Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marko Vucelja, Stjepan Krcmar, Josipa Habus, Vesna Mojcec Perko, Marko Boljfetic, Linda Bjedov, Josip Margaletic
Summary: This study investigated the altitudinal distributions, population structures, and seasonal dynamics of tick fauna in three localities in Continental Croatia (Medvednica and Papuk) and an alpine biogeographic region (Gorski Kotar). Questing ticks were sampled twice a year (spring and autumn, from 2019 to 2021) at different altitudes using the flagging method. The majority of the ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus, with the highest tick abundance observed at higher altitudes in mixed forests of European beech and European silver fir. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection was detected in a small percentage of ticks, with the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto genotype.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ivana Ivanovic, Marina Zekic Stosic, Eva Ruzic Sabljic, Tjasa Cerar Kisek, Vesna Cvitkovic Spik, Aleksandra Popovic, Sara Savic
Summary: Weather conditions have a significant impact on tick population densities and activity, which in turn affect the occurrence of tick-borne diseases. Temperature has a positive correlation with tick numbers, while humidity and dew have limited effects on tick activity. The highest infection rate of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. occurs in March, while the lowest occurs in May. There is a positive correlation between tick infection rate and tick population, highlighting the importance of weather-based predictions for assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases.
ACTA VETERINARIA HUNGARICA
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeff Hamik, Travis J. J. Bourret, Halie Smith, Molly Herman, Rachael Birn, Tammy Dawdy, Mona J. J. Zuffante, Matthew A. A. Donahue
Summary: In August 2021, two cases of Lyme disease were reported in Nebraska, with patients having local exposure to wooded areas. Epidemiological investigations confirmed that the two patients were exposed to ticks in adjacent wooded sites. Environmental investigations collected 12 ticks, identified as black-legged ticks, and found that 58.3% of them tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., the bacterium causing Lyme disease. This study documents the presence of I. scapularis ticks and the occurrence of local transmission of Lyme disease in Nebraska for the first time, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and monitoring.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Kazimirova, Lenka Mahrikova, Zuzana Hamsikova, Michal Stanko, Maryna Golovchenko, Natalie Rudenko
Summary: Lyme borreliosis is a prevalent tick-borne infection in Europe, particularly in Slovakia. A study in Slovakia found spatial and temporal variations in the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) species in ticks collected from different ecological habitats. The findings highlight the epidemiological risk of Lyme borreliosis in various areas of Slovakia.
Article
Parasitology
Zsuzsa Kalmar, Violeta Briciu, Mircea Coroian, Mirela Flonta, Amanda-Lelia Radulescu, Adriana Topan, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Mihaela Lupse
Summary: The study in Romania found specific IgG and IgM antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. among healthy blood donors. Higher seroprevalence was observed in men, older individuals, and those engaged in outdoor work.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katarzyna Kubiak, Hanna Szymanska, Malgorzata Dmitryjuk, Ewa Dzika
Summary: This study estimated the density of Ixodes ricinus ticks, the prevalence of Borrelia species, and their diversity in northeastern Poland. The mean density of I. ricinus ticks was 9.7/100 m(2), with no differences between years, subregions, or habitats. The highest Borrelia infection rate was found in the eastern subregion, where the incidence of borreliosis among inhabitants was also higher compared to other subregions. Additionally, B. bavariensis was confirmed for the first time in I. ricinus ticks in Poland.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Heidi K. Goethert, Sam R. Telford
Summary: The increase of small forest patches is associated with the emergence of Lyme disease, and edge habitat is particularly risky. Tick bloodmeal analyses revealed significant differences in the hosts of infected ticks between different sites and years, with shrews playing a disproportionately influential role in pathogen transmission.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Susan P. Elias, Jack W. Witham, Elizabeth F. Schneider, Peter W. Rand, Malcolm L. Hunter, Charles Lubelczyk, Robert P. Smith
Summary: Surveillance of blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease is crucial in the United States. Tracking their emergence and spread was done through collecting ticks from small mammal hosts in a research forest in Maine, revealing important patterns and trends.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Danielle M. Tufts, Max McClure, Maria A. Diuk-Wasser
Summary: The blacklegged tick is the main carrier of Lyme disease in North America, and a simple model was proposed to estimate the success rate of finding hosts. The model showed high host-finding success at most sites and sensitivity to differences in host associations between nymphs and larvae.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Zhenhua Ji, Miaomiao Jian, Peng Yue, Wenjing Cao, Xin Xu, Yu Zhang, Yingyi Pan, Jiaru Yang, Jingjing Chen, Meixiao Liu, Yuxin Fan, Xuan Su, Shiyuan Wen, Jing Kong, Bingxue Li, Yan Dong, Guozhong Zhou, Aihua Liu, Fukai Bao
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis to examine the infection rate of B. burgdorferi in hard-bodied ticks in Asia. The results showed that Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor may be the most common tick species carrying B. burgdorferi in the region.
