the rainy season. Households mainly rely on traditional remedies for management, which are not always effective, leading to disability and sometimes death. We explored the knowledge, perceptions and healthcare practices related to snakebites in Kamuli District.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the participatory research appraisal (PRA) method to conduct the study. Six PRA sessions were carried out in five purposively selected villages of Wankole subcounty, Kamuli District, as they reported a high number of snakebites. In addition, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews with current and past snakebite victims and 10 key informant interviews with professional healthcare providers and traditional healers. Audio files were transcribed and translated verbatim and data were analysed to identify themes. Analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti version 8.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, the community considered snakebites a big problem that worsens during rainy seasons. Knowledge of snakebite management was inadequate. Perceptions about snakes and snakebites included snakes are related to traditions, ancestral spirits and witchcraft. Practices following snakebites included applying a tourniquet and the use of herbs, paraffin and a 500-shilling coin. Snakebites were associated with out-of-pocket expenditures and limited capacity to manage.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study calls for policy changes to improve snakebite management in Eastern Uganda, highlighting gaps in knowledge and harmful practices. It emphasizes the need for health education and financial support for affected households. Collaboration between healthcare providers, traditional healers and the community is crucial for effective prevention and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"418-431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142921573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samuel Adolf Bosoka, Joseph Yaw Jerela, Amatus Nambagyira, Emmanuel Yaw Bonsu, Felix Kwame Korang, Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Chrysantus Kubio
{"title":"Snakebites, a neglected public health concern: an analysis of distribution, trends and incidence of snakebite cases reported to health facilities in the Volta Region of Ghana, 2018-2023.","authors":"Samuel Adolf Bosoka, Joseph Yaw Jerela, Amatus Nambagyira, Emmanuel Yaw Bonsu, Felix Kwame Korang, Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Chrysantus Kubio","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/trae113","DOIUrl":"10.1093/trstmh/trae113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Snakebite affects 5.4 million people annually, causing up to 2.7 million envenoming cases and 137 880 deaths. Its rise has been linked to flooding. This study examines the distribution, trends and incidence of snakebite cases in the Volta Region and identifies snakebite outbreaks in flood-affected districts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We undertook a descriptive secondary data analysis of 2018-2023 snakebite cases from the District Health Information and Management Systems II database for the Volta Region. Cumulative Sum was used to identify missed outbreaks. The results are presented in tables, graphs and maps.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1637 snakebite cases were reported across the 6-y study period, with an overall incidence rate of 15.8 cases per 100 000 population and a case fatality rate of 0.4% (7/1637). Case patients aged 20-34 y were the most affected (26.7%; 437/1637). Most of the cases peaked in March during the rainy season. The incidence of snakebites decreased from 18 cases per 100 000 population in 2018 to 15.8 cases per 100 000 population in 2023. Each of the flood-affected districts reported snakebite outbreaks before the flooding event. No new outbreaks were detected during or after the floods as of December 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While snakebite incidence has decreased overall in the Volta Region, the burden remains alarmingly high in Ketu North. Young adults are particularly vulnerable. Urgent efforts are needed to enhance education, emphasising the importance of protective attire during the wet season for community safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"443-452"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142923158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ayesha J Verrall, Lisa Houghton, Lika Apriani, Harold E Atmaja, Arjan van Laarhoven, James E Ussher, Rovina Ruslami, Katrina Sharples, Susan McAllister, Reinout van Crevel, Philip C Hill, Bachti Alisjahbana
{"title":"Micronutrient status and risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in Indonesian tuberculosis case contacts.","authors":"Ayesha J Verrall, Lisa Houghton, Lika Apriani, Harold E Atmaja, Arjan van Laarhoven, James E Ussher, Rovina Ruslami, Katrina Sharples, Susan McAllister, Reinout van Crevel, Philip C Hill, Bachti Alisjahbana","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/trae140","DOIUrl":"10.1093/trstmh/trae140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Certain micronutrient levels have been associated with the risk of developing TB disease. We explored the possible association of selected at-risk micronutrient levels with the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cohort study in Bandung, Indonesia, followed Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) negative TB case contacts with a repeat IGRA test at 3 mo. At baseline, blood was analysed for haemoglobin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, retinol-binding protein, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), ferritin, zinc and selenium. Total body iron was calculated