Review
Microbiology
Imran Farooq, Tara J. Moriarty
Summary: Tick-borne infectious diseases can affect various tissues and organs, including bone, which is one of the most multifunctional structures in the human body. Research on the impact of tick-borne pathogens on bones is scarce, with evidence of eight different tick-borne diseases affecting bone. Pathological bone effects commonly associated with tick-borne infections include disruption of bone marrow function and bone loss. Further investigation into this topic is warranted given the preliminary nature of existing research.
Article
Microbiology
Kimberly J. Ledger, Lorenza Beati, Samantha M. Wisely
Summary: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in different land use types in southern Africa. Through molecular techniques, 1716 ticks were screened for infection, revealing multiple pathogen species across seven tick species collected. The findings suggest that tick species and the pathogens they carry may vary according to land use, highlighting the importance of comprehensive surveillance in understanding the diversity and ecology of tick-borne pathogens.
Article
Parasitology
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Giovanni Benelli, Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Viet-Linh Nguyen, Giuseppe Conte, Roberta Iatta, Tommaso Furlanello, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in clinically suspect dogs from three macro areas in Italy over a 15-year period. The results showed high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four key pathogens, advocating for integrative control strategies for their prevention.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Hanadi B. Baghdadi, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Shengwei Ji, Mohamed Abdo Rizk
Summary: This study is the first meta-analysis on the molecular epidemiology and species diversity of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) infecting animals in Egypt. Data from various databases were collected and analyzed to provide insights into parasite epidemiology, species diversity, and the development of prevention and control methods.
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Rogerio Andre, Ana Claudia Calchi, Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim, Isabela de Andrade, Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes, Lara Cristina de Melo Lopes, Iuri Kauan Lins do Nascimento Demarchi, Mayra Araguaia Pereira Figueiredo, Cirilo Antonio de Paula Lima, Rosangela Zacarias Machado
Summary: Despite extensive research on tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs, little is known about the occurrence, vectors, and molecular identity of these agents in cats. This study aimed to investigate the presence and molecular identity of TBA in cats from different regions in Brazil. The results showed the presence of various TBA in cats, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proper diagnosis among veterinary practitioners when dealing with cats infected with multiple TBA.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Erik Foster, James Burtis, Jennifer L. Sidge, Jean Tsao, Jenna Bjork, Gongping Liu, David F. Neitzel, Xia Lee, Susan Paskewitz, Diane Caporale, Rebecca J. Eisen
Summary: The geographic range of the blacklegged tick and its associated human pathogens has expanded, increasing the risk for tick-borne diseases. Understanding the time and location of potential exposure to infected ticks is crucial for prevention and diagnosis. Monitoring infection prevalence in ticks aids in assessing risk, but setting a fixed threshold is not feasible due to variability. Reducing repeated sampling does not significantly impact estimates of average infection prevalence.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lauriane Duplaix, Victoria Wagner, Salima Gasmi, L. Robbin Lindsay, Antonia Dibernardo, Karine Thivierge, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Julie Arsenault
Summary: A study conducted in Quebec from 2010 to 2017 revealed that cats and dogs are at risk of exposure to blacklegged ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The majority of ticks collected were adult females and partially engorged, with a higher prevalence of infections with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Carlo Andrea Cossu, Nicola E. Collins, Marinda C. Oosthuizen, Maria Luisa Menandro, Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora, Ilse Vorster, Rudi Cassini, Hein Stoltsz, Melvyn Quan, Henriette van Heerden
Summary: Ticks in Africa remain a major obstacle in the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the distribution and prevalence of these pathogens in African ticks. The highest prevalence was found for Rickettsia spp., R. africae, R. conorii, A. marginale, E. ruminantium, and E. canis. The prevalence of C. burnetii was low, but higher for Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. The study also identified the effect of tick genera, tick species, country, and other variables on the epidemiology of these pathogens in ticks.
