Honors College Theses
Publication Date
2025
Major
Biology (B.S.B.)
Release Option
Archived
Faculty Mentor
Marina Eremeeva
Abstract
Brown dog ticks are associated with several pathogens that spread disease with mild to severe manifestations. This study aimed to determine if ticks obtained from kennel dogs are of multiple and diverse lineages. The ticks were tested for the presence of pathogens that are of public health and veterinary importance upon spread to dogs and humans. Ticks were collected between 2007-2014 from kennels across Statesboro, GA. DNA was extracted and initially tested using 12S mitochondrial rDNA to confirm the presence of tick DNA. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed to identify lineage differences. Tick DNA was tested for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia and Ehrlichia. Genetic analysis of the 12S rDNA mitochondrial gene revealed two distinct lineages- Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto (s.s) and R. linnaei. R. sanguineus s.s was the predominant lineage causing infestation in dogs. The presence of R. linnaei indicates an introduction event, as this lineage is not typically observed in GA. One tick could not be definitively assigned to a specific lineage and requires further analysis. BLAST analysis on ticks which tested positive for SPFR and Ehrlichia revealed the presence of Rickettsia andeanae and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The presence of these specific pathogens highlights potential health risks to dogs and humans.
Recommended Citation
Ogwara, Chiamaka and Ogwara, Chiamaka, "Characterization of Brown Dog Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Affecting Kennel Dogs in Bulloch County, GA." (2025). Honors College Theses. 1056.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/1056
Included in
Animal Diseases Commons, Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
