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Sullivan MD, Glose K, Sward D. Tick-Borne Illnesses in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:597-611. [PMID: 38925777 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the causative organisms, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the United States, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome. Tick bite prevention strategies and some basic tick removal recommendations are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Sullivan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kyle Glose
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Douglas Sward
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Smarsh DN, Kenny LB, Spindler M, Poh KC, Machtinger ET. Knowledge and perception of equine ticks and tick-borne diseases of Pennsylvania horse owners and caretakers. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 139:105092. [PMID: 38735346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
There is limited data on current knowledge of Pennsylvania horse caretakers on tick-borne diseases (TBDs), tick identification, and tick management practices. This study aimed to determine tick knowledge, concern, and management among Pennsylvania equine caretakers using an online survey. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. The survey received 894 responses (539 completed) from Pennsylvania equine owners and caretakers. The largest proportion of respondents cared for 3-5 horses (31 %), followed by 2 horses (27 %). Veterinarian-confirmed diagnosis rates of two TBDs, Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, were 38 % and 22 %, respectively. Most respondents (39 %) were moderately confident in recognizing Lyme disease, while most (44 %) were not confident at all in recognizing anaplasmosis. Most respondents (69 %) were either extremely or very concerned about their horses contracting any TBDs. Tick bite and TBD prevention methods used by equine caretakers included performing tick checks, using on-animal repellents, and conducting pasture/landscape management. Ten knowledge-based questions were asked, and the mean correct score was 3.97 ± 2.18 out of 10 possible points. There were significant positive associations between higher knowledge scores and previous veterinarian-confirmed equine Lyme disease diagnosis, higher concern level of TBDs, and higher frequency of tick checks. With increased equine TBD prevalence and high levels of horse owner concern about TBD, Extension educators should focus on teaching about TBDs and managing ticks on horses and farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Smarsh
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802.
| | - L B Kenny
- Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania State University, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, 19426
| | - M Spindler
- Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802
| | - K C Poh
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802; Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, Washington, 99163
| | - E T Machtinger
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802
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Burtis JC, Foster E, Eisen RJ, Eisen L. Willingness and capacity of publicly-funded vector control programs in the USA to engage in tick management. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:316. [PMID: 39039577 PMCID: PMC11265149 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of vector-borne diseases in the USA are associated with mosquitoes or ticks. Mosquito control is often conducted as part of community programs run by publicly-funded entities. By contrast, tick control focuses primarily on individual residential properties and is implemented predominantly by homeowners and the private pest control firms they contract. We surveyed publicly-funded vector control programs (VCPs), presumed to focus mainly on mosquitoes, to determine what tick-related services they currently offer, and their interest in and capacity to expand existing services or provide new ones. METHODS We distributed a survey to VCPs in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Pacific Coast states of the USA, where humans are at risk for bites by tick vectors (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus) of agents causing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The data we report are based on responses from 118 VCPs engaged in vector control and with at least some activities focused on ticks. RESULTS Despite our survey targeting geographic regions where ticks and tick-borne diseases are persistent and increasing public health concerns, only 11% (12/114) of VCPs reported they took direct action to suppress ticks questing in the environment. The most common tick-related activities conducted by the VCPs were tick bite prevention education for the public (70%; 75/107 VCPs) and tick surveillance (48%; 56/116). When asked which services they would most likely include as part of a comprehensive tick management program, tick bite prevention education (90%; 96/107), tick surveillance (89%; 95/107) and tick suppression guidance for the public (74%; 79/107) were the most common services selected. Most VCPs were also willing to consider engaging in activities to suppress ticks on public lands (68%; 73/107), but few were willing to consider suppressing ticks on privately owned land such as residential properties (15%; 16/107). Across all potential tick-related services, funding was reported as the biggest obstacle to program expansion or development, followed by personnel. CONCLUSIONS Considering the hesitancy of VCPs to provide tick suppression services on private properties and the high risk for tick bites in peridomestic settings, suppression of ticks on residential properties by private pest control operators will likely play an important role in the tick suppression landscape in the USA for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, VCPs can assist in this effort by providing locally relevant guidelines to homeowners and private pest control firms regarding best practices for residential tick suppression efforts and associated efficacy evaluations. Publicly-funded VCPs are also well positioned to educate the public on personal tick bite prevention measures and to collect tick surveillance data that provide information on the risk of human encounters with ticks within their jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Burtis
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA.
