Search Results (1,768)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that poses significant public health challenges, particularly in regions where tick-borne diseases are endemic. This case report describes a 2-year-old boy with confirmed abortive TBEV infection following a tick bite during travel to Switzerland. The patient developed fever and mild symptoms but did not exhibit central nervous system involvement. The case underscores the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers and travelers from non-endemic areas, such as Serbia, about TBE risk and the potential benefits of preventive vaccination. Strategic immunization campaigns could mitigate the public health impact of travel-related TBE. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Fever in the returning traveler is a medical emergency warranting prompt exclusion of potentially life-threatening infections such as malaria. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a febrile returned traveler to South Africa whose prompt initial diagnostic work-up was notable for a false-positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and who nevertheless responded quickly to oral atovaquone-proguanil, despite an ultimate diagnosis of African tick bite fever. Subsequent RDT and malaria thick- and thin-film blood examination failed to corroborate a diagnosis of malaria and all other microbiological testing other than rickettsial serology remained non-contributory. Conclusions: The case presented highlights important points regarding diagnostic test performance characteristics and premature diagnostic closure. Full article

The incidence of arbovirus infections has increased in recent decades. Other than dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile viruses, the data on arbovirus in solid organ transplant (SOT) are limited to case reports, and infections in renal transplant recipients account for most of the reported cases. Dengue and West Nile infections seem to be more severe with higher mortality in SOT patients than in the general population. Acute kidney injury is more frequent in patients with dengue and chikungunya although persistent arthralgia with the latter is less frequent. There is no clear relationship between arboviral infection and acute cellular rejection. Pre-transplant screening of donors should be implemented during increased arboviral activity but, despite donor screening and negative donor nucleic acid amplification test (NAT), donor derived infection can occur. NAT may be transiently positive. IgM tests lack specificity, and neutralizing antibody assays are more specific but not readily available. Other tests, such as immunohistochemistry, antigen tests, PCR, metagenomic assays, and viral culture, can also be performed. There are a few vaccines available against some arboviruses, but live vaccines should be avoided. Treatment is largely supportive. More data on arboviral infection in SOT are needed to understand its epidemiology and clinical course. Full article

This paper explores the challenges of measuring and classifying the East African Asian population in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a particularly diverse country, New Zealand has a significant and varied population of immigrants from South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with immigrants of South Asian origin, from Fiji, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and East Africa. New Zealand’s system of ethnic classification relies on self-identification, with a broad definition of ethnicity encompassing heritage, ancestry, culture, language and feelings of belonging. However, the collection of this information at a granularity that enables detailed analysis is constrained for the South Asian population, regardless of origin or identification. People are typically presented with the choice of selecting “Indian” ethnicity as a tick box, or providing ethnicities under “Other” as write-in descriptors, which in turn are coded to a limited set of categories within the classification being used. This practice potentially conceals a diversity of ethnicities, which can only partially be hinted at by responses to questions relating to religions, languages and birthplaces, especially for second or third-generation descendants of migrants. Ethnic classification at the highest level, moreover, includes East African Indians as Asian, rather than African, reflecting diasporic heritage as a shorthand for ancestry and overlooking the relevance of layers of identity associated with the double diaspora. Drawing on Peter J. Aspinall’s work on collective terminology in ethnic data collection and categorizing the “Asian” ethnic group in the UK, this paper looks at the overlaps and disconnects between heritage, ethnicity and national belonging in classifying less clearcut identities. We explore the strengths and limitations of New Zealand’s self-identification approach to ethnic identity, and query what exactly is being asked of groups on the margins: when self-identification does not match external perception, are we looking for geographic, cultural, or genetic origins? A focus on the East African Asian population in Aotearoa highlights the complexity of identity for diasporic groups with distant ancestral links with India, as lived experience of cultural connection extends far beyond the bounds of ethnicity, language and even ancestry. Full article

