Prevention Of Tick-borne Diseases Research Articles

Molecular survey on prevalence and risk factors of Anaplasma spp. infection in cattle and sheep in West of Iran.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in general and Anaplasma spp. in particular are known as economically important agents of diseases of domestic ruminants worldwide. Little information exists regarding the prevalence and the role of various factors affecting the occurrence of anaplasmosis in the west of Iran. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Anaplasma pathogens in Kurdistan province, west of Iran. During spring and summer 2016, blood samples were collected from a total of 401 livestock animals from different farms distributed in the Kurdistan province. Furthermore, data on general husbandry traits and management practices were recorded. PCR examination showed an overall prevalence of 37.3 and 10% in cattle and sheep, respectively. Cattle were infected with A. phagocytophilum (23.8%), A. bovis (15.4%), and A. marginale (13.9%) while sheep were infected with A. ovis (10%) and A. phagocytophilum (3.5%). The occurrence of anaplasmosis was considerably higher in cattle compared to sheep (P < 0.0001). Based on results of logistic regression models, risk of Anaplasma infection was significantly higher in crossbreeds (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.025-3.65, P = 0.042) compared with local cattle breeds. Furthermore, being older than 1 year was associated with increased risk of Anaplasma infection in cattle (OR = 2.18, 95%, CI = 1.022-4.68, P = 0.044) and sheep (OR = 2.86, 95%, CI = 1.006-8.22, P = 0.049) compared to younger individuals. No difference was observed between the counties. Identifying potential risk factors and potential vectors and reservoirs contribute to the successful control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Khasiat fluralaner terhadap kutu keras (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) pada anjing

Fluralaner is a new molecular entity from the isoxazoline class that exhibits acaricidal and insecticidal activity and it is recommended as an anti-ticks drugs. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of fluralaner against dog infested by tick. A total of 10 dogs weighing about 20-40 kg which consists of various races, were divided into control groups with-out medication (n=2), and treatment group (n=8) received fluralaner tablets once by orally, at a dose of 25 mg / kg body weight. The results showed that based on observation of day of drug application at 24th hour was the time where the drug reaches the standard of efficacy with decrease number of the tick by 97.3%. In 28 and 56 days post treatment were the highest levels of efficacy with a decrease number of tick reaching 100%. The efficacy of the fluralaner was still very high until 84 days post treatment reached up to 94.1%. This study also proved that 12 weeks of drug work believed to overcome reinfestation of the tick. The rapid tick-killing effect and the long duration of efficacy showed the potency fluralaner to aid in the prevention of tick borne diseases.

RNA-seq analysis and gene expression dynamics in the salivary glands of the argasid tick Ornithodoros erraticus along the trophogonic cycle

BackgroundThe argasid tick Ornithodoros erraticus is the main vector of tick-borne human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin. Tick salivary proteins secreted to the host at the feeding interface play critical roles for tick feeding and may contribute to host infection by tick-borne pathogens; accordingly, these proteins represent interesting antigen targets for the development of vaccines aimed at the control and prevention of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases.MethodsTo identify these proteins, the transcriptome of the salivary glands of O. erraticus was de novo assembled and the salivary gene expression dynamics assessed throughout the trophogonic cycle using Illumina sequencing. The genes differentially upregulated after feeding were selected and discussed as potential antigen candidates for tick vaccines.ResultsTranscriptome assembly resulted in 22,007 transcripts and 18,961 annotated transcripts, which represent 86.15% of annotation success. Most salivary gene expression took place during the first 7 days after feeding (2088 upregulated transcripts), while only a few genes (122 upregulated transcripts) were differentially expressed from day 7 post-feeding onwards. The protein families more abundantly overrepresented after feeding were lipocalins, acid and basic tail proteins, proteases (particularly metalloproteases), protease inhibitors, secreted phospholipases A2, 5′-nucleotidases/apyrases and heme-binding vitellogenin-like proteins. All of them are functionally related to blood ingestion and regulation of host defensive responses, so they can be interesting candidate protective antigens for vaccines.ConclusionsThe O. erraticus sialotranscriptome contains thousands of protein coding sequences—many of them belonging to large conserved multigene protein families—and shows a complexity and functional redundancy similar to those observed in the sialomes of other argasid and ixodid tick species. This high functional redundancy emphasises the need for developing multiantigenic tick vaccines to reach full protection. This research provides a set of promising candidate antigens for the development of vaccines for the control of O. erraticus infestations and prevention of tick-borne diseases of public and veterinary health relevance, such as TBRF and ASF. Additionally, this transcriptome constitutes a valuable reference database for proteomics studies of the saliva and salivary glands of O. erraticus.Graphical

