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Tailoring the Management of Tick-Borne Diseases Based on the Diversity of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens (TalkToTick)

Project leader: Dr. Snežana Tomanović

Project collaborators: Dr. Ratko Sukara, Dr. Dušan Škiljević, Dr. Dragana Marković, Dr. Gorana Veinović, Dr. Valentina Ćirković, Dr. Jasmina Poluga, Dr. Elizabeta Ristanović, Dr. Korana Kocić, Dr. Kaja Damnjanović, Dr. Jovan Malinić, Dr. Darko Mihaljica, Dr. Milica Kuručki

Duration of the project: 2023-2026.

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Collaborating institutions: Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

TalkToTick (Tailoring Management of Tick-Borne Diseases Based on Diversity of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens) is a research project funded through the PRIZMA Programme of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. The project aims to improve our understanding of the risks that ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose to human health. It addresses the apparent discrepancy between the remarkable diversity of ticks and the pathogens they carry and the relatively small number of clinically confirmed cases of tick-borne diseases. Through an integrated approach combining investigations of tick and pathogen diversity, molecular characterisation of pathogens, and analyses of clinical and epidemiological data, the project seeks to determine to what extent tick-borne diseases in Serbia remain unrecognised or are misdiagnosed.

A particular focus of the project is to identify the factors influencing the occurrence and clinical outcomes of tick-borne infections, including differences in the virulence of locally circulating pathogen strains, limitations of current diagnostic methods, and the level of awareness of tick-borne diseases. The findings are expected to contribute to improved diagnostics, more accurate risk assessment, and the development of more effective strategies for the surveillance, prevention, and management of tick-borne diseases in Serbia.

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National Projects

Enzootic Transmission Cycles of Pathogenic Microorganisms Transmitted by Ticks

Project leader: Dr. Snežana Tomanović

Project collaborators: Dr. Darko Mihaljica, Dr. Ratko Sukara, Dr. Gorana Veinović, Dr. Dragana Marković

Project number: OI173006

Duration of the project: 2011-2019.

Leading Institution: Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

In Europe, at least 6 agents of zoonotic vector-borne diseases have been identified in which ticks play an important role in transmission (Rickettsia sp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Francisella tularensis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus). Our preliminary investigations indicate the presence of A. phagocytophilum, F. tularensis, Rickettsia sp. and five genospecies of the B. burgdorferi complex in ixodid ticks in Serbia. According to epidemiological data, tick-borne encephalitis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses are present in natural foci on the territory of Serbia, but no systematic studies on their presence in ticks have been performed so far. Research in this project included regular collection of material (ticks from vegetation and hosts, serum samples and host tissues), molecular detection of pathogens in samples, and cultivation, characterization and genotyping of these microorganisms. The research focused on potential natural hosts of these zoonotic diseases. The research results provided a clearer picture of the distribution, genetic diversity, and pathogenic potential of tick-borne microorganisms.

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National Projects

European Network of Bioadhesion Expertise: Fundamental Knowledge to Inspire Advanced Bonding Technologies

Project leader: Dr. Janek Von Byern

Project collaborators: Dr. Darko Mihaljica

Project number: CA15216

Duration of the project: 2016-2021.

Leading Institution:

Description of the project:

Many organisms, ranging from bacteria and fungi to those much larger animals and plants use chemical and mechanical means to attach permanently or temporarily to surfaces. Some bioadhesives have advantages over synthetic counterparts in terms of their ability to function over a wide temperature range, in wet or dry environments, and to form stable bonds within seconds to all manner of substrata, even those with challenging surface coatings. Knowledge about these materials, in terms of composition, structural design and interactions with surfaces, is necessary to reveal the basic biochemical and mechanical principles involved in biological adhesion. This COST Action will unite the widespread European expertise in the field of biological adhesives (spanning biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering) by streamlining and pooling knowledge, methods and techniques, and will focus activities by avoiding duplication of efforts, decreasing research costs, and accelerating scientific and technological progress in Europe.

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New Approaches to the Detection of Pathogens and Aeroallergens

Project leader: Prof. Carsten Ambelas Skjøth

Project collaborators: Dr. Gorana Veinović

Project number: CA18226

Duration of the project: 2019-2023.

Leading Institution:

Description of the project:

Bioaerosols are among the most complex components in the atmosphere. Bioaerosols are relevant as important pathogens in crops and on trees, as aeroallergens in relation to human health and as catalysts for physical processes in relation to climate such as cloud formation processes. The last five to ten years a range of new techniques have become available that enable a number of scientific breakthroughs in the general understanding of bioaerosols and how they interact with the environment. This COST action will establish an interdisciplinary network of experts currently involved in the detection of bioaerosols using both existing methods as well as upcoming technologies such as real or near real-time technologies from atmospheric chemistry and physics or eDNA methods used in molecular biology. A main objective is to critically address the barriers that limits the penetration of new methods in detection of bioaerosols.

