Antibodies against rickettsia in humans and potential vector ticks from Dhofar, Oman

Objective-To determine the extent of rickettsial infections prevalence of potential vector ticks in the rural population of Dhofar, Oman. Method-Human sera (n = 347) were obtained from six rural localities (school children, farmers, outpatients) in Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman. Sera were tested by immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies reacting with Rickettsia conorii antigen. Results-More than half the samples (59%) gave positive reactions (litres of at least 1:64). Ticks (n=707) were collected from cattle, camels and goats (n=102) and included Amblyoomma variegatum, Hyalomma a. anatolicum, H. dromedarii, H. rufipes and Rhipicephalus spp., all of which can potentially transmit rickettsiae to humans. Conclusion-The results suggest that rickettsial infections are common among the rural population of Dhofar.