This study assesses the impact of climate change on the distribution of Ixodes ricinus, which transmits Lyme disease, a growing public health concern. Utilizing ensemble models from the R package ‘flexsdm’ and climate data from WorldClim, ENVIREM, and CliMond, we project habitat suitability changes for the focus species. The models, validated against Lyme disease incidence rates, predict a 1.5-fold increase in suitable habitats in Latvia, contrasted with a 4.5-fold decrease in suitable habitats within Ukraine over the coming decades. SHAP values are analyzed to determine the most influential climatic features affecting tick distribution, providing insights for future vector control and disease prevention strategies. The optimal bioclimatic environment for I. ricinus seems to be an intricate balance of moderate temperatures, high humidity, and sufficient rainfall (bio7, 14, 18, 29). Also, radiation during the wettest quarter (bio24) significantly influences tick distribution in northern countries. This implies an increased presence of ticks in Scandinavian countries, Baltic states, etc. These findings largely coincide with our projections regarding bioclimatic suitability for ticks in Latvia and Ukraine. These shifts reflect broader patterns of vector redistribution driven by global warming, highlighting the urgent need to adapt public health planning to the evolving landscape of vector-borne diseases under climate change. Full article

Tick-borne diseases have emerged as a major global public health problem in recent decades. The increasing incidence and geographical dissemination of these diseases requires the implementation of robust surveillance systems to monitor their prevalence, distribution, and public health impact. It is therefore not unexpected that tick-borne pathogens coexist in the same vectors, but the interactions of these agents between vectors and vertebrate hosts, including humans, remain poorly understood. The impact of infection in humans extends to the diagnostic challenges that arise when the same symptomatology can be associated with any tick-borne pathogen, and therapeutic recommendations only focus on the major or best-known tick-borne diseases, ignoring other lesser-known or less prevalent infections. Both surveillance systems and the holistic diagnosis of tick-borne pathogens are necessary tools to address the emergence of vector-borne diseases. In this study, we will focus on the main tick-borne viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases in Spain to reflect the need to establish syndromic diagnostics in samples from patients with a history of tick bites and symptomatology compatible with them. On the other hand, and highlighting this need, innovations in molecular techniques, syndromic surveillance, and surveillance programs for ticks and tick-borne pathogens with public health implications are expected to be developed. Full article

Multifractality is a concept that helps compactly grasp the most essential features of financial dynamics. In its fully developed form, this concept applies to essentially all mature financial markets and even to more liquid cryptocurrencies traded on centralized exchanges. A new element that adds complexity to cryptocurrency markets is the possibility of decentralized trading. Based on the extracted tick-by-tick transaction data from the Universal Router contract of the Uniswap decentralized exchange, from 6 June 2023 to 30 June 2024, the present study using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) shows that even though liquidity on these new exchanges is still much lower compared to centralized exchanges, convincing traces of multifractality are already emerging in this new trading as well. The resulting multifractal spectra are, however, strongly left-side asymmetric, which indicates that this multifractality comes primarily from large fluctuations, and small ones are more of the uncorrelated noise type. What is particularly interesting here is the fact that multifractality is more developed for time series representing transaction volumes than rates of return. On the level of these larger events, a trace of multifractal cross-correlations between the two characteristics is also observed. Full article

The study of tick olfaction is relatively new compared to that of insects, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Despite several potential chemosensory genes identified in multiple tick species, these are yet to be validated through independent functional experiments. In this research, we cloned and analyzed a microplusin-like gene, HlonML-1, and investigated its role in the chemosensory activities of H. longicornis. The results showed that this gene’s amino acid sequences lack histidine residues essential for antimicrobial activity, and it is evolutionarily linked to putative chemosensory microplusins in ticks. Gene expression analyses indicated that HlonML-1 was significantly more abundant in ticks exposed to potential attractants and in the forelegs of H. longicornis than in non-exposed ticks and the hindlegs, respectively. Tick forelegs support the Haller’s organ, which is a sensory structure mostly specialized for chemosensation. Furthermore, Y-tube olfactometer assays indicated that silencing HlonML-1 significantly impaired adult ticks’ ability to detect selected odors, while their gustatory-related behavior remained unaffected compared to the control groups. Given its unique sequences, relative abundance in chemosensory tissues, and impact on odor detection, HlonML-1 is likely involved in the olfactory chemosensation of H. longicornis. Future research validating putative chemosensory microplusins in the genomes of various tick species may enhance our understanding of their olfactory functions in tick and lead to the identification of new molecular targets for developing tick repellents. Full article

