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Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
Circulating microRNA profiles associated with tick bite and debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks
Ryan J Farr1, Carlos H M Rodrigues1, Siobhon Egan2
1CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
Scientific Reports
|June 29, 2026
Summary
This study reveals widespread changes in circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) following tick bites and in patients with Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT). These findings highlight potential biomarkers for tick-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Tick bites in Australia can cause Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT).
- The biological mechanisms underlying DSCATT are poorly understood.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with potential roles in disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate host responses to tick bite and DSCATT by profiling circulating miRNAs.
- To identify potential biomarkers for tick bite and DSCATT.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying chronic symptoms after tick bites.
Main Methods:
- Profiling of circulating miRNAs in two cohorts: longitudinal (up to 12 months post-tick bite) and retrospective (DSCATT patients).
- Differential expression analysis and temporal clustering of miRNAs.
- Machine learning analysis to identify miRNA signatures for tick bite classification.
Main Results:
- Tick bite induced significant changes in 149 circulating miRNAs over 12 months.
- Two distinct miRNA expression patterns were observed: oscillating and declining/stabilizing.
- DSCATT patients showed 98 differentially expressed miRNAs, with overlap to acute tick bite responses.
- A five-miRNA signature accurately classified acute tick bite (86% accuracy, ROC AUC 0.92).
- Four miRNAs correlated with symptom severity (fatigue, dizziness).
Conclusions:
- This is the first characterization of host miRNA responses to tick bite and DSCATT.
- Circulating miRNAs show dynamic changes following tick bites, reflecting immune modulation and stress responses.
- Identified miRNA signatures and correlations suggest potential biomarkers for tick-related conditions and insights into chronic symptom development.
