Article
Entomology
Rebecca J. Eisen, Christopher D. Paddock
Summary: The United States has seen an increasing burden of tickborne diseases due to expanding cases and populations of medically important ticks, but there is often a lack of complete and up-to-date maps regarding their distributions and the prevalence of associated pathogens. The lack of systematic surveillance for medically important ticks and their pathogens hampers efforts to accurately assess acarological risks.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sifiso S. Mnisi, Malekoba B. N. Mphuthi, Tsepo Ramatla, Lehlohonolo S. Mofokeng, Oriel Thekisoe, Michelo Syakalima
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of E. ruminantium and its genetic diversity in ticks within Ngaka Modiri Molema district of North West Province in South Africa. The study found a significant diversity of E. ruminantium infecting ticks in the study area, with the commonly used variant for vaccination not detected.
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
Veterinary Sciences
Kathryn T. Duncan, Kellee D. Sundstrom, Devery Hunt, Megan W. Lineberry, Amber Grant, Susan E. Little
Summary: There is limited research on emerging tick-borne diseases of horses in the United States, but tick surveys from other regions suggest that certain ticks may be clinically relevant in horses. A study in Oklahoma collected ticks from horses and found Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in equine ticks, indicating a need for further exploration of the relationship between these agents and equine health.
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Yuli Zhang, Zhenfeng Li, Zheng Pang, Zhen Wu, Zhijuan Lin, Guoyu Niu
Summary: A new tick-borne virus called Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) has been discovered in wild boars in Fujian Province, China. This virus is found to be widespread and may act as a potential disease vector.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
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
Immunology
David W. Mccormick, Catherine M. Brown, Jenna Bjork, Kim Cervantes, Brenda Esponda-Morrison, Jason Garrett, Natalie Kwit, Abigail Mathewson, Charles Mcginnis, Marco Notarangelo, Rebecca Osborn, Elizabeth Schiffman, Haris Sohail, Amy M. Schwartz, Alison F. Hinckley, Kiersten J. Kugeler
Summary: A total of 300 cases of Borrelia miyamotoi infection transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks have been identified through public health surveillance in the United States from 2013 to 2019. The majority of cases occurred in older males during the summer months, with common symptoms being fever, headache, arthralgia, and rash.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amanda Brown Marusiak, Brandon D. Hollingsworth, Haley Abernathy, Aidin Alejo, Victor Arahirwa, Odai Mansour, Dana Giandomenico, John Schmitz, Carl Williams, Alexis M. Barbarin, Ross M. Boyce
Summary: This cross-sectional study reveals the lack of adequate testing for tick-borne diseases and the significant disparity between the local burden of disease and the testing performed. These findings underscore the importance of pursuing more robust and active surveillance strategies to estimate the burden of these diseases and the distribution of causative pathogens.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna R. Pasternak, Subba R. Palli
Summary: Kentucky experiences a high incidence of ehrlichiosis, primarily transmitted by the lone star tick. Surveillance of tick distribution and pathogen detection is crucial for monitoring the expansion of this important tick vector and the increase in tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yongjin Qiu, Noriko Kidera, Masaki Hayashi, Kanta Fujishima, Hisao Tamura
Summary: This study identified and characterized tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsiaceae and Anaplasmataceae) in reptile-associated ticks in Japan. A putative novel Rickettsia sp. and Rickettsia aeschlimannii-like rickettsia were found in Amblyomma nitidum and Amblyomma geoemydae, respectively. Novel Ehrlichia spp. related to Candidatus Ehrlichia occidentalis were also detected in these ticks. Future studies are needed to understand their pathogenicity and life cycle.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Suppaluck Polsomboon Nelson, Brian P. Bourke, Razan Badr, John Tarpey, Laura Caicedo-Quiroga, Donovan Leiva, Marie Pott, Alvaro Cruz, Chien-Chung Chao, Nicole L. Achee, John P. Grieco, Le Jiang, Ju Jiang, Christina M. Farris, Yvonne-Marie Linton
Summary: Data on the prevalence and distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Belize are lacking. This study collected and molecularly identified ticks and screened them for tick-borne pathogens in two villages in Stann Creek District, Belize. The most common tick species identified was Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The study also found ticks carrying Rickettsia parkeri and an unidentified Ehrlichia species. The results suggest that dogs could be useful sentinel animals for tick surveillance in Belize.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Eric L. Siegel, Nathalie Lavoie, Guang Xu, Catherine M. Brown, Michel Ledizet, Stephen M. Rich
Summary: Tick-borne zoonoses have a significant impact on global public health, and understanding their distribution and determinants requires consideration of the complex interactions among the environment, vectors, and hosts. This study analyzed human cases and tick testing data to assess the correlation between tick submissions and the incidence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The results showed moderate-to-strong correlations, suggesting that tick testing data can serve as a proxy for disease incidence and help understand human-tick interactions.