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites notorious for their role as vectors of pathogens that affect humans and animals, particularly relative to the propagation of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Two important factors facilitating the role of ticks in the propagation of EIDs are their potential for the development of resistance to acaricides and the expansion of nonindigenous tick species into new geographic regions. The acquisition of acaricide resistance enables tick populations to be less susceptible to vector control programs. Expansion of the geographic distribution of tick populations increases the likelihood of access to new host species as well as new pathogens. Understanding of the microbiome of ticks continues to evolve, providing critical insights into tick biology. The tick microbiome largely comprises endosymbionts, pathogenic organisms, and commensal bacteria. Endosymbionts are highly preserved and vertically transmitted in ticks from mother to offspring, and their role in the survival of ticks is well recognized. Similarly, the role of ticks as vectors of pathogens is well established. However, commensal bacteria in ticks are acquired from the environment and while ingesting a blood meal. Because many tick species spend most of their lifetime off the hosts, it can be assumed that the richness and diversity of commensal bacteria are highly variable and dependent on the ecosystem in which the tick exists. This mini-review identifies some of the critical data gaps relevant to the role of and influence of commensal bacteria on the vectorial capacity of ticks. As ticks move into new habitats, are locally acquired commensal bacteria playing a role in adaptation to the new habitat? Apart from the conventionally understood mechanisms of acaricide resistance in ticks, are the commensal bacteria influencing the development of acaricide resistance at the population level? Full article

Hedgehogs can act as reservoirs for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) to domestic livestock, wild animals, and humans. Understanding host–tick dynamics is essential to evaluate the impact of TBPs. This study was conducted in Pakistan and aimed to determine the prevalence and species of TBPs in the blood and ticks of Indian long-eared hedgehogs captured from various environments. A total of 64 hedgehogs were captured to check for tick infestation. Tick species were identified morphologically and molecularly including ITS-2 region amplification by PCR and subsequent Sanger sequencing. Moreover, TBPs were identified in both ticks and the blood of hedgehogs through conventional PCR and sequencing, targeting the regions msp1b, 18S rRNA, and cytb for Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp., respectively. Out of 64 hedgehogs, 16 (25%) were found to be infested with ticks. Morphological and molecular analysis identified all 109 collected ticks as Rhipicephalus turanicus. Only one hedgehog (6.2%) was infected with A. marginale. From the tick samples, 3.7% tested positive for Theileria lestoquardi, 2.8% for Anaplasma marginale, and another 2.8% for Babesia bigemina. This study provides critical insights into circulating TBPs in this region and what possible role hedgehogs might play in disease maintenance for Anaplasma marginale while identifying multiple pathogens that are of concern to human and animal health. Full article

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is more common in the Northern Hemisphere. It is endemic mainly in North America, where the vectors are Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus, and in Eurasia, where the vectors are Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus. Both tick-borne diseases and LB are influenced by climate change. Africa and South America are crossed by the equator and are situated in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In Africa, the LB is present on the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean coasts. Borrelia lusitaniae is prevalent in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. Ticks were detected in the Ixodes Ricinus, which are carried by migratory birds and the Ixodes inopinatus and captured by the Psammodromus algirus lizards. The Borreliae Lyme Group (LG) and, in particular, Borrelia garinii, have been reported in countries bordering the Indian Ocean, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, transported by migratory birds from North African countries, where the vector was identified as Hyalomma rufipes ticks. This review aims to document the presence of Borreliae LG and LB in Africa. Full article

Babesia microti is a protozoan that infects red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia and flu-like symptoms in humans. Understanding co-infections is crucial for the better diagnosis, treatment, and management of tick-borne diseases. This study examined the prevalence of Babesia microti co-infection with other prevalent tick-borne pathogens in Pennsylvania. The dataset acquired from the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute included passive surveillance data from Ixodes spp. from 2021 to 2023. Submitted ticks were screened for tick-borne pathogens using species-specific TaqMan qPCR. Of the 793 B. microti-positive ticks pulled for analysis, 65.0% were co-infected with other pathogens (n = 516). Notably, 60.9% of the B. microti-positive ticks were co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, 10.2% with Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ap-ha, and 7.5% carried a triple co-infection with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum Ap-ha. The rates of B. microti infection and its co-infections are on the rise, with patterns observed in Pennsylvania and other regions of the USA. While other studies have collected both nymphal and adult ticks to screen for co-infections in Pennsylvania, our study stood out as a unique contribution to the field by focusing exclusively on B. microti-positive ticks. The continued monitoring of tick-borne co-infections is vital to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure effective treatment regimens. Full article