| | - Erik Foster
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
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Lippi CA, Gaff HD, White AL, Ryan SJ. Assessing the value and knowledge gains from an online tick identification and tick-borne disease management course for the Southeastern United States. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1793. [PMID: 38970066 PMCID: PMC11225117 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases are a growing public health threat in the United States. Despite the prevalence and rising burden of tick-borne diseases, there are major gaps in baseline knowledge and surveillance efforts for tick vectors, even among vector control districts and public health agencies. To address this issue, an online tick training course (OTTC) was developed through the Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (SECOEVBD) to provide a comprehensive knowledge base on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and their management. METHODS The OTTC consisted of training modules covering topics including tick biology, tick identification, tick-borne diseases, and public health, personal tick safety, and tick surveillance. The course was largely promoted to vector control specialists and public health employees throughout the Southeastern US. We collected assessment and survey data on participants to gauge learning outcomes, perceptions of the utility of knowledge gained, and barriers and facilitators to applying the knowledge in the field. RESULTS The OTTC was successful in increasing participants' baseline knowledge across all course subject areas, with the average score on assessment increasing from 62.6% (pre-course) to 86.7% (post-course). More than half of participants (63.6%) indicated that they would definitely use information from the course in their work. Barriers to using information identified in the delayed assessment included lack of opportunities to apply skills (18.5%) and the need for additional specialized training beyond what the OTTC currently offers (18.5%), while the main facilitator (70.4%) for applying knowledge was having opportunities at work, such as an existing tick surveillance program. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this OTTC demonstrated capacity to improve knowledge in a necessary and underserved public health field, and more than half of participants use or plan to use the information in their work. The geographic reach of this online resource was much larger than simply for the Southeastern region for which it was designed, suggesting a much broader need for this resource. Understanding the utility and penetrance of training programs such as these is important for refining materials and assessing optimal targets for training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Lippi
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Holly D Gaff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Alexis L White
- Vector-borne Disease Eco-epidemiology and Control Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Zhao X, Li J, Liu Y, Liu Y, Jiang X, Long L, Wang J, Yao Y, Zhang Q, Li M, Li X, Zhang B, Liao J. A prospective cohort study of exposure to household pesticide with cardiovascular diseases mortality in older adults. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134316. [PMID: 38669923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the associations of self-reported exposures, and urinary metabolites related to household pesticide with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older adults based on the 2007 to 2014 waves of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS Information on application and urinary metabolites related to household pesticide exposure were collected. We estimated the risks of household pesticide exposure, urinary metabolites with subsequent incident CVD death using Cox proportional hazards regression models. The indirect effects of urinary metabolites and effect modifications were examined. RESULTS The participants who reported exposure to household pesticide had a higher risk of incident CVD death (adjusted HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.81). Per 1-log10 increase in urinary N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) related to household insect repellents was associated with a higher risk of incident CVD death (adjusted HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.40). Urinary DEET explained 4.21% of the total association between household pesticide exposure and CVD death risk. The participants who persisted a low level of health diet exhibited pronounced CVD death risks with household pesticide exposures. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to household pesticide, especially household insect repellents, was consistently associated with an elevated CVD death risk in older adults. A heatlhy diet could partly attenuate the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyao Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Research Center for Prevention and Therapy of Occupational Diseases, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Research Center for Prevention and Therapy of Occupational Diseases, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yunjie Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lu Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jintao Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yuqing Yao
- Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Research Center for Prevention and Therapy of Occupational Diseases, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Research Center for Prevention and Therapy of Occupational Diseases, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ben Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jiaqiang Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Systematic Epidemiology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Research Center for Prevention and Therapy of Occupational Diseases, West China-PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Fang R, Li S, Lyu Y, Yang X, Wang T, Li S. Behavioral and cognitive factors influencing tick-borne disease risk in northeast China: Implications for prevention and control strategies. One Health 2024; 18:100736. [PMID: 38694616 PMCID: PMC11061341 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth in ecotourism and nature-based recreational activities in China has resulted in an increased frequency of visits to green spaces, thereby elevating exposure to ticks and the subsequent risk of tick-borne diseases. This study comprehensively investigate individual behavioral and cognitive factors associated with the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases to facilitate the development of effective prevention and control strategies, supporting public health initiatives in high-prevalence regions. We conducted