using ferritin and sTfR status. Associations between case contact micronutrient concentration and IGRA conversion were estimated using Poisson regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 430 contacts, 115 (27%) underwent IGRA conversion. Ferritin concentration (adjusted for inflammation) was positively associated with risk of IGRA conversion (incidence rate ratio [IRR] for ferritin=1.17; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.35; p=0.03), but other select micronutrients were not. This association held for ferritin in the final multivariable model (IRR=1.27; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.47; p=0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The risk of developing M.tb infection, as defined by IGRA conversion, is associated with increasing ferritin. Interventions in TB case contacts to temporarily reduce iron levels, including considering withholding any iron supplementation, may be worthy of evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":"346-353"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143012035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhammad Muneeb Hassan, Muhammad Aman Ullah, Muhammad Ameeq, Qudsia Sarwar, Alpha Kargbo
{"title":"Statistical modeling of acute diarrhea in pediatric malnutrition based on the assessment of nutritional status and clinical manifestations: a retrospective study in South-Punjab, Pakistan.","authors":"Muhammad Muneeb Hassan, Muhammad Aman Ullah, Muhammad Ameeq, Qudsia Sarwar, Alpha Kargbo","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains an imperative global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to healthcare and nutrition services. The co-occurrence of diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal ailment in children, alongside SAM, amplifies the complexity and danger of the situation. We conducted a thorough investigation into the nutritional and clinical conditions of pediatric patients with SAM and diarrhea, while also exploring any possible gender-related clinical differences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study involved 550 children with SAM and diarrhea, ultimately analyzing 485 children aged 1-37 mo. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the impact of various clinical factors on the nutritional status of pediatric diarrhea patients with SAM using statistical software SPSS (version 25) and (R-Studio).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed a predominantly male population (72.8%) aged 1-10 mo (74.80%). Anthropometric measurements varied among the children, emphasizing the need for individualized interventions due to the complexity of this group. The study also investigated gender-related clinical factors and identified a lower likelihood of vomiting in males.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the nutritional and clinical hurdles faced by pediatric patients with SAM and diarrhea. Although some gender-related distinctions were observed, the overall clinical presentation remained relatively consistent.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143744038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Avelino R Miguel, Eliseu D Conceição, Célio Alfredo, Paulo N Miguel, Hinrich Kaiser
{"title":"Snakebite in Nicoadala District, central Mozambique: a first assessment based on hospital records.","authors":"Avelino R Miguel, Eliseu D Conceição, Célio Alfredo, Paulo N Miguel, Hinrich Kaiser","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the significant impact of snakebite on public health in the tropics, there is a notable lack of research on this topic in Mozambique. We present an assessment of snakebite incidence in Nicoadala District, central Mozambique.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analysed hospital records of snakebite for a 6-y period (2015-2020). Data were obtained from registration books used in three health centres and descriptive statistics were generated to illustrate the results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Records document 430 reported cases of snakebite over the 6 y (71.7 per year). The highest incidence was in 2017 with 48.2 per 100 000 people. The month with the highest frequency of snakebite was January, with an average of 51.9 cases per 100 000. Women were 26.7% more likely to be bitten than men (125.8 vs 99.1 per 100 000). Furthermore, people aged 20-39 y had the highest incidence (99.1 per 100 000).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most snakebite cases involved adult women and occurred in the months of November-January in 2016-18. While basic data allow for a preliminary assessment of snakebite incidence, our study was constrained by significant knowledge gaps. These include insufficient information on (1) patients' occupation and activity; (2) time and actions taken to seek medical attention; (3) acute or long-term symptoms; (4) treatments administered; (5) length of hospitalisation and clinical outcomes; and (6) the identity of the snake species responsible. This lack of detail underscores the need for training to standardise and improve clinical documentation of snakebite cases. In addition, community-focused snakebite education is a critical public health need that would likely save many lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143731903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lydia M Mageto, Nyamai Mutono, Gabriel Aboge, Peter Gathura, Emmanuel Okunga, Annastacia Muange, Cecilia Kathure Mbae, Samuel M Thumbi, Samuel Kariuki
