Detection and characterization of zoonotic Bartonella spp. in rodents and shrews ectoparasites from Kigoma and Morogoro regions, Tanzania

Bartonellosis is a vector-borne disease which is increasingly threatening the health of humans and animals worldwide consequent to the growing wildlife-animals-human interactions. Little is known about the epidemiology of this disease in Tanzania. In this study we investigated and characterized Bartonella species in small mammals' ectoparasites from potentially high-risk areas in the country. A total of 141 ectoparasites pools of mites, fleas, ticks, and lice were analyzed using conventional PCR and sequencing. Bartonella DNA was detected in 34.8 % of the tested ectoparasite pools, with mites at 32.9 %, fleas at 40 %, ticks at 12.5 %, and lice at 50 %. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Bartonella spp. genotypes were closely related to those found in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Different genotypes with independent haplotypes were observed, although most Bartonella spp. from fleas shared the same haplogroup. The confirmed presence of Bartonella elizabethae and Bartonella tribocorum in field and house rodents emphasizes the prevailing transmission risk of zoonotic infections in the study areas and beyond. Screening of humans, companion animals, and livestock in potentially high-risk areas in Tanzania is necessary in order to inform the development of responsive surveillance and control strategies.