Review
Immunology
Jolieke G. van Oosterwijk, Stephen K. Wikel
Summary: The medical and veterinary public health importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is increasing due to the expansion of geographic ranges, increasing populations, and growing incidence of diseases. The immune-mediated control of tick infestations and pathogen transmission through vaccines has become more prominent. Research on resistance mechanisms, host immune defenses, genomics, and proteomics have contributed to the development of new anti-tick vaccine antigens. Targeting pathogen reservoirs with vaccines has the potential to disrupt disease cycles and reduce exposure in humans and animals.
Article
Parasitology
Carla Janaina R. M. do Rosario, Aldilene S. Lima, Caritas de J. S. Mendonca, Isabelle S. Soares, Eduardo B. A. Junior, Matheus N. Gomes, Livio M. Costa-Junior, Jose Guilherme S. Maia, Claudia Q. da Rocha
Summary: A study found that essential oils extracted from two chemotypes of Ageratum conyzoides have acaricidal activity against R. microplus, with the oil from purple flower samples being more effective.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sandra Antunes, Ana Domingos
Summary: The development of anti-tick vaccines depends on identifying suitable antigens with specific characteristics. These antigens should be crucial in tick biology, encoded by a single gene, expressed in different life stages and tick tissues, capable of inducing an immunological response without causing allergies or toxic effects, and unrelated to the mammalian host. Nuttall et al.'s (2006) publication effectively discusses the importance of exposed and concealed antigens in this field. This commentary aims to debate the relevance of such studies in tick immunological control.
Article
Parasitology
Amanda Figueiredo, Luis Adriano Anholeto, Diego Faria Cola, Rafaela Regina Fantatto, Yousmel Aleman Gainza, Isabella Barbosa dos Santos, Gabriel Pedroso Vicozzi, Daiana Silva Avila, Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto, Ana Carolina de Souza Chagas
Summary: Nanoformulations containing zein nanoparticles (ZN) were developed to enhance the stability and protection of acaricidal molecules. The nanoformulations, composed of ZN and a combination of cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and a plant compound, showed high efficacy against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and low toxicity to nontarget nematodes. ZN was able to protect the active compounds and provide a longer residual activity period. This study suggests that ZN can be a promising alternative for the development of new acaricidal formulations.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Nadeem Abbas, Mohamed Amine Jmel, Imen Mekki, Ingrid Dijkgraaf, Michail Kotsyfakis
Summary: Ticks can cause serious damage to human and animal health worldwide and result in significant economic losses annually. Chemical acaricides are commonly used for tick control but have negative impacts on the environment and contribute to the emergence of acaricide-resistant tick populations. Vaccines are considered a better alternative for tick control and have been developed using antigen-based approaches, with some already commercially available.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Kashif Kamran, Abid Ali, Cristian A. Villagra, Zahoor Ahmed Bazai, Asim Iqbal, Muhammad Sohail Sajid
Summary: The study conducted in a horse farm in Quetta, Balochistan province, Pakistan, found resistance of Hyalomma anatolicum against ivermectin and fipronil, mainly due to horse keepers not following instructions for the use of acaricides. The urgent need for nationwide awareness about resistance monitoring and effective tick control is highlighted by the results.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Charles Ndawula
Summary: Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites capable of transmitting various pathogens, and while the predominant method of control is the use of acaricides, there are concerns over resistance and residue accumulation. Anti-tick cattle vaccination is seen as a sustainable alternative, but often shows lower efficacy compared to the Bm86-based vaccines. Current approaches to assess vaccine effectiveness and potential bottlenecks are examined in this review, along with a proposed model to aid in the assessment process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengchao Ding, Haoyu Chen, Tianyi Wang, Lijuan Wu, Kai Shao, Lei Han, Xiaoying Kong, Jinsheng Shi
