Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition

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31 January 2027

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31 March 2027

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the previous volume, we are pleased to announce the launch of the second edition of this Topic on Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens. This Topic continues to provide a platform for showcasing groundbreaking research, innovative methodologies, and promising discoveries in various facets of tick biology. Key topics of interest include tick physiology, microbiome and genomics, taxonomy and the evolution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, ecological and epidemiological aspects, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and strategies for control, including immunity and vaccine development.

We invite you to contribute to this Topic in esteemed MDPI journals such as Pathogens, Animals, Vaccines, Veterinary Sciences, Arthropoda, and Insects.

This Topic offers researchers the opportunity to publish enhanced and refined versions of their work, significantly extending the impact and visibility of their findings. We believe that this initiative will further facilitate the dissemination of cutting-edge research and foster ongoing collaboration and innovation within the tick research community. The collective insights and contributions will serve as a lasting academic resource, enriching the field and driving future discoveries. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions.

Dr. Alina Rodriguez-Mallon
Dr. Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	5.2	2011	17.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Arthropoda arthropoda	-	-	2023	41.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Insects insects	2.9	5.6	2010	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Pathogens pathogens	3.3	6.8	2012	14.1 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Vaccines vaccines	3.4	9.9	2013	18.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Veterinary Sciences vetsci	2.3	3.5	2014	17.8 Days	CHF 2100	Submit

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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12 pages, 1189 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Distribution of Hyalomma Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dromedary Camels in Chad

by Muhammad Umair Aziz, Jacob Cassens, Jeconias Allawaï-Sanigue, Michel Lontsi-Demano, Timoléon Tchuinkam, Olivier Andre Sparagano, Jonathan D. Oliver and Patrick Butaye

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050443 - 30 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are major ectoparasites of dromedary camels and serve as important vectors for diverse tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting both animals and humans. In this study, we determined the tick species diversity and distribution and estimated the prevalence of TBPs [...] Read more.

Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are major ectoparasites of dromedary camels and serve as important vectors for diverse tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting both animals and humans. In this study, we determined the tick species diversity and distribution and estimated the prevalence of TBPs in those ticks. A total of 780 ticks collected from camels in Bol, Chad, were identified into four species: Hyalomma dromedarii (49.0%), H. rufipes (22.6%), H. impeltatum (19.1%), and H. truncatum (9.4%). Sixty ticks were selected proportionally across the four Hyalomma species and screened for TBPs using PCR. Coxiella burnetii was detected in 11.7% of the ticks, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in 1.7%. Anaplasmataceae-specific 16S rRNA primers detected Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii, a tick endosymbiont, in 10% of the ticks. No protozoan pathogens (Theileria or Babesia) were detected. This study highlights the need for integrated surveillance of ticks and their associated microorganisms in Chadian camels to mitigate zoonotic and veterinary risks. Strengthening such efforts will support camel health and pastoral livelihoods in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1804 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Combined Effect of Bm86 and Subolesin Polypeptide Vaccines in Cattle Naturally Infested with Rhipicephalus microplus

by Nancy Mendoza-Martínez, Miguel Ángel Alonso-Díaz, Jose Octavio Merino-Charrez and Rodolfo Lagunes-Quintanilla

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13030301 - 22 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Rhipicephalus microplus infestations are a major concern for cattle production in neotropical regions. Anti-tick vaccines represent a sustainable alternative to chemical acaricides; however, improving vaccine efficacy remains challenging. This study evaluated the protective efficacy of polypeptide-based formulations of pBm86 and pSubolesin administered as [...] Read more.

Rhipicephalus microplus infestations are a major concern for cattle production in neotropical regions. Anti-tick vaccines represent a sustainable alternative to chemical acaricides; however, improving vaccine efficacy remains challenging. This study evaluated the protective efficacy of polypeptide-based formulations of pBm86 and pSubolesin administered as co-immunization or as a cocktail in naturally infested cattle. Twelve calves were assigned to three groups: G1: 100 μg pBm86 + 50 μg pSubolesin co-immunized; G2: same formulation in cocktail; and G3: control. The cocktail significantly reduced adult female tick numbers, oviposition, and larvae hatching (p < 0.05), achieving a vaccine efficacy of 75%. In contrast, co-immunization achieved 50% efficacy. Vaccinated cattle developed significantly increased antigen-specific IgG levels against Subolesin than Bm86. IgG antibodies recognized native tick proteins by Western blot, and their efficacy was confirmed in vitro using blood-feeding assays. These results indicate that the cocktail formulation showed improved efficacy compared with co-immunization in this study, possibly by affecting complementary biological processes in ticks. Finally, this study supports the development of multi-antigen, polypeptide-based vaccines as a promising and sustainable approach for the control of R. microplus under natural field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 2486 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigation and Correlation Analysis of Pathogens Carried by Ticks and Cattle in Tumen River Basin, China

