Vector-borne infectious diseases

Risk factors associated with tick infestation and Ehrlichia ruminantium amongst cattle in Guadeloupe, French West Indies.

This study identifies risk factors for tick infestation and Ehrlichia ruminantium infection in cattle in Guadeloupe, finding that free-grazing systems and green fodder use increase risk, while acaricide practices influence infestation levels.

In vitro monitoring of Babesia microti infection dynamics in whole blood microenvironments

This study introduces a microfluidic platform called -Blood to monitor Babesia microti infection dynamics in whole blood without preprocessing, enabling extended observation of parasite-host interactions.

First detection of Cytauxzoon spp. DNA in questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs

This study detects Cytauxzoon spp. DNA in questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs in Central Europe, suggesting a potential role in the parasite's transmission cycle.

A Proteomics-Based Comparison of Host Responses to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia in Endothelial Cells

This study compares host proteomic responses to four SFG Rickettsia species in endothelial cells, revealing distinct immune activation patterns linked to pathogenicity.

The dual activity of BBK32: Implications for simultaneous inhibition of borrelial-specific antibody-dependent complement activation and fibronectin binding

This paper demonstrates that BBK32, a surface protein of Borreliella burgdorferi, simultaneously inhibits complement activation by binding C1r and binds fibronectin, aiding in immune evasion and dissemination.

Metagenomic resolution of spotted-fever group Rickettsia tasmanensis and novel DNA viruses in Australian wildlife ticks, with spatial modelling of Rickettsia exposure zones.

The paper identifies a novel Rickettsia species and DNA viruses in Australian ticks using metagenomics and models Rickettsia exposure zones.

Comparative Analysis of Tick Microbiomes in Remnant and Reconstructed Prairie Ecosystems

This study compares tick microbiomes in remnant and reconstructed prairies, finding that tick species identity strongly influences microbiome structure, while habitat context has a secondary effect.

Comparative virulence analysis of seven diverse strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi reveals a multifaceted and complex interplay of virulence factors responsible for disease.

This study compares seven strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi to identify virulence factors, finding no single gene or pattern predicts virulence, but highlighting complex interactions among effector proteins.

Differences between human and rodent nitric oxide production dictate susceptibility to tick-borne Rickettsia.

The paper identifies differences in nitric oxide production between human and rodent macrophages as a key factor in susceptibility to tick-borne Rickettsia.

Breed strongly predicts hemotropic coinfections in cattle: evidence from a Colombian multispecies molecular survey

The paper investigates hemotropic coinfections in cattle and identifies breed as the strongest predictor of coinfection in a Colombian multispecies study.

DRP1/DMNL-1-mediated mitochondrial fission augments Rickettsia parkeri replication in macrophages

This study shows that DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission supports Rickettsia parkeri replication in macrophages by enhancing ATP production and mitochondrial content.

Black flying foxes in Australia harbor novel Borrelia lineages adjacent to zoonotic clades

The paper investigates Borrelia infections in black flying foxes, finding two novel haplotypes distinct from known zoonotic clades.

An open source MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry database for the identification of North American tick species of medical and veterinary importance.

The paper develops a MALDI-TOF MS database for identifying North American tick species, achieving species-level accuracy with high Log Score Values.

ATF6 enables pathogen infection in ticks by inducing stomatin and altering cholesterol dynamics

This study identifies ATF6 as a key factor in tick pathogen infection by regulating stomatin, which affects cholesterol dynamics and supports bacterial survival.

Deep sequencing of 16 Ixodes ricinus ticks unveils insights into their interactions with endosymbionts

This study uses deep sequencing on 16 Ixodes ricinus ticks to analyze symbionts, revealing genome sequences, transmission modes, and genetic variability in Rickettsia helvetica.

The Genome of the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

This paper presents the first high-quality genome assembly of the American dog tick, along with methylation analysis and endosymbiont detection, providing new insights into tick genomics and epigenetics.

A Propidium Iodide-based In Vitro Screen of the "Bug Box" Against Babesia duncani Reveals Potent Inhibitors

The paper develops a high-throughput in vitro screen for Babesia duncani using propidium iodide, identifying HDAC inhibitors as potent leads.

A Comprehensive Hybrid Capture Sequencing Platform for Tick-borne Disease Detection Reveals Zoonotic Emerging Pathogens in a Weather and Vector Transition Zone

This paper develops a hybrid capture sequencing platform for tick-borne disease detection, identifying emerging pathogens and ecological transmission networks in New York.

Epigenetic responses in Borrelia-infected Ixodes scapularis ticks: Over-expression of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 and no change in DNA methylation

This study examines epigenetic changes in Borrelia-infected ticks, finding increased EHMT2 expression but no change in DNA methylation of specific repeats.

Efficacy and mechanism of action of cipargamin as an antibabesial drug candidate

This study evaluates cipargamin's efficacy against Babesia species and identifies resistance mechanisms, showing its effectiveness as an anti-babesial drug but limitations due to resistance, with combination therapy with tafenoquine offering potential.

Behavioral Manipulation of Ixodes scapularis by Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis: Implications for Tick-Borne Disease Transmission

This study shows Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis alters behavior in Ixodes scapularis nymphs, increasing movement speed, bite site-seeking, and feeding duration, with implications for tick-borne disease transmission.

Multiomics Reveals Compartmentalized Immune Responses and Tissue-Vascular Signatures in Lyme Disease

This study uses multiomic analysis to identify compartmentalized immune responses and tissue-vascular signatures in Lyme disease, linking local immune processes to systemic symptoms.

Ancient Borrelia genomes document the evolutionary history of louse-borne relapsing fever

The paper analyzes ancient Borrelia genomes to document the evolutionary transition from tick-borne to louse-borne transmission and shows rapid reductive evolution.

Contrasting temporal patterns and associations in Hyalomma marginatum microbial communities: key insights for the development of novel tick and tick-borne diseases control tools

This study analyzes the temporal patterns and microbial interactions in Hyalomma marginatum ticks to identify potential control strategies for tick-borne diseases.

Heterologous Surface Display Reveals Conserved Complement Inhibition and Functional Diversification of Borrelia burgdorferi Elp Proteins

The paper uses E. coli surface display to study Borrelia burgdorferi Elp proteins, revealing their conserved complement inhibition and novel interaction with perlecan.

Landscape heterogeneity, forest structure and mammalian host diversity shape Ixodes ricinus density and Borrelia prevalence in German forests

The study examines how landscape heterogeneity, forest structure, and mammalian host diversity affect Ixodes ricinus density and Borrelia prevalence in German forests, supporting the dilution effect hypothesis.

Duplex PCR assay to determine sex and mating status of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), vector of the Lyme disease pathogen

The paper develops a duplex PCR assay to determine the sex and mating status of Ixodes scapularis ticks using DNA sequence markers identified through whole-genome resequencing and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing.

Phosphatidylserine-binding receptor, CD300f, on macrophages mediates host invasion of pathogenic and non-pathogenic rickettsiae.

This study identifies CD300f as a receptor on macrophages that mediates engulfment of rickettsiae, with loss of CD300f protecting against infection.

ves1α genes expression is the major determinant of Babesia bovis-infected erythrocytes cytoadhesion to endothelial cells

This study identifies ves1 gene expression as the key determinant of cytoadherence in Babesia bovis-infected erythrocytes through transcriptome analysis and genetic manipulation.

Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in blood serum and urine of patients with tick-borne and other lymphocytic meningitis.

This study measures lysosomal exoglycosidase activity in serum and urine of patients with tick-borne encephalitis and lymphocytic meningitis to assess their diagnostic potential.