{"title":"Spatio-temporal pattern and risk factors associated with cholera outbreaks in selected high-risk areas of Kenya.","authors":"Lydia M Mageto, Nyamai Mutono, Gabriel Aboge, Peter Gathura, Emmanuel Okunga, Annastacia Muange, Cecilia Kathure Mbae, Samuel M Thumbi, Samuel Kariuki","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cholera is a public health challenge in Kenya. This study aimed at identifying the spatio-temporal pattern of cholera and its associated risk factors in high-risk areas to optimize resource use for targeted control.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted in Mukuru, an informal settlement, Dadaab refugee camp and counties bordering Lake Victoria. Cholera line list data from 32 subcounties (2013-2022) was sourced from Kenya's Ministry of Health. Population and water, sanitation and hygiene data came from the 2019 census. Space-time scan statistic (SaTScan) were used to carry out spatio-temporal analysis and a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model evaluated cholera risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 7316 cholera cases were reported across 22 (69%) subcounties, the highest numbers in 2015, 2016 and 2022 affecting 21, 12 and 3 subcounties, respectively, and none in 2014. Five high-risk space-time clusters encompassing 15 subcounties were identified, with Dadaab and Fafi showing persistent outbreaks. Improved sanitation was the only variable that suggested significant protective effects to cholera control (relative risk 0.9445, p=0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dadaab and Fafi subcounties were extremely high-risk and improved sanitation significantly reduced cholera outbreaks. These data inform cholera intervention policies in vulnerable regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olusola A Adejumo, Champaklal Jinabhai, Olusoji Daniel, Firoza Haffejee
{"title":"Stigma experienced by people with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Olusola A Adejumo, Champaklal Jinabhai, Olusoji Daniel, Firoza Haffejee","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) stigma is one of the factors responsible for low notification rates in Nigeria, especially among people with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). This study assessed the factors associated with stigma among people with DR-TB in Lagos, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 adults on DR-TB treatment. The Redwood DR-TB stigma scale was used to assess the stigma experienced by people with DR-TB. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the factors associated with TB stigma.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of TB stigma was 65.5%. Being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.59 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.03 to 6.50], p=0.042), not earning an income (aOR 2.57 [95% CI 1.84 to 7.85], p=0.039), substance use (alcohol or cigarette smoking; aOR 1.61 [95% CI 1.06 to 3.88], p=0.028) and the duration of the DR-TB diagnosis (aOR 2.72 [95% CI 1.94 to 3.83], p<0.001) were associated with stigma among people with DR-TB. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative participants experienced TB stigma 2.4 times more (crude OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.14 to 5.04], p=0.021) than HIV-positive participants, although the relationship was not sustained in the multivariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Having identified the factors associated with stigma in this target population, it is imperative to address and control them among DR-TB patients in Lagos, Nigeria. The urgent need for stigma reduction strategies cannot be overemphasized.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Israr Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Khalil, Muhammad Shuaib, Sami Ullah, Irfan Ullah, Obaid Ullah, Shahrood Ahmed Siddiqui, Anthony Pokoo-Aikins, Majid S Jabir, Ayman A Swelum
{"title":"Impact of geo-climatic factors on the prevalence and diversity of tick fauna in Achai cattle of the northern Hindukush Mountains, Khyber pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.","authors":"Israr Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Khalil, Muhammad Shuaib, Sami Ullah, Irfan Ullah, Obaid Ullah, Shahrood Ahmed Siddiqui, Anthony Pokoo-Aikins, Majid S Jabir, Ayman A Swelum","doi":"10.1093/trstmh/traf020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/traf020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that can transmit different diseases in livestock and humans. Globally, 994 tick species are recognized, belonging to three families, that is, Argasidae (220 species), Ixodidae (773 species) and Nuttalliellidae (one species). The current study investigated the impact of geo-climatic conditions on the prevalence and distribution of ticks in Achai cattle of the northern Hindukush Mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 707 households containing Achai cattle were investigated for the prevalence and distribution of ticks in Achai cattle.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of positive households (388) was 53.46%. Different geo-climatic conditions, such as location, humidity, temperature and altitude, showed a significant impact on the prevalence and distribution of tick fauna. Higher tick prevalence was observed in Achai animals kept at altitudes of 1500-2000 m, 41-50% humidity and 10-20oC. The most prevalent tick species was Rhipicephalus microplus (67.26%), followed by Haemaphysalis montgomeryi (16.75%), under all studied geo-climatic conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Achai cattle are mostly susceptible to the tick species R. microplus, which might be due to its richness in the study area. Furthermore, the results regarding the impact of geo-climatic conditions on the diversity and richness of the tick species could be considered in preventive policies for tick control.</p>","PeriodicalId":23218,"journal":{"name":"Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143617271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}