Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in animals and humans in the island nations of Southeast Asia: A review

Abstract

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites and major vectors of pathogens that cause infectious diseases in humans and animals worldwide including mammals, birds and reptiles. Despite the growing scientific effort in the 20th century, there is still limited information on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Southeast Asia, especially concerning medical, veterinary, socioeconomic and agricultural aspects in the island nations. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of ticks and their pathogens in the island nations of Southeast Asia and peninsular Malaysia. We aim to stimulate further research studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens of human and veterinary importance in this geographical region.

Keywords: Anaplasma; Anaplasmosis; Babesia; Babesiosis; Distribution; Island nations; Rickettsia; Rickettsiosis; Southeast Asia; Tick-borne pathogens; Ticks.