Article
Parasitology
Tal Azagi, Margriet Harms, Arno Swart, Manoj Fonville, Dieuwertje Hoornstra, Lapo Mughini-Gras, Joppe W. Hovius, Hein Sprong, Cees van den Wijngaard
Summary: The study found associations between the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on humans and self-reported symptoms. However, due to the subjective nature of such reports and the fact that infection was determined in the ticks and not in the patient samples, further prospective studies utilizing diagnostic modalities should be performed before any clinical outcome can be causally linked to infection with tick-borne pathogens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Agne Namina, Alisa Kazarina, Marija Lazovska, Sarmite Akopjana, Viktorija Ulanova, Agnija Kivrane, Lauma Freimane, Darja Sadovska, Janis Kimsis, Antra Bormane, Valentina Capligina, Renate Ranka
Summary: This study compared the microbial composition of three tick species collected in Latvia using 16S rRNA profiling. The results showed significant differences in microbial diversity and composition among different tick species and life stages. The Francisella genus was closely associated with D. reticulatus ticks, while Candidatus Midichlorii and Candidatus Lariskella were associated with I. ricinus and I. persulcatus females, respectively.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zbigniew Zajac, Katarzyna Bartosik, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak
Summary: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is increasing in many European countries.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Petr Zeman
Summary: Until a causal prophylaxis is available, the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is through avoiding ticks and personal protection. Some regions/countries provide tick-activity forecasts (TAFs) based on weather projections to support public precautions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this preventative strategy and found that public access to TAFs and preventive information is limited, resulting in a higher number of TBD cases occurring after the period of maximum public responsiveness. Simulations suggest that the prevention yield could be doubled by considering population exposure in addition to tick activity and proposing real-time alternatives.
Article
Microbiology
Zbigniew Zajac, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak, Katarzyna Bartosik, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Sara Moutailler, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study investigated the presence of tick species in the Western Carpathians, Poland and examined the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts as reservoir organisms. The results showed that only two species of ticks were found in the study area, with temperature significantly affecting tick activity and the number of Ixodes ricinus nymphs varying with altitude. The main hosts for ticks were rodents, and the ticks collected from vegetation were often infected with various pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Ternenge Thaddaeus Apaa, Harriet Mcfadzean, Sara Gandy, Kayleigh Hansford, Jolyon Medlock, Nicholas Johnson
Summary: This study examined the presence of A. phagocytophilum in livestock and wildlife in Great Britain, with a focus on cattle. The results showed the presence of ecotype I in cattle, sheep, red deer, and Ixodes ricinus ticks, and ecotype II in roe deer and I. ricinus removed from deer carcasses. However, only ecotype I was detected in cattle in this study.
Article
Parasitology
Manon Lemasson, Gregory Caignard, Yves Unterfinger, Houssam Attoui, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Edouard Hirchaud, Sara Moutailler, Nicholas Johnson, Damien Vitour, Jennifer Richardson, Sandrine A. Lacour
Summary: This study presents the first description of the protein-protein interaction network between TBEV/LIV and I. ricinus, shedding light on key interactions between the virus and tick vector. By investigating these interactions, the study lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the vector competence of I. ricinus.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Viktoriya A. Levytska, Andriy B. Mushinsky, Dana Zubrikova, Lucia Blanarova, Ewa Dlugosz, Bronislava Vichova, Kateryna A. Slivinska, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Slawomir Gizinski, Shuling Liu, Lan Zhou, Artem S. Rogovskyy
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in different regions of Ukraine, finding variations in infection rates among different tick species, while no significant differences were observed between the five cities.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
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.
Review
Entomology
Lucy Gilbert
Summary: Ticks are widespread and carry pathogens, impacting by climate change; tick-borne disease systems are complex with diverse drivers, modeling can help understand changes; future research should focus on assessing the resilience of ticks and tick-borne pathogens to climate change.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY, VOL 66, 2021
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sarah Knorr, Sophia Reissert-Oppermann, Julen Tomas-Cortazar, Diego Barriales, Mikel Azkargorta, Ibon Iloro, Felix Elortza, Sophia Pinecki-Socias, Juan Anguita, Joppe W. Hovius, Ard M. Nijhof
Summary: Co-immunoprecipitation of tick proteins with host immune sera followed by protein identification using LC-MS/MS proved to be an effective approach to identify antigen-antibody interactions, leading to the discovery of 46 immunodominant proteins differentially recognized by the serum of immunized calves. Some of these proteins were found to be highly expressed in tick tissues and could potentially serve as anti-tick vaccine candidates.
