Article
Infectious Diseases
Shahid Karim, Deepak Kumar, Steve Adamson, Joshua R. Ennen, Carl P. Qualls, Jose M. C. Ribeiro
Summary: The transcriptome analysis of Amblyomma tuberculatum ticks provides valuable information for studying the pharmacological activities and conducting comparative analysis. The data sets can be accessed through a hyperlinked spreadsheet for further research.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine A. Lippi, Holly D. Gaff, Alexis L. White, Sadie J. Ryan
Summary: The increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases in humans in recent decades has highlighted the need for more information on geographic risk for public health planning. A systematic scoping review of species distribution models (SDMs) literature for rickettsial pathogens and tick vectors in the genus Amblyomma found that most studies estimated only tick distributions using vector presence as a proxy for pathogen exposure. The reliance on existing data sources and the lack of original data collection may indicate a lag in new data acquisition and a full understanding of the tick-pathogen ecology.
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
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
Microbiology
Lehlohonolo S. Mofokeng, Nico J. Smit, Courtney A. Cook
Summary: Little is known about the diversity and presence of tick-borne bacteria infecting reptiles in South Africa. This study discovered the presence of Borrelia species and Coxiella-like endosymbiont for the first time in reptiles in South Africa.
Article
Parasitology
Estefani T. Martinez-Sanchez, Marelid Cardona-Romero, Mateo Ortiz-Giraldo, William David Tobon-Escobar, Daniel Moreno-Lopez, Paula A. Ossa-Lopez, Jorge E. Perez-Cardenas, Marcelo B. Labruna, Thiago F. Martins, Gabriel J. Castano-Villa, Fredy A. Rivera-Paez
Summary: Several species of bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia can cause diseases in domestic and wild animals as well as humans. These bacteria are considered emerging or reemerging and are transmitted by ticks, fleas, and lice vectors. Recent research in Colombia found Rickettsia species in ticks collected from wild birds, indicating a possible role of birds in the spread of ticks infected with Rickettsia. The study also identified new Rickettsia species in ticks from wild birds, contributing to the understanding of Rickettsia infections in Colombia. This research provided the first evidence of R. amblyommatis infection in the genus Ixodes in South America, and the presence of Rickettsia at elevations above 3000 m a.s.l.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Oriel Thekisoe, Tsepo Ramatla, Aron Ringo, Sifiso Mnisi, Nthabiseng Mphuthi, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, Kgaugelo Lekota, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study determined the occurrence of Rickettsia africae in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks infecting livestock in the North West Province of South Africa. It was found that Rickettsia africae was present in 48% of cattle, 40% of sheep, and 32% of goats. Although the animals did not exhibit clinical symptoms, Rickettsia africae is still recognized as having significant zoonotic potential.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Pawiga Usananan, Warissara Kaenkan, Ronnayuth Sudsangiem, Visut Baimai, Wachareeporn Trinachartvanit, Arunee Ahantarig
Summary: This study reports the detection of tick-associated bacteria in northeastern Thailand, expanding our knowledge of the diversity of tick-borne pathogens in the region.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Filipe Dantas-Torres, Amanda Maria Picelli, Kamila Gaudencio da Silva Sales, Lucas Christian De Sousa-Paula, Paulo Mejia, Igor Luis Kaefer, Lucio Andre Viana, Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa
Summary: Reptiles and amphibians in Central Amazonia were found to be significantly impacted by tick infestations, with varying relationships between hosts and tick species such as Amblyomma humerale and Amblyomma nodosum. The study also revealed the presence of Rickettsia amblyommatis in collected ticks, indicating a potential common relationship between A. humerale and R. amblyommatis.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ricardo C. Arrais, Rogerio C. Paula, Thiago F. Martins, Fernanda A. Nieri-Bastos, Arlei Marcili, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: This study evaluated ticks and tick-borne agents in maned wolves in Serra da Canastra National Park in Brazil, identifying Amblyomma tigrinum as the most common tick species and detecting various microorganisms in the ticks and maned wolf blood samples. Despite exposure to ticks and tick-borne agents, the captured animals showed no clinical signs of tick-borne diseases, indicating a good health status in the study area.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Deepak Kumar, Surendra Raj Sharma, Abdulsalam Adegoke, Ashley Kennedy, Holly C. Tuten, Andrew Y. Li, Shahid Karim
Summary: This study cataloged the microbiome of the lone star tick throughout its developmental stages and different tissue niches. The dominant bacteria identified was Francisellaceae. Microbial diversity was higher in field-collected ticks compared to laboratory-maintained ticks. Network analysis revealed potential positive and negative correlations within the microbial communities.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Camille Lacroux, Sarah Bonnet, Emmanuelle Pouydebat, Marie Buysse, Nil Rahola, Sabine Rakotobe, John-Paul Okimat, Rachid Koual, Edward Asalu, Sabrina Krief, Olivier Duron
