Ecology and epidemiology of tick-borne diseases: which role for the control?
Genchi, C.
Parassitologia 48(1-2): 137-138
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0048-2951 PMID: 16881416 Document Number: 2959
Since the beginning of the 1980s, more than 15 new tick-borne bacterial diseases have been described in the world. The increasing number of pathogens recently discovered might be as a consequence of the use of new molecular biological tools, which have facilitated studies of the epidemiology of emerging tick-borne diseases all over the world. Moreover, a number of Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Ehrlichia have been found in ticks only, and their pathogenicity in humans or animals is yet to be determined. However, the new trend in human activity leading to increased frequentation of wilderness has increased the risk of tick infestations and infection transmission. Furthermore, the increased abundance of wild animal reservoir such as deer and rodents and the global changing of climate have resulted in a tremendous increase of tick populations, accelerating the ecological cycle of pathogenic microorganisms and in a dramatic surge in disease incidence. Social changes have brought pets into the family unit, intensifying the need for disease control. Owners are worried not only about pets' health, but also about pets' welfare and of zoonotic risks. In such a situation, ticks infestations have to be controlled (not just cured) through appropriate long lasting programs such as for flea infestations and heartworm disease.
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