Ticks and human tick-borne diseases in Africa
Socolovschi, C.; Doudier, B.; Pages, F.; Parola, P.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 68(2): 119-133
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 18630043 Document Number: 617089
This paper reviews ticks and human tickborne diseases in Africa. The elements linking the morphology and biology of these acarians, as well as various aspects of their taxonomy and phylogeny are described. The main human tickborne diseases in Africa, particularly spotted fever group rickettsioses, relapsing fever borrelioses and Crimean-Congo fever, are discussed. Information on Q fever and other tickborne diseases such as ehrlichioses, anaplasmoses, Lyme disease and babesiosis is provided. The methods used for collection and identification of ticks are described. The control and prevention of tick bites and the essential points for early diagnosis and management of patients bitten by ticks are discussed.