by Pengfei Min, Jianchen Song, Yinbiao Meng, Shaowei Zhao, Zeyu Tang, Zhenyu Wang, Sicheng Lin, Fanglin Zhao, Meng Liu, Longsheng Wang and Lijun Jia

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010078 - 13 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to public health. The Tumen River Basin is located at the junction of China, North Korea and Russia, whose warm climate and favorable ecological environment are suitable for the growth and reproduction of ticks. At [...] Read more.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to public health. The Tumen River Basin is located at the junction of China, North Korea and Russia, whose warm climate and favorable ecological environment are suitable for the growth and reproduction of ticks. At the same time, the cattle industry in this region is highly developed, with cattle serving as the primary economic source for the area. This study performed an epidemiological investigation and analysis of pathogens carried by ticks and cattle in the Tumen River basin. A total of 913 ticks and 247 bovine blood samples were collected from seven cities primarily focused on cattle farming in the Tumen River basin. Morphological and molecular biological identification of ticks was carried out to determine the distribution of ticks and their pathogens in the region. Through the detection of pathogens carried by cattle blood samples in the surrounding area, the correlation with tick distribution was confirmed. The species and distribution of ticks of different genders and in different collection environments, and the infection of pathogens in bovine blood samples were statistically analyzed. The results showed that the 913 ticks had 5 species, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis japonica, Dermacentor silvarum and Ixodes persulcatus. Three pathogens, Babesia ovata, Theileria orientalis and Theileria sinensis, were detected in the blood samples of vector ticks and cattle. These results provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Tumen River basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 881 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Persistence and Transmission Dynamics of Babesia ovis After Imidocarb Dipropionate Treatment: Evaluation via Blood Transfusion and Tick Infestation

by Recep Firat, Mehmet Can Ulucesme, Arda Eyvaz, Mehmet Alatas, Munir Aktas, Onur Ceylan, Ferda Sevinc and Sezayi Ozubek

Pathogens 2026, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010007 - 20 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Babesia ovis is a significant tick-borne parasite of sheep, capable of causing both acute disease and long-lasting, low-grade infections. Imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP) is commonly used against babesiosis, yet whether it can completely eliminate B. ovis remains uncertain. In this study, we examined whether [...] Read more.

Babesia ovis is a significant tick-borne parasite of sheep, capable of causing both acute disease and long-lasting, low-grade infections. Imidocarb dipropionate (IMDP) is commonly used against babesiosis, yet whether it can completely eliminate B. ovis remains uncertain. In this study, we examined whether the parasite persists after treatment and whether such residual infections can still be transmitted. Three sheep were experimentally infected, treated with IMDP once clinical signs appeared, and then monitored for 180 days by microscopy, nested PCR, and iELISA. Fever and microscopic parasitemia resolved soon after treatment, but nPCR intermittently detected parasite DNA for several weeks. By day 180, all treated sheep were negative by nPCR and microscopy, while two still showed detectable antibodies. Blood collected at this time was transfused into naïve sheep. Two of the three recipients showed nPCR positivity at scattered time points and later seroconverted while showing no clinical signs. In contrast, Rhipicephalus bursa ticks that fed on the treated donors neither acquired the parasite nor transmitted it to recipients, likely because post-treatment parasitemia remained below the acquisition threshold. Overall, these results indicate that IMDP controls clinical disease but may not fully clear B. ovis, allowing silent transmission through blood despite negative routine tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 879 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Canine Ticks, Tick-Borne Pathogens and Associated Risk Factors in Nigeria

by Ternenge Thaddaeus Apaa, Philip Oladele Oke, Felix Kundu Shima, Gberindyer Aondover Fidelis, Stephen Dunham and Rachael Tarlinton

