Raman-based identification of tick species (Ixodidae) by spectroscopic analysis of their feces

Dou, Tianyi; Ermolenkov, Alexei; Hays, Samantha R; Rich, Brian T.; Donaldson, Taylor G.; Thomas, Donald B.; Teel, Pete D.; Kurouski, Dmitry

doi:10.1016/j.saa.2022.120966

Cited by 2 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…We next constructed a machine learning model, similar to that described by Dou et al (2022) to identify tick genera within the data set. The partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) algorithm was used for the classi cation model, Table 2.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since the spectral data were normalized before being input into the model, the spectral intensity difference associated with feces color will not affect the model prediction. In our previous experiments, we demonstrated a proof-of-principle experiment that this Raman-based analysis could be conducted using a hand-held portable Raman spectrometer with results similar to our current methods of using a confocal (Dou et al 2022). In order to enhance the practicality of this approach within the eld, our objective was to investigate whether our existing techniques, utilizing a confocal microscope, could effectively distinguish feces samples of 12 tick species from feces of Haematobia irritans.…”

Section: Amblyomma Boophilus Rhipicephalus Dermacentor Haemaphysalis ...mentioning

confidence: 96%

“…Whereas the supervised models instead of telling the difference, aim to classify the data based on the assignment given to the data. For example, the classi cation model like partial less square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine discriminant analysis, soft independent modeling of class analogy, and others can give the qualitative analysis for the dataset (Farber et In this report, we expand the scope of previous work (Dou et al 2022) and present Raman-based spectroscopic evidence for the species-speci c identi cation of 12 species of adult ixodid ticks based on their respective feces. We include an assessment of feces from the horn y, Haematobia irritans, recognizing that this ubiquitous ectoparasite of cattle also defecates on cattle and could cause confounding diagnoses of tick feces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…While blood-feeding, ticks defecate onto the hair and skin of their host leaving potential evidence of their presence. We investigated the structure and composition of feces from seven tick species using Raman spectroscopy and discovered species-speci c signatures among adult ticks and evidence of signature differences between immature and adult tick feces (Dou et al 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dou et al (2022) previously reported the true positive rate for identi cation of four Amblyomma species as 100%. Feces from 10 of 12 tick species are representative of ticks commonly found on cattle in Texas and speci c identi cation of cattle infested with two of these ticks, R.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Identification of Adult Ixodid Tick Species by Raman Spectroscopy of Their Feces

Dou,

Holman,

Hays

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose significant challenges to cattle production, necessitating effective control measures based on understanding tick presence, identification, abundance, and dispersal. The standard method for inspection is visual and physical examination of restrained animals, but the limitations of human sight and touch can allow for larval, nymphal, and unfed adult ticks to remain undetected due to their small size and attachment sites. However, Raman spectroscopy, an analytical tool widely used in agriculture, shows promise for tick-species identification of tick-infested cattle. Raman spectroscopy provides a non-invasive and efficient method for acquiring data by leveraging the interaction between molecules and light, allowing for the identification of molecular constituents within specimens. Methods: Raman spectroscopy was employed to analyze the structure and composition of tick feces deposited on host skin and hair during blood-feeding. Feces from 12 ixodid tick species spanning five genera were scanned. Spectral data were subjected to a machine-learning model called partial least squares discriminant analysis. In addition, we compared and evaluated feces of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans, after feeding on cattle, using Raman spectroscopy and the same analytical procedures. Results: Raman spectroscopy of tick feces identified six genus/sub-genus taxonomic groups at overall true prediction rates ranging from 92.3 to 100. At the species level, Raman spectroscopy identified Dermacentor albipictus, D. andersoni and D. variabilis at the overall true prediction rates of 100, 99.28 and 100, respectively. There were distinct differences between horn fly and tick feces in blood and guanine vibrational features. The overall true prediction rate for separating tick and horn fly feces was 98%. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the proficiency of Raman spectroscopy in reliably identifying tick species through their feces and its potential for practical field-based applications to identify tick infested cattle.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Amblyomma Boophilus Rhipicephalus Dermacentor Haemaphysalis ...mentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identification of Adult Ixodid Tick Species by Raman Spectroscopy of Their Feces

Dou,

Holman,

Hays

et al. 2023

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Species identification of adult ixodid ticks by Raman spectroscopy of their feces

Dou,

Holman,

Hays

et al. 2024

Parasites Vectors

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Background Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose significant challenges to cattle production, thus the species identification of ticks and knowledge on their presence, abundance, and dispersal are necessary for the development of effective control measures. The standard method of inspection for the presence of ticks is the visual and physical examination of restrained animals, but the limitations of human sight and touch can allow larval, nymphal, and unfed adult ticks to remain undetected due to their small size and site of attachment. However, Raman spectroscopy, an analytical tool widely used in agriculture and other sectors, shows promise for the identification of tick species in infested cattle. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive and efficient method that employs the interaction between molecules and light for the identification of the molecular constituents of specimens. Methods Raman spectroscopy was employed to analyze the structure and composition of tick feces deposited on host skin and hair during blood-feeding. Feces of 12 species from a total of five genera and one subgenus of ixodid ticks were examined. Spectral data were subjected to partial least squares discriminant analysis, a machine-learning model. We also used Raman spectroscopy and the same analytical procedures to compare and evaluate feces of the horn fly Haematobia irritans after it fed on cattle. Results Five genera and one sub-genus at overall true prediction rates ranging from 92.3 to 100% were identified from the Raman spectroscopy data of the tick feces. At the species level, Dermacentor albipictus, Dermacentor andersoni and Dermacentor variabilis at overall true prediction rates of 100, 99.3 and 100%, respectively, were identified. There were distinct differences between horn fly and tick feces with respect to blood and guanine vibrational frequencies. The overall true prediction rate for the separation of tick and horn fly feces was 98%. Conclusions Our findings highlight the utility of Raman spectroscopy for the reliable identification of tick species from their feces, and its potential application for the identification of ticks from infested cattle in the field. Graphical Abstract

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Raman-based identification of tick species (Ixodidae) by spectroscopic analysis of their feces

Cited by 2 publications

References 27 publications

Identification of Adult Ixodid Tick Species by Raman Spectroscopy of Their Feces

Identification of Adult Ixodid Tick Species by Raman Spectroscopy of Their Feces

Species identification of adult ixodid ticks by Raman spectroscopy of their feces

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