Archive for the ‘Ticks’ Category

Lyme Disease Much More Common Than Previously Thought, Study Shows

https://www.consumerreports.org/lyme-disease/lyme-disease-much-more-common-than-previously-thought/

Lyme Disease Much More Common Than Previously Thought, Study Shows

With ticks spreading out across the country, the CDC says there may be nearly half a million cases of Lyme every year
By Catherine Roberts
A silhouette of a tick close up.

Between 2010 and 2018, the U.S. had approximately 476,000 cases of Lyme disease every year, according to a study out today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

That number is substantially higher than the CDC’s previous estimates, of about 300,000 annual Lyme cases, which was based on research from 2010 and earlier that looked at insurance claims and lab test results. The new study used more current information from a large database of commercial insurance claims. 

Despite the large jump, study author Kiersten Kugeler, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, says the growing number of Lyme disease cases isn’t surprising.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

A few points:

  1. Medical providers use codes for insurance purposes.  If an exact code isn’t used, the patient falls through the cracks.  This has been happening to Lyme/MSIDS patients for over 40 years. Please see:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/02/10/lyme-patients-denied-care-insurance-coverage-no-codes/  This 2017 article shows Lyme/MSIDS patients have been denied care and insurance coverage because of a lack of codes.  Later in 2017 we see the 1st official report on these code violations:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/13/1st-officially-recognized-report-on-violations-of-lyme-patients-human-rights-is-released-updating-borreliosis-diagnostic-codes/  In 2019 we see improvement in the codes:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/19/ad-hoc-committees-historical-improvement-in-the-icd-codes-for-lyme/  The recognition of Lyme/MSIDS codes is relatively new and certainly not perfect or inclusive.  There must be an exact code to correspond to the symptom or it doesn’t exist in the eyes of mainstream medicine and insurance companies.  Also, tick-borne illness includes far more than just Lyme disease and many of these diseases aren’t reportable to the CDC and probably lack codes as well.  I guarantee you they are STILL missing many, many cases that are falling through the cracks due to a lack of coding.
  2. The article makes a blatant falsehood by stating the “target -shaped” rash may not appear in 20-30% of cases.  Nope.  Hardly anyone I work with has the rash (including myself and my husband) and research shows those getting the EM rash vary widely.  Please see:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/22/why-mainstream-lyme-msids-research-remains-in-the-dark-ages/  The actual number varies anywhere from 25-80%.  Hardly a sure thing!
  3. The article states that doctors are likely to err on the side of treating Lyme if they suspect it.  I don’t know what world these people live in but they certainly don’t live in mine.  I have patients calling me to announce they have tested positive THREE times and were still denied diagnosis and treatment!  Doctors are afraid to treat people for tick-borne infections.  The CDC/IDSA has made it perfectly clear for over 40 years that they will come after doctors who treat this.  What doctor wants to be investigated by the state medical board, have someone go through all their charts with a fine-toothed comb, be possibly fined (they will find something), be required to have medical oversight and even education, and possibly be sanctioned and even lose their license?  Yet, the word is out and every doctor knows this is what happens.  Please see:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/01/21/dr-jemsek-vindicated/  This particular witch hunt drug on from 2006 – 2020 and caused untold stress on one of the best Lyme doctors we have, and he’s far from alone!
  4. The Tufts faculty member (Dr. Hu) states cases vary from year to year based on tick density, weather patterns, and more.  We need to drop this verbiage like a bad habit.  Ticks laugh at weather and are nearly impervious to it.  They seek out leaf litter and snow when conditions become harsh.  About the only thing that kills them is fire.  I know people pulling live ticks off their dogs in the middle of winter (with snow on the ground) in the most Northern parts of Wisconsin.  The mythology must stop.