Pathogens 2025, 14(12), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14121271 - 11 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to canine health in Nigeria. Despite this, there is little data on the molecular identification of ticks and TBPs of dogs in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of ticks and TBPs in Nigerian dogs, along [...] Read more.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to canine health in Nigeria. Despite this, there is little data on the molecular identification of ticks and TBPs of dogs in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of ticks and TBPs in Nigerian dogs, along with associated risk factors. A total of 259 dogs were enrolled in the study, from which 112 adult ticks were collected. Of these, 40 were characterized by molecular barcoding confirming Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus, 35/40) and Haemphysalis leachi (H. leachi, 5/40) infestations. Nucleotide sequences showed high percentage similarity to R. sanguineus tropical lineage and H. leachi sequences from Chad. Point-of-care (POC) testing of 259 dogs detected antibodies to TBPs in 40.9% of blood samples, with Ehrlichia (29.7%), Anaplasma (10.8%), and Dirofilaria (0.4%) species identified. PCR assays revealed a prevalence of 58.7% for TBPs, including Ehrlichia (40.5%) and Babesia (17.4%), with 7.3% co-infected. Risk factor analysis showed that adult dogs and those infested with ticks had a higher likelihood of TBP seropositivity. Exotic breeds and dogs examined during the rainy season were more likely to test positive for TBPs via PCR. Overall, this study demonstrates the high prevalence of diverse TBPs in Nigerian dogs and suggests that dog breed may play a role in susceptibility to diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 1879 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Hard Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Fauna in Natural and Anthropogenic Habitats in Croatia

by Stjepan Krčmar, Marko Vucelja, Marco Pezzi, Marko Boljfetić, Josip Margaletić and Linda Bjedov

Insects 2025, 16(10), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16101027 - 5 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

Due to the evident increase in tick-borne diseases worldwide, it is necessary to constantly update information on the distribution and zoonotic potential of hard ticks. We studied diversity, population structure, and seasonal dynamics of hard tick fauna, faunal similarity and the climate impact [...] Read more.

Due to the evident increase in tick-borne diseases worldwide, it is necessary to constantly update information on the distribution and zoonotic potential of hard ticks. We studied diversity, population structure, and seasonal dynamics of hard tick fauna, faunal similarity and the climate impact on tick occurrence in natural habitats (NHs) (forest communities) and anthropogenic habitats (AHs) (orchards, grasslands, degraded forests) in eastern and central parts of Continental Croatia. Host-seeking hard ticks were sampled by the flag-dragging method in lowland AHs (Bansko Hill (BH); 2023–2024 yr.) and in mountainous NHs (Medvednica Mountain (MM); 2019–2021, 2024 yr.). Overall, 2726 specimens belonging to eight hard tick species (Ixodes ricinus, I. frontalis, I. hexagonus, I. kaiseri, Haemaphysalis inermis, H. concinna, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus) were identified in AHs, while in NHs 1543 hard ticks, belonging to three species (I. ricinus, I. frontalis, D. reticulatus), were collected. The most abundant species in both habitat types (47.83% in AHs, 99.80% in NHs) was I. ricinus, showing unimodal seasonal activity within studied NHs and bimodal activity at AHs. Comparison of hard tick fauna in different habitats using the Sørenson index on BH and MM showed a high percentage of similarity (50.0–88.8). At AHs, a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was determined between the abundance (N) and the mean monthly air temperatures (°C) for H. inermis (r = −0.5931; p = 0.0421) and D. reticulatus (r = −0.6289; p = 0.0285), while their numbers positively correlated (r = 0.5551; p = −0.2667; r = 0.4430; p = 0.1492) with air humidity (%). In contrast, the number of sampled host-seeking I. ricinus ticks at natural forest habitats on MM was positively associated with air temperature and negatively with air humidity at elevations from 200 to 1000 m a.s.l. (r = −0.7684; p = 0.0259; at 200 m a.s.l.). Collected specimens of I. frontalis mark the first record for Osijek–Baranja County, while the sampled D. reticulatus on MM represents the first catch at 1000 m a.s.l. in Croatia. This new data on the distribution and seasonality of medically important hard tick species in Continental Croatia contributes to identifying tick-risk foci and high-risk periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: 2nd Edition)

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