an extensive questionnaire survey among 3000 residents from three northeastern provinces in China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning), where tick-borne diseases exhibit relatively high prevalence. The survey focused on gathering information regarding participants' tick bite history, perception of tick-borne disease risks, and outdoor activity patterns. Using structural equations analysis, we explored the pathways and strengths of the associations between these factors. Our findings revealed an average self-reported tick bite rate of 14% among the participants. Notably, tick-borne encephalitis exhibited the highest self-reported prevalence of infection (4%) among tick-borne diseases, while both Lyme disease and Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome had a prevalence of 2%. The average rate of tick bites among respondents' pets was 14%, with bites predominantly located on the ears, back, and abdomen. The strongest correlation was observed between tick bite rate and subsequent infections, emphasizing its role as the primary contributing factors to infectious status. Moreover, our results indicated that the causal structure of tick-borne disease infections varied across different cities, underscoring the significance of considering the ecological environment and regional knowledge on ticks. This study provides valuable insights into the current landscape of tick-borne disease infections in northeast China and identifies potential behavioral and cognitive factors, an aspect that has not been previously investigated. Our findings enable predictions on the future impact of knowledge dissemination efforts and improved urban facilities on mitigating tick bites and reducing tick-borne disease infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruying Fang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Sirui Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Yunting Lyu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Art Design and Media, Wuhan Huaxia Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430223, PR China
| | - Sen Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China
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Stark JH, McFadden B, Patel N, Kelly PH, Gould LH, Riis J. Intention to vaccinate for Lyme disease using the Health Belief Model. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:349-358. [PMID: 38177978 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Lyme disease (LD) cases in the United States are estimated to be approaching 500,000 annually. Protective measures, such as repellent use and wearing protective clothing are recommended by public health officials. However, no protective measure has been proven to be consistently effective, partly because they require consistent and persistent behaviour change. While safe and effective vaccines are in development, it is unclear what factors influence the intention to vaccinate against LD. This study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework to determine key drivers associated with vaccine intention. The HBM is widely applied in public health research and uses the following constructs: perceived susceptibility and severity of disease, perceived benefits and barriers to disease prevention, and cues to action for disease prevention to predict health behaviours. To date, the HBM framework has not been applied to vaccination intention for LD. METHODS AND RESULTS Data were collected from 874 adults and 834 caregivers of children residing in US states endemic to LD. Sampling adults and caregivers allows us to explore how the intention to vaccinate differs among those at-risk. Estimates from structural equation modelling (SEM) show that the HBM constructs explain much of the variation in intention to vaccinate against LD. Both adult and caregiver intentions to vaccinate are positively influenced by cues to action, perceived susceptibility of LD, and perceived benefits to vaccination. However, there is variation in the influence of constructs across the samples. Caregiver's intention to vaccinate is positively influenced by the perceived severity of LD and negatively influenced by safety concerns about the vaccine, whereas adult intention is negatively influenced by perceived barriers to vaccination. CONCLUSION A strong relationship of cues to action on vaccine intention in samples of adults and caregivers suggests the importance of a recommendation from a healthcare provider or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Stark
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brandon McFadden
- Behavioralize LLC, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Patrick H Kelly
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - L Hannah Gould
- Vaccines, Antivirals, and Evidence Generation, Pfizer Biopharma Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Riis
- Behavioralize LLC, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA
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Le Mauff A, Norris EJ, Li AY, Swale DR. Repellent activity of essential oils to the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:202. [PMID: 38711138 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06246-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum is important to human health because of a variety of pathogenic organisms transmitted to humans during feeding events, which underscores the need to identify novel approaches to prevent tick bites. Thus, the goal of this study was to test natural and synthetic molecules for repellent activity against ticks in spatial, contact and human fingertip bioassays. METHODS The efficacy of essential oils and naturally derived compounds as repellents to Am. americanum nymphs was compared in three different bioassays: contact, spatial and fingertip repellent bioassays. RESULTS Concentration response curves after contact exposure to 1R-trans-chrysanthemic acid (TCA) indicated a 5.6 μg/cm2 concentration required to repel 50% of ticks (RC50), which was five- and sevenfold more active than DEET and nootkatone, respectively. For contact repellency, the rank order of repellency at 50 μg/cm2 for natural oils was clove > geranium > oregano > cedarwood > thyme > amyris > patchouli > citronella > juniper berry > peppermint > cassia. For spatial bioassays, TCA was approximately twofold more active than DEET and nootkatone at 50 μg/cm2 but was not significantly different at 10 μg/cm2. In spatial assays, thyme and cassia were the most active compounds tested with 100% and 80% ticks repelled within 15 min of exposure respectively and was approximately twofold more effective than DEET at the same concentration. To translate these non-host assays to efficacy when used on the human host, we quantified repellency using a finger-climbing assay. TCA, nootkatone and DEET were equally effective in the fingertip assay, and patchouli oil was the only natural oil that significantly repelled ticks. CONCLUSIONS The differences in repellent potency based on the assay type suggests that the ability to discover active tick repellents suitable for development may be more complicated than with other arthropod species; furthermore, the field delivery mechanism must be considered early in development to ensure translation to field efficacy. TCA, which is naturally derived, is a promising candidate for a tick repellent that has comparable repellency to commercialized tick repellents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Le Mauff
