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Tick-borne infectious diseases in Australia.
Stephen R Graves1, John Stenos2
1Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Geelong, VIC graves.rickettsia@gmail.com.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|April 14, 2017
Summary
Australian tick bites can cause various illnesses, including bacterial infections like Queensland tick typhus and Q fever. Further research is needed to understand these tick-borne diseases and their outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tick bites in Australia are linked to diverse health issues, including infections, allergies, and neurological disorders.
- Systemic bacterial infections transmitted by ticks include rickettsial diseases and Q fever.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the known bacterial infections transmitted by Australian ticks.
- To identify the tick species responsible for transmitting these infections.
- To highlight knowledge gaps regarding Australian tick-borne diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of known tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Australia.
- Identification of tick vectors and associated diseases.
- Summary of current understanding and areas for future research.
Main Results:
- Three primary tick species transmit bacterial infections: Ixodes holocyclus, Amblyomma triguttatum, and Bothriocroton hydrosauri.
- These ticks transmit Queensland tick typhus, Flinders Island spotted fever, Australian spotted fever, and Q fever.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding Australian ticks and associated medical conditions.
Conclusions:
- Specific Australian ticks transmit significant bacterial pathogens, causing various illnesses.
- Understanding the ecology and pathogenicity of Australian ticks is crucial for public health.
- Further research is essential to address the unknowns in tick-borne diseases in Australia.