Tick-transmitted human infections in Asia

Abstract

Vector-borne pathogens of human significance cause a predicted 17% of infectious diseases worldwide, of which, ∼23% are tick transmitted1. Although second to mosquitoes in terms of impact, ticks are thought to carry a greater diversity of pathogens than other arthropod vectors2. Asia is a key region for tick-borne pathogens, with tick species typically restricted to latitudes below 60-55°N3 where the climate is warmer and wetter from the steppe regions of Russia to the tropical rainforests of South East Asia.