Article
Immunology
Oxana A. Belova, Alexandra E. Polienko, Anastasia D. Averianova, Galina G. Karganova
Summary: Ixodes ricius and Ixodes persulcatus ticks are the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The overlap in distribution ranges of these tick species can lead to hybridization, affecting both tick spread and arbovirus infection properties. The study found that virus transmission effectiveness and RNA copy numbers were highest in ticks, specifically hybrids, during the transmission of the Siberian subtype of TBEV. However, after molting, the transmission effectiveness decreased.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna Omazic, Seungeun Han, Ann Albihn, Karin Ullman, Phimphanit Choklikitumnuey, Debora Perissinotto, Giulio Grandi
Summary: Environmental and climatic changes in northern Europe have led to the establishment of new tick species and the introduction of new tick-borne pathogens. A study in northern Sweden collected ticks from different hosts in 2018 and 2019, revealing the geographical distribution and dominance of specific tick species. The results showed an expansion in the distribution area of Ixodes persulcatus compared to previous reports.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pantelis Georgiades, Ekaterina Ezhova, Meri Raty, Dmitry Orlov, Markku Kulmala, Jos Lelieveld, Svetlana Malkhazova, Kamil Erguler, Tuukka Petaja
Summary: Tick-borne diseases are a challenge associated with warming climate, as the expansion of tick habitats and the acceleration of tick development are influenced by climatic parameters. This study focuses on European Russia and explores the link between climatic parameters and tick-related hospital visits as well as borreliosis incidence rates. The findings suggest that regions in the southern forested areas of European Russia are expected to experience a longer tick season and an increase in borreliosis incidence rates, while the northern areas with established tick populations may not see a prolongation of the tick season.
Article
Entomology
B. Cull, K. M. Hansford, L. McGinley, E. L. Gillingham, A. G. C. Vaux, R. Smith, J. M. Medlock
Summary: This study investigated the variation in Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection rates in Ixodes ricinus ticks across 24 field sites in England and Wales, showing site-specific and year-to-year differences. The main genospecies detected was B. garinii, highlighting the spatial and temporal variability in infected tick bites in areas used for outdoor activities in England and Wales.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Liz McGinley, Samantha Wilkinson, Emma L. Gillingham, Ben Cull, Sara Gandy, Daniel P. Carter, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Simon Richards, Alister Hayes, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: Assessing tick-borne disease risk in high-visitor areas is crucial for public health. This study in London found variations in tick presence, density, infection prevalence, and nymph density across different habitats. Highest densities of nymphs and infected ticks were associated with woodland and under canopy habitats in the largest parks, while short grass areas seemed less suitable for ticks. Maintaining short grass in high footfall areas could reduce the risk of Lyme borreliosis transmission to humans.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Laura Tomassone, Manoj Fonville, Luigi Bertolotti, Dieter Heylen, Nannet D. Fabri, Jolyon M. Medlock, Ard M. Nijhof, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Hein Sprong, Aleksandra I. Krawczyk
Summary: Rickettsiella species are common symbionts in a variety of arthropod species, including Ixodes ricinus ticks, with genetic diversity and distribution impacted by geographic location and life stage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct clades of Rickettsiella, with close relations to other arthropods, and specific isolation patterns for Clades II and IV. Coinfections were observed, but significant associations with other tick-associated bacteria were not detected.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Benedict W. Wheeler, Barbara Tschirren, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: This review synthesizes the research results on the presence of Ixodes ricinus ticks and Borrelia infections in urban green spaces in 24 European countries. The study found that these pathogens are distributed in various urban green space habitats and vary seasonally. However, the impact of human exposure to these ticks and subsequent Lyme borreliosis incidence in urban green spaces has not been quantified.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Benedict W. Wheeler, Barbara Tshirren, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: This study investigates tick presence, nymph density, and Borrelia infection in urban green spaces in Bath, England, revealing the potential risk of Lyme borreliosis to the public. The findings emphasize the importance of considering tick bites as a public health concern in urban green space planning and management.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jolyon M. Medlock, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Sara Gandy, Benjamin Cull, Liz McGinley, Emma Gillingham, Matthew Catton, Steven T. Pullan, Kayleigh M. Hansford
