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Tailoring management of tick-borne diseases based on diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TalkToTick)

Project leader: Snežana Tomanović, PhD, Research Professor

Project collaborators: Ratko Sukara, PhD, Research associate, Darko Mihaljica, PhD, Research associate, Gorana Veinović, PhD, Research associate, Velantina Ćirković, PhD, Research associate.

Duration of the project: 2023-2026

Leading institution: Institute for Medical Research, National Institute for Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade

Description:

TalkToTick is a project that answers the question of to what extent ticks and tick-borne pathogens present in a specific region pose a risk to human health. Climate change, intensification of transport, and migration undoubtedly lead to changes in the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. Globally, and in our region, there has been a discrepancy between the registered number and diversity of ticks, the pathogens they transmit, and confirmed clinical cases of the disease. It is believed that many cases of tick-borne diseases remain unrecognized or misdiagnosed. The main objective of our project is to develop adequate approaches for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of tick-borne diseases based on the knowledge of local ecology, epidemiology, and geographic distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Although the TalkToTick project is conceived in Serbia as a model for the region, our ambition goes beyond the local interest. The knowledge and results we generate during the project implementation are extremely important for all regions with a similar eco-epidemiological situation (Southern Europe, neighboring countries), and as a conceptual approach, our model can be applied anywhere. The project is largely focused on citizens too. The most important and economical form of prevention of tick-borne diseases in humans are personal protection measures and to increase the effectiveness of these measures, it is necessary to inform, educate, and actively involve citizens.

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National Projects

Importance of wild canids as hosts and reservoirs for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Austria and Serbia

Project leader : Dr Snežana Tomanović and Dr Georg Duscher

Project collaborators:

Dr Snežana Tomanović, Dr Darko Mihaljica i Dr Ratko Sukara

Project number:

Duration of the project: 2016-2017

Leading Institution:

Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade

Description of the project:

Identification of ticks and tick-borne diseases, as a growing problem in last decades, coincides with the increase of anthropogenic influence on biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. As a result of direct and indirect anthropogenic impact, the migration of these pathogens to new areas is enabled. Wild canids are important hosts of ixodid ticks and recently they have been recognized as potential reservoirs of several tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and domestic animals importance. The species like red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) also represent an important source of infections for domestic animals and humans, mostly due to their close proximity to human settlements and frequent exposure to different vector species. Currently, these populations are both still rapidly growing in urban areas and spreading their ranges toward Central and Eastern Europe increasing the risk of human and animal exposure to pathogens. However, many aspects of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in wild canids, such as host range, tick range and their geographical distribution are still poorly understood.

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International Projects

Enzootic transmission cycles of pathogenic microorganisms transmitted by ticks

Project leader: Dr Snežana Tomanović

Project collaborators:

Dr Snežana Tomanović, Dr Darko Mihaljica, Dr Ratko Sukara, Dr Gorana Veinović, i 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: Mr 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 in 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 applying 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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