Willingness to Pay for Select Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Measures in Endemic Areas.

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are increasing despite prevention recommendations. We explored whether cost is a barrier to prevention use in Connecticut and Maryland, using a cross-sectional survey. Respondents were queried regarding their willingness to pay for chemical, natural, and rodent-targeted yard pesticide treatments and permethrin-treated clothing. We evaluated associations between demographics, TBD knowledge and attitudes, and willingness to pay for prevention methods. Most respondents would pay for yard treatments (85%); 95% preferring natural pesticide, and 82% would pay for permethrin-treated clothing. Most did not want to pay more than $99 for any of the yard treatments. Having a household income of $100 000 was associated with willingness to pay $100 or more for chemical, natural, or rodent-targeted treatments and $25 or more for permethrin self-treated and pretreated clothing. Yard treatments, especially natural pesticides, were acceptable for TBD prevention; however, current pricing may be cost-prohibitive. Permethrin-treated clothing may be an affordable and acceptable prevention method.

Tick hypersensitivity and human tick-borne diseases.

Immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to ticks and other arthropods are well documented. Hypersensitivity to ixodid (hard bodied) ticks is especially important because they transmit infection to humans throughout the world and are responsible for most vector-borne diseases in the United States. The causative pathogens of these diseases are transmitted in tick saliva that is secreted into the host while taking a blood meal. Tick salivary proteins inhibit blood coagulation, block the local itch response and impair host anti-tick immune responses, which allows completion of the blood meal. Anti-tick host immune responses are heightened upon repeated tick exposure and have the potential to abrogate tick salivary protein function, interfere with the blood meal and prevent pathogen transmission. Although there have been relatively few tick bite hypersensitivity studies in humans compared with those in domestic animals and laboratory animal models, areas of human investigation have included local hypersensitivity reactions at the site of tick attachment and generalized hypersensitivity reactions. Progress in the development of anti-tick vaccines for humans has been slow due to the complexities of such vaccines but has recently accelerated. This approach holds great promise for future prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Preventing tick-bites among children in Indiana, USA: An analysis of factors associated with parental protective behaviors

Despite evidence to the effect that there is low parental adoption of tick-bite personal protective behavior (PPB) for their children – a population at high risk for tick exposure, very limited information is available on factors associated with parental adoption of PPB. The objective of this study was to identify the most significant factors associated with parental adoption of tick-bite PPB on behalf of a child or children at risk of tick encounters. A cross-section of parents in Indiana, USA whose child had spent time outdoors in tick habitat during the summer were recruited from representative online panels maintained by Qualtrics. Binary logistic regression was used to model determinants of five tick-bite PPBs. Our results revealed that the application of tick repellent (89 %, n = 718) followed by conducting a tick check of the child’s body soon after returning from the outdoors (84 %, n = 676) were the PPBs most frequently adopted by parents. Conversely, tucking one’s shirt into pants and pants into socks was the least frequently adopted PPB (48 %, n = 386). Compared to other factors evaluated in logistic regression models, parents who reported implementing one or more residential tick control practices were significantly more likely to adopt nearly all five tick-bite PPBs for their children. Additionally, parents who were more worried about their health due to ticks and reported being more likely to avoid the outdoors because of ticks were more likely to adopt at least three PPBs on behalf of their children. To ensure children can most safely engage in outdoor activity, identifying the factors associated with parental adoption of tick-bite preventive behaviors represents an important mechanism in the prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Subolesin vaccination inhibits blood feeding and reproduction of Haemaphysalis longicornis in rabbits