Article
Microbiology
Latifa Elhachimi, Carolien Rogiers, Stijn Casaert, Siham Fellahi, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Wannes Dermauw, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles Sonia Olmeda, Sylvie Daminet, Sarah El Hamiani Khatat, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens were investigated in cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, revealing a high prevalence and diversity of tick species, with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. having the highest infection rate. Risk factors for pathogen abundance included crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation. Locations with the highest prevalence of tick-borne pathogens were Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Xue, Qing Ren, Xiu-Li Yang, Jiangli Wang, Guangcheng Xie, Luanying Du, Wen-Ping Guo
Summary: This study found that ticks parasitizing humans in Hebei, China carry 11 human-pathogenic microorganisms, including Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae, Babesia venatorum, Borrelia garinii, and Anaplasma ovis. This is the first report of Anaplasma and Babesia species pathogenic to humans in Hebei province. Coinfections, including double and quadruple infections, were also observed. The presence of these tick-borne pathogens in ticks parasitizing humans suggests a potentially high public health risk.
Article
Entomology
Amy Prunuske, Cole Fisher, Jhomary Molden, Amarpreet Brar, Ryan Ragland, Jesse vanWestrienen
Summary: Lyme disease is a common tickborne illness that scientists play a key role in disseminating public health knowledge about. Middle-school students are an ideal population for community-based science activities, as they can meaningfully contribute to research by generating samples for testing tick pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
David Xi, Abbie Thoma, Minha Rajput-Ray, Anne Madigan, Gordana Avramovic, Kunal Garg, Leona Gilbert, John S. Lambert
Summary: This study retrospectively investigated the types of tick-borne infections (TBIs), symptoms, and the effectiveness of combination antibiotics in a patient cohort in Ireland. The results showed that combination antibiotics effectively relieved TBI symptoms and had good patient tolerance.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joseph Wang'ang'a Oundo, Daniel Masiga, Quirine ten Bosch, Jandouwe Villinger, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt, Shewit Kalayou
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a significant issue in livestock health in sub-Saharan Africa, including coastal Kenya. This study investigates the epidemiology and management factors of tick-borne diseases in zebu cattle in coastal Kenya.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Sally J. Cutler, Muriel Vayssier-Taussat, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Aleksandar Potkonjak, Andrei D. Mihalca, Herve Zeller
Summary: Although multiple pathogens have been reported to be tick-borne, our understanding of the interactions of these agents within ticks and vertebrate hosts remains limited, especially in humans. Research on co-infections is scarce, and there is a need to further investigate the interactions of pathogen combinations between vertebrate hosts and tick vectors.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paulina Maria Lesiczka, Natalia Rudenko, Maryna Golovchenko, Jana Jurankova, Ondrej Danek, David Modry, Kristyna Hrazdilova
Summary: The red fox, a widely distributed carnivore, is known to be a host for various tick-borne pathogens. A study conducted in the Czech Republic revealed the presence of multiple tick-borne pathogens in the red fox population, with Hepatozoon canis and Babesia vulpes being the most frequently detected. This study suggests that foxes play a role in the transmission of tick-borne diseases and may pose a risk to domestic dogs.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
E. T. Psota, E. K. Luc, G. M. Pighetti, L. G. Schneider, R. T. Trout Fryxell, J. W. Keele, L. A. Kuehn
Summary: The study introduces a two-stage method using computer vision and deep learning to identify the location of flies in digital images. Through training and testing, it has been shown that the method is reliable and consistent, providing monitoring of changes in horn fly populations for anyone.
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alexis M. Hamilton, David J. Paulsen, Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell, Valerie E. Orta, Stuart J. Gorman, Dara M. Smith, John R. Buchanan, Annette L. Wszelaki, Faith J. Critzer
Summary: Pooled fly samples (1.2%) tested positive for Salmonella. Flies of Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, and Tachinidae families were Salmonella positive. Flies were not as abundant as studies conducted close to concentrated animal feeding operations.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
R. A. Butler, M. L. Kennedy, A. E. Houston, E. K. Bowers, L. B. Coons, D. Paulsen, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: The study found a neutral relationship between the two tick species on the Peromyscus leucopus host, as both tick species were able to coexist on the same host without competition.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
J. T. Vogt, B. D. Allen, D. Paulsen, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, was collected in Madison County, Kentucky, United States as part of a collaborative-tick surveillance project. This is the first collection of this invasive tick, with ancillary data on habitat and landscape features derived from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
M. K. Black, J. G. Chandler, R. T. Trout Fryxell, K. M. Vail
Summary: This study investigated how long known host DNA could be detected in a bed bug and the prevalence of bed bugs feeding on companion animals. The results suggest that bed bugs predominantly feed on humans in low-income, high-rise apartments and rarely feed on companion animals. Further investigations into host use by bed bugs in different housing structures and socioeconomic environments are warranted.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
K. Smith, K. L. DeLong, A. P. Griffith, C. N. Boyer, C. C. Martinez, S. M. Schexnayder, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: This study surveyed cattle producers in Tennessee and Texas to assess their expenses for controlling horn flies. The results showed that various factors such as demographics, perceptions, and practices, influenced the costs of managing horn flies.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell, Michael Camponovo, Brian Smith, Kurt Butefish, Joshua M. Rosenberg, Julie L. Andsager, Corey A. Day, Micah P. Willis
Summary: The MEGA:BITESS program aims to engage students in mosquito surveillance for La Crosse virus through innovative STEM education, with the goal of increasing awareness of La Crosse encephalitis and reducing cases in children. By training educators in medical entomology, geospatial science, and science communication, the program supports inquiry-driven classroom learning and community-driven mosquito surveillance, while also enhancing awareness of LACE within the community.
Article
Entomology
Bradley A. Mullens, Rebecca Trout Fryxell, Paul K. Masonick, Douglas A. Yanega, Travis M. Davis
Summary: The study provides evidence that Tabanus variegatus is a distinct species from Tabanus sulcifrons, based on morphological, ecological, and molecular analysis. Despite some difficulty in distinguishing them, geometric morphometric analysis reveals significant differences between the two species. Their flight time and appearance also vary.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. A. Day, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential for educators and students to collect high-quality mosquito surveillance data and reduce mosquito populations through volunteer cleanup events. While schools lacked sufficient surveillance data in the second year of the program, they achieved good results in the third year.
Article
Entomology
R. A. Butler, K. C. Randolph, J. T. Vogt, D. J. Paulsen, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: This study identified environmental variables associated with tick encounters and found that different tick species have different associations with environmental conditions. Understanding these associations can help prevent human-tick encounters through land management decisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Corey A. Day, Brian D. Byrd, Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: La Crosse virus (LACV) is the most common cause of neuroinvasive mosquito-borne disease in children in the United States. However, the true burden of LACV disease is underestimated and there are severe knowledge gaps that hinder public health interventions. Renewed attention, policy, and action are needed to address the persistent burden of LACV disease.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
R. A. Butler, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: The study showed that using multiple management strategies such as keeping closed herds, using chemical and mechanical controls, and reducing vegetation quantity on farms were effective in managing Haemaphysalis longicornis.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
K. Smith, K. L. DeLong, C. N. Boyer, J. M. Thompson, S. M. Lenhart, W. C. Strickland, E. R. Burgess, Y. Tian, J. Talley, E. T. Machtinger, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: Filth fly pests have a significant impact on livestock production, and there is a need for the development of integrated pest management methods. This paper aims to highlight losses and expenditures, discuss current management strategies, and propose industry needs for sustainable livestock production.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
M. H. J. Huang, S. Demarais, B. K. Strickland, W. C. Brookshire, J. G. Chandler, R. A. Butler, R. T. Trout Fryxell
Summary: Previous research has shown that feeding and baiting of wildlife can impact tick populations and tick-borne diseases. In this study, we found that sites with deer feeders had fewer adult and nymphal ticks compared to sites without feeders. The effect was more pronounced at older feeders. Higher wildlife visitation rates may facilitate tick-host encounters. However, the prevalence of Ehrlichia and Rickettsia pathogens did not differ between sites with and without feeders.
JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gary J. Brewer, Dave J. Boxler, Luisa N. Domingues, Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell, Chris Holderman, Kelly M. Loftin, Erika Machtinger, Brandon Smythe, Justin L. Talley, Wes Watson
Summary: The horn fly is one of the most important external parasites of cattle, causing stress and productivity loss. Insecticides are commonly used for management, but there is ongoing exploration of new methods to shift towards preventive strategies in horn fly management.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(2021)