Incidences of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888) Transmitted Pathogens in Cattle in West Africa

In a context of recent introduction of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick species in West Africa, the purpose of the authors is to estimate incidence density of cattle babesiosis either caused by Babesia bigemina or Babesia bovis, and cattle anaplasmosis. Incidence density represents how quickly a disease or a condition is occurring amongst a group of individuals at risk.

The longitudinal and prospective study design took place in south, centre, east, west and north of Côte d'Ivoire. Cattle have been followed for 12 months. At the end of each month, each animal has been RT-PCR tested for new infection by Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and PCR-RFLP tested for new infection by Anaplasma marginale.

Findings show for the study area that incidence densities of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale infections in Côte d'Ivoire are, respectively, 15.3 new infections [95% CI 13.1-17.88] per 100 cattle, 32.2 new infections [95% CI 28.5-36.3] per 100 cattle, and 25.9 new infections [95% CI 22.5-29.6] per 100 cattle.

Finally, there is increasing of infection incidence density following the region distance from the coast or elevation.