For more on tick prevention:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/12/tick-prevention-2019/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/07/18/frequent-prescribed-fires-can-reduce-risk-of-tick-borne-diseases/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/27/study-conforms-permethrin-causes-ticks-to-drop-off-clothing/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/05/31/fry-and-die/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/05/08/upstate-ny-disease-expert-prevention-really-works-do-it/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/11/nootkatone-registered-by-epa-insect-repellent-products-could-be-available-by-2022/

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks

Survey of Ticks Infesting Dogs & Cats in Ireland

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32806603/

A Survey of Ticks Infesting Dogs and Cats in Ireland

Theo de Waal 1, Amanda Lawlor 1, Annetta Zintl 1, Bosco Cowley 2, Atiyah Bagha 1

Free PMC article

Abstract

Ticks are important ectoparasites of dogs and cats. Infestations can result in itching and localised dermatitis. In addition, ticks can act as vector of a range of viral, bacterial and protozoal pathogens. This paper reports the results of a nationwide survey of ticks infesting dogs and cats in Ireland. Seventy veterinary practices submitted a total of 120 ticks collected from 56 dogs and 16 cats.

  • Ixodes ricinus was the most abundant species on dogs
  • Ixodes hexagonus was the most abundant species on cats
  • The remainder were Ixodes canisuga and a single Rhipicephalus sanguineus specimen
  • The garden was most frequently associated with tick exposure in both dogs and cats
  • Sporting dog breeds (n = 17; 31%) were more likely to be infested with ticks than any other breed
  • Nearly all (n = 56; 95%) veterinarians indicated that ticks are a concern to their clients when they are found on their pets
  • Pet owners used a variety of products to control ectoparasites on their animals but a significant number (n = 18, 31%) indicated that they felt that the products are less effective highlighting the need for further investigations
  • Field sampling indicated that ticks are present at a low level in much of the greater Dublin area

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For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/12/pet-owners-have-nearly-2-times-the-risk-of-finding-ticks/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/12/10/local-veterinarians-seeing-an-increase-in-tick-borne-illnesses-among-dogs/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/12/21/dogs-are-testing-positive-for-new-tick-borne-bacteria/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/03/19/are-current-tick-prevention-methods-for-dogs-working/

I just listened to a presentation on how the insecticide Lambda Cyhalothrin (a pyrethroid) offers nearly 100% control of the Asian Long-horned tick for up to 7 weeks when sprayed on foliage.  They sprayed in June, July, and August.  For more:  http://www.npic.orst.edu/factsheets/l_cyhalogen.pdf

Tick prevention is for your yard, yourself, and your pets:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/12/tick-prevention-2019/

Controlled burns are also effective:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/03/fire-good-news-for-tick-reduction/

Category:

Prevention, research, Ticks

CDC Updates Annual Estimate of Those Diagnosed/Treated For Lyme Disease From 300,000 to 476,000

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html

CDC.Lyme_.Cases_.Bar_.Graph_.4-600x443Fig. 1: Prepared by LDA, Jan. 2021

The CDC published, in the February edition of its “Emerging Infectious Diseases,” two new papers pertaining to Lyme disease case numbers. CDC indicates that the researchers found 476,000 people are diagnosed with and treated for Lyme disease each year in the U.S.

This is a 59% increase from their previous estimate of 300,000.

Also, CDC posted a new page to its website, Syndromic Surveillance of Emergency Department Visits for Tick Bites, showing tick bites by time, age/sex, and region:  https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickedvisits/

While quick to state this increased number is “likely an over-estimate of actual infections because patients are sometimes treated presumptively,” they fail to mention the other side of the equation: that many fail to be diagnosed due to abysmal testing and doctor bias.  Interestingly they state tick-borne illness is a burden on the health care system but fail to state the need to improve testing and treatment, but simply say more effective prevention measures are needed.

The new numbers are based on more recent data and insurance claims.

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research, Ticks

Alpha-gal Syndrome – Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

https://www.lymedisease.org/alpha-gal-syndrome/

Alpha-gal Syndrome – Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

There is growing evidence that certain types of tick bites can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) a life-threatening allergy to red meat and meat-related products.

In some individuals, it appears tick bites can result in the sensitization to a carbohydrate known as galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or “alpha-gal” for short. This sugar molecule is found in most mammals you might be likely to eat, but not in fish or fowl.

Most recognized food allergies, such as to peanuts or shellfish, will prompt an immediate reaction after being consumed. That’s not the case with AGS, however, which can take up to eight hours (or even more) after exposure to produce a reaction.

