Molecular Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Ticks Collected From Wildlife Carcasses at a Bushmeat Market in Ghana

ABSTRACT Despite extensive bushmeat consumption in Ghana, data on tick‐borne zoonotic risks remain limited. This study investigated ticks collected from wildlife carcasses at the Atwemonom Bushmeat Market in Kumasi from April 2020 to April 2021 to assess the presence of zoonotic pathogens. Ticks were morphologically identified using standard taxonomic keys and screened for selected bacterial pathogens using PCR and Sanger sequencing. A total of 211 ticks were recovered from the 46 wildlife carcasses, with Ixodes aulacodi (49.76%) as the predominant species. Ticks were pooled (total pools = 94) by species and host; pool sizes ranged from 1 to 7 (Median 2). Rickettsial DNA was detected in 10.64% of tick pools, including Rickettsia africae and Rickettsia massiliae , whereas Coxiella burnetii was not detected. These findings highlight an underrecognized wildlife–human interface for potential rickettsial transmission and underscore the need for integrated surveillance and diagnostic capacity. This study establishes an essential epidemiological baseline that may inform future research and evidence‐based vector and disease management strategies.