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Pathogens
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Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia
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Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Ticks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 3735

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Benoit Malleret

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
2. Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
Interests: infectious diseases and immunity
Dr. Jean-Marc Chavatte

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore City, Singapore
Interests: malaria; zoonotic disease; haemoparasites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The 2nd SEA Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Symposium aims to review recent progress and strengthen this important regional initiative. Given the complex and multifaceted nature of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, the symposium will bring together experts from multiple disciplines under a One Health approach to foster collaboration and advance research.

Key Topics:

  • New insights in tick research – Exploring the latest findings and breakthroughs in tick biology and behavior.
  • Updates on ticks and tick-borne diseases in Southeast Asia – Highlighting current research and surveillance efforts in the region.
  • Tick-borne pathogen research – Investigating the pathogens carried by ticks and their impact on human and animal health.
  • Environmental changes and emerging tick-borne pathogens – Examining how climate and environmental shifts are influencing the spread and emergence of tick-borne diseases.
  • Acaricides and resistance; anti-tick vaccines – Discussing the development of novel control strategies and advancements in vaccine research.
  • Tick bites and associated manifestations – Understanding the clinical symptoms and complications associated with tick bites.

To further advance research and discovery in this field, we are excited to partner with Pathogens to launch a Special Issue titled "Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia". We welcome all contributions related to the topics outlined above.

Dr. Benoit Malleret
Dr. Jean-Marc Chavatte
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ticks
  • tick-borne pathogens
  • tick-borne diseases
  • anti-tick
  • one health

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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11 pages, 524 KB  
Article
The Comparative Study for Detection of Canine Vector-Borne Pathogens Between Companion and Stray Dogs in Bangkok and Vicinities, Thailand
by Bach Xuan Pham, Pornkamol Phoosangwalthong, Techin Inkaew and Tawin Inpankaew
Pathogens 2026, 15(5), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15050527 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 293
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) circulating in diverse dog populations in Thailand by using molecular diagnostic methods. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from four groups (n = 100 each): stray dogs [...] Read more.
This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) circulating in diverse dog populations in Thailand by using molecular diagnostic methods. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from four groups (n = 100 each): stray dogs (Group A), vector-borne disease–suspected companion dogs (Group B), healthy companion dogs presenting for routine examination (Group C), and companion dogs presenting with non-vector-borne illnesses (Group D). The overall infection rate was 46.25%. Ehrlichia spp. were the most frequently detected pathogens (23.5%), followed by Babesia spp. (16.5%), Rickettsia spp. (15.0%), and Anaplasma spp. (11.5%). The prevalence differed markedly among groups, including group A (88.0%), group B (54.0%), group C (27.0%) and group D (16.0%) (p < 0.05). DNA sequence analysis showed 100% identity with GenBank™ reference sequences, confirming the presence of Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia asembonensis, Babesia vogeli, and Anaplasma platys. The detection of CVBPs across all groups demonstrates free-roaming and owned dogs serve as reservoirs for substantial ongoing infections and pose potential zoonotic implications to humans. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of sustained molecular surveillance, improved vector control strategies, and proactive monitoring of high-risk dog populations to reduce the burden of CVBPs in Thailand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia)
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14 pages, 1050 KB  
Article
Molecular Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Bovine Tick-Borne Protozoa in Thai and Imported Beef Cattle in Thai-Myanmar Border and Infesting Ticks from Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
by Prottoy Bhadury, Thom Do, Narisorn Pilean, Wissanuwat Chimnoi, Ketsarin Kamyingkird, Xuenan Xuan and Tawin Inpankaew
Pathogens 2026, 15(4), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040365 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Tick-borne protozoa (TBP), including Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., cause substantial health and productivity losses in cattle. In Thailand, most epidemiological studies have focused on dairy herds, while beef cattle remain underinvestigated. This study assessed TBP infections in beef cattle and their ticks [...] Read more.
Tick-borne protozoa (TBP), including Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., cause substantial health and productivity losses in cattle. In Thailand, most epidemiological studies have focused on dairy herds, while beef cattle remain underinvestigated. This study assessed TBP infections in beef cattle and their ticks at the Thai–Myanmar border. Blood samples were collected from 158 beef cattle, including local animals from Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi districts and cross-border cattle imported from Myanmar. Engorged ticks, predominantly Rhipicephalus microplus, were removed and identified morphologically. DNA was extracted from blood and tick samples, and PCR assays were performed to detect Babesia and Theileria species. Overall, 51.3% of cattle were positive for Babesia or Theileria DNA. Babesia bigemina (10.8%) and Babesia bovis (8.2%) were the most frequently detected species. Infection prevalence was higher in local cattle from Thong Pha Phum (56.0%) and Sangkhlaburi (54.6%) than in cross-border cattle (39.5%). In contrast, ticks collected from cross-border cattle showed a significantly higher prevalence of TBP DNA (40.0%) compared with ticks from Thong Pha Phum (12.8%) and Sangkhlaburi (8.7%). These findings provide important epidemiological evidence of TBP circulation at the Thai–Myanmar border and highlight the influence of cattle movement and tick exposure on pathogen distribution and spread in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia)
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12 pages, 1590 KB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of a Dual-Target One-Step Nested PCR for the Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. in Ticks
by Phiaw Chong Foo, Canedy Jacob, Christina Injan Mawang, Ernieenor Faraliana Che Lah and Mariana Ahamad
Pathogens 2026, 15(3), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030312 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are tick-borne infectious diseases caused by more than 30 Rickettsia species. As ticks may harbor and transmit multiple pathogens during a single blood meal, sensitive and specific molecular detection methods are essential for early diagnosis. Conventional nested PCR [...] Read more.
Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are tick-borne infectious diseases caused by more than 30 Rickettsia species. As ticks may harbor and transmit multiple pathogens during a single blood meal, sensitive and specific molecular detection methods are essential for early diagnosis. Conventional nested PCR is commonly used but is time-consuming and prone to cross-contamination due to multiple amplification steps. This study evaluated a dual-target one-step nested PCR assay developed as a rapid alternative to conventional nested PCR for SFG Rickettsia detection. Gene-specific primers targeting the Rickettsia outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene and the 17 kDa antigen gene were designed, with a Plasmodium falciparum thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) gene included as an internal amplification control. Primer specificity was verified in silico, and assay performance was assessed using synthetic DNA templates. The dual-target one-step nested PCR achieved detection limits of 10 gene copies for the 17 kDa gene and 1000 gene copies for ompA, compared with 10 and 100,000 gene copies, respectively, using conventional nested PCR. Screening of 184 tick specimens identified one positive sample (0.54%) for the Rickettsia 17 kDa gene. Overall, the dual-target one-step nested PCR demonstrated comparable sensitivity to conventional nested PCR while reducing assay time and contamination risk, indicating its potential as a reliable tool for SFG Rickettsia detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia)
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8 pages, 402 KB  
Opinion
Accelerating Progress on Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia: Regional Challenges, Evidence Gaps, and Priorities (2023–2025)
by Benoit Malleret, Mackenzie L. Kwak and Jean-Marc Chavatte
Pathogens 2026, 15(5), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15050511 - 11 May 2026
Viewed by 448
Abstract
Southeast Asia (SEA) faces persistent gaps in regional understanding and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) despite recent advances (2023–2025). The second international symposium on ticks and TBDs in SEA (Singapore, August 2025), following the inaugural 2023 meeting in Cambodia, served as [...] Read more.
Southeast Asia (SEA) faces persistent gaps in regional understanding and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) despite recent advances (2023–2025). The second international symposium on ticks and TBDs in SEA (Singapore, August 2025), following the inaugural 2023 meeting in Cambodia, served as a catalyst for regional exchange that informed this perspective. SEA’s ecological and host diversity supports complex tick–host–pathogen networks, yet evidence remains fragmented due to uneven sampling that has largely focused on livestock and peri-urban environments. Key constraints include limited taxonomic resolution driven by outdated or incomplete identification keys, under-sampling of soft ticks (Argasidae), and the absence of harmonized, open-access regional reference resources (including DNA barcodes and MALDI-TOF MS spectral databases). While MALDI-TOF MS, proteomics, AI-assisted identification, and next-generation sequencing/metagenomics are increasingly applied, their broader regional uptake is limited by the absence of harmonized, open-access reference resources (including DNA barcodes and MALDI-TOF MS spectral databases). Broad ecological surveys and integrated animal and human surveillance remain limited, and vector competence studies are constrained by the scarcity of SEA-derived tick colonies and cell lines. Regional data and recent findings (2024–2026) confirm circulation of multiple TBPs (including Anaplasma, Babesia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria) and highlight emerging viral findings, including southward reports of Bandavirus dabieense. Human infestations and non-communicable tick bite outcomes (e.g., tick paralysis and alpha-gal syndrome) are recognized but remain under-reported due to low clinical awareness and limited diagnostics. Importantly, the diagnostic chain is further disrupted by missed/insufficient specimen collection at the point of care, and by constrained capacity to identify (especially immature) ticks to species level—limitations compounded by the absence of harmonized, open-access regional reference resources. The symposium identified six priorities: (1) full completion and regional validation of tick identification keys for adults (in progress) and immatures (to be initiated), plus an open-access DNA barcode library anchored by curated, voucher-based collections from all SEA countries; (2) harmonization of molecular and proteomic diagnostic platforms, including expansion of regional MALDI-TOF MS and NGS protocols and reference databases; (3) development of tick colonies and cell lines from locally prevalent species to support vector competence, vaccine, and acaricide testing; (4) expansion of One Health surveillance with enhanced ecological sampling at wildlife–livestock–human interfaces; (5) establishment of open-access, region-wide data platforms for integrated tick, TBP, and ecological metadata sharing; and (6) sustained investment in human resources, training, and policy advocacy to raise research and public health visibility of ticks and TBDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia)
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7 pages, 393 KB  
Case Report
Imported Pediatric Lyme Disease in Singapore—A Case Series
by Ade Xin Ning Tan, Ilyas Hussin, Chia Yin Chong, Matthias Maiwald, Terri Xiao-Bei Chiong and Natalie Woon Hui Tan
Pathogens 2026, 15(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040437 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 552
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common reported vector-borne disease in North America and is also highly prevalent across Europe. Although tick-borne diseases are uncommon in Singapore, there remains a risk of imported tick-borne diseases among travelers from endemic regions. We present a case [...] Read more.
Lyme disease is the most common reported vector-borne disease in North America and is also highly prevalent across Europe. Although tick-borne diseases are uncommon in Singapore, there remains a risk of imported tick-borne diseases among travelers from endemic regions. We present a case series of three pediatric patients with imported Lyme disease managed at a tertiary children’s hospital in Singapore, illustrating the varied clinical presentations of Lyme disease in children. One child developed meningitis following prior antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease, although causality cannot be definitively established. This series aims to highlight key diagnostic considerations and management principles relevant to clinicians practicing in non-endemic regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Southeast Asia)
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