BackgroundTicks can transmit numerous tick-borne pathogens and cause a huge economic loss to the livestock industry. Tick vaccines can contribute to the prevention of tick-borne diseases by inhibiting tick infestation or reproduction. Subolesin is an antigenic molecule proven to be a potential tick vaccine against different tick species and even some tick-borne pathogens. However, its effectivity has not been verified in Haemaphysalis longicornis, which is a widely distributed tick species, especially in East Asian countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectivity of subolesin vaccination against H. longicornis in a rabbit model.MethodsHaemaphysalis longicornis (Okayama strain, female, adult, parthenogenetic strain) and Japanese white rabbits were used as the model tick and animal, respectively. The whole open reading frame of H. longicornis subolesin (HlSu) was identified and expressed as a recombinant protein using E. coli. The expression was verified using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the immunogenicity of rHlSu against anti-H. longicornis rabbit serum was confirmed using Western blotting. After vaccination of rHlSu in rabbits, experimental infestation of H. longicornis was performed. Variables related to blood-feeding periods, pre-oviposition periods, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, egg mass to body weight ratio, and egg-hatching periods were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of subolesin vaccination.ResultsThe whole open reading frame of HlSu was 540 bp, and it was expressed as a recombinant protein. Vaccination with rHlSu stimulated an immune response in rabbits. In the rHlSu-vaccinated group, body weight at engorgement, egg mass, and egg mass to body weight ratio were statistically significantly lower than those in the control group. Besides, egg-hatching periods were extended significantly. Blood-feeding periods and pre-oviposition periods were not different between the two groups. In total, the calculated vaccine efficacy was 37.4%.ConclusionsVaccination of rabbits with rHlSu significantly affected the blood-feeding and reproduction in H. longicornis. Combined with findings from previous studies, our findings suggest subolesin has the potential to be used as a universal tick vaccine.

Establishing a baseline for tick surveillance in Alaska: Tick collection records from 1909-2019

The expanding geographic ranges of tick species that are known pathogen vectors can have implications for human, domestic animal, and wildlife health. Although Alaska is home to several hard tick species, it has historically been outside of the range of the most common medically important ticks in the contiguous United States and western Canada. To assess the status of tick species establishment in the state and to provide a baseline for tracking future change in the distribution of ticks, we reviewed and compiled historical tick records and summarized recent tick occurrence records collected through the development of the Alaska Submit-A-Tick Program and through tick drag sampling at sentinel sites in southcentral Alaska. Between 1909–2019, there were 1190 tick records representing 4588 individual ticks across 15 species in Alaska. The majority of ticks were species historically found in Alaska: Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Ixodes angustus, Ixodes auritulus, Ixodes howelli, Ixodes signatus, and Ixodes uriae. Over half of all tick records in the state were collected in the last 10 yr. During this time, the number of tick records and the number of tick species recorded in Alaska each year has increased substantially. Between 2010–2019, there were 611 tick records representing 1921 individual ticks. The most common hosts for reported ticks were domestic animals (n = 343, 56 %) followed by small wild mammals (n = 147, 24 %), humans (n = 49, 8%), and wild birds (n = 31, 5%). Less than 5% of records (n = 25) were of unattached ticks found in the environment. Since 2007, non-native tick species have been documented in the state every year, including Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor occidentalis, Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes pacificus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes texanus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Almost half of the records (n = 68, 48 %) of non-native tick species from 2010 to 2019 represented ticks found on a host (usually a dog or a human) that had traveled outside of Alaska in the two weeks prior to collection. However, A. americanum, D. variabilis, I. pacificus, I. texanus, and R. sanguineus s.l. have been found on humans and domestic animals in Alaska without reported recent travel. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that there is local establishment of R. sanguineus s.l. in Alaska. A tick species historically found in the state, I. angustus was frequently found on human and dogs, suggesting a potential role as a bridge vector of pathogens. Given the inconsistency of tick monitoring in Alaska over the past century, it is difficult to draw many conclusions from temporal trends in the data. Continued monitoring through the Alaska Submit-A-Tick Program will allow a more accurate assessment of the changing risk of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the state and provide information for setting clinical and public health guidelines for tick-borne disease prevention.