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, PO Box 100009, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Edmund J Norris
- Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Andrew Y Li
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Daniel R Swale
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, PO Box 100009, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Janzén T, Choudhury F, Hammer M, Petersson M, Dinnétz P. Ticks - public health risks in urban green spaces. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1031. [PMID: 38614967 PMCID: PMC11015579 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban green spaces are important for human health, but they may expose visitors to tick-borne diseases. This not only presents a potential public health challenge but also undermines the expected public health gains from urban green spaces. The aim of this study is to assess the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in an urban green space used for recreation in Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS We used a mixed method approach identifying both the magnitude of the tick hazard and the extent of the human exposure to tick-borne diseases. At six entry points to an urban green space, we sampled ticks and documented microhabitat conditions from five randomly assigned 2 m × 2 m plots. Surrounding habitat data was analyzed using geographical information system (GIS). Nymphs and adult ticks were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using TaqMan qPCR. Positive B. burgdorferi (s.l.) ticks were further analyzed by nested PCR amplification and sequence analysis. Population census data and visitor count data were used to estimate the degree of human exposure to tick-borne diseases. To further understand the degree to which visitors get in contact with infected ticks we also conducted interviews with visitors to green spaces. RESULTS High tick densities were commonly found in humid broadleaved forest with low field vegetation. High pathogen prevalence was significantly correlated with increasing proportions of artificial areas. Integrating the tick hazard with human exposure we found that the public health risk of tick-borne diseases was moderate to high at most of the studied entry points. Many of the visitors frequently used urban green spaces. Walking was the most common activity, but visitors also engaged in activities with higher risk for tick encounters. Individual protective measures were connected to specific recreational activities such as picking berries or mushrooms. CONCLUSIONS The number of visitors can be combined with tick inventory data and molecular analyses of pathogen prevalence to make crude estimations of the public health risk of tick-borne diseases in urban green spaces. The risk of encountering infected ticks is omnipresent during recreational activities in urban green spaces, highlighting the need for public health campaigns to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérese Janzén
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden.
| | - Firoza Choudhury
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Monica Hammer
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Mona Petersson
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
| | - Patrik Dinnétz
- Department of Natural Science, Environment and Technology, Södertörn University, Hudding, Sweden
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Logan JJ, Sawada M, Knudby A, Ramsay T, Blanford JI, Ogden NH, Kulkarni MA. Knowledge, protective behaviours, and perception of Lyme disease in an area of emerging risk: results from a cross-sectional survey of adults in Ottawa, Ontario. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:867. [PMID: 38509528 PMCID: PMC10956326 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of Lyme disease risk areas in Canada is growing. In regions with emerging tick populations, it is important to emphasize peridomestic risk and the importance of protective behaviours in local public health communication. This study aims to identify characteristics associated with high levels of Lyme disease knowledge and adoption of protective behaviours among residents in the Ottawa, Ontario region. METHODS A geographically stratified web survey was conducted in November 2020 (n = 2018) to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Lyme disease among adult residents. Responses were used to calculate: (i) composite scores for knowledge and adoption of protective practices; and (ii) an exposure risk index based on reported activity in woodlands during the spring-to-fall tick exposure risk period. RESULTS 60% of respondents had a high knowledge of Lyme disease, yet only 14% indicated they often use five or more measures to protect themselves. Factors strongly associated with a high level of Lyme disease knowledge included being 55 or older (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.04), living on a property with a yard (OR = 3.22), having a high exposure index (OR = 1.59), and knowing someone previously infected with Lyme disease (OR = 2.05). Strong associations with the adoption of a high number of protective behaviours were observed with membership in a non-Indigenous racialized group (OR = 1.70), living on a property with a yard (OR = 2.37), previous infection with Lyme disease (OR = 2.13), prior tick bite exposure (OR = 1.62), and primarily occupational activity in wooded areas (OR = 2.31). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the dynamics between Lyme disease knowledge, patterns of exposure risk awareness, and vigilance of personal protection in a Canadian region with emerging Lyme disease risk. Notably, this study identified gaps between perceived local risk and protective behaviours, presenting opportunities for targeted enhanced communication efforts in areas of Lyme disease emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Logan
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael Sawada
- Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science (LAGGISS), Department of Geography, Environment & Geomatics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anders Knudby
- Department of Geography, Environment & Geomatics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tim Ramsay