Lyme disease, a zoonotic infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks. Its diagnosis primarily relies on serological methods; however, the existing borreliosis techniques have shown a variable sensitivity and specificity. Our study aimed to map IgG epitopes from five outer membrane proteins (Omp) from B. burgdorferi [Filament flagellar 41kD (PI1089), flagellar hook-associated protein (Q44767), Flagellar hook k2 protein (O51173), Putative Omp BURGA03 (Q44849), and 31 kDa OspA (P0CL66)] lipoprotein to find specific epitopes for the development of accurate diagnosis methods. Using the spot synthesis technique, a library of 380 peptides was constructed to identify linear B cell epitopes recognized by human IgG in response to specific B. burgdorferi-associated proteins. The reactivity of this epitope when chemically synthesized was then evaluated using ELISA with a panel of the patient’s sera. Cross-reactivity was assessed through data bank access and in vitro analysis. Among the 19 epitopes identified, four were selected for further investigation based on their signal intensity, secondary structure, and peptide matching. Validation was performed using ELISA, and ROC curve analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of ≥85.71%, specificity of ≥92.31, accuracy of ≥90.7, and AUC value of ≥0.91 for all peptides. Our cross-reactivity analysis demonstrated that the Burg/02/huG, Burg/03/huG, and Burg/12/huG peptides were not reactive to antibodies from patients with Leptospirosis and syphilis compared to those from the B. burgdorferi group. These peptides indicated an excellent performance in distinguishing between B. burgdorferi-infected and non-infected individuals and exhibited a neglected reactivity to antibodies in sera from patients with Leptospirosis and syphilis. These peptides are promising targets for recombinant development, potentially leading to more accurate serological tests and vaccines. Full article

(Re-)emerging arboviruses, such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Usutu virus (USUV), are continuously increasing in incidence. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of flavivirus infections in humans, sentinel animals, and mosquitoes detected in the 2022 transmission season in Croatia. From April to November 2022, 110 hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID) were tested for the presence of arboviruses. RT-qPCR was used to detect TBEV, WNV, and USUV RNA. An ELISA and virus neutralization tests were used for the detection of flavivirus antibodies. TBEV infection was confirmed in 22 patients with NID. WNV NID was detected in six patients. TBE showed male predominance (81.8%; male-to-female ratio of 4.5:1). All but one WNV patients were males. TBE occurred from April to August, with the majority of patients (83.3%) being detected during the May–June–July period. WNV infections were recorded in August and September. In addition to human cases, asymptomatic WNV infections (IgM positive) were reported in 10 horses. For the first time in Croatia, WNV NID was observed in one horse that presented with neurological symptoms. Furthermore, USUV was confirmed in one dead blackbird that presented with neurological symptoms. A total of 1984 mosquitoes were collected in the City of Zagreb. Two Ae. albopictus pools tested positive for flavivirus RNA: one collected in July (USUV) and the other collected in August (WNV). A phylogenetic analysis of detected human and avian strains confirmed WNV lineage 2 and the USUV Europe 2 lineage. The presented results confirm the endemic presence of neuroinvasive flaviviruses in continental Croatia. The continuous monitoring of virus circulation in humans, sentinel animals, and mosquitoes is needed to reduce the disease burden. Full article

To validate the prevalence and biodiversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Chongqing, a total of 601 ticks were collected from dogs, cattle, and goats within the Ta-pa Mountain range in Chongqing, China. Five distinct tick species were identified, including Ixodes ovatus (1.66%, 10/601), I. acutitarsus (0.50%, 3/601), Haemaphysalis flava (10.32%, 62/601), Ha. hystricis (9.82%, 59/601), and Ha. longicornis (77.70%, 467/601). A suit of semi-nest PCR and nest PCR primers were custom-synthesized for the detection of tick-borne pathogens. The analysis yielded positive results for 7.15% Rickettsia (Candidatus R. principis, R. japonica, and R. raoultii), 3.49% Anaplasma (A. bovis and A. capra), 1.16% Ehrlichia, 1.83% Coxiella burnetii, and 3.49% protozoa (Theileria. capreoli, T. orientalis, T. luwenshuni, and Babesia sp.) in ticks. Notably, Ca. R. principis was identified for the first time in I. ovatus and Ha. longicornis. These findings underscore the significant prevalence and diversity of ticks and their associated pathogens within the Chongqing Ta-pa Mountain region. This study accordingly provides an extensive dataset that contributes to the epidemiological understanding and disease prevention strategies for tick-borne illnesses in the local area. Full article