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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Molecular and Serological Evidence among Colombian Vectors and Animal Hosts: A
Lídia Gual-Gonzalez1, Myriam E Torres1, Stella C W Self1
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Abstract:
Spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. (SFGR) are a large group of tick-borne bacteria causing important emerging and re-emerging diseases that affect animals and humans. While SFGR are found worldwide, a lack of surveillance and misdiagnosis particularly affect South American countries. Colombia is a high burdened country in South America, yet rickettsioses are not deemed a nationally reportable condition limiting disease-specific public health resources. As mortality rates are high for one Rickettsia pathogen species, there is a great need to better understand the epidemiological and ecological factors that increase SFGR transmission risk regionally. This literature review provides an overview of Colombia-based SFGR studies connecting knowledge about both vectors and hosts.
Insights
Spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) are emerging tick-borne diseases in Colombia. This review synthesizes studies on SFGR vectors and hosts to inform public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) are tick-borne bacteria causing significant emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases globally.
- South American countries face challenges in SFGR surveillance and diagnosis, hindering effective disease management.
- Colombia, despite a high disease burden, lacks national reporting for rickettsioses, limiting public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on SFGR in Colombia.
- To connect knowledge of SFGR vectors and hosts within the Colombian context.
- To identify gaps and inform future research and public health strategies for SFGR in Colombia.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Colombia-based studies on SFGR.
- Synthesis of data on identified SFGR species, tick vectors, and animal hosts.
- Analysis of epidemiological and ecological factors influencing SFGR transmission.
Main Results:
- SFGR are present in Colombia, with varying prevalence and associated hosts.
- Key tick vectors and potential animal reservoirs have been identified in different regions.
- Limited data exists on the comprehensive epidemiology and ecological drivers of SFGR transmission in Colombia.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for enhanced surveillance and reporting of SFGR in Colombia.
- Understanding regional vector-host dynamics is crucial for targeted prevention and control efforts.
- Further research is required to fully elucidate SFGR epidemiology and ecological factors in Colombia to mitigate disease impact.
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