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Justine I Blanford
- Department of Earth Observation Science, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Nicholas H Ogden
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Manisha A Kulkarni
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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11
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Burtis JC, Ford SL, Parise CM, Eisen RJ, Eisen L. Efficacy of unregulated minimum risk tick repellent products evaluated with Ixodes scapularis nymphs in a human skin bioassay. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:50. [PMID: 38303091 PMCID: PMC10835920 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of vector-borne disease cases in the USA are caused by pathogens spread by ticks, most commonly the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Personal protection against tick bites, including use of repellents, is the primary defense against tick-borne diseases. Tick repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are well documented to be safe as well as effective against ticks. Another group of tick repellent products, 25(b) exempt or minimum risk products, use alternative, mostly botanically derived, active ingredients. These are considered to pose minimal risk to human health and therefore are exempt from EPA registration; efficacy testing is not mandated for these products. METHODS We used a finger bioassay to evaluate the repellency against I. scapularis nymphs for 11 formulated 25(b) exempt products together with two positive control DEET-based EPA registered products. Repellency was assessed hourly from 0.5 to 6.5 h after product application. RESULTS The DEET-based products showed ≥ 97% repellency for all examined timepoints. By contrast, an average of 63% of ticks were repelled in the first 1.5 h after application across the 11 25(b) exempt products, and the average fell to 3% repelled between 2.5 and 6.5 h. Ten of the 11 25(b) exempt products showed statistically similar efficacy to DEET-based products at 30 min after application (repellency of 79-97%). However, only four 25(b) exempt products maintained a level of repellency similar to DEET-based products (> 72%) at the 1.5-h mark, and none of these products were effective in repelling ticks at the timepoints from 2.5 to 6.5 h after application. CONCLUSIONS Neither the claims on the labels nor specific active ingredients and their concentrations appeared to predict the duration of efficacy we observed for the 25(b) exempt products. These products are not registered with the EPA, so the methods used to determine the application guidelines on their labels are unclear. Consumers should be aware that both the level of efficacy and the duration of repellency may differ among unregulated 25(b) exempt repellent products labeled for use against ticks. We encourage more research on these products and the 25(b) exempt active ingredients they contain to help determine and improve their efficacy as repellents under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Burtis
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Shelby L Ford
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Christina M Parise
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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12
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Nguyen TT, Kim TH, Bencosme-Cuevas E, Berry J, Gaithuma ASK, Ansari MA, Kim TK, Tirloni L, Radulovic Z, Moresco JJ, Yates JR, Mulenga A. A tick saliva serpin, IxsS17 inhibits host innate immune system proteases and enhances host colonization by Lyme disease agent. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012032. [PMID: 38394332 PMCID: PMC10917276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) caused by Borrelia burgdorferi is among the most important human vector borne diseases for which there is no effective prevention method. Identification of tick saliva transmission factors of the LD agent is needed before the highly advocated tick antigen-based vaccine could be developed. We previously reported the highly conserved Ixodes scapularis (Ixs) tick saliva serpin (S) 17 (IxsS17) was highly secreted by B. burgdorferi infected nymphs. Here, we show that IxsS17 promote tick feeding and enhances B. burgdorferi colonization of the host. We show that IxsS17 is not part of a redundant system, and its functional domain reactive center loop (RCL) is 100% conserved in all tick species. Yeast expressed recombinant (r) IxsS17 inhibits effector proteases of inflammation, blood clotting, and complement innate immune systems. Interestingly, differential precipitation analysis revealed novel functional insights that IxsS17 interacts with both effector proteases and regulatory protease inhibitors. For instance, rIxsS17 interacted with blood clotting proteases, fXII, fX, fXII, plasmin, and plasma kallikrein alongside blood clotting regulatory serpins (antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II). Similarly, rIxsS17 interacted with both complement system serine proteases, C1s, C2, and factor I and the regulatory serpin, plasma protease C1 inhibitor. Consistently, we validated that rIxsS17 dose dependently blocked deposition of the complement membrane attack complex via the lectin complement pathway and protected complement sensitive B. burgdorferi from complement-mediated killing. Likewise, co-inoculating C3H/HeN mice with rIxsS17 and B. burgdorferi significantly enhanced colonization of mouse heart and skin organs in a reverse dose dependent manner. Taken together, our data suggests an important role for IxsS17 in tick feeding and B. burgdorferi colonization of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu-Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tae Heung Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Emily Bencosme-Cuevas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jacquie Berry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alex Samuel Kiarie Gaithuma
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Moiz Ashraf Ansari
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, NIAID, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Zeljko Radulovic
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, United States of America
| | - James J. Moresco
- Center for Genetics of Host Defense, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - John R. Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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13
