Letter
Immunology
Alejandro Ramirez-Hernandez, Esteban Arroyave, Alvaro A. Faccini-Martinez, Heidy C. Martinez-Diaz, Paola Betancourt-Ruiz, Luz-Adriana Olaya-M, Elkin G. Forero-Becerra, Marylin Hidalgo, Lucas S. Blanton, David H. Walker
Summary: This study identified a new pathogenic bacterial species in Colombian cattle that may be causing febrile syndrome.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Goudarz Molaei, Lars M. Eisen, Keith J. Price, Rebecca J. Eisen
Summary: Native and invasive tick species pose a serious public health concern in the United States, as many communities are at risk for exposure to tick-borne pathogens.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gregory E. Glass, Claudia Ganser, William H. Kessler
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens are a growing concern, and the CDC has developed guidelines for standardizing surveys of tick vectors to better monitor changes in their occurrences. Testing of previously generated species distribution models showed high accuracy in ruling out certain tick species in new surveys conducted in 2019. External validation through independent surveys of SDMs is crucial for increasing concordance and enhancing tick monitoring efforts.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sabir Hussain, Abrar Hussain, Jeffery Ho, Jun Li, David George, Abdul Rehman, Jehan Zeb, Olivier Sparagano
Summary: The study in Punjab, Pakistan revealed that many livestock farmers lack understanding of tick infestation, leading to improper control practices and a lack of biosecurity measures. Farmers often ignore the importance of manual tick removal and environmental protection, which may contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases and environmental pollution.
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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lee Ann Lyons, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: This study aimed to develop and deliver tick surveillance training workshops for local health department employees in Illinois. Results showed that the training effectively increased knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases, as well as promoting positive attitudes towards surveillance. While the training did not lead to significant increases in surveillance practices, it empowered local public health officials with the knowledge and attitudes needed to make a difference.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Harriet McFadzean, Nicholas Johnson, L. Paul Phipps, Vanessa Swinson, Lisa A. Boden
Summary: The distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases is expanding due to climate and land use changes. Babesia divergens is a zoonotic disease threat to cattle and humans in Great Britain, and its surveillance is currently limited. This study collected data on B. divergens infection in British cattle and identified geographical risk areas for disease transmission. The study also improved Babesia identification methods and found widespread bovine babesiosis in England and Wales, posing a risk to both cattle and humans.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah A. Hook, Courtney C. Nawrocki, James I. Meek, Katherine A. Feldman, Jennifer L. White, Neeta P. Connally, Alison F. Hinckley
Summary: The study found that human-tick encounters can serve as an accurate proxy for risk of tickborne diseases in areas where these infections are common. Household characteristics associated with tick encounters were similar to individual characteristics, suggesting that human-tick encounters can be a robust proxy for tickborne disease risk in endemic areas.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Daniele De Meneghi, Hein Sprong, Aranzazu Portillo, Jose A. Oteo, Laura Tomassone
Summary: We analyzed the surveillance systems in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy to identify the ideal elements for monitoring and preventing tick-borne diseases (TBD). The Dutch initiative showed a high level of transdisciplinary collaboration, while Italy and Spain's surveillance systems were based on compulsory notification. The Dutch initiative yielded measurable outcomes, such as a reduction in tick bites and the discovery of new pathogens. However, the initiatives characterized by transdisciplinary collaboration may be more effective in surveillance and prevention of TBD.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Benjamin Cull
Summary: This study evaluated the use of the online image-based biological recording platform iNaturalist to monitor the distributions of tick species in the United States and Canada. The observations on iNaturalist accurately represented the distributions and seasonality of the studied tick species, and highlighted potential new areas of tick expansion. This supports the use of iNaturalist data as a cost-effective tool for passive tick surveillance.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nicholas Johnson, Lawrence Paul Phipps, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Arran J. Folly, Anthony R. Fooks, Jolyon M. Medlock, Karen L. Mansfield
