Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods of significant importance to human and veterinary medicine. They transmit a vast array of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths. Most epidemiological data on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in the West Indies are limited to common livestock pathogens such as Ehrlichia ruminantium, Babesia spp. (i.e., B. bovis and B. bigemina), and Anaplasma marginale, and less information is available on companion animal pathogens. Of note, human tick-borne diseases (TBDs) remain almost completely uncharacterized in the West Indies. Information on TBP presence in wildlife is also missing. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the ticks and TBPs affecting human and animal health in the Caribbean, and introduce the challenges associated with understanding TBD epidemiology and implementing successful TBD management in this region. In particular, we stress the need for innovative and versatile surveillance tools using high-throughput pathogen detection (e.g., high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR). The use of such tools in large epidemiological surveys will likely improve TBD prevention and control programs in the Caribbean.
Highlights
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods of significant econonomic and sanitary importance affecting human and animal health worldwide
We have reviewed the currently available epidemiological literature on ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) circulating in the Caribbean
The majority of reported and monitored TBPs in the Caribbean are those concerning pets and livestock, many records are outdated and are based on underperforming serological assays. This situation highlights the need to update epidemiological data concerning the diversity of TBPs circulating in the West Indies
Summary
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods of significant econonomic and sanitary importance affecting human and animal health worldwide. The life cycle for both male and female ticks includes three developmental stages (excluding eggs): larvae, nymphs (one nymphal stage in Ixodidae and several nymphal stages in Argasidae), and adults. Each of these stages can potentially acquire and transmit pathogens while feeding on a host. Vertebrate host infection can occur by orally ingesting infected ticks, as demonstrated for Hepatozoon spp. sporozoites transmission (Mathew et al, 1998; Baneth et al, 2001; Modrý et al, 2017) Owing to their health impact, the most studied tick species in the West Indies are those associated with TBP transmission to livestock or pets. Amblyomma spp., and Dermacentor spp. are the most commonly found (Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