Note: exposure to alpha-gal via inhalation, injected drugs or vaccines can cause an immediate reaction.

Alpha-gal syndrome - meats that contain alpha-gal

Examples of commonly consumed mammalian meats that contain alpha-gal include beef, pork, lamb, goat, venison and buffalo. Common foods that are derived from mammals include lard, milk, cream, ice cream, and cheese—although the majority of AGS patients do tolerate dairy products.

Personal products that use ingredients containing “hydrolyzed protein” (gelatin), lanolin, glycerin, collagen, or tallow are particularly problematic.

Additional products that can bring on an alpha-gal reaction are jello, gelatin capsules, certain medications, pig or cow heart valves, surgical mesh, certain vaccines and unlabeled “natural flavorings” in foods.

Some people with AGS also react to carrageenan, a common food additive made from red algae, which also contains alpha-gal. (So even being strictly vegan won’t necessarily protect you from AGS reactions.)

How are ticks involved in alpha-gal syndrome?

Alpha-gal meat allergy has been reported all over the world including Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

The tick species most often associated with Alpha-gal syndrome is the lone star tick

In the U.S., the tick species most often associated with AGS is the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) found throughout the South, East and parts of the Midwest. Recent research suggests that the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus) may also be implicated in alpha-gal syndrome.

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), the primary trigger of AGS in Asia, has shown up in the US recently, but has yet to be implicated in AGS here. The Cayenne tick (Amblyomma cajennese) found in southern Texas and Florida has also been linked to AGS in Central America, but not yet in the U.S.

While no known pathogen has been linked to triggering AGS, more research is needed to understand the mechanism and the role that ticks play. Currently the thought is that the tick saliva plays a role in activating the allergy to alpha-gal.

Who’s at risk for AGS?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a much more common allergy in the U.S. today than it was a decade ago, with the number of laboratory-confirmed cases growing from 12 in 2009 to over 34,000 in 2019. Unfortunately, AGS has no insurance billing code (ICD code), nor is it a reportable illness to the CDC.

Experts agree alpha-gal syndrome is under-reported in geographic areas where tick bites are common.

Alpha-gal syndrome Lone Star Tick in the United States

Surveillance for IgE to alpha-gal. Percent positive rates are presented for IgE to alpha-gal within each of six regions in the United States, 2012-2013 (7300 samples). Diagonal white lines on the map represent the known geographic distribution of the lone star tick (Data and map, Viracor-IBT Laboratories; Tick Distribution, CDC).

For now, the biggest risk factor for AGS appears to be repeated bites by ticks that contain alpha-gal in their saliva and salivary glands. It is not understood why, but not everyone who is bitten by a tick containing alpha-gal will develop AGS.

While both children and adults can acquire AGS, most cases have been reported in adults.

Certainly, if a patient with recent tick exposure presents with sudden onset anaphylaxis and recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, AGS should be considered.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a much more common allergy in the U.S. today than it was a decade ago, with the number of laboratory-confirmed cases growing from 12 in 2009 to over 34,000 in 2019.

What are the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome?

The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome are often delayed, making it much harder to pinpoint the trigger. Someone may wake up at 3 o’clock in the morning in the throes of serious allergic reaction, and have no idea it was brought on by a hamburger they ate the night before.

Symptoms can range from itching and stomach upset to breathing difficulty and full anaphylaxis. AGS reactions often start with itching of the palms of hands and soles of feet.

Common symptoms of AGS include:

  • 90% have skin symptoms: itching “pruritus,” flushing “erythema,” hives “urticaria” (swollen, pale red bumps or “wheals” on the skin), angioedema (swelling in deep layers below the skin)
  • 60% develop anaphylaxis (a potentially deadly reaction that can restrict breathing)
  • 60% have gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, acid reflux, cramping, vomiting)
  • 30-40% experience cardiac symptoms: rapid decrease in blood pressure (hypotension, POTS); palpitations (atypical chest symptoms)
  • 30-40% experience respiratory symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath)
  • 20% of patients will have GI symptoms alone (may present like irritable bowel syndrome)
  • 3-5% develop mast cell activation syndrome
  • arthritis (rare)
  • mouth swelling, sores (rare)

How is AGS diagnosed?