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Control of Human Pathogenic Micro-Organisms in Plant Production Systems

Project leader: Dr. Leo van Overbeek

Project collaborators: Dr. Gorana Veinović

Project number: CA16110

Duration of the project: 2017-2021.

Leading Institution:

Description of the project:

Contamination routes of human pathogenic micro-organisms (HPMO) to plants are poorly understood. Basic resources for agro-production, such as soils, water and fertilizers can play a role in contamination of plants, but micro-organisms taxonomical closely related with HPMO are also present plant microbiomes. The HUPLANTcontrol network consists of five working groups: 1) on the ecology of HPMO in plants, 2) on taxonomical identification of HPMO from plants, 3) on characterization of the potential human-threatening nature of HPMOs, 4) on sanitary and agricultural management procedures to control HPMO in plant production facilities and 5) on dissemination of achieved knowledge via connections between science groups and relevant stakeholders from agriculture, industry and public health authorities. The Action integrates molecular biology, bio-informatics, microbiology, ecology, agronomy, veterinary and clinical sciences and places a strong focus on primary plant production, in principle covering all micro-organisms posing potential threats to humans.

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Prevention, Anticipation, and Mitigation of Tick-Borne Disease Risk Using the DAMA Protocol

Project leader: Dr. Gábor Földvári

Project collaborators: Dr. Snežana Tomanović, Dr. Darko Mihaljica, Dr. Ratko Sukara, Dr. Gorana Veinović, Dr. Valentina Ćirković

Project number: CA21170

Duration of the project: 2022-2026.

Leading Institution:

Description of the project:

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) represent a national security threat for every country. The PRAGMATICK COST action aims to disseminate knowledge and promote the application of the Stockholm paradigm in order to anticipate and mitigate disease risk associated with the presence and spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) under anthropogenic pressure and changing climate. This research network will apply the comprehensive and highly focused DAMA (Document, Assess, Monitor, Act) protocol that allows to “anticipate to mitigate” emerging diseases. The main focus is on urban tick and TBP hotspots and the spread and establishment of ticks and TBPs. PRAGMATICK will find new ticks and tick-borne pathogens before they find us. By applying citizen science and supporting capacity building in the domain of tick and tick-borne disease prevention, the Action will eventually lead to new and improved insights in the potential threats related to this important group of vectors across Europe.

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European Network for Neglected Vectors and Vector-Borne Infections

Project leader: Dr. Andrei Mihalca

Project collaborators: Dr. Snežana Tomanović, Dr. Darko Mihaljica, Dr. Ratko Sukara

Project number: TD1303

Duration of the project: 2013-2017.

Leading Institution:

Description of the project:

Arthropod vectors and vector-borne diseases are frequently zoonotic infections and although their most significant clinical effects are often on the human population, the main infection sources are dependent on vectors, animal reservoirs and environmental factors. Hence, their surveillance and control require efficient and appropriately standardised methods, integrated knowledge and awareness among researchers, academic educators and policy-makers as well as well-trained young scientists. EurNegVec aims to promote all of these values and apply them in the field of vectors (ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies, midges and fleas) and vector-borne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes). The main objectives are to endorse exchange of knowledge and methodologies, improve higher education, facilitate training of next generation experts, improve the European and national policies, produce innovation and disseminate the related scientific information, all these under the framework of the One Health paradigm.

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Epidemiological Risk Models for Vector-Borne Diseases in a Changing World: The Case Study of Mosquito- and Tick-Borne Diseases under Different Conditions of Habitat Integrity, Environment, and Climate

Project leaders: Prof. Duško Ćirović and Dr. Paolo Tizzani

Project collaborators: Dr. Snežana Tomanović, Dr. Darko Mihaljica

Project number:

Duration of the project: 2013-2015.

Leading Institution: Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

The principal goal of the project is to verify if, and to what extent, anthropic impact and climatic changes affect the risk of vector borne diseases transmission. The project aims to develop an epidemiological model where the environment is modeled on both italian and serbian characteristics, the wild animal host is the red fox, and the pathogens cause vector-borne diseases. The diseases considered are transmitted by mosquitos (Dirofilaria immitis), by ticks (Babesia sp. Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma phagocitophylum), and by sandflies (Leishmania infantum). The pathogens to be studied were chosen because they are very different from the phylogenetic and biological points of view and in their ecological needs. In this way it will be possible to verify the large number of mechanisms through which environmental changes can affect the spread of pathogens.

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International Projects

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