Summary: A PRDH nanosystem was prepared to attack tumor cells through photothermal therapy and chemodynamic therapy, as well as removing protection of sticky factors and triggering tumor recognition by immune cells. The nanosystem released Rg3 and catalyzed CO2 into CO, inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1 and promoting the exposure of the MUC1 antigen, leading to targeted elimination of tumor cells by immune cells.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Allan da Silva Lunguinho, Maria das Gracas Cardoso, Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes Ferreira, Isaac Filipe Moreira Konig, Raquel Romano Palmeira Goncalves, Rafaela Magalhaes Brandao, Alex Rodrigues Silva Caetano, David Lee Nelson, Rafael Neodini Remedio
Summary: The essential oils extracted from Backhousia citriodora, Callistemon viminalis and Cinnamodendron dinisii showed strong acaricidal activity against R. microplus and repellent activity against R. sanguineus s.l. The oils also exhibited inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, making them potential bioactive compounds for tick control.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Dasiel Obregon, Alejandra Wu-Chuang, Jennifer Maye, Jeremie Borneres, Nicolas Versille, Jose de la Fuente, Sandra Diaz-Sanchez, Luis G. Bermudez-Humaran, Edgar Torres-Maravilla, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Adnan Hodzic, Ladislav Simo, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study demonstrated that immunization targeting key or non-key taxa of tick microbiota in a vertebrate host model significantly impacts the structure and function of tick microbiota. Ticks fed on mice immunized with Escherichia coli showed reduced abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in their microbiota. Anti-tick microbiota vaccines are proven to be a safe, specific, and easy-to-use tool for manipulation of vector microbiome.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Alina Rodriguez-Mallon
Summary: The presence of species with genetic resistance or acquired resistance to ticks in nature has led to considering vaccination as an alternative to chemical control of ticks. The purification and characterization of the Bm86 antigen in 1989 was a significant development in tick vaccine research. Previous studies on cattle immunization against Rhipicepahalus microplus ticks using tick gut extracts showed successful results, demonstrating the feasibility of using antigens other than salivary-gland-derived molecules for anti-tick immunity. The practical application of an anti-tick vaccine required the isolation and identification of the Bm86 protein, which is still the basis for commercially available tick vaccines.
Article
Entomology
Sherwin L. Alota, Tisha Rogelle J. Edquiban, Remil L. Galay, John Michael G. Bernardo, Kristina Andrea C. Sandalo, Billy P. Divina, Tetsuya Tanaka
Summary: Tick infestations and tick-borne diseases are major economic burdens in the cattle industry worldwide. Amitraz, a commonly used acaricide, has shown resistance in many countries but not in the Philippines. This study found no apparent resistance to amitraz in cattle ticks from various provinces in the Philippines, although genetic analysis revealed some similarities to known resistant strains. Prudent use of amitraz is recommended to prevent potential development of resistance.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luis Fernando Parizi, Naftaly Wang'ombe Githaka, Carlos Logullo, Jinlin Zhou, Misao Onuma, Carlos Termignoni, Itabajara da Silva Vaz Jr
Summary: Developing vaccines against different tick species faces challenges in selecting suitable antigens and controlling the expanding population of ticks. This review discusses the progress made and future directions in the search for universal tick vaccines.
Article
Parasitology
Kathryn E. Reif, Naemi P. Bickmeier, Brian H. Herrin, Michael W. Dryden, Dorothy M. Normile, Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai, Kamilyah R. Miller, Macy R. Flowers, Qing Kang
Summary: The study found that dogs administered a single dose of Bravecto (R) achieved faster control of Ixodes scapularis infestations compared to dogs administered a single dose of Simparica TRIO (R).
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Tognetti, Massimiliano Biagini, Maxime Denis, Francesco Berti, Domenico Maione, Daniela Stranges
Summary: The increasing diffusion of AMR highlights the need for innovative treatment strategies. Pathogen infection prevention, especially through vaccines, is effective in preventing disease and AMR spread. The review discusses the importance of multiple antigen administration and the challenges in developing and producing vaccines against AMR. It also analyzes the strategies and complexities of multivalent vaccine formulation and emphasizes the importance of integrating existing knowledge and advanced technologies to efficiently develop vaccines against AMR.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ali Raza, Benjamin L. Schulz, Amanda Nouwens, Lousie A. Jackson, Emily K. Piper, Peter James, Nicholas N. Jonsson, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: The study identified significant differences in protein abundance between tick-resistant (TR) and tick-susceptible (TS) cattle, both before and after tick infestation, suggesting distinct adaptive responses. The differential protein abundances were associated with immune responses, including complement factors, immune cell chemotaxis, and acute-phase responses in TR Santa Gertrudis cattle.
PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose de la Fuente, Octavio Armas, Luis Sanchez-Rodriguez, Christian Gortazar, Alexander N. Lukashev
Summary: The study used a citizen science initiative to collect data and found that BCG vaccination may increase the risk of COVID-19 in certain age groups, particularly in individuals vaccinated during childhood. Results showed that childhood BCG vaccination increased the likelihood of being diagnosed with COVID-19 fivefold in low-incidence countries.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nicholas N. Jonsson, David K. Cox, Emily K. Piper, Emily F. Mantilla Valdivieso, Constantin Constantinoiu, Louise A. Jackson, Michael J. Stear, Elizabeth M. Ross, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: This study investigated the effects of PTPRC genotype on immune-response phenotypes in cattle with varying immune responsiveness to ticks. Results showed that PTPRC genotype influences the bovine immune response to ticks, but was not associated with the observed variation in resistance to tick infestation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ala E. Tabor
Summary: Australia has been a leader in tick vaccine research, developing vaccines and precursors for various types of ticks, but challenges in market conservation persist. New research programs have emerged, providing new directions for tick vaccine development.
Article
Microbiology
Muhammad Noman Naseem, Ali Raza, Rachel Allavena, Michael McGowan, Jess A. T. Morgan, Constantin Constantinoiu, Ala E. Tabor, Peter James
Summary: The molecular diagnostic assays developed in this study showed high specificity and sensitivity for Stephanofilaria sp. DNA, which will assist in understanding its role in the pathogenesis of cattle skin lesions and epidemiological dynamics.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Margarita Villar, Ivan Pacheco, Lourdes Mateos-Hernandez, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz, Ala E. Tabor, Manuel Rodriguez-Valle, Albert Mulenga, Katherine M. Kocan, Edmour F. Blouin, Jose de la Fuente
Summary: Ticks produce proteins with alpha-Gal modifications in saliva during feeding, which may serve as potential biomarkers for AGS. These proteins have potential implications in AGS and other disorders, as well as a protective capacity against tick infestations and pathogen infection.
EXPERT REVIEW OF PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chian Teng Ong, Elizabeth M. Ross, Gry B. Boe-Hansen, Conny Turni, Ben J. Hayes, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: This study compares the effectiveness of different sequencing methods for profiling bovine vaginal metagenomic samples. It finds that ONT adaptive sequencing yields a higher amount of metagenomic data per 1 Gb of sequence data and has increased sequencing efficiency and long read continuity. This method improves the amount and accuracy of metagenomic data for samples with high host-to-microbe DNA ratio.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Ala E. Tabor, Isabel K. F. de Miranda Santos, Nathalie Boulanger
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Manuel Rodriguez-Valle, Sonia McAlister, Paula M. Moolhuijzen, Mitchell Booth, Kim Agnew, Claudia Ellenberger, Aleta G. Knowles, Kathleen Vanhoff, Matthew I. Bellgard, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: Venom-producing animals, including ticks like the Australian paralysis tick, can cause rapid paralysis through the secretion of potent neurotoxins. Current methods for preventing or treating tick paralysis have drawbacks such as poor efficacy, adverse effects, and high cost. Research suggests that proper folding of holocyclotoxins is crucial for inducing protection from paralysis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Charles Ndawula
Summary: Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites capable of transmitting various pathogens, and while the predominant method of control is the use of acaricides, there are concerns over resistance and residue accumulation. Anti-tick cattle vaccination is seen as a sustainable alternative, but often shows lower efficacy compared to the Bm86-based vaccines. Current approaches to assess vaccine effectiveness and potential bottlenecks are examined in this review, along with a proposed model to aid in the assessment process.
Article
Parasitology
Muhammad Noman Naseem, Ali Raza, Geoffry Fordyce, Michael McGowan, Constantin Constantinoiu, Conny Turni, Rachel Allavena, Ala E. Tabor, Peter James
Summary: Buffalo flies are a major concern for health and production in north Australian beef herds. They can cause skin lesions and transmit nematodes, but the role of nematodes in lesion development is unclear. This study investigated the distribution of Stephanofilaria nematodes in buffalo flies and lesions in different regions of Queensland. The results showed that Stephanofilaria was present in most regions, but its presence did not always correlate with lesion development. Using surface swabs for sampling lesions proved to be a quicker and less invasive method than dermal biopsies. Understanding the pathogenesis of buffalo fly lesions is important for developing effective treatment and control strategies.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chian Teng Ong, Gry Boe-Hansen, Elizabeth M. Ross, Patrick J. Blackall, Conny Turni, Ben J. Hayes, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of different host depletion and DNA extraction methods for bovine vaginal metagenomic samples. The findings indicated that Soft-spin and QIAamp were the most effective methods in reducing host DNA contamination and increasing sequencing depth for microbial reads. Thus, a combination of these methods provided the most robust representation of the vaginal microbial community in cattle.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Amanda D. Barbosa, Michelle Long, Wenna Lee, Jill M. Austen, Mike Cunneen, Andrew Ratchford, Brian Burns, Prasad Kumarasinghe, Rym Ben-Othman, Tobias R. Kollmann, Cameron R. Stewart, Miles Beaman, Rhys Parry, Roy Hall, Ala Tabor, Justine O'Donovan, Helen M. Faddy, Marjorie Collins, Allen C. Cheng, John Stenos, Stephen Graves, Charlotte L. Oskam, Una M. Ryan, Peter J. Irwin
Summary: There is a lack of data about tick-related illnesses in Australia, especially the Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT). This research plan aims to investigate the causes, pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes of tick-associated disease in Australia, using prospective data collection, matched control groups, and integrative data analysis. The study includes laboratory analyses, such as metagenomics, to explore potential pathogen transmission during tick bites, as well as multi-omics technology to investigate links between immune responses and disease causations. Psychometric profiling will also be used to examine the influence of psychological attributes on symptom development. The research will contribute to a better understanding of tick-borne diseases and improve diagnostic outcomes and treatment for patients bitten by ticks in Australia.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Muhammad Noman Naseem, Ali Raza, Muhammad Kamran, Rachel Allavena, Constantin Constantinoiu, Michael McGowan, Conny Turni, Ala E. E. Tabor, Peter James
Summary: Skin lesions in cattle associated with feeding by Haematobia fly species are a significant health issue in northern Australian cattle. This study found that differences in the hypersensitivity response to buffalo fly antigens is a key factor underlying the variation amongst the cattle in susceptibility-to-lesion development. Further understanding of the skin response could lead to the identification of biomarkers for selecting cattle with increased resistance to buffalo fly lesion development.
Review
Microbiology
Chian Teng Ong, Conny Turni, Patrick J. Blackall, Gry Boe-Hansen, Ben J. Hayes, Ala E. Tabor
Summary: Research has shown that the normal microflora in the female bovine reproductive tract is dominated by various bacteria, with an association between the development of reproductive diseases and overgrowth of specific bacteria. Additionally, studies have indicated a link between dysbiosis in the reproductive tract microbiome and bovine reproductive health.