Coexistence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from their Hosts in Sardinia: an Update.

In recent decades, the incidence and distribution of tick-borne diseases have increased worldwide, attracting the attention of both clinicians and veterinarians. In Sardinia, notifiable tick-borne diseases are spreading and Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) rickettsiosis continues to be endemic with an incidence of 10/10,000 inhabitants per year. Furthermore, ticks can transfer more than one pathogen after a single blood meal from a coinfected host or after multiple feeding on different infected hosts. The aim of this study was to update information on ticks and tick-borne diseases, focusing also on the presence of coinfection in Sardinian ticks. The presence of protozoan (Theileria and Babesia species) and bacterial pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Chlamydia spp., Bartonella spp., and Coxiella burnetii) was evaluated in 230 ticks collected from different hosts in Sardinia. PCR and sequencing analyses highlighted that the 59% of ticks were infected with at least one pathogen while the 15% resulted in coinfection by double and triple pathogens. Among the double co-infections, those of E. canis/C. burnetii, Babesia sp. Anglona/Ch. psittaci and Babesia sp. Anglona/C. burnetii revealed a statistically significant index of coinfection. This study identifies new pathogens in Sardinian ticks and updates the information about tick-borne diseases in the island. We also provide new results on the presence of coinfections in collected ticks. The knowledge about the diversity of ticks and tick-borne diseases circulating in Sardinia is a necessary step toward implementing effective tick-borne disease prevention and control programs.

Predictors of Tick Exposure Risk-Reduction Behavior in Indiana.

To identify significant predictors of the adoption of more than one tick-exposure and tick-borne disease risk reduction behavior among a cross-section of Indiana residents. Study participants were recruited through quota sampling, before completing an online self-administered questionnaire in Qualtrics. The most adopted tick exposure risk reduction behavior (TERRB) (was 'Walking on established trails and avoiding contact with adjacent vegetation' (83%, n = 2418). This was followed by 'Conducting a thorough check of clothing and the body soon after returning from the outdoors' (81%, n = 2373). The two least adopted TERRBs were,' Treating outdoor clothing with special insect repellent (e.g. Permethrin)' (48%, n = 1409) and 'Wearing appropriate clothing' ('Tucking shirt into pants, and the pants into socks when outdoors') respectively (52%, n = 1524). Study participants who engaged in residential tick control practices (i.e. 'three-foot wide barrier of wood chips/gravel between lawn and woodland', 'yard pesticide application', 'shrub & tree-branch trimming', 'yard fencing', 'fixed time lawn mowing', and 'leaf litter removal') were significantly more likely to adopt nearly all the assessed TERRBs. Higher scores on TERRB efficacy index were associated with engaging in multiple TERRBs. Higher degree of worry about safety/health because of ticks was also associated with adoption of multiple TERRBs. In conclusion, increased risk perceptions, among Indiana residents is significantly associated with adoption of multiple TERRBs. Identifying the predictors of the adoption of more than one TERRB is vital for the prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Tick-borne diseases: an update for general practice

Practice nurses offering pre-travel consultations should be aware of tick-borne diseases. Sharon Graham outlines how to help prevent these diseases in travellers Ticks are the vectors for a number of bacterial and viral infections that can affect humans. This article will outline the general transmission, risk and prevention of tick-borne diseases. Many of these diseases are associated with travel outside of the UK. Where a vaccine for a disease is available in the UK, information will be provided, but not all tick-borne disease is vaccine preventable and people should be aware of personal protection and bite avoidance measures.