Summary: Tick-borne diseases pose a threat to human and animal health, and their occurrence and transmission depend on tick population distribution, presence of pathogens, and tick activity seasons. Comprehensive understanding of these diseases is crucial for effective prevention and control, requiring surveillance and intervention approaches from multiple perspectives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chris Brooks, Connie L. McNeely, Sarah P. Maxwell, Kevin C. Thomas
Summary: This study provides an exploratory analysis of tick-borne diseases in the United States, examining the distribution and associated factors of self-reported tick bite encounters (TBEs) and diagnoses. The study finds that certain diagnostic data in animals, such as domesticated dogs, may serve as proxies for human tick-borne disease risk factors. These findings suggest that in the absence of a standardized national tick-borne disease database, proxies and relevant surveys may provide a working solution for studying tick-borne diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset, Nariaki Nonaka, Ryo Nakao
Summary: Egypt has reported 18 tick-borne diseases, including protozoal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Despite zoonotic transmission among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked, highlighting the need for improved surveillance, diagnosis, and collaboration between experts in various disciplines for disease control.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca B. Carver, Nanna Alida Grit Fredheim, Athanasia Monika Mowinckel, Klaus P. Ebmeier, Barbara Bodorkos Friedman, Tor Atle Rosness, Christian A. Drevon, Sana Suri, William F. C. Baare, Eniko Zsoldos, Cristina Sole-Padulles, David Bartres-Faz, Paolo Ghisletta, Laura Nawijn, Sandra Duezel, Kathrine Skak Madsen, Anders M. Fjell, Ulman Lindenberger, Kristine B. Walhovd, Isabelle Budin-Ljosne
Summary: This study investigated people's willingness and reasons to take a brain health test. The results showed a high public interest in brain health testing, with the main reason being the ability to respond if at risk of brain disease. Men, respondents with lower education levels, and those with poor self-reported cognitive health had higher interest in brain health testing.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Serena Elise George, Moniek Smink, Nareerat Sangkachai, Anuwat Wiratsudakul, Walasinee Sakcamduang, Sarin Suwanpakdee, Jonathan M. Sleeman
Summary: Coordinated wildlife disease surveillance (WDS) can effectively protect human, animal, and environmental health. This study investigated the utilization, value, and improvement of WDS in Thailand within a One Health framework. Results showed that most professionals used WDS data, with disease control being the most beneficial outcome. Challenges included accessing sector-specific data and legal authority for WDS. Priorities for improvement included allocation of resources, adequate budget, and clear communication system between sectors.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tolulope I. N. Perrin-Stowe, Yasuko Ishida, Emily E. Terrill, Brian C. Hamlin, Linda Penfold, Lara M. Cusack, Jan Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla, Alfred L. Roca
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hayden D. Hedman, Csaba Varga, William M. Brown, Paul Shelton, Alfred L. Roca, Jan E. Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: The study highlights the spatial and temporal variability of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in free-ranging white-tailed deer populations in northern Illinois. By conducting a retrospective analysis of surveillance data, two main space-time clusters, C1 and C2, were identified, providing important insights for disease management practices. These findings suggest the effectiveness of current CWD management strategies and the need for targeted surveillance and prevention efforts to limit further spread of the disease.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Lee Ann Lyons, Mary E. Brand, Peg Gronemeyer, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, Marilyn O'Hara Ruiz, Chris M. Stone, Holly C. Tuten, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: The study compared the contributions of passive and active tick collection methods in determining the establishment of ticks of public health concern and obtained information on tick distributions in Illinois. Changes in tick species distribution status were observed in 36 counties, providing noteworthy updates to distribution maps for public health agencies. The program built a network of collaborations and partnerships to support future tick surveillance efforts in Illinois.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniel B. Raudabaugh, Nelda A. Rivera, Gretchen C. Anchor, Elizabeth Bach, Andrew N. Miller, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: The study found that storage time was more crucial than storage temperature for isolating a diverse range of geophilic fungal taxa. It also revealed that changing storage conditions can alter the types and abundance of fungal taxa, highlighting the importance of employing similar storage conditions for comparative studies. Future research should utilize multiple genetic markers to improve species-level resolution within common Illinois geophilic fungal genera.
