Unraveling the epidemiological relationship between ticks and rickettsial infection in Africa

Tick-borne rickettsioses are emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern caused by over 30 species Rickettsia . Ticks obligate hematophagous arthropods with 700 Ixodid ticks known worldwide. The escalating geographical dispersal tick vectors concomitant increase in the incidences tick-borne have fueled interest ecology pathogens. This review focuses on aspects pathogen, including biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, genetic diversity, epidemiology disease, role vertebrate host perpetuation Africa. Our also highlights some that responsible for (both hard soft ticks) associated diverse across continent. Additionally, this article emphasizes evolutionary perspective rickettsiae possible amplifying other small mammals, domestic animals wildlife species. We specifically, discussed avian population SFG rickettsiae. Furthermore, we highlighted among travelers due to African tick-bite fever (ATBF) challenges surveillance rickettsial infection, research rickettsiology canvasses need more rickettsiologists origin based within continent further towards understanding characterization, distribution, competent involved their transmission collaboration established researchers western countries. proper funding encourage despite competing demands resources various sectors. finalize discussing similarities between around world which steps be taken help foster our eco-epidemiology bridging gap growing epidemiological data molecular characterization