Emerging tick-borne pathogens of public health importance: a mini-review

Area of Science:

• Public Health Entomology
• Infectious Diseases
• Veterinary Entomology

Background:

• Ticks are significant vectors of human pathogens, contributing to a substantial global public health burden.
• Tick-borne diseases encompass a range of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections, including tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, and babesiosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a concise overview of the most medically significant tick-borne pathogens globally.
• To highlight emerging public health threats associated with tick-borne diseases.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on tick-borne pathogens and their vectors.
• Geographical expansion of key tick vectors, such as Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum in the USA, is examined.
• Global trends in tick-borne diseases, including in Europe and Asia, are considered.

Main Results:

• Tick vectors are expanding their geographical ranges, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The expansion of Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum in the USA is linked to the emergence of Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis.
• Increasing cases of tick-borne encephalitis and hemorrhagic fevers are reported globally.

Conclusions:

• Tick-borne diseases represent a growing global public health challenge.
• Understanding the epidemiology and vectors of these diseases is crucial for effective public health interventions.
• Continued surveillance and research are necessary to address emerging tick-borne threats.