The evaluation of hunters and foresters' knowledge of the possible ways of preventing Borrelia burgdorferi infections

This study is aimed at evaluating the awareness among hunters and foresters concerning the activities undertaken for the prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infections. The study group included 236 hunters from Poland and 339 foresters from Ukraine. The study was based on an original questionnaire including questions which concerned the applied methods of removing ticks attached to the skin, the kind of preventive measures undertaken to avoid tick bites, the evaluation of knowledge concerning the prevention of tick-borne diseases, as well as the participants' willingness to be educated on this issue. Removing a tick with a pair of tweezers by a simple vertical move was more frequently practiced by the hunters (16.5%). Spreading an oily substance over a tick to make it go out on its own was more often applied by the foresters (18.8%). The occurrence of erythema migrans was more frequently reported by the foresters (47.2%). Among the persons declaring no knowledge of the prevention of tick-borne diseases, 77.8% of the hunters and 61.5% of the foresters were willing to gain such knowledge, and 11.1% of the hunters and 21.2% of the foresters did not want any education on this issue. The hunters more often than the foresters applied repellents and checked their body after returning from green areas. Education is needed in certain groups undertaking hobby or vocational activities in forest areas of Poland and Ukraine. It seems reasonable to undertake research on the preferences concerning the choice of repellents among the groups at risk of tick bites. Med Pr. 2020;71(1):59-68.

Knowledge and prevention of tickborne diseases among Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents of Maryland and Virginia.

Tickborne diseases (TBDs) such as Lyme disease (LD), babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever cause substantial morbidity and even mortality in the USA. Data indicate that Hispanic populations may be at greater risk for occupational exposure to ticks and disseminated LD; however, information on knowledge and practices of Hispanic populations regarding TBDs is limited. We surveyed 153 Hispanic and 153 non-Hispanic residents of Maryland and Virginia to assess awareness of TBDs, prevention practices and risk of tick encounters. Hispanic respondents were less likely than non-Hispanics to report familiarity with LD symptoms (21% vs. 53%, p<0.001) and correctly identify ticks as vectors of LD (40% vs. 85%, p<0.001). Although there was no significant difference in overall proportion of respondents who routinely take one or more preventive measures to prevent tick bites (59% vs. 61%, p=0.65), Hispanics were more likely to report showering after coming indoors (36% vs. 25%, p=0.04) but less likely to conduct daily tick checks compared with non-Hispanics (17% vs. 35%, p<0.001). History of tick bite or finding a tick crawling on oneself or a household member in the past year did not significantly differ between Hispanics and non-Hispanics (19% vs. 24%, p=0.26). Notably, after controlling for Hispanic/non-Hispanic ethnicity, primary language (English vs. Spanish) was a significant predictor of whether an individual had knowledge of LD symptoms, correctly identified ticks as vectors for LD and performed daily tick checks. These results provide guidance for future development of more targeted and effective TBD prevention education for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities.

Reported County-Level Distribution of the American Dog Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Contiguous United States

In the United States, tick-borne diseases are increasing in incidence and cases are reported over an expanding geographical area. Avoiding tick bites is a key strategy in tick-borne disease prevention, and this requires current and accurate information on where humans are at risk for exposure to ticks. Based on a review of published literature and records in the U.S. National Tick Collection and National Ecological Observatory Network databases, we compiled an updated county-level map showing the reported distribution of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). We show that this vector of the bacterial agents causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia is widely distributed, with records derived from 45 states across the contiguous United States. However, within these states, county-level records of established tick populations are limited. Relative to the range of suitable habitat for this tick, our data imply that D. variabilis is currently underreported in the peer-reviewed literature, highlighting a need for improved surveillance and documentation of existing tick records.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding tick-borne disease prevention in endemic areas

