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Bacterial arthropod-borne diseases in West Africa
C B Ehounoud1, F Fenollar2, M Dahmani2
1Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Marseille, France; Félix Houphouët Boigny Université, Biosciences, Côte d' Ivoire.
Abstract:
Arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas and mites are excellent vectors for many pathogenic agents including bacteria, protozoa and viruses to animals. Moreover, many of these pathogens can also be accidentally transmitted to humans throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne diseases seem to be numerous and very important in human pathology, however, they are often ignored and are not well known. Yet they are in a phase of geographic expansion and play an important role in the etiology of febrile episodes in regions of Africa. Since the introduction of molecular techniques, the presence of these pathogens has been confirmed in various samples from arthropods and animals, and more rarely from human samples in West Africa. In this review, the aim is to summarize the latest information about vector-borne bacteria, focusing on West Africa from 2000 until today in order to better understand the epidemiological risks associated with these arthropods. This will allow health and veterinary authorities to develop a strategy for surveillance of arthropods and bacterial disease in order to protect people and animals.
Insights
Bacterial vector-borne diseases transmitted by arthropods like ticks and fleas are expanding geographically, posing significant risks in West Africa. This review highlights current knowledge to aid surveillance and protection strategies for humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- One Health
Background:
- Arthropods (ticks, lice, fleas, mites) are vectors for numerous pathogens affecting animals and humans globally.
- Bacterial vector-borne diseases are significant but often overlooked causes of human illness, particularly febrile episodes in Africa.
- These diseases are geographically expanding and pose increasing epidemiological risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent information on vector-borne bacteria in West Africa.
- To focus on data from 2000 to the present.
- To enhance understanding of epidemiological risks associated with arthropod vectors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing recent scientific publications.
- Focus on studies utilizing molecular techniques for pathogen detection.
- Analysis of data from arthropod, animal, and human samples in West Africa.
Main Results:
- Molecular techniques have confirmed the presence of various vector-borne pathogens in arthropods and animals.
- Human infections are less frequently reported but confirmed in West Africa.
- Geographic expansion and importance in febrile illnesses are noted.
Conclusions:
- Vector-borne bacterial diseases represent a growing public health concern in West Africa.
- Enhanced surveillance of arthropods and associated bacterial pathogens is crucial.
- Integrated human and animal health strategies are needed to mitigate risks.