If you experience symptoms after eating mammalian meat products, immediately notify your primary care physician or allergist. Unlike most tick-borne pathogens, the onset of AGS usually takes at least 4-6 weeks from the time of the tick bite. Complicating things further, about a third of patients do not recall a tick bite.

Your doctor should be able to determine if you have AGS based upon your clinical symptoms and a positive blood test: immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the oligosaccharide glactose-alpha-1,3 galactose (alpha-gal.)

In the U.S., Viracor is the main laboratory for AGS testing. The Viracor “specific IgE galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose” test can be taken at most commercial laboratories like Labcorp and Quest and shipped to Viracor.

Warning: The test for alpha-gal is often mistaken for “alpha-galactosidase” or “a-galactosidase A deficiency”—note these are the wrong tests! Because the test is so new, it is recommended to take the proper testing codes with you to the doctor and the laboratory. Click here to download and print a PDF on the proper testing codes for alpha-gal syndrome.

How is Alpha-gal syndrome treated?

There are currently no U.S. FDA-approved medications for the treatment of AGS. As with most allergies, the mainstay of management is avoidance of the allergen. Therefore, the best practice is to avoid exposure to:

  1. Mammalian meats
  2. Personal products containing mammalian derivatives
  3. Medical products containing mammalian proteins, derivatives or parts
  4. Medications containing mammalian proteins or derivatives

Knowing you must avoid mammalian products is only half the battle, as these products have worked their way into nearly every level of our modern life.

For instance, gelatin is the main ingredient of jellybeans, candy corn, marshmallows, puddings and the capsules of many medications. Chicken and turkey sausages may be stuffed in pork casings, lard (rendered pork fat) is found in many pre-made gravies, sauces, soups, candies, chips, fries, and more.

As with all serious allergies, it is important to have the proper diagnosis and be prepared with how to respond in the event of an emergency. Most allergists will recommend wearing a medical alert bracelet and carrying an EpiPen and an antihistamine with you at all times.

Avoiding alpha-gal hidden components

Mammalian proteins and parts can be found in many medications and medical products. . Because the source of many ingredients is not listed on product labels, your pharmacist may need to contact the manufacturer. Have your pharmacist ask specifically if it contains galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, alpha-gal, mammalian meat, or any animal by-products.

Common sources of alpha-gal include:

  1. heart valve replacement derived from pig or cow,
  2. monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab)
  3. vaccines (zostavax, MMR and some flu),
  4. pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy,
  5. thyroid hormone replacement,
  6. fillers in medications (magnesium stearate, stearic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, gelatin, lactose)
  7. antivenom,
  8. protein powders,
  9. vaginal capsules
  10. heparin

Alpha-gal & co-infections

Ticks that carry alpha-gal are known to carry many other pathogens that can be simultaneously transmitted to humans. It is possible to acquire any of these other tick transmitted diseases and also have alpha-gal syndrome. It is also possible to have AGS alone.

Ticks that carry alpha-gal are known to carry many other pathogens

The lone star tick, the primary source of AGS in the U.S., is known to transmit the following diseases:

  • human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME)
  • ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Panola Mountain ehrlichia)
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)
  • tularemia (Francisella tularensis)
  • Heartland virus
  • Bourbon virus
  • Q fever
  • tick paralysis
  • STARI, an illness similar to Lyme disease, caused Borrelia lonestari
With alpha-gal recently discovered in blacklegged ticks, we may also begin to see an increase in AGS in patients with Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, relapsing fever borreliosis, Powassan virus disease, and other diseases transmitted by these ticks.

How to prevent alpha-gal syndrome

For now, the best way to avoid getting AGS is to avoid tick bites. This means wearing tick repellent when working, hiking or playing in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are found. Protecting your pets and doing thorough tick checks after being outdoors is helpful.

If you are bitten by a tick, we suggest following these eight steps.

What to do if you have alpha-gal syndrome?

Learning you have an allergy to all mammalian products can be overwhelming. Because this is such a newly discovered condition there are few resources available.

