Prevalence of Ticks and detection of Rickettsial Agents from blood of Tick-Infested animals in Lower Sindh: A MOLECULAR APPROACH

Ticks are important vectors of human and animal pathogens. They are considered as main vectors for transmission of rickettsial agents affecting animal and human health. The study was designed to investigate district wise pattern and detection of rickettsial agents by using molecular and conventional techniques in blood samples of infected cattles, buffalos, sheeps and goats. A survey study was carried out in lower Sindh (Tharparkar, Badin, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tando Muhammad khan, Thatta and Mirpurkhas). Blood samples were collected randomly from infected Cattles, buffalos, sheeps and goats and transported to the Molecular Parasitology laboratory, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, followed by examinations under stereomicroscope and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The study showed that overall infection of Rickettsial agents among infected animals was recorded follwoing Microscopy/ Blood smear test in cattles, buffalos, sheeps and goats was 41.79, 49.09, 46 and 41.66% respectively, whereas overall infection through PCR in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat was 39.55, 43.55, 46 and 55.55% respectively. Whereas animal-wise data through PCR indicates that in case of Goats (55.55%) were more susceptible to rickettsial infection as compared to sheep (46%), buffaloes (43.55%) and cattle (39.55%). The highest rate of rickettsial agents was found in district Tharparkar and lowest rate was found in district Karachi. Microscopy/Blood smear method indicates that Buffaloes were more susceptible for infection. Whereas PCR indicates Goats were more susceptible for infection.