Models and data used to predict the abundance and distribution of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) in North America: A scoping review

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ma_junling_LancetRegHealthAm_2024.pdf (1.03 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Sharma, Yogita
Laison, Elda K. E.
Philippsen, Tanya
Ma, Junling
Kong, Jude
Ghaemi, Sajjad
Liu, Juxin
Hu, François
Nasri, Bouchra

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases (TBD) remain prevalent worldwide, and risk assessment of tick habitat suitability is crucial to prevent or reduce their burden. This scoping review provides a comprehensive survey of models and data used to predict distribution and abundance in North America. We identified 4661 relevant primary research articles published in English between January 1st, 2012, and July 18th, 2022, and selected 41 articles following full-text review. Models used data-driven and mechanistic modelling frameworks informed by diverse tick, hydroclimatic, and ecological variables. Predictions captured tick abundance (n = 14, 34.1%), distribution (n = 22, 53.6%) and both (n = 5, 12.1%). All studies used tick data, and many incorporated both hydroclimatic and ecological variables. Minimal host- and human-specific data were utilized. Biases related to data collection, protocols, and tick data quality affect completeness and representativeness of prediction models. Further research and collaboration are needed to improve prediction accuracy and develop effective strategies to reduce TBD.

Description

The authors would also like to acknowledge the reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions. Their input greatly improved the quality of this manuscript.

Keywords

Ixodes scapularis, models, ticks, North America, data-driven, mechanistic, mathematical

Citation

Sharma, Y., Laison, E. K. E., Philippsen, T., Ma, J., Kong, J., Ghaemi, ... Nasri, B. (2024). Models and data used to predict the abundance and distribution of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) in North America: A scoping review. The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, 32, 100706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2024.100706

URI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2024.100706
 https://hdl.handle.net/1828/16324

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Faculty Publications (BioMed Central & Faculty of Science)
 
University of Victoria Libraries

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