When it comes to making medical decisions, it’s important to have a knowledgeable provider who understands the risks versus benefits of certain medications and procedures. Vaccines that contain gelatin are one of the riskier products, but if you need a rabies shot, for instance, your doctor may determine the benefits outweigh the risks and take the necessary steps to mitigate the adverse effects.

To learn more about the history, symptoms and how to diagnose alpha-gal syndrome listen to this interview with Dr. Scott Commins, of the University of North Carolina.

Additional help can be found at:

References:

  1. CDC | Alpha-gal allergy
  2. HHS | Alpha-Gal Syndrome Subcommittee Report to the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group
  3. Commins SP, Satinover SM, Hosen J, Mozena J, Borish L, Lewis BD, Woodfolk JA, Platts-Mills TA. (2009) Delayed anaphylaxis, angioedema, or urticaria after consumption of red meat in patients with IgE antibodies specific for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. J. Allergy and Clin Immunol 123(2):426-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.10.052.
  4. Commins, S. P., James, H. R., Kelly, L. A., Pochan, S. L., Workman, L. J., Perzanowski, M. S., Kocan, K. M., Fahy, J. V., Nganga, L. W., Ronmark, E., Cooper, P. J., & Platts-Mills, T. A. (2011). The relevance of tick bites to the production of IgE antibodies to the mammalian oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose. J. Allergy and Clin Immunol, 127(5), 1286–93.e6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2011.02.019
  5. Commins SP (2020) Diagnosis & management of alpha-gal syndrome: lessons from 2,500 patients, Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 16:7, 667-677, DOI: 10.1080/1744666X.2020.1782745
  6. Fiocchi A, Restani P, Riva E, Qualizza R, Bruni P, Restelli AR, Galli CL. (1995)  Meat allergy: I–Specific IgE to BSA and OSA in atopic, beef sensitive children. J Am Coll Nutr. 14(3):239-44. doi: 10.1080/07315724.1995.10718502. PMID: 8586772.
  7. Hamsten C, Tran TAT, Starkhammar M, Brauner A, Commins SP, Platts-Mills TAE, van Hage M. (2013) Red meat allergy in Sweden: association with tick sensitization and B-negative blood groups. J. Allergy and Clin Immunol. 132(6):1431-1434. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.07.050. Epub 2013 Oct 4. PMID: 24094548; PMCID: PMC4036066.
  8. Kuehn BM. (2018) Tick Bite Linked to Red Meat Allergy. JAMA. 23;319(4):332. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.20802. PMID: 29362779.
  9. Mullins RJ, James H, Platts-Mills TA, Commins S.(2012) Relationship between red meat allergy and sensitization to gelatin and galactose-α-1,3-galactose. J. Allergy and Clin Immunol. 129(5):1334-1342.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.02.038. Epub 2012 Apr 3. PMID: 22480538; PMCID: PMC3340561.
  10. Platts-Mills, TAE, Schuyler, AJ,Commins,SP, et. al ( 2018) Characterizing the Geographic Distribution of the Alpha-gal Syndrome: Relevance to Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum) and Rickettsia. J. Allergy and Clinical Immun 141;2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2017.12.470
  11. Wilson JM, Schuyler AJ, Workman L, Gupta M, James HR, Posthumus J, McGowan EC, Commins SP, Platts-Mills TAE.  (2019) Investigation into the α-Gal Syndrome: Characteristics of 261 Children and Adults Reporting Red Meat Allergy. J. Allergy and Clin Immunol Pract. 7(7):2348-2358.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.03.031.

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**Comment**

I feel compelled to share the experiences of others as often it’s the only way we move forward in ‘Lymeland.’ In this case, many patients have been using ivermectin and fenbendazole with success. Make sure to work with your practitioner who knows everything you are taking as there can be synergystic effects and counter-indications for taking certain things together and/or due to medications/supplements for your pre-existing conditions. As always: this is never intended as medical advice or diagnosis.

In this case, a patient followed the advice of Dr. Makis and did two weeks of ivermectin and fenbendazole and then waited two weeks. She then consumed a 100% beef hamburger with no reactions. Prior to this treatment her life was extremely limited in that she couldn’t go out to eat or even attend family gatherings as she suffered with violent vomiting and anaphylaxis after ingestion, topical application, and even inhalation of any animal product.