Review
Microbiology
Nelda A. Rivera, Csaba Varga, Mark G. Ruder, Sheena J. Dorak, Alfred L. Roca, Jan E. Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: The increasing cases of Bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) worldwide have caused significant economic loss and detrimental effects to ruminant livestock production and wildlife populations. However, the lack of accurate understanding of the distribution of these diseases and their vectors, as well as systematic and routine surveillance, hinders efforts to accurately assess the potential risk of these viruses on ruminant populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Tolulope I. N. Perrin-Stowe, Yasuko Ishida, Emily E. Terrill, Dan Beetem, Oliver A. Ryder, Jan E. Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla, Alfred L. Roca
Summary: Variation in the PRNP gene affects susceptibility to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), with Pere David's deer having two main PRNP haplotypes associated with reduced vulnerability to CWD. These two haplotypes show similarities to PRNP in other cervids, suggesting long-term balancing selection and potential fitness benefits in maintaining both haplotypes to limit transmission of CWD.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
E. A. Bacon, H. Kopsco, P. Gronemeyer, N. Mateus-Pinilla, R. L. Smith
Summary: The range of ticks in North America has been increasing due to climate change, leading to a rise in cases of tick-borne disease. This study investigates the impact of climate factors on the abundance of three tick species in different regions of Illinois. The results suggest that temperature and precipitation affect each tick species differently, and there is also variation between regions. The findings provide valuable information for defining risk periods of tick exposure and highlight the importance of tailored responses to different tick species.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Csaba Varga, Patrick McDonald, William M. Brown, Paul Shelton, Alfred L. Roca, Jan E. Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: A study in northern Illinois has found that the transmission of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer is influenced by the spatial and temporal patterns of deer culling. Focusing culling efforts in areas close to where CWD cases have been detected results in a higher removal of CWD-positive deer, highlighting the importance of collaboration among landowners, hunters, and wildlife management agencies in controlling CWD.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Evan W. London, Alfred L. Roca, Jan E. Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: Cervids are characterized by the shedding and regrowth of antlers, providing insights into genetic factors related to deer phenotypes, behavior, and disease resistance. This study successfully generated and assembled the genome of a white-tailed deer, revealing chromosome information through comparative analysis.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel B. Raudabaugh, Yasuko Ishida, Nicholas J. Haley, William M. Brown, Jan Novakofski, Alfred L. Roca, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: This study examined the genetic variations in the PRNP gene and its relationship with chronic wasting disease (CWD) susceptibility in white-tailed deer. The results showed a significant increase in the CWD-resistant PrP proteoform F over time, as well as an increase in the frequency of deer carrying at least one CWD-protective haplotype.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sulagna Chakraborty, Teresa L. L. Steckler, Peg Gronemeyer, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, Rebecca Lee Smith
Summary: Tickborne diseases in Illinois have increased, particularly among outdoor workers like farmers. However, there is a lack of awareness among farmers about ticks and tickborne diseases. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of Illinois farmers regarding ticks and tickborne diseases through a survey and tick drags.
JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jacob E. Wessels, Yasuko Ishida, Nelda A. Rivera, Spencer L. Stirewalt, William M. Brown, Jan E. Novakofski, Alfred L. Roca, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
Summary: This study examined the role of genetic variation in the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene in epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer. By sequencing the coding region of the TLR3 gene, 85 haplotypes and 77 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Two non-synonymous SNPs differed significantly in frequency between EHD-positive and EHD-negative deer, suggesting a potential association between TLR3 polymorphisms and EHD.
Article
Entomology
Heather L. Kopsco, Peg Gronemeyer, Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, Rebecca L. Smith
Summary: The variable landscape of Illinois creates a patchwork of tickborne disease risk that can be predicted based on climate and landscape features. By fitting species distribution models for different tick species, we identified environmental factors associated with their presence in the current and future climate scenarios in Illinois. As the environment changes, the distribution of these ticks will also change, highlighting the importance of knowing where ticks may concentrate for disease prevention and treatment.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Hayden D. Hedman, Csaba Varga, Jared Duquette, Jan Novakofski, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2020)