Summary: This study investigated ticks and tick-borne pathogens in a forested habitat of a community of 100 chimpanzees living in Kibale National Park, Western Uganda. The presence and abundance of ticks were found to be influenced by environmental factors, and various tick-borne pathogens were detected. The results of this study are important for understanding the health status of chimpanzees and other wildlife.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Panupong Thongprem, Helen R. Davison, David J. Thompson, M. Olalla Lorenzo-Carballa, Gregory D. D. Hurst
Summary: The study reveals the presence of diverse Rickettsia symbionts in odonates, with the establishment of some symbiotic relationships likely through mitochondrial introgression between sister species. FISH analysis indicates the presence of Rickettsia in ovarioles, consistent with the characteristics of heritable symbionts.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andres M. Lopez-Perez, Sokani Sanchez-Montes, Brenda Aline Maya-Badillo, Guillermo Orta-Pineda, Saul Reveles-Felix, Ingeborg Becker, Karla Barcenas-Barreto, Adan Torres-Monroy, Rafael Ojeda-Flores, Jose Ivan Sanchez-Betancourt
Summary: Tick-borne rickettsioses caused by various Rickettsia species have been detected in ticks collected from wild pigs in southeastern Mexico, raising concerns about potential transmission to humans and domestic animals. Further investigations are required to understand the ecology of Rickettsia species in free-ranging animals and their implications for human health.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
A. A. Diaz-Sanchez, N. B. Chilton, L. Roblejo-Arias, O. Fonseca-Rodriguez, R. Marrero-Perera, C. P. Diyes, M. E. M. Yunik, E. Lobo-Rivero, B. Corona-Gonzalez
Summary: The study identified the prevalence and species identity of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks and horses from urban and rural areas of western Cuba using PCR assays. Different species of SFG rickettsiae were found in Amblyomma mixtum and Dermacentor nitens ticks, expanding our knowledge of the potential vector spectrum and distribution of these pathogens in western Cuba.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Shahid Karim, Deepak Kumar, Khemraj Budachetri
Summary: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that digest host blood meal with unique molecular mechanisms while acting as vectors for various pathogens. The pharmacologically active saliva of ticks plays a crucial role in modulating the host's immune system for several days to weeks, depending on the tick species. Understanding the interactions between ticks, rickettsiae, and hosts is essential for preventing tick-borne diseases.
PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenqing Zhang, Mingqun Lin, Qi Yan, Khemraj Budachetri, Libo Hou, Ashweta Sahni, Hongyan Liu, Nien-Ching Han, Jeffrey Lakritz, Dehua Pei, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: The study developed a specific nanobody, NbD7, that inhibits T4SS effector functions and Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection. NbD7 was successfully delivered into host cells by conjugating to cell-permeable peptide 12 (CPP12-NbD7), effectively blocking infection and overcoming current barriers in research and therapy development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelli A. Stockmal, Latoyia P. Downs, Ashley N. Davis, Lisa K. Kemp, Shahid Karim, Sarah E. Morgan
Summary: This study synthesized cationic glycopolymers with different structures and evaluated their effectiveness in silencing the SelK gene in tick cells. The results showed that the glycopolymers had low cytotoxicity, and the formation of RNA/polymer complexes and gene knockdown were dependent on the saccharide structure and cationic monomer loading.
Article
Microbiology
Deepak Kumar, Latoyia P. Downs, Abdulsalam Adegoke, Erika Machtinger, Kelly Oggenfuss, Richard S. Ostfeld, Monica Embers, Shahid Karim
Summary: This study compared the microbial communities in different populations of black-legged ticks and predicted a potential antagonistic interaction. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between microbiota and tick-borne infections, and provide new strategies for prevention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deepak Kumar, Latoyia P. Downs, Monica Embers, Alex Sutton Flynt, Shahid Karim
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in various biological processes, including immune responses to infections. This study focused on the differentially expressed miRNAs in the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis after infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. The findings provide valuable insights into the miRNAs expressed in the tick's salivary glands and their potential use in preventing or treating B. burgdorferi infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Shahid Karim, Geng Tong, Jinyang Li, Akeel Qadir, Umar Farooq, Yiting Yu
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of image fusion approaches, including conventional image processing, deep learning architectures, and fusion scenarios. It emphasizes the recent developments in deep learning for various image fusion scenarios. The study discusses future perspectives and challenges that need to be overcome.
