Advancing the Science of Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in the United States

Abstract

Globally, vector-borne diseases are an increasing public health burden; in the United States, tick-borne diseases have tripled in the last three years. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the need for resilience to the increasing vector-borne disease burden and has called for increased partnerships and sustained networks to identify and respond to the most pressing challenges that face vector-borne disease management, including increased surveillance. To increase applied research, develop communities of practice, and enhance workforce development, the CDC has created five regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-borne Disease. These Centers are a partnership of public health agencies, vector control groups, academic institutions, and industries. This special issue on tick and tick-borne disease surveillance is a collection of research articles on multiple aspects of surveillance from authors that are affiliated with or funded by the CDC Centers of Excellence. This body of work illustrates a community-based system of research by which participants share common problems and use integrated methodologies to produce outputs and effect outcomes that benefit human, animal and environmental health.

New Jersey-Wide Survey of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia (Proteobacteria: Rickettsiaceae) in Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae)

“…A standardized tick and tick-borne disease surveillance program in NJ (and across the northeast) is needed to investigate the growing tide of tick-borne diseases afflicting the millions living in this region. 38,39 We propose that the best steps forward toward understanding the causal factors underlying the significant numbers of SFGR cases in NJ involve collaborative teams of physicians, medical entomologists, diagnostic laboratories, and public health professionals to positively identify the vectors, reservoirs, and pathogen(s) associated with local SFGR cases. Although some may argue that additional costs for specific identification are not justified because treatment is the same for all Rickettsia infections, the clinical outcomes associated with different Rickettsia species can be radically different ranging from a rash to death.…”

Seroprevalence canine survey for selected vector-borne pathogens and its relationship with poverty in metropolitan Pereira, Colombia, 2020

“…Unfortunately, TBD (such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis), and dirofilariosis, are not reportable and currently not under surveillance in most Latin American countries ( Baneth et al, 2020 ; Hernandez-Velasco et al, 2020 ; Mendes-de-Almeida et al, 2021 ; Polo et al, 2015 ; Robles et al, 2018 ; Wisely and Glass, 2019 ). In addition, there is a significant gap of knowledge about their circulation across endemic areas in certain countries, such as Colombia ( Jaimes-Duenez et al, 2018 ; Miranda and Mattar, 2015 ; Pesapane et al, 2019 ; Santodomingo et al, 2019 ; Vargas-Hernandez et al, 2016 ).…”

Salp15, a Multifunctional Protein From Tick Saliva With Potential Pharmaceutical Effects

“…Mosquitoes and ticks are considered the most predominant vectors for the transmission of various pathogens to humans and animals (1,2). Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases worldwide.…”