Review
Microbiology
Elise A. A. Richardson, R. Michael Roe, Charles S. S. Apperson, Loganathan Ponnusamy
Summary: R. amblyommatis is a potentially pathogenic species of Rickettsia transmitted by ticks. The pathogenicity and diagnostic inhibition role of this species in illnesses caused by other Rickettsia species are still debated. High infection prevalence of R. amblyommatis has been recorded in tick populations worldwide. Understanding its role as a pathogen and inhibitor of infection compared to other tick-borne pathogens is important for public health efforts.
Article
Entomology
Lars Eisen, Kirby C. Stafford
Summary: Research on tick control tools has mainly focused on the blacklegged tick, with limited studies on other species such as the lone star tick.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bo Lyu, Jingjing Li, Brigid Niemeyer, David Stanley, Qisheng Song
Summary: This study investigated Ecdysis-related neuropeptides (ERNs) in Amblyomma americanum and revealed their evolutionary relationships, protein properties, and functions. The study found that ERNs play important roles in various ecdysis-related functions and have higher expression levels in newly molted adults and synganglia. RNAi experiments suggested that some ERNs may be involved in immune-related gene expression regulation, protecting arthropods from microbial invasion during vulnerable periods.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(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
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
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca T. Trout Fryxell, Dene N. Vann, Rebecca A. Butler, Dave J. Paulsen, Jennifer G. Chandler, Micah P. Willis, Heidi M. Wyrosdick, John J. Schaefer, Richard W. Gerhold, Daniel M. Grove, Jennie Z. Ivey, Kevin W. Thompson, Roger D. Applegate, Joy Sweaney, Sterling Daniels, Samantha Beaty, Douglas Balthaser, James D. Freye, James W. Mertins, Denise L. Bonilla, Kevin Lahmers
Summary: Between March 2019 and February 2020, Asian long-horned ticks were discovered for the first time in one middle and seven eastern Tennessee counties, facilitated by a newly developed passive and collaborative tick-surveillance network. Specimens were primarily collected from dogs and cattle, with initial county tick detections confirmed through morphological and molecular identification but tested negative for animal-associated pathogens. This surveillance collaboration involved federal, state, county, university, and private resource personnel working with companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(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
Biodiversity Conservation
R. A. Butler, R. T. Trout Fryxell, M. L. Kennedy, A. E. Houston, E. K. Bowers, L. B. Coons, D. Paulsen, J. Baxter
Summary: The study investigated how habitat type and natural history of small mammal hosts influence the infection of Rickettsia in ectoparasites, and results showed that habitat type and abundance of small mammals do not affect the probability of Rickettsia infection.
SOUTHWESTERN NATURALIST
(2021)
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
R. T. Trout Fryxell, R. D. Moon, D. J. Boxler, D. W. Watson
Summary: Face flies, native to Europe and Central Asia, have unintentionally become pests of pastured beef cattle, dairy cattle, and horses in North America. They feed around moist, mucus membranes of an animal's face and other body parts, agitating livestock and transmitting eye-inhabiting nematodes and pathogenic bacteria. Control methods include feed through insecticides, direct application of repellents and insecticides, and trap-out tactics with sticky traps.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(2021)