Question

Tick-transmitted organisms (ranging from commensal symbionts to pathogenic viruses, parasites, and bacteria) are often understudied and poorly understood. What are some of the inherent difficulties in researching tick-transmitted diseases? Detail at least five as well as explain why they are difficult. Then explain why this field of research can been even more challenging when you are working with a wildlife population. Again, expecting a 400-500 word response addressing all the points and questions above. The CDC and the journal EID will be helpful resources.

Answer 1

Ans) Reasons for the accelerated increase, expansion and uneven distribution of tick-borne emerging and re-emerging diseases are complex but several conclusions can be drawn.

- Human activities that modify habitats to support available hosts for maintaining tick populations while at the same time reducing species richness that could act to dilute risk. Weather and temperature regimes restricts the current range of tick populations, but global climate changes will provide new opportunities for the expansion of ticks into currently uncolonized regions.

-In addition, domestic animals can act as reservoirs for tick-borne pathogens and act as bridge hosts in the transfer of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to humans. Fragmentation of wildlife habitats by human encroachment increases the contact with ticks and exposure to zoonotic disease agents (Allan et al., 2003). The areas likely to experience increased or prolonged seasonal tick activity are most likely located at the extremes of the current range of distribution. -Long-term predictive models are complex and in need of refinement in order to predict public health risks associated with ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The expansion of three host ticks that feed on wild and domestic animals and humans show the greatest potential for expansion and acquisition and transmission of emerging pathogens.

-Introduction of ticks to new habitats or importation of exotic hosts are likely to increase the exposure of ticks to novel microbial communities. More information is needed about the potential for horizontal genetic exchange and interaction between the microorganisms within the tick’s microbial community.

-Characterizing the microbiomes of major vector ticks from different geographical regions would assist in detecting and monitoring these interactions and determine their role in the generation of emerging and re-emerging tick-borne pathogens. Characterizing the microbial communities would also assist in the identification of microbes that could complement the biological control of tick populations.