As part of a TickNET collaboration we evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tick-borne disease (TBD) prevention among persons living in endemic areas of Connecticut (CT) and Maryland (MD). Up-to-date information on the use of various prevention methods, as well as attitudes toward available and potential prevention options, is critical for effective promotion of recommended behaviors.During 2016–2017, printed invitations were mailed via the post office to 27,029 households requesting participation in an online survey regarding knowledge of TBD, risk perceptions, and prevention behaviors. Prevention behaviors included tick checks, showering/bathing, insect repellents, pet tick control, and chemical or natural pesticide use on residential properties. Associations of sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitude variables with prevention behaviors were assessed in unadjusted analyses and multivariable models to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Participants were also asked if they would be willing to get a Lyme disease (LD) vaccine, if one becomes available.Overall, 1883 (7%) persons completed the survey. Participants reported using preventive behaviors most of the time or always as follows: pet tick control (83%), tick checks (58%), showering/bathing (42%), insect repellent (31%), and chemical (23%) or natural (15%) pesticides on property. Self-rated knowledge of LD, perceived prevalence of LD, perceived severity of LD, and perceived likelihood of contracting LD or another TBD were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with performing a tick check [aOR 2.5, aOR 1.71, aOR 1.36, aOR 1.83, respectively]. Female gender and perceived prevalence of LD were significantly associated with applying insect repellent [aOR 1.56, aOR 1.64, respectively]. Perceived prevalence of LD was significantly associated with showering or bathing, insect repellents, and pet tick control [aOR 1.42, aOR 1.64, aOR 1.92, respectively]. Income > $100,000 was significantly associated with applying a chemical or natural pesticide to one’s property [aOR 1.29, aOR 1.40, respectively]. A majority of respondents (84%) reported that they were very likely or somewhat likely to get a LD vaccine if one were available.Few behaviors (tick checks and pet tick control) were reported to be practiced by more than half of the respondents living in LD endemic areas. Perceived prevalence of LD was the only factor associated with performing most of the prevention behaviors (tick checks, showering/bathing, use of insect repellents, and pet tick control). Use of chemical or natural pesticides appears to be driven by income. Greater efforts are needed to encourage use of prevention behaviors in endemic areas, and this may be facilitated by increasing awareness of local prevalence.

Repellents as a major element in the context of prevention of tick-borne diseases

In Poland, out of the 21 species of ticks described, two species have the greatest epidemiological significance: Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. Their participation in the transmission of etiologic agents of vector diseases such as Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, babesiosis, rickettsiosis and many others is widely known. Due to the often severe and sometimes fatal course of diseases transmitted by ticks, a great deal of emphasis is placed on prophylactic activities, minimizing the possibility of biting and transfering pathogens along with the arachnid saliva. In addition to means of personal protection, including appropriate clothing, protective vaccinations, avoiding tick habitats or body checking after returning from this type of places, one of the most important elements of anti-tick prevention is the use of effective repellents. The key role of using the repellent is to discourage the arthropod from attacking and to prevent it from taking food, as a result of which there is no phenomenon of transmission of pathogens from the hematophage to the host organism. The most commonly used substances with arthropod repellent properties are: N-N-diethylm-toluamide (DEET), 3-(N-acetyl-N-butyl) aminopropionic acid ethyl ester (IR3535), icaridine, permethrin and essential oils. However, it should be remembered that no repellent ever protects 100% all the time after application - its use should be considered as one of many elements of personal protection in the prevention of tick bites.

Prevalence of Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks from the Ternopil Region in Ukraine.