While she does not mention specific dosages, the treatment was based upon Dr. Makis’ success treating Lyme disease in a similar fashion but using ivermectin and doxycycline. The protocol for that is

Ivermectin Cream applied topically on the tick bite

Doxycycline (100mg, 7 days a week for 30-60 days)

Ivermectin (1mg per 1kg body weight, 7 days a week for 30-60 days)

The rest of this protocol may also be beneficial, but not crucial for Lyme and Lone Star:

  • Tocotrienol and Tocopherol forms (all 8) of Vitamin E (400-800mg per day, 7 days a week). A product called Gamma E by Life Extension or Perfect E are both great.
  • Bio-Available Curcumin (600mg per day, 2 pills per day 7 days a week). A product called Theracurmin HP by Integrative Therapeutics is bioavailable.
  • Vitamin D (62.5 mcg [2500 IU] seven days a week).
  • CBD oil (1-2 droppers full [equal to 167 to 334 mg per day] under the tongue, 7 days a week) CBD-X: The most potent full spectrum organic CBD oil, with 5,000 milligrams of activated cannabinoids and hemp compounds CBD, CBN & CBG per serving.
  • Fenbendazole (300mg, 7 days a week) or in the case of severe turbo cancers up to 1 gram — for prophylaxis one 150mg tablet once or twice per week
  • Hydroxychloroquine (10mg/kg/day 7 days a week) – for prophylaxis one 200mg tablet once or twice per week
  • ImmunX immune support which also greatly increases the bioavailability of both Fenbendazole and Hydroxychloroquine (2 capsules per day) — for prophylaxis 2 capsules per day
  • Removing sugars and carbohydrates (cancer food) from your diet and replacing table sugar with a zero glycemic index, zero calorie, keto friendly rare sugar like AlluX

Category:

Alpha Gal Meat Allergy, Testing, Ticks, Treatment

Predicting Current & Future Distribution of Western Black-legged Tick Across the Western US

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0244754

Predicting the current and future distribution of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus, across the Western US using citizen science collections

Published: January 5, 2021

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244754

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, ticks and tick-borne diseases have expanded their ranges and impact across the US. With this spread, it has become vital to monitor vector and disease distributions, as these shifts have public health implications. Typically, tick-borne disease surveillance (e.g., Lyme disease) is passive and relies on case reports, while disease risk is calculated using active surveillance, where researchers collect ticks from the environment. Case reports provide the basis for estimating the number of cases; however, they provide minimal information on vector population or pathogen dynamics. Active surveillance monitors ticks and sylvatic pathogens at local scales, but it is resource-intensive. As a result, data are often sparse and aggregated across time and space to increase statistical power to model or identify range changes. Engaging public participation in surveillance efforts allows spatially and temporally diverse samples to be collected with minimal effort. These citizen-driven tick collections have the potential to provide a powerful tool for tracking vector and pathogen changes. We used MaxEnt species distribution models to predict the current and future distribution of Ixodes pacificus across the Western US through the use of a nationwide citizen science tick collection program. Here, we present niche models produced through citizen science tick collections over two years. Despite obvious limitations with citizen science collections, the models are consistent with previously-predicted species ranges in California that utilized more than thirty years of traditional surveillance data. Additionally, citizen science allows for an expanded understanding of I. pacificus distribution in Oregon and Washington. With the potential for rapid environmental changes instigated by a burgeoning human population and rapid climate change, the development of tools, concepts, and methodologies that provide rapid, current, and accurate assessment of important ecological qualities will be invaluable for monitoring and predicting disease across time and space.

_____________________

**Comment**

Authors continue the debunked theory that the climate is behind tick proliferation.  Repeating something over and over does not make it true. This study was a complete waste of time and money and does nothing to help suffering patients.  Ticks are showing up worldwide in areas they shouldn’t be carrying pathogens they shouldn’t have.  Move on.  There’s much bigger fish to fry!

For more:  

Category:

research, Ticks