INFORMATION FUSION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lin Jin, Bao-Gui Jiang, Yizhu Yin, Jingya Guo, Jia-Fu Jiang, Xiaopeng Qi, Gary Crispell, Shahid Karim, Wu-Chun Cao, Ren Lai
Summary: Lyme spirochetes have evolved with ticks to optimize transmission to hosts. They use tick salivary molecules (TSMs) to counteract host defenses. The study shows that LT ss R signaling plays an important role in blocking the transmission and pathogenesis of tick-borne Lyme disease spirochetes. A 15-kDa TSM protein called IpSAP from Ixodes persulcatus functions as an immunosuppressant to facilitate the transmission and infection of Lyme disease spirochetes. IpSAP interacts with LT ss R to block its activation, suppressing immunity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Abdulsalam Adegoke, Deepak Kumar, Khemraj Budachetri, Shahid Karim
Summary: This study explores the microbial communities in different developmental stages and tissues of Gulf-Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum) and investigates the impact of blood meal and Rickettsia parkeri infection on microbiome composition, diversity, and functionality. The results show that Rickettsia, Francisella, and Candidatus_Midichloria are key players in the core microbiome of Am. maculatum, and blood meal and R. parkeri infection lead to an increase in bacterial abundance in tick tissues.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Melina Garcia Guizzo, Khemraj Budachetri, Abdulsalam Adegoke, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Shahid Karim
Summary: The Gulf Coast tick is an important tick vector that can transmit several tick-borne pathogens, including Rickettsia parkeri. This study found that the persistence of R. parkeri within the tick population is facilitated by the tick tissues' oxidant/antioxidant balance and the non-pathogenic tick microbiome. The interaction between the tick and the pathogen leads to transcriptional alterations in both the tick and the pathogen, allowing for pathogen transmission and persistence within the tick population.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Natalia J. Bayona-Vasquez, Khemraj Budachetri, Deepak Kumar, Julia Catherine Frederick, Faizan Tahir, Brant C. Faircloth, Travis C. Glenn, Shahid Karim
Summary: The Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is a tick species found in the Southeastern states of the USA, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and other Central and South American countries. This tick is a vector for Rickettsia parkeri and Hepatozoon americanum. A draft genome of A. maculatum was generated, revealing 237,921 protein-coding genes and providing insights into its basic biology.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Shahid Karim, Juan Manuel Leyva-Castillo, Sukanya Narasimhan
Summary: Tick salivary glycans play important roles in the phenomenon of red meat allergy and acquired tick resistance.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dheeraj Kumar, Shahid Karim, Hamid Ali Kalwar, Rajesh Kumar Wadhwa, Vishal Kumar Chandkai, Punhal Khan
Summary: This study aimed to assess the relationship between adequate water intake and dyspepsia. The results showed that only a small percentage of patients had adequate daily water intake, with those suffering from severe dyspepsia being particularly lacking in adequate water intake. Therefore, adequate water intake can improve dyspepsia.
RAWAL MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Muhammad Fahad Zakir, Shahid Karim, Hamid Ali Kalwar, Rajesh Kumar
Summary: This study found that esophageal growth and esophageal stricture were the most common causes of dysphagia in patients, followed by gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The frequency of these causes was associated with age and disease duration.
RAWAL MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Allergy
Shailesh Choudhary, Scott Commins, Shahid Karim
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harold Salant, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Doni Zivotofsky, Tsachi Even Tzur, Gad Baneth
Summary: This study describes the presentation, clinical signs, parasitemia levels, laboratory findings and treatment of dogs infected with B. negevi. Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was helpful for recovery from clinical disease but did not facilitate parasite elimination, and it is therefore recommended to treat canine B. negevi infection with the combination of atovaquone and azithromycin.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gervillien Arnold Malonga, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Mahamadou Saliou, Juth ece Private Malanda-Kiminou, Oumar Dolo, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba, Alhassane Ba, Robert Murphy, Jean Felix Peko, Anne-Genevieve Marcelin, Vincent Calvez, Stephane Marot
Summary: A serological survey in sub-urban areas of the capital cities of Congo and Mali reveals human contact with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) associated with previously described CCHFV risk factors.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aleksander Wymazal, Sabina Nowak, Robert W. Myslajek, Anna Bajer, Renata Welc-Faleciak, Maciej Szewczyk, Iga Kwiatkowska, Kinga M. Stepniak, Michal Figura, Agnieszka Kloch
Summary: The wolf population in Central and Eastern Europe has been increasing, but their frequent contacts with humans make them a potential zoonotic reservoir. This study found a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging wolves from Poland.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nannet D. Fabri, Hans Heesterbeek, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Frauke Ecke, Hein Sprong, Lonneke Nijhuis, Tim R. Hofmeester, Nienke Hartemink
Summary: In many parts of the northern hemisphere, different species of deer, small mammals, and birds coexist and their composition can strongly influence the outbreak potential of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates how the abundance and composition of vertebrate communities affect the basic reproduction number R0 of tick-borne pathogens, and shows that species composition plays a substantial role in the outbreak potential of tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lynn M. Osikowicz, Maria R. Rizzo, Andrias Hojgaard, Sarah E. Maes, Rebecca J. Eisen
Summary: This article describes the prevalence and diversity of Lyme disease in the United States. By using different detection methods, the authors found various species of spirochetes present in specific tick species, revealing the potential transmission of pathogens among ticks.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Somaya Saleh, Rana Elseadawy, Ragab M. Fereig, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: Published data on tick-borne pathogens in camels worldwide have been collected, providing an overview of their global prevalence and species diversity. Evidence of natural infection of camels with certain tick-borne pathogens is limited, particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. More research is needed to understand the role of camels in maintaining and transmitting these pathogens.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Saana Sipari, Mikko Kiljunen, Minna Nylund, Eva R. Kallio
Summary: This study introduces a stable isotope analysis method to directly identify tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. The results show that stable isotope signatures can reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