IntroductionLyme borreliosis/Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is one of the most common vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks.Material and MethodsA total of 136 Ixodes ricinus ticks, collected in the Ternopil (Ukraine) region, including 126 adults (70 females and 56 males), and 10 nymphs were examined. The identification of the species and their developmental form was based on morphological characteristics.ResultsPCR with B5S-Bor and 23S-Bor primers resulted in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA amplification among six ticks (4.4%). The detailed analysis based on the DNA sequencing showed the presence of DNA of Borrelia afzelii in four samples; the remaining two represented Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, although their genospecies were not determined. The research confirmed the dominance of Borrelia afzelii genospecies in the ticks from Ukraine.ConclusionIt seems reasonable to undertake similar research in ticks from other regions of Ukraine. Knowledge in this field can be useful for public health and planning the prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Techne meets Metis: Knowledge and practices for tick control in Laikipia County, Kenya

Prevention of tick borne diseases is often through tick control practices. This article diagnoses tick control practices, knowledge underlying these practices and how knowledge is shared at the wildlife-livestock interface in Laikipia County, Kenya. It identifies diverse land use and tick control practices by different land and livestock owners from a scientific knowledge-based (techne) and context driven experiential knowledge-based (metis) perspective.Interviews, focus group discussions, observations and documents yielded qualitative data to unravel i) the historical development of tick control in Kenya ii) techne and metis tick control practices within three ranches and among pastoralists in Laikipia County, and iii) status of tick knowledge sharing between stakeholders.Historical tick control measures date back to about 100 years ago, with increasingly strong veterinary measures over the decades under government control. However, the veterinary control system collapsed around 1991 and livestock owners took tick control into their own hands. All respondents indicated having relevant techne available about tick ecology and tick management practices. To adapt to the changing social, economic and institutional context, they further developed metis, integrating the known techne. Metis and techne complemented each other. Our study reveals that metis is developed within stakeholder groups. The data also suggest that metis practices sometimes develop risky effects to animal, human and environmental health. Knowledge on tick control is mainly shared within a social group, not between groups. We esteem, knowledge sharing between different stakeholder groups (ranchers, pastoralists, DVS) may provide opportunities for better informed decision-making based on fruitful combinations of techne and metis for effective and safe tick management.

Attitudes and Practices from People of a Mayan Community of Mexico, Related to Tick-Borne Diseases: Implications for the Design of Prevention Programs

Tick-borne diseases are caused by several pathogens whose transmission could be associated to the life conditions of communities settled in endemic areas. We aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the exposition and prevention of tick-borne diseases among people living in a typical Mayan community of Yucatan, Mexico between Dec 2012 and May 2013. A directed survey was applied to 212 (100%) householders (women and men) from Teabo, Yucatan, Mexico. Answers and field notes were recorded and analyzed with central statistics. People have been bitten at least once in the community, but the majority of them consider those bites innocuous. In addition, people do not consider prevention measures, and only a few mentioned the use of some chemicals on their backyards. This study found little awareness among the participants regarding the importance and the transmission of these diseases even though they possess a vast knowledge regarding ticks. Therefore, educational strategies and prevention programs that include these habits for its modification are required to minimize the exposition to the vectors.

Interactomics and tick vaccine development: new directions for the control of tick-borne diseases

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropod ectoparasites that transmit pathogens responsible for a growing number of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) throughout the world. Vaccines have been shown to be the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach for the control of ticks and the prevention of TBDs. Although at its infancy, interactomics has shown the possibilities that the knowledge of the interactome offers in understanding tick biology and the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen infection and transmission. Furthermore, interactomics has provided information for the identification of candidate vaccine protective antigens.Areas covered: In this special report, we review the different approaches used for the study of protein–protein physical and functional interactions, and summarize the application of interactomics to the characterization of tick biology and tick–host–pathogen interactions, and the possibilities that offers to vaccine development for the control of ticks and TBDs.Expert commentary: The combination of interacting proteins in antigen formulations may increase vaccine efficacy. In the near future, the combination of interactomics with other omics approaches such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and regulomics together with intelligent Big Data analytic techniques will improve the high throughput discovery and characterization of vaccine protective antigens for the prevention and control of TBDs.