Ecological features, distribution and epidemiological significance of family ixodidae ticks

Abstract

The hard-bodied ticks of the Ixodidae family are harmful blood-sucking animals and humans ectoparasites, as well as pathogens carriers, including tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis. Their prevalence is extremely important in the Western region of Ukraine. Significant increasing of ticks incidence require protective proceeding. Therefore, the purpose of study is to analyze over the last decade scholars reports, regarding the Іxodіdae ticks biological and ecological features, the patterns of their biotopic distribution, epidemiological and medical significance. Reports analysis has shown that all stages of ticks highly dependent on three major natural factors: temperature, humidity and presence of nutrients. In May - June and August - September these factors are the most favorable. It has been found that behavioral responses of the perception of abiotic factors play a prominent role in ensuring the life cycle of Іxodіdae ticks. These reactions also lead to the prolongation of their seasonal activity in the climate change observed in the world and Ukraine. Moreover, the adaptive responses of ticks are related to the infection level by various pathogens that modify gene expression, affecting the ticks metabolism and contributing to the resistance of these arthropods to adverse environmental conditions. The prevalence of ticks is affected by the host density including rodents, other wild mammals and dogs, which has a particular effect on the Lyme-borreliosis incidence. Distinctive importance in the pathogens transmission is nymphs and imago, and there are multiple pathogens combinations, which in turn duration affects, course and prognosis of human diseases. Both the time of tick feeding and the bacteria strains has an impact on potency of the host borrelia infection in natural conditions. The larvae epidemiological status is ambiguous and require further study, moreover study of the tick salivary glands microbiotic components is favored.