Article
Parasitology
Glen A. Scoles, Hala E. Hussein, Cassandra L. Olds, Kathleen L. Mason, Sara K. Davis
Summary: Vaccination with antibodies against RmAQP2 can reduce the number of cattle fever ticks on cattle, but the mechanism of action has not been confirmed. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism and whether these vaccine targets can be effective components of an anti-tick vaccine cocktail.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Raymundo Coate, Miguel angel Alonso-Diaz, Moises Martinez-Velazquez, Edgar Castro-Saines, Ruben Hernandez-Ortiz, Rodolfo Lagunes-Quintanilla
Summary: Rhipicephalus microplus has significant economic impact on cattle production in tropical and subtropical countries. The use of acaricides as a control method has led to increased resistance and contamination. Anti-tick vaccines based on the Bm86 antigen are a sustainable solution, but their efficacy can vary depending on geographic strains.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Muhammad Faiz Rasool, Nisar Ahmad, Haroon Akbar, Tahir Yaqub, Kamran Ashraf, Aftab Ahmad Anjum, Mian Abdul Hafeez, Muhammad Muddassir Ali
Summary: This study aimed to molecularly characterize the BM86 gene of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks in different ecological zones of the Punjab province, Pakistan. The research revealed nucleotide diversity in the BM86 gene among different districts, with six single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in indigenous tick populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed a common convergence with local Pakistan R. microplus strains, with a mean diversity of 0.005 for local populations and 0.038 overall. Furthermore, a field strain has been identified as a candidate species for a local tick vaccine, which could potentially reduce economic burden on farmers.
KAFKAS UNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKULTESI DERGISI
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alina Rodriguez-Mallon
Summary: The presence of species with genetic resistance or acquired resistance to ticks in nature has led to considering vaccination as an alternative to chemical control of ticks. The purification and characterization of the Bm86 antigen in 1989 was a significant development in tick vaccine research. Previous studies on cattle immunization against Rhipicepahalus microplus ticks using tick gut extracts showed successful results, demonstrating the feasibility of using antigens other than salivary-gland-derived molecules for anti-tick immunity. The practical application of an anti-tick vaccine required the isolation and identification of the Bm86 protein, which is still the basis for commercially available tick vaccines.
Review
Immunology
Charles Ndawula
Summary: Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites capable of transmitting various pathogens, and while the predominant method of control is the use of acaricides, there are concerns over resistance and residue accumulation. Anti-tick cattle vaccination is seen as a sustainable alternative, but often shows lower efficacy compared to the Bm86-based vaccines. Current approaches to assess vaccine effectiveness and potential bottlenecks are examined in this review, along with a proposed model to aid in the assessment process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jesus Rojas-Jaimes, David Lindo-Seminario, German Correa-Nunez, Benoit Diringer
Summary: The microbiome of ticks collected from collared peccaries in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, Peru, was characterized for the first time, revealing the presence of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera such as Salmonella and Vibrio. These findings are important for understanding the pathogenic potential of R. microplus and the potential implications of these bacteria for public and animal health.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Christine Maritz-Olivier, Mariette Ferreira, Nicholas A. Olivier, Jan Crafford, Christian Stutzer
Summary: Control of complex parasites remains challenging, and current vaccines and drugs are the preferred integrated control strategy. Developing multicomponent vaccines for endo- and ectoparasites is necessary, but understanding of tick biology is insufficient. Identifying new acaricide targets is crucial due to acaricide resistance, and targeting large protein families and intracellular proteins for vaccine and drug design has limitations. Bm86-based vaccines may reduce tick fecundity by disrupting bloodmeal uptake and digestion.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Patricia Paulino, Gabriela Vitari, Antonio Rezende, Joana Couto, Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos, Maristela Peckle, Carlos Massard, Flavio Araujo, Huarrisson Santos
Summary: This study characterized the sialotranscriptome profile of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in response to Theileria equi and identified genes with differential genomic expression. The analysis revealed potential targets in the tick-protozoan interactions, providing valuable information for future studies and biotechnological applications.
Article
Parasitology
Moises Martinez Velazquez, Carla Patricia Barragan Alvarez, Jose Miguel Flores Fernandez, Rodolfo Esteban Lagunes Quintanilla, Edgar Castro Saines, Patricia Berenice Ramirez Rodriguez, Sara Elisa Herrera Rodriguez, Rodolfo Hernandez Gutierrez, Abel Gutierrez Ortega, Angel H. Alvarez
Summary: This study evaluated Cys-loop receptors as vaccine candidates against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Recombinant proteins of glutamate and glycine-like receptors were produced, tested in mice and then in cattle, showing moderate immunogenicity in both animal models. The vaccine candidates had significant impact on the number of engorged adult female ticks in vaccinated cattle, with vaccine efficacies of 33% and 25% calculated for the two receptors.
Article
Parasitology
Juan P. Wulff, Kevin B. Temeyer, Jason P. Tidwell, Kristie G. Schlechte, Caixing Xiong, Kimberly H. Lohmeyer, Patricia Pietrantonio
Summary: This study found that silencing the pyrokinin receptor (Rhimi-PKR) in R. microplus ticks negatively affected female reproductive fitness, including increased mortality and decreased weight.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karishma T. Mody, Bing Zhang, Xun Li, Nicholas L. Fletcher, Dewan T. Akhter, Sandy Jarrett, Jun Zhang, Chengzhong Yu, Kristofer J. Thurecht, Timothy J. Mahony, Neena Mitter
Summary: The study focused on the development of veterinary vaccines against Rhipicephalus microplus using silica vesicles as carriers. The biodistribution of SVs and the Bm86 antigen in a live animal model was investigated over 28 days, showing greater accumulation of SVs at the injection site and distribution of Bm86 in lymph nodes, kidney, and liver.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Jolieke G. van Oosterwijk, Stephen K. Wikel
Summary: The medical and veterinary public health importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is increasing due to the expansion of geographic ranges, increasing populations, and growing incidence of diseases. The immune-mediated control of tick infestations and pathogen transmission through vaccines has become more prominent. Research on resistance mechanisms, host immune defenses, genomics, and proteomics have contributed to the development of new anti-tick vaccine antigens. Targeting pathogen reservoirs with vaccines has the potential to disrupt disease cycles and reduce exposure in humans and animals.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luis Fernando Parizi, Naftaly Wang'ombe Githaka, Carlos Logullo, Jinlin Zhou, Misao Onuma, Carlos Termignoni, Itabajara da Silva Vaz Jr
Summary: Developing vaccines against different tick species faces challenges in selecting suitable antigens and controlling the expanding population of ticks. This review discusses the progress made and future directions in the search for universal tick vaccines.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Nadeem Abbas, Mohamed Amine Jmel, Imen Mekki, Ingrid Dijkgraaf, Michail Kotsyfakis
Summary: Ticks can cause serious damage to human and animal health worldwide and result in significant economic losses annually. Chemical acaricides are commonly used for tick control but have negative impacts on the environment and contribute to the emergence of acaricide-resistant tick populations. Vaccines are considered a better alternative for tick control and have been developed using antigen-based approaches, with some already commercially available.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jorgelina Torrents, Macarena Sarli, Nestor F. Sarmiento, Maria V. Rossner, Nicolas Morel, Alberto A. Guglielmone, Santiago Nava
Summary: This study reports the presence of resistance to fluazuron in an Argentina population of Rhipicephalus microplus. Both field and in vitro trials were conducted to gather evidence. The results showed that the population exhibited a higher level of resistance to fluazuron, indicating the emergence of resistance. This highlights the need for control strategies that minimize the use of this drug to preserve its functionality as an acaricide.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Maria M. Jenderek, Jerry C. Serimian, Joseph D. Postman, Kim E. Hummer, Kathleen M. Yeater
Summary: In this study, 53 hazelnut accessions were evaluated for characteristics in the San Joaquin Valley, California. The 'Lewis' and 'Ennis' cultivars showed the best traits, while a few others also showed potential for cultivation in that region.
Review
Parasitology
Apolline Maitre, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Juste Azelyte, Vaidas Palinauskas, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Adnan Hodzic, Claire Valiente Moro, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jean-Christophe Paoli, Alessandra Falchi, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: Human and animal pathogens transmitted by arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitoes, are a global concern. Control measures using acaricides are threatened by resistance in vector populations. Alternative strategies that target the vector microbiota and interfere with pathogen development are encouraged. Understanding the immune functions of host antibodies and disrupting the vector microbiota open up possibilities for novel transmission-blocking vaccines.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biology
Maria M. Jenderek, Kathleen M. Yeater, Barbara D. Ambruzs, Jonathan T. Magby
Article
Physiology
Lizzette D. Cambron-Kopco, George D. Yocum, Kathleen M. Yeater, Kendra J. Greenlee
Summary: In this study, we investigated the gene expression profiles of alfalfa leafcutting bees (ALCB) entering diapause at different times and under different overwintering conditions. We found that the timing of diapause initiation and overwintering conditions significantly impacted the gene expression profiles of ALCB. Genes related to the cyclin family and the insulin signaling pathway showed different expression patterns, and the proto-oncogene Myc was most affected by the timing of diapause initiation. Our results indicate that diapause development in ALCB is highly plastic and influenced by their environmental history.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Hannah Tetreault, Margaret Fleming, Lisa Hill, Emma Dorr, Kathleen Yeater, Christopher Richards, Christina Walters
Summary: Deterioration of seed during dry storage is a major problem for genebanks and seed companies. Recent findings suggest that decline in RNA integrity may serve as an early indicator of seed longevity. This study used a well-characterized collection of soybean seeds to compare the sensitivity of RNA integrity and germination tests, and found that RNA integrity decline can be detected within 10 years using a small number of seeds, while germination tests require more seeds and detect deterioration after 16 years.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kate J. Claycombe-Larson, Amy N. Bundy, Terry Kuntz, Junguk Hur, Kathleen M. Yeater, Shanon Casperson, Dale C. Brunelle, James N. Roemmich
Summary: Maternal dietary fat and vegetable substitution can have significant effects on placental and fetal growth as well as fetal brain gene expression. The findings suggest that vegetable supplementation may protect against the negative impacts of a high-fat diet on fetal development.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases have a global impact on human and animal health. This study used scientometric analysis to evaluate trends and gaps in anti-tick vaccine research. The analysis revealed the need for new candidates for vaccine development, the lack of participation from African and Asian countries, and the importance of sustained and integrated research.
Article
Entomology
Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: This study identifies the climate niches for Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma rufipes in Europe and analyzes their distribution within these areas. It found that the amount of water in the air and accumulated temperature are key factors influencing the distribution of these ticks.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Sharon McElroy, Kaitlyn Morse
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States, including New Hampshire, with an ongoing four-year crowdsourcing program providing valuable data. The study recorded the species, prevalence, and distribution of ticks, as well as their associated pathogens. The findings highlighted the distinct patterns of emergence and activity of different tick species, emphasizing the importance of tick prevention during peak seasons. State-wide maps were created to visualize the differences in tick distribution within administrative divisions.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaelle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L'Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurelie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Natasa Knap, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Daniel P. Ruzek, Tizza Zomer, Rene Bodker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice A. Raffetin, Sandrine Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdenek Hubalek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Celine M. Gossner, Bethan Purse
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic viral disease in Eurasia, primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and occasionally through unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported an increase in TBE incidence over the years, as well as its emergence in new areas. Through expert knowledge elicitation, we identified nine key drivers for TBE emergence and increased incidence, including changes in human behavior, eating habits, landscape, humidity, difficulty in controlling reservoirs and vectors, temperature, wildlife compartments, increase in autochthonous wild mammals, and distribution of tick species vectors.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Agustin Estrada-Pena
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jose de la Fuente, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Marta Rafael, Consuelo Almazan, Sergio Bermudez, Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset, Paul D. Kasaija, Fredrick Kabi, Foluke Adedayo Akande, Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe, Timothy Bamgbose, Srikant Ghosh, Azhahianambi Palavesam, Penny H. Hamid, Charlotte L. Oskam, Siobhon L. Egan, Amanda Duarte-Barbosa, Olcay Hekimoglu, Matias P. J. Szabo, Marcelo B. Labruna, Ananta Dahal
Summary: In this comprehensive review study, the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting global human and animal health was addressed. Data and perspectives from different countries and regions were collected to update the current situation with ticks and TBDs and highlight the existing information bias and gaps perceived by society. The study emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations in advancing surveillance, communication, and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
Article
Entomology
Jesus F. Esquivel, Kathleen M. Yeater, Enrique G. Medrano, Louis K. Prom
Summary: Bacillus velezensis LP16SR may affect the survival and longevity of Nezara viridula.
SOUTHWESTERN ENTOMOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Paul A. Funk, Joseph W. Thomas, Kathleen M. Yeater, Neha Kothari, Carlos B. Armijo, Derek P. Whitelock, John D. Wanjura, Christopher Delhom
Summary: This study quantified the effect of saw thickness on post-harvest processing of U.S. cotton. The results showed that saw thickness had no significant impact on fiber value, lint turnout, and seed quality.
APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Paul A. Funk, Joseph W. Thomas, Kathleen M. Yeater, Carlos B. Armijo, Derek P. Whitelock, John D. Wanjura, Christopher D. Delhom
Summary: This study compared the effect of saw thickness on the processing rate and energy consumption of cotton gin saws. The results showed that thicker saws did not improve processing rate or reduce energy consumption when the rib spacing remained unchanged. However, thicker saws were more durable in harsh conditions at the ends of the gin stand.
APPLIED ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)