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Siegel EL, Xu G, Li AY, Pearson P, D’hers S, Elman N, Mather TN, Rich SM. Ixodes scapularis Is the Most Susceptible of the Three Canonical Human-Biting Tick Species of North America to Repellent and Acaricidal Effects of the Natural Sesquiterpene, (+)-Nootkatone. INSECTS 2023; 15:8. [PMID: 38249014 PMCID: PMC10816182 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many human and animal zoonotic disease-causing agents causing significant global health and economic strain. Repellents and acaricides are integral to the human capacity for personal protection from tick bites. Nootkatone, a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in the Alaskan cedar tree, grapefruit, and other sources, has been documented to be a potent acaricide. Research has also noted repellent effects against some tick species. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effect of synthetic, high-purity (+)-nootkatone on adult Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Amblyomma americanum ticks in an in vitro, vertical filter paper bioassay. (+)-nootkatone showed compelling tick repellency, but median effective concentrations (EC50) significantly differed among species. Ixodes scapularis were repelled at very low concentrations (EC50 = 0.87 ± 0.05 µg/cm2). Higher concentrations were required to repel D. variabilis (EC50 = 252 ± 12 µg/cm2) and A. americanum (EC50 = 2313 ± 179 µg/cm2). Significant post-exposure mortality, assessed 24 h after repellency trials, was also observed in I. scapularis but was absent entirely in D. variabilis and A. americanum. These tests demonstrate that nootkatone has a promising dual-action personal protection capacity against adult I. scapularis ticks, warranting further investigation in more natural environments and in the presence of host cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L. Siegel
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (E.L.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Guang Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (E.L.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Andrew Y. Li
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20704, USA;
| | - Patrick Pearson
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (E.L.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Sebastián D’hers
- Computational Mechanics Center, Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1106ACD, Argentina;
| | - Noel Elman
- GearJump Technologies, Limited Liability Company, Brookline, MA 02446, USA;
| | - Thomas N. Mather
- Center for Vector-Borne Disease, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA;
| | - Stephen M. Rich
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (E.L.S.); (P.P.)
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14
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de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Rafael M, Almazán C, Bermúdez S, Abdelbaset AE, Kasaija PD, Kabi F, Akande FA, Ajagbe DO, Bamgbose T, Ghosh S, Palavesam A, Hamid PH, Oskam CL, Egan SL, Duarte-Barbosa A, Hekimoğlu O, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Dahal A. Perception of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Worldwide. Pathogens 2023; 12:1258. [PMID: 37887774 PMCID: PMC10610181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review study, we addressed the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting human and animal health worldwide. Data and perspectives were collected from different countries and regions worldwide, including America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The results updated the current situation with ticks and TBD and how it is perceived by society with information bias and gaps. The study reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations to advance in the surveillance, communication and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Rafael
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonóma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Medical Entomology Research Department, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama;
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Paul D. Kasaija
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Fredrick Kabi
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Timothy Bamgbose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode-Omu City 221102, Osun State, Nigeria;
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
- IVRI-Eastern Regional Station, 37, Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Penny H. Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia;
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Siobhon L. Egan
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Amanda Duarte-Barbosa
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey;
| | - Matias P. J. Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Ananta Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan 44200, Nepal;
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15
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Zeman P. Tick-Bite "Meteo"-Prevention: An Evaluation of Public Responsiveness to Tick Activity Forecasts Available Online. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1908. [PMID: 37763311 PMCID: PMC10533051 DOI: 10.3390/life13091908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Until causal prophylaxis is available, the avoidance of ticks and personal protection provide the best insurance against contracting a tick-borne disease (TBD). To support public precaution, tick-activity forecasts (TAFs) based on weather projection are provided online for some regions/countries. This study-aimed at evaluating the efficacy of this preventative strategy-was conducted between 2015 and 2019, and included two countries where TAFs are issued regularly (Czech Republic, Germany) and two neighbouring countries for reference (Austria, Switzerland). Google Trends (GT) data were used to trace public concern with TAFs and related health information. GTs were compared with epidemiological data on TBD cases and tick bites, wherever available. Computer simulations of presumable effectiveness under various scenarios were performed. This study showed that public access to TAFs/preventive information is infrequent and not optimally distributed over the season. Interest arises very early in midwinter and then starts to fall in spring/summer when human-tick contacts culminate. Consequently, a greater number of TBD cases are contracted beyond the period of maximum public responsiveness to prevention guidance. Simulations, nevertheless, indicate that there is a potential for doubling the prevention yield if risk assessment, in addition to tick activity, subsumes the population's exposure, and a real-time surrogate is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Zeman
