Current insights on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Neotropics: Novel approaches to diