Search Results (112)

Ongoing changes in the distribution and abundance of several tick species of medical relevance in Canada have prompted the development of the eTick platform—an image-based crowd-sourcing public surveillance tool for Canada enabling rapid tick species identification by trained personnel, and public health guidance based on tick species and province of residence of the submitter. Considering that more than 100,000 images from over 73,500 identified records representing 25 tick species have been submitted to eTick since the public launch in 2018, a partial automation of the image processing workflow could save substantial human resources, especially as submission numbers have been steadily increasing since 2021. In this study, we evaluate an end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) pipeline to support tick identification from eTick user-submitted images, characterized by heterogeneous quality and uncontrolled acquisition conditions. Our framework integrates (i) tick localization using a fine-tuned YOLOv7 object detection model, (ii) resolution enhancement of cropped images via super-resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (RealESRGAN and SwinIR), and (iii) image classification using deep convolutional (ResNet-50) and transformer-based (ViT) architectures across three datasets (12, 6, and 3 classes) of decreasing granularities in terms of taxonomic resolution, tick life stage, and specimen viewing angle. ViT consistently outperformed ResNet-50, especially in complex classification settings. The configuration yielding the best performance—relying on object detection without incorporating super-resolution—achieved a macro-averaged F1-score exceeding 86% in the 3-class model (Dermacentor sp., other species, bad images), with minimal critical misclassifications (0.7% of “other species” misclassified as Dermacentor). Given that Dermacentor ticks represent more than 60% of tick volume submitted on the eTick platform, the integration of a low granularity model in the processing workflow could save significant time while maintaining very high standards of identification accuracy. Our findings highlight the potential of combining modern AI methods to facilitate efficient and accurate tick image processing in community science platforms, while emphasizing the need to adapt model complexity and class resolution to task-specific constraints. Full article

This study aimed to assess the emergence and/or re-emergence of Tick-borne Diseases (TBD) in Portugal by linking the hemoparasite burden in companion animals to vector-borne disease dynamics through a One Health approach. Between 2015 and 2024, 1169 clinically suspected animals with hemoparasite infections, treated at the Hospital Veterinário de Santarém (HVS), underwent serological confirmation for Rickettsia conorii, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia spp., and Haemobartonella spp. A total of 3791 serological tests (3.2 tests per animal) were performed and 437 animals tested positive for at least one of the four hemoparasites under investigation. From 2020 to 2024, tests nearly tripled from 894 to 2883, raising positive cases and prevalence from 29.5% to 39.9%, especially for rickettsiosis and hemobartonellosis, indicating an increased circulation of their vectors. A national vector surveillance initiative identified Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor sp. as primary tick vectors in Portugal for the hemoparasites mentioned above and for other agents like arbovirus, such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). This study found that the vectors responsible for transmitting hemoparasitosis, given the high number of serologically positive cases detected in the HVS, represent an increasing risk for TBD. These findings highlight the relevance of companion animal monitoring as an early-warning component within a One Health surveillance approach. Full article

Ticks are arthropods responsible for transmitting microorganisms important to wild, domestic, and human animals. In ecosystems where they are distributed, interactions between hosts are a constant risk. This study analyzed voluntary case reports of tick infestations in humans and tick collections from wild and domestic animals in six different locations in the flooded savanna region of the Colombian Orinoquia. Classical and molecular taxonomy were used to identify tick species. Individuals infested with ticks were monitored for clinical manifestations related to tick bites. A total of 22 ticks were found infesting five men and one woman, aged between 9 and 60 years. Both classical and molecular taxonomy confirmed that 100% of the ticks infesting humans and animals were Amblyomma mixtum. Two of the six individuals reported primary and secondary skin reactions during and after the tick bite, including mild-to-severe inflammatory reactions, pruritus, and erythematous papules that persisted up to 72 h. This study provides, for the first time, compiled information on clinical skin manifestations caused by A. mixtum in humans in the flooded savanna region and in Colombia as a whole. These findings serve as a theoretical basis for developing surveillance programs targeting infestations caused by this arthropod. Full article

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), first reported in 1957 in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, has spread significantly over the past two decades, reaching both northern and southern states, with reports of monkey deaths. Haemaphysalis spp. ticks are the primary vectors, transmitting the disease to monkeys, humans, and other mammals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of Ixodidae ticks, including the KFD vector, in domestic animals across selected localities of the Western Ghats. A total of 2877 domestic animals were surveyed, revealing an overall tick prevalence of 44.91% (CI: 43.10–46.73), with sheep showing the highest prevalence at 47.92% (CI: 40.96–54.95). The most abundant tick species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, with a mean of 2.53 ± 0.66 ticks per host, which also represented the most proportionally dominant species, accounting for 39.63% of the total ticks collected. The highest mean intensity was recorded for Haemaphysalis intermedia (7.35 ± 2.03 ticks per infested animal). Regionally, Rh. (Bo.) microplus was found in 96.15% of buffaloes examined in Tamil Nadu, Haemaphysalis bispinosa in 85.19% of cattle in Maharashtra, and in 98.46% of goats in Goa. Ha. intermedia was common in 99.11% of sheep examined in Karnataka, while Ha. bispinosa was observed in 90.82% of goats in Kerala. The proportional representation of the KFD vector Haemaphysalis spinigera was 0.97%, with a mean intensity of 2.34 ± 0.04 ticks per infested animal and an overall mean abundance of 0.06 ± 0.01 ticks per host. Adult Ha. spinigera were recorded from cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and dogs; however, no nymphs were detected. This study also reports the first documented occurrence of Ixodes ceylonensis in domestic animals. These findings suggest a notable presence of tick infestations in the region and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and targeted control measures to better understand and manage potential KFD transmission risks in the Western Ghats. Full article

Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence of I. hookeri in ticks from the coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula, specifically Croatia and Bulgaria. A total of 1043 questing ticks were collected between 2011 and 2013 across 15 locations. Molecular screening revealed I. hookeri DNA in Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs from inland Croatia (overall prevalence: 18.72%) and in Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs and larvae from coastal Bulgaria (prevalence: 17.2%). All I. hookeri-positive samples were co-infected with Wolbachia spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae). This detection marks the southernmost record of I. hookeri in Central Europe, expanding its known range to the Balkan Peninsula and supporting its relevance as a potential natural enemy in integrated tick management strategies. Full article

The nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, is one of only two species of armadillo found in Mexico. Among the ectoparasites reported on this mammal are ticks of the genus Amblyomma. Between December 2022 and April 2024, 52 ticks of different developmental stages (females, males, and nymphs) were collected from five D. novemcinctus. All ticks were morphologically identified as A. auricularium. This study reports for the first time the presence of this tick species in the Municipality of Santiago Llano Grande, Oaxaca. Full article

Background: Chemosensation in ticks opens a novel and unique field for scientific research. This study highlights ticks’ chemosensory system to comprehend its host-searching behavior and other integrated chemistry and biology involving Haller’s structure. Methodology: This study combines microanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments to investigate the role of Haller’s organ in adult ticks in response to different classes of organic compounds. Results: We showed the microscopic anatomy of Haller’s organ in Haemaphysalis darjeeling, present at the terminal segment of the first pair of appendages. Haller’s structure serves a vital function in perceiving odor. The electrophysiological activity of adult ticks to different classes of organic compounds via electroscutumography was explored at five different concentrations: w/v 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0%. Among 55 organic compounds, moderate to high stimulation was recorded with pyruvate (13.28 mv at 2%), ammonia (12.26 mv at 2%), benzoic acid (1.99 mv at 0.001%), isobutyric acid (1.39 mv at 0.001%), 2,6-dichlorophenol (1.34 mv at 0.001%), p-Tolualdehyde (1.26 mv at 2%), tetradecane (1.23 mv at 2%), docosane (1.17 mv at 2%), citronellal (1.13 mv at 0.1%), isopropyl acetate (1.05 mv at 0.01%), cyclohexanol (1.03 mv at 2%), 1-octane-3-ol (1.02 mv at 2%), and 1-octanol (1.01 mv at 0.001%). Olfactometric bioassays at w/v 2.0% concentration further confirmed that ammonia, pyruvate, 1-octane-3-ol, hematin porcine, p-Tolualdehyde, methyl salicylate, uric acid, tetradecane, carbon dioxide, propanoic acid, 3-hexanol, hexanoic acid, adenine, 2,6-dichlorophenol, hexadecane, heptanoic acid, pentanoic acid, octadecane, guanine, and nonanoic acid acted as strong attractants, while citronellal, eugenol, butyric acid, geraniol, benzaldehyde, and tiglic aldehyde showed an active repellent effect against the tick species. Conclusions: This investigation provides knowledge of the olfactory sensilla of Haller’s structure as biosensors behind tick olfaction and the possibility for chemical detection of diverse attractants and repellents for future development of anti-tick compounds. Full article

Babesia odocoilei is an emerging zoonotic protozoan parasite primarily associated with cervids, with growing recognition among non-cervid hosts and in terms of potential public health implications. While this species has been documented in North America and parts of Europe, data on its presence in Romania remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp. in ticks collected from Romania, providing new information on the existing species and their distribution, as well as their potential epidemiologic significance. A total of 41 Ixodidae ticks were collected from 184 wild boars across six counties from Western and Central Romania. Ticks were identified using morphological assessments, and DNA was extracted from the samples using a standardized protocol. The presence of Babesia spp. was assessed using real-time PCR with primers and a Taq Man probe targeting 116 bp fragments of 18S rRNA genes. Molecular analysis was used to detect Babesia spp. DNA from a single tick sample (1/41, 2.43%), identified as Dermacentor marginatus, from Timiș County. The resulting amplicons were sequenced and compared with reference sequences in GenBank for species confirmation. This finding represents the first molecular identification of B. odocoilei in questing ticks from Romania. The expanding host range and geographic distribution of B. odocoilei raise concerns regarding its zoonotic potential. The presence of this pathogen in Dermacentor marginatus ticks suggests a broader vector competence than previously recognized, and future research should focus on host reservoirs, vector competence, and potential zoonotic transmission, with an emphasis on public health implications, including potential implications for veterinary diagnostics, vector control policies, and public health awareness regarding emerging tick-borne pathogens. Full article

Dermacentor nitens (tropical horse tick) is a tick species commonly found parasitizing horses and other equids in the Amazon region, causing economic losses. Currently, tick control is based on chemical acaricides, usually in a power formulation for topical use. However, its indiscriminate use results in the emergence of resistant tick lineages. Several plant compounds have been tested for their acaricide activity. In the Amazon, several plants are used for oil extraction, resulting in the production of solid residue (waste) that may contain chemical molecules with biological activities. Thus, we aimed to test the in vitro acaricidal potential of the ethanolic extract of the industrial residue of andiroba (Carapa sp.) against D. nitens. In a larval immersion test (LIT), D. nitens larvae were tested with 2.5%, 5%, and 10% andiroba extract concentrations in three replicates. Subsequently, the envelopes were kept in a BOD chamber (28 °C ± 1 °C; 80% ± 5% humidity) for 24 h. At the end of this period, live and dead larvae were counted, and efficiency was calculated from the mortality rate caused by the extract and corrected by the Abbot formula. In the three repetitions, the andiroba extract at a concentration of 5% caused the death of 100% of the larvae. At concentrations of 2.5% and 10%, they caused the death of, respectively, 12.38% (±3.5%) and 69.79% (±7.98%) of the larvae. These results indicate that the extract from the industrial residue from the production of andiroba oil has acaricidal activity. It is concluded that the solid waste from industrial andiroba oil extraction has the potential for the development of natural acaricides against D. nitens. Full article

Globally, due to climate change, urbanization, and the intensification of interactions between humans and animals, tick populations have increased, and areas where these arthropod vectors can develop and transmit diseases have expanded. Ixodidae ticks infect a wide variety of species and serve as major vectors for zoonotic pathogens of veterinary importance. This study aimed to identify and map ticks collected from boar tails in six Romanian counties. A total of 141 ticks were identified and differentiated on the basis of their morphological characteristics via stereomicroscopy and electron microscopy. Among the 141 ticks examined, five species, Ixodes ricinus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Dermacentor marginatus, were identified. The identification and mapping of ticks present on wild boars is beneficial for both veterinary and human medicine due to the pathogens they can transmit. The results of our study indicate that parasitism with different tick species in wildlife—in this case, wild boar—is present in the Romanian counties under study. This is one of the most recent tick identification and mapping studies. Tick parasitism represents a threat to the health of wild/domestic animals, and frequent monitoring is necessary. Full article

Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks infest humans in Europe most frequently. This report describes an interesting case of a persistent inflammatory skin reaction developed in a patient after the incomplete removal of an I. ricinus female tick. A 47-year-old female patient incompletely removed a female I. ricinus tick feeding in the lumbar region for approximately 12 h. After 9 weeks of persistent itching and burning, the skin from the tick feeding site was sampled for histopathological examination. The lesion exhibited the presence of abundant inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils, as well as multinucleated macrophages and irregular fibrosis. The histopathological image revealed the presence of a tick bite granuloma. This study indicates that persistent symptoms of an inflammatory reaction may develop after incomplete tick removal, even after a short time of feeding. Full article

The advancement of multi-omics technologies is crucial to deepen knowledge on tick biology. These approaches, used to study diverse phenomena, are applied to experiments that aim to understand changes in gene transcription, protein function, cellular processes, and prediction of systems at global biological levels. This review addressed the application of omics data to investigate and elucidate tick physiological processes, such as feeding, digestion, reproduction, neuronal, endocrine systems, understanding population dynamics, transmitted pathogens, control, and identifying new vaccine targets. Furthermore, new therapeutic perspectives using tick bioactive molecules, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor, were summarized. Taken together, the application of omics technologies can help to understand the protein functions and biological behavior of ticks, as well as the identification of potential new antigens influencing the development of alternative control strategies and, consequently, the tick-borne disease prevention in veterinary and public health contexts. Finally, tick population dynamics have been determined through a combination of environmental factors, host availability, and genetic adaptations, and recent advances in omics technologies have improved our understanding of their ecological resilience and resistance mechanisms. Future directions point to the integration of spatial omics and artificial intelligence to further unravel tick biology and improve control strategies. Full article

The spectrum of ixodid ticks that bite humans in Western Siberia has significantly changed over the past two decades. In this study, we determined tick species attacking people in the vicinity of Novosibirsk and the range of bacterial agents they were infected with. This study included 301 ticks taken from people and 46% were Ixodes pavlovskyi, followed by Ixodes persulcatus (19.6%), I. persulcatus/I. pavlovskyi interspecies hybrids (19.6%), Dermacentor reticulatus (12.8%), and single Dermacentor marginatus and Dermacentor nuttalli/Dermacentor silvarum. Human DNA was determined in ticks, first demonstrating that all Ixodes spp., including hybrids, can effectively feed on humans. The DNA of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasmataceae bacteria was detected in different tick species. Borrelia garinii prevailed in Ixodes species, being found in 8.8% of ticks, whereas B. afzelii and B. bavariensis were found in single ticks. Borrelia miyamotoi was revealed in 3.7% of ticks. “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae” and R. raoultii were identified mainly in I. persulcatus and D. reticulatus (44.8% and 26.3%, respectively), while Rickettsia helvetica was found only in 2.2% I. pavlovskyi. The prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis did not exceed 2%. The obtained results indicate a high risk for humans to be infected with agents of Lyme borreliosis, primarily B. garinii. Full article

Ticks are important vectors of pathogens, producing diseases in animals and humans. The planning of information campaigns or prevention programs is heavily based on the knowledge of highly detailed data on tick distribution. This study reports unpublished data on the distribution of more than 30,000 tick specimens, collected by active surveys in the years 1985–2024 in Spain, from 2285 surveys in 1636 unique sites, providing coordinates with variable accuracy. The report covers new records of Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus hibericus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (either s.s. or s.l.). Other species were sporadically collected. Many specimens have been re-examined for accurate identification according to current taxonomic views, mainly in the genus Rhipicephalus. We summarized this newly available information using the Köppen–Geiger climate classification. This compilation of unpublished tick records pinpoints the importance of the systematic monitoring of ticks. It is intended as the baseline over which the ongoing national tick collection program is built in order to track the long-term changes of tick distribution in Spain, because of the land use changes, the spread of invasive vertebrates, or the climate trends. Full article

Hyalomma dromedarii ticks are the main hematophagous ectoparasites of camels, harboring a variety of microbes that can affect tick vector competence and pathogen transmission. To better understand the tick microbiome influenced by sex and host habitat, we analyzed the bacterial community of H. dromedarii male and female ticks collected from camel farms, livestock markets, and slaughterhouses, representing the range of major habitats in the UAE, by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Tick samples were collected during 2022 and 2023. A total of 40 ticks (male (15), female (15), and nymph (10)) were selected from tick samples collected from camels and processed for genomic DNA and next-generation sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. We obtained 151,168 read counts, and these formed 237 operational taxonomic units representing 11 phyla, 22 classes, 77 families, and 164 genera. The phyla Actinomycetota, Bacillota, Bacteroidota, Pseudomonadota, and Fusobacteriota were the most abundant. The bacterial genus Corynebacterium dominated the microbiomes of farm-collected female H. dromedarii ticks, while Proteus dominated the microbiomes of farm-collected male H. dromedarii ticks. In comparison, the microbiomes of H. dromedarii ticks collected from slaughterhouse samples were dominated by genus Francisella in both males and females. Our results confirm that the bacterial microbiomes of H. dromedarii ticks vary by sex and habitat settings. Furthermore, recent findings could deliver insight into the differences in the ability of camel ticks to acquire, maintain, and transmit pathogens in various habitats that may impact the tick vector competence of medically and agriculturally important species in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Asia. Full article