Article
Entomology
Jerome Pelletier, Jean-Philippe Rocheleau, Cecile Aenishaenslin, Gabrielle Dimitri Masson, L. Robbin Lindsay, Nicholas H. Ogden, Catherine Bouchard, Patrick A. Leighton
Summary: The use of fluralaner baits shows promising results in reducing the infestation of small mammals by immature stages of I. scapularis, thereby decreasing the density of infected ticks in the environment.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Johana Hrnkova, Marina Golovchenko, Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Tersia Needham, Jignesh Italiya, Francisco Ceacero, Radim Kotrba, Libor Grubhoffer, Natalie Rudenko, Jiri Cerny
Summary: Exotic farm animals can serve as hosts for hard ticks and be infected by Borrelia spirochetes, potentially maintaining the spirochetes in nature.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Alexander Blazhev, Milena Atanasova, Krasimir Kostov, Tsetsa Doychinova, Svetla Blazheva, Milena Karcheva
Summary: This study revealed that ecological factors in Kaylaka Park are conducive to the development and distribution of tick populations, posing a high risk of tick bites to visitors. With significant differences observed between urban and wild areas in tick density and nymph densities, it emphasizes the importance of tick prevention measures in these areas.
Article
Entomology
Gilian van Duijvendijk, Inge Krijger, Marloes van Schaijk, Manoj Fonville, Gerrit Gort, Hein Sprong, Willem Takken
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal infection risk of Ixodes ricinus ticks and their rodent hosts, as well as the infection rates of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Borrelia miyamotoi. The results showed that the heterogeneity of environmental and host factors influenced the transmission of these two different Borrelia species, with a stronger effect on horizontally transmitted B. burgdorferi than on vertically transmitted B. miyamotoi.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Nannet D. Fabri, Hein Sprong, Tim R. Hofmeester, Hans Heesterbeek, Bjorn F. Donnars, Fredrik Widemo, Frauke Ecke, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt
Summary: The study found that different ungulate species play different roles in the transmission of ticks and pathogens. Fallow deer, red deer, and roe deer play more important roles in the transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while wild boar play a relatively minor role in the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.).
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Gianluca D'Amico, Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz
Summary: This study modeled the probability of introduction of Hyalomma marginatum into Europe by predicting potential migratory routes of bird species and the probability of carrying tick immatures. The results show that the tick may extend its northern range to central and western France, and large portions of central Europe, but the probability of introduction into Baltic and Nordic countries is small.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
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
Microbiology
Natalia Fernandez-Ruiz, Agustin Estrada-Pena
Summary: The study indicates that climate trends are changing the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, expanding the suitable environment for Hyalomma marginatum to Mediterranean countries, southeast central Europe, and south of the Balkans. It was found that maximum temperature significantly affects all biogeographical categories, while soil humidity influences areas with Mediterranean climate, and minimum temperature and water vapor deficit have no impact.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Artigas-Jeronimo, Margarita Villar, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Adrian Velazquez-Campoy, Pilar Alberdi, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: The Akirin family of transcription cofactors plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes in metazoans through protein interactions, rather than catalytic or DNA-binding capabilities. This study focused on human Akirin2 in neutrophil-like cells, revealing its involvement in immunity and interaction with histone H3.1 for gene expression regulation. The research highlights the importance of Akirin2 in immune response and chromatin remodeling, providing insights into its mechanisms in gene expression regulation.
BIOSCIENCE REPORTS
(2021)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Ivo Rudolf, Romana Kejikova, Jakub Vojtisek, Jan Mendel, Katarina Penazziova, Zdenek Hubalek, Silvie Sikutova, Agustin Estrada-Pena
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Lina C. Binder, Santiago Nava, Matias P. J. Szabo, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis of the distribution of Rickettsia spp. in the Neotropical region, finding that the composition of Rickettsia in ticks is not dependent on the blood-source of vertebrates. Some Rickettsia organisms in ticks are associated with specific phylogenetic clusters of ticks.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
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)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Delia Lacasta, Hector Ruiz, Aurora Ortin, Sergio Villanueva-Saz, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Jose Maria Gonzalez, Juan Jose Ramos, Luis Miguel Ferrer, Alfredo Angel Benito, Raquel Labanda, Carlos Malo, Maria Teresa Verde, Antonio Fernandez, Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
Summary: This study analyzed the therapeutic effect of oxytetracycline and doxycycline in treating Anaplasma ovis infected lambs. The results showed that injectable doxycycline and oxytetracycline significantly reduced bacterial load and carcass condemnation in the treated lambs.
Article
Microbiology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Alina Rodriguez Mallon, Sergio Bermudez, Jose de la Fuente, Ana Domingos, Mario Pablo Estrada Garcia, Marcelo B. Labruna, Octavio Merino, Juan Mosqueda, Santiago Nava, Ricardo Lleonart Cruz, Matias Szabo, Evelina Tarragona, Jose M. Venzal
Summary: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the survival and spread of R. microplus in the Neotropics, and proposes a holistic approach to control infestations. The study highlights the complex and interrelated factors driving the spread of R. microplus, which are often overlooked in control strategies. Climate change and landscape features may have an impact on the spread of the tick.
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.
