Tick-Borne Pathogen Dynamics and Disease Control in Africa

Tick-borne diseases pose growing threats to human and animal health worldwide. Population growth, livestock movement, land-use change, and climate change can affect tick distribution and pathogen transmission. Ticks transmit diverse bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, while their associated microbial communities may influence pathogen establishment and spread.Africa is a key setting for studying these dynamics, yet major gaps remain in our understanding of the prevalence, diversity, and distribution of tick-borne pathogens across the continent. Interactions between pathogens, ticks, hosts, and endosymbiotic microbes are also important for identifying transmission pathways and developing effective control measures.This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge of tick-borne pathogens and tick-associated microbiomes in Africa, with particular interest in pathogens documented in Africa and studies that connect African findings with evidence from other regions. We welcome research that characterizes pathogenic and symbiotic microbes in tick populations, examines their interactions, and provides new insights into the epidemiology, prevention, and control of tick-borne diseases.To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:· Epidemiology, prevalence, diversity, and distribution of tick-borne bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in Africa.· Comparative studies of pathogens found in Africa, including their ecology, evolution, and transmission.· Characterization of tick-associated microbiomes and their roles in pathogen acquisition, persistence, and transmission.· Molecular and genomic methods for identifying and characterizing pathogenic and endosymbiotic agents.· Effects of ecological conditions, climate, land use, livestock movement, and host interactions on tick distribution and disease transmission.· One Health approaches to understanding tick-borne disease risks for people, livestock, wildlife, and ecosystems.· Innovative approaches to the surveillance, prevention, and control of tick-borne pathogens.We invite original research, reviews, and systematic or scoping reviews that advance understanding of tick-borne diseases in Africa, and help shape effective strategies for their surveillance and control. Topic editors: Mourad Ben Said, Sobhy Abdel-Shafy, Charles Byaruhanga, Bersissa Kumsa, ThankGod Emmanuel Onyiche Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/69849/tick-borne-pathogen-dynamics-and-disease-control-in-africa