Summary: This study investigated the density of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected Ixodes ricinus nymphs (DIN) across a Lyme disease-endemic landscape in southern England from 2013-2017. The results showed variations in nymph density (DON), nymph infection prevalence (NIP), and DIN across different natural habitats, with the highest DIN in woodland edge and high biodiversity woodlands. The study also discussed the potential impacts of scrub vegetation and bird/gamebirds on tick infection rates.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Veterinary Sciences
Jolyon M. Medlock, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Sara Gandy, Alexander G. C. Vaux
Article
Infectious Diseases
L. P. Phipps, K. M. Hansford, L. M. Hernandez-Triana, M. Golding, L. McGinley, A. J. Folly, A. G. C. Vaux, M. F. de Marco, D. P. Carter, J. M. Medlock, N. Johnson
Summary: The distribution and population size of red sheep ticks are increasing in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom. Reports of human biting by this species have also increased in recent years. PCR screening of ticks collected from sites in Southern England over a three year period revealed the presence of Babesia species associated with TBD infections in livestock, as well as the human pathogen Borrelia miyamotoi. These findings suggest that the expansion of this tick species in Southern England may pose risks to public and livestock health.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
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
Entomology
Sara L. Gandy, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: In this study, records of Ixodes ricinus bites on humans, dogs, and cats in the United Kingdom between 2013 and 2020 were analyzed. The results showed an increasing trend in the percentage of grids reporting I. ricinus bites, particularly in new areas of South and East England. Spatiotemporal analyses indicated a decline in the percentage of new areas covered each year, except for Scotland. The study discusses potential drivers of tick expansion, such as reforestation and increase in deer populations.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Sara L. Gandy, Emma L. Gillingham, Liz McGinley, Benjamin Cull, Colin Johnston, Matthew Catton, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: Tick-borne disease risk is closely related to the distribution of tick vector species. Understanding tick distribution, host associations, and seasonality is crucial for assessing risk and predicting disease emergence. Passive surveillance, supported by engagement with the public and experts, can provide valuable data and mapping of tick distribution, helping to identify areas where tick exposure has occurred and inform disease prevention efforts.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Liz McGinley, Benedict W. Wheeler, Barbara Tschirren, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: Ticks are present in various habitats, with woodland being important for Borrelia infection. This study investigated the density and prevalence of ticks in urban, peri-urban, and rural woodlands in southern England. The results showed that tick density and Borrelia infection rates were similar in urban and rural woodlands, suggesting a potential risk of Lyme borreliosis transmission in urban areas. This is of public health concern due to the dominance of Borrelia garinii, which is associated with neuroborreliosis.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Emma L. Gillingham, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Benjamin Cull, Liz McGinley, Matthew Catton, Benedict W. Wheeler, Barbara Tschirren, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: Understanding the effects of local habitat and landscape connectivity on tick presence, nymph density, and Borrelia spp. prevalence is crucial for assessing the risk of Lyme borreliosis. This multi-city study collected data in three urban areas in southern England and found that distance to woodland was negatively associated with tick presence and nymph density, especially in spring and summer. Bird-related Borrelia genospecies dominated and may play an important role in tick feeding and infection in urban green spaces. The overall prevalence of Borrelia spp. in nymphs was 2.8%, similar to rural areas in the UK. The low density of infected nymphs suggests a low risk of Lyme borreliosis transmission, but more research is needed to incorporate tick bite data in urban settings.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
G. R. William Wint, Thomas Balenghien, Eduardo Berriatua, Marieta Braks, Cedric Marsboom, Jolyon Medlock, Francis Schaffner, Wim Van Bortel, Neil Alexander, Bulent Alten, Ewelina Czwienczek, Sofie Dhollander, Els Ducheyne, Celine M. Gossner, Kayleigh Hansford, Guy Hendrickx, Hector Honrubia, Tom Matheussen, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Dusan Petric, Jane Richardson, Hein Sprong, Veerle Versteirt, Olivier Briet
Summary: VectorNet maps are an important tool for assessing the distribution of arthropod vectors in Europe and its surrounding areas. The methodology includes collecting data from literature, field surveys, and expert validation. As of 2021, the VectorNet archive contains over 330 species and approximately 475,000 records. The maps are widely used as reference material by professionals and the public.
Article
Microbiology
Ternenge Thaddaeus Apaa, Harriet Mcfadzean, Sara Gandy, Kayleigh Hansford, Jolyon Medlock, Nicholas Johnson
Summary: This study examined the presence of A. phagocytophilum in livestock and wildlife in Great Britain, with a focus on cattle. The results showed the presence of ecotype I in cattle, sheep, red deer, and Ixodes ricinus ticks, and ecotype II in roe deer and I. ricinus removed from deer carcasses. However, only ecotype I was detected in cattle in this study.