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An Agenda for Research of Uncovered Epidemiological Patterns of Tick-Borne Pathogens Affecting Human Health

Author

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  • Agustín Estrada-Peña

    (Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
    Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Natalia Fernández-Ruiz

    (Department of Animal Pathology, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
    Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón (IA2), 50013 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

The panorama of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) is complex due to the many interactions among vertebrates, vectors, and habitats, occurring at different scales. At a broad spatial range, climate and host availability regulate most tick processes, including questing activity, development, and survival. At a local scale, interactions are obscured by a high indeterminacy, making it arduous to record in field surveys. A solid modelling framework could translate the local/regional empirical findings into larger scales, shedding light on the processes governing the circulation of TBP. In this opinion paper, we advocate for a re-formulation of some paradigms in the research of these outstanding cycles of transmission. We propose revisiting concepts that faced criticisms or lacked solid support, together with the development of a conceptual scheme exploring the circulation of TBP under a range of conditions. We encourage (i) an adequate interpretation of the niche concept of both ticks and vertebrate/reservoir hosts interpreting the (a)biotic components that shape the tick’s niche, (ii) an assessment of the role played by the communities of wild vertebrates on the circulation of pathogens, and (iii) the development of new approaches, based on state-of-the-art epidemiological concepts, to integrate findings and modelling efforts on TBP over large regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Agustín Estrada-Peña & Natalia Fernández-Ruiz, 2023. "An Agenda for Research of Uncovered Epidemiological Patterns of Tick-Borne Pathogens Affecting Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2206-:d:1047152
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ashcroft, Michael B. & French, Kristine O. & Chisholm, Laurie A., 2011. "An evaluation of environmental factors affecting species distributions," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(3), pages 524-531.
    2. Carla Ippoliti & Luca Candeloro & Marius Gilbert & Maria Goffredo & Giuseppe Mancini & Gabriele Curci & Serena Falasca & Susanna Tora & Alessio Di Lorenzo & Michela Quaglia & Annamaria Conte, 2019. "Defining ecological regions in Italy based on a multivariate clustering approach: A first step towards a targeted vector borne disease surveillance," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Nicholas Johnson & Lawrence Paul Phipps & Kayleigh M. Hansford & Arran J. Folly & Anthony R. Fooks & Jolyon M. Medlock & Karen L. Mansfield, 2022. "One Health Approach to Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in the United Kingdom," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-12, May.
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