GHTM

Global Health and Tropical Medicine

  • GHTM
    • About GHTM
    • Governance
    • Impact
    • Members
      • Population health, policies and services
        • PPS PhD members
        • PPS non PhD members
      • TB, HIV and opportunistic diseases and pathogens
        • THOP PhD members
        • THOP non PhD members
      • Vector-borne diseases
        • VBD PhD members
        • VBD non PhD members
      • Individual Health Care
        • IHC PhD members
        • IHC non PhD members
      • Tech & Admin support
    • Scientific Advisory Board
  • Research
    • Cross-cutting issues
      • Global Pathogen Dispersion and Population Mobility
      • Drug Discovery and Drug Resistance
      • Diagnostics
      • Public Health Information
      • Fair Research Partnerships
    • Research Groups
      • PPS – Population health, policies and services
      • THOP – TB, HIV and opportunistic diseases and pathogens
      • VBD – Vector borne diseases
      • IHC – Individual health care
    • Research in numbers
      • 2023
      • 2022
      • 2021
      • 2020
      • 2019
      • 2018
      • 2017
    • Projects
      • Ongoing Projects
      • Completed Projects
  • Outreach
    • Events
    • News
    • Policy Support & Community Outreach
  • Publications
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
  • Capacity Building
    • Education
      • Master Theses
      • PhD Theses
    • International
  • Infrastructures
  • Networks & Partnerships
  • Reports
    • GHTM
    • Scientific Advisory Board
    • FCT
Home / Articles / Towards controlling the transmission of tick-borne diseases

Towards controlling the transmission of tick-borne diseases

November 9, 2015

Image of two Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks
CDC: Two Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks

Ana Domingos‘ project (approved for funding by FCT) with the tile “TickVac: A proteomic and functional genomic insight into the Rhipicephalus sanguineus –  interactome towards disease control” represents a step forward on the selection of potential anti-tick vaccines candidates. The project will evaluate protein differential expression/representation between two Rhipicephalus sanguineus populations (resistant and susceptible to Ehrlichia canis infection/transmission) and the functional characterization of R. sanguineus-tick genes and proteins affected in response to E. canis-pathogen infection.

R. sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is the most widespread tick in the world and has a remarkable host preference for dogs, although infestations may also occur on other mammals including humans. It is the vector of several pathogens, such as E. canis, a potential zoonotic pathogen responsible for monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (ME). ME is distributed worldwide, is high prevalent and severe but there is no commercial vaccine against the disease. Tick control using acaricides remains the main preventive measure against E. canis. However, vaccination has the advantages of being cost-effective, reducing environmental contamination, preventing the selection of drug-resistant ticks and can target both vector and pathogen.

This study will be the first using proteomic and functional genomics on R. sanguineus – E. canis and on the different vector capacity of R. sanguineus lineages.

The long-term goal of this research is to develop methodologies to protect humans and animals against ticks and tick-borne diseases. The results will contribute greatly to the control of tick infestations and the transmission of tick-borne diseases.

Project: PTDC/CVT-WEL/1807/2014

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

About GHTM

GHTM is a R&D Unit that brings together researchers with a track record in Tropical Medicine and International & Global Health. It aims at strengthening Portugal's role as a leading partner in the development and implementation of a global health research agenda. Our evidence-based interventions contribute to the promotion of equity in health and to improve the health of populations.

Contacts

Rua da Junqueira, 100
1349-008 Lisboa
Portugal

+351 213 652 600

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Map

  • Events
  • Research Groups
  • Cross-cutting issues
© Copyright 2025 IHMT-UNL All Rights Reserved.
  • Universidade Nova de Lisboa
  • Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

    UIDB/04413/2020
    UIDP/04413/2020

 

Loading Comments...
 

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok