First molecular identification of multiple tick-borne pathogens in livestock within Kassena-Nankana, Ghana

Abstract The risk of pathogen transmission continues to increase significantly in the presence tick vectors due trade livestock across countries. In Ghana, there is a lack data on incidence tick-borne pathogens that are zoonotic and veterinary importance. This study, therefore, aimed determine prevalence such using molecular approaches. A total 276 dry blood spots were collected from cattle (100), sheep (95) goats (81) Kassena-Nankana Districts. samples analyzed Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) conventional assays Sanger sequencing targeted including Rickettsia , Coxiella Babesia Theileria Ehrlichia Anaplasma . An overall 36.96% was recorded DBS, with mixed infections seen 7.97% samples. Furthermore, be 19.21% sheep, 14.13% cattle, 3.62% goats. identified spp. (3.26%), sp. Lintan (8.70%), orientalis (2.17%), parva (0.36%), capra (18.48%), phagocytophilum (1.81%), marginale (3.26%) ovis (7.25%). study reports first identification above-mentioned Ghana highlights use resource-limited settings. addition, this research provides an update suggesting risks production human health. Further studies will essential establish distribution epidemiology these Ghana.