- Medical Laboratories, Konevova 205, 130 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Aydin Y, Vemuri B, Ahmed SM, Elgamal M, Bilgin S. Severe Anaplasmosis With Multiorgan Involvement in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient. Cureus 2023; 15:e41536. [PMID: 37554613 PMCID: PMC10404564 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by the tick-borne bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is an emerging infectious disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Here, we present a case report of a 66-year-old Caucasian woman residing in Connecticut who exhibited severe anaplasmosis with multi-organ involvement. The patient, with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism, presented with confusion, lethargy, fever, myalgia, generalized weakness, and poor appetite in May 2023. Laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes with mild hyperbilirubinemia, and lactic acidosis. A buffy coat smear analysis demonstrated basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the neutrophils, supporting the diagnosis of severe anaplasmosis. Prompt administration of doxycycline, the recommended treatment for anaplasmosis, was initiated. However, the patient subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) necessitating heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. Anaplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of the bacterium in the patient's blood. Following doxycycline treatment, the patient demonstrated improvement in peripheral blood findings, resolution of ARDS, and complete neurologic recovery. This case underscores the potential severity and diverse clinical manifestations of anaplasmosis, highlighting the importance of early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and timely initiation of appropriate treatment to prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucel Aydin
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | - Bhavya Vemuri
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | - Syed M Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | | | - Seyma Bilgin
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
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17
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Cuadera MKQ, Mader EM, Safi AG, Harrington LC. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices for tick bite prevention and tick control among residents of Long Island, New York, USA. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102124. [PMID: 36764054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a major public health concern and a source of significant morbidity. To reduce tick-borne disease incidence, understanding factors associated with increased risk in humans for tick bites is necessary. These risk factors can include TBD knowledge, attitudes about prevention and care, and associated practices of individuals and their communities, including paying for preventive services. Our study focused on Long Island, New York, a region with high endemicity of ticks and TBDs. The purpose of our study was to identify gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TBDs in residents of this region to inform priorities for TBD interventions. To this end, we performed a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey and collected 803 responses from Long Island residents. Our survey results demonstrated that Long Island residents had a low to moderate level of knowledge regarding ticks and TBDs. Still, residents expressed concern regarding TBDs, with increased levels of concern associated with increased likelihood of paying for tick control and for practicing tick bite prevention strategies. Individuals with pets were more likely to practice these tick bite prevention strategies. Residents with more frequent exposure to ticks, with a history of TBD in their household, and with higher general concern over ticks were also more likely to pay for tick control services. These findings highlight gaps in resident knowledge, differences in attitudes towards tick preventative behavior, and potential factors affecting motivation towards implementing tick control measures, which can inform future public health messaging regarding tick bite prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervin Keith Q Cuadera
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 3138 Comstock Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
| | - Emily M Mader
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 3138 Comstock Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
| | - Amelia Greiner Safi
- Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853, United States; Department of Communication, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 United States.
| | - Laura C Harrington
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 3138 Comstock Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States.
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18
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Lyme Borreliosis Prevention in the Endemic Area of Northeastern Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122163. [PMID: 36560573 PMCID: PMC9788422 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is increasing in Europe. The new LB vaccine is still in clinical development, thus the dissemination of knowledge about the disease is essential. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices (KAP) against tick-borne diseases (TBDs) of people living in the endemic area in northeastern Poland. (2) Methods: We surveyed 406 adults using a 37-item anonymous paper survey. The data were analyzed with regression models. (3) Results: The two most popular knowledge sources were the Internet and doctors, selected by 77.8% and 53.4%, respectively. Respondents felt moderately knowledgeable about TBDs and tick bite prophylaxis (median scores 5/10, and 6/10, respectively), considered TBDs to be a significant health threat (median 8/10), attributed high risk to tick mouthparts remaining in the skin after tick removal (median 10/10), and shared multiple misconceptions regarding LB transmission, symptoms, and management. General knowledge scores (GKS) about TBDs and tick protection practices scores (TPS) were moderate (65.0%; IQR, 55.8−71.7%, 63.6%; 54.5−72.7%, respectively). Only 48.0% had a positive attitude towards TBE vaccination. A recent tick-bite was associated with higher GKS (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.27−5.10; p = 0.008), higher TPS (OR 4.76, 95% CI, 2.0−11.1; p < 0.001), and a positive attitude towards TBE vaccine (OR 2.10, 1.07−4.10, p = 0.030). A positive vaccine attitude was also associated with obtaining TBD knowledge from doctors and other verified sources (OR, 2.654, 1.66−4.23; p < 0.001). Age, place of residence, and frequent exposure to ticks in green areas were not associated with GKS, TPS, nor vaccine attitude. (4) Conclusions: Increased risk perceptions are associated with adoption of behaviors preventing TBDs. Medical professionals play an important role in communicating knowledge about TBDs. There is a need to revise current communication strategies with respect to tick bites and prevention of LB and other TBDs.
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Spatial repellents transfluthrin and metofluthrin affect the behavior of Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis in an in vitro vertical climb assay. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269150. [PMID: 36346809 PMCID: PMC9642883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repellents serve an important role in bite protection. Tick repellents largely rely on biomechanisms that induce responses with direct contact, but synthetic pyrethroids used as spatial repellents against insects have received recent attention for potential use in tick protection systems. An in vitro vertical climb assay was designed to assess spatial repellency against Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis adult, female ticks. Climbing behavior was assessed with and without the presence of two spatial repellents, transfluthrin and metofluthrin. Repellency parameters were defined to simulate the natural questing behavior of ambushing ticks, including measures of detachment, pseudo-questing duration, climbing deterrence, and activity. Significant effects were observed within each parameter. D. variabilis showed the greatest general susceptibility to each repellent, followed by A. americanum, and I. scapularis. The most important and integrative measure of repellency was climbing deterrence–a measure of the spatial repellent’s ability to disrupt a tick’s natural propensity to climb. Transfluthrin deterred 75% of D. variabilis, 67% of A. americanum, and 50% of I. scapularis. Metofluthrin was slightly more effective, deterring 81% of D. variabilis, 73% of A. americanum, and 72% of I. scapularis. The present study poses a novel paradigm for repellency and reports a preliminary assessment of spatial repellent effect on tick behavior. Further research will assess spatial repellency in a more natural setting, scale exposure conditions, and incorporate host cues.
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Eisen L. Tick species infesting humans in the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102025. [PMID: 35973261 PMCID: PMC10862467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The data for human tick encounters in the United States (US) presented in this paper were compiled with the goals of: (i) presenting quantitative data across the full range of native or recently established human biting ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) tick species with regards to their frequency of infesting humans, based on published records of ticks collected while biting humans or crawling on clothing or skin; and (ii) providing a guide to publications on human tick encounters. Summary data are presented in table format, and the detailed data these summaries were based on are included in a set of Supplementary Tables. To date, totals of 36 ixodid species (234,722 specimens) and 13 argasid species (230 specimens) have been recorded in the published literature to infest humans in the US. Nationally, the top five ixodid species recorded from humans were the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (n=158,008 specimens); the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (n=36,004); the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (n=26,624); the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus (n=4,158); and the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni (n=3,518). Additional species with more than 250 ticks recorded from humans included Ixodes cookei (n=2,494); the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis (n=809); the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n=714); the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus (n=465); and the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum (n=335). The spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (n=69), and the pajaroello tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus (n=55) were the argasid species most commonly recorded from humans. Additional information presented for each of the 49 tick species include a breakdown of life stages recorded from humans, broad geographical distribution in the US, host preference, and associated human pathogens or medical conditions. The paper also provides a history of publications on human tick encounters in the US, with tables outlining publications containing quantitative data on human tick encounters as well as other notable publications on human-tick interactions. Data limitations are discussed. Researchers and public health professionals in possession of unpublished human tick encounter data are strongly encouraged to publish this information in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In future papers, it would be beneficial if data consistently were broken down by tick species and life stage as well as host species and ticks found biting versus crawling on clothing or skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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Molaei G, Eisen LM, Price KJ, Eisen RJ. Range Expansion of Native and Invasive Ticks, a Looming Public Health Threat. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:370-373. [PMID: 35732174 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Native and invasive tick species pose a serious public health concern in the United States. Range expansion of several medically important tick species has resulted in an increasing number of communities at risk for exposure to ticks and tickborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goudarz Molaei
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases and Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lars M Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Keith J Price
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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