Ticks are important arthropod vectors, distinguished by their ability to transfer a wide range of disease-causing agents (bacteria, virus, and protozoa), thereby having socioeconomic significance, particularly in countries with low income. Transmission of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) occurs during tick feeding, although in some instances, infection can also happen through inhalation of the pathogen or ingestion of infected food products, without the direct involvement of ticks. Many TBDs are zoonotic, and in this regard, our understanding of the interactions between pathogens, hosts, host population dynamics, and vectors is still lacking. Tick and TBD research has been overlooked in comparison to studies on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Drug-based treatments and vaccinations are available for certain TBDs but not for all. There is no denying that prevalence and distribution of ticks have been increased in the environment since the beginning of the twentieth century due to human activities. Therefore, it is important to control TBDs, for which it is necessary to enhance the knowledge of health professionals and the general community so as to reduce the current burden of TBDs, “One Health approach” is necessary for improved multidisciplinary management of disease. This chapter specifically addresses the various TBDs that impact both humans and animals globally with a note on their vectors and treatments.

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Tick-Borne Diseases

  • Hira Muqaddas,
  • Naunain Mehmood,
  • Madiha Rasool,
  • Farhana Yousaf,
  • Furhan Iqbal

摘要

Ticks are important arthropod vectors, distinguished by their ability to transfer a wide range of disease-causing agents (bacteria, virus, and protozoa), thereby having socioeconomic significance, particularly in countries with low income. Transmission of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) occurs during tick feeding, although in some instances, infection can also happen through inhalation of the pathogen or ingestion of infected food products, without the direct involvement of ticks. Many TBDs are zoonotic, and in this regard, our understanding of the interactions between pathogens, hosts, host population dynamics, and vectors is still lacking. Tick and TBD research has been overlooked in comparison to studies on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. Drug-based treatments and vaccinations are available for certain TBDs but not for all. There is no denying that prevalence and distribution of ticks have been increased in the environment since the beginning of the twentieth century due to human activities. Therefore, it is important to control TBDs, for which it is necessary to enhance the knowledge of health professionals and the general community so as to reduce the current burden of TBDs, “One Health approach” is necessary for improved multidisciplinary management of disease. This chapter specifically addresses the various TBDs that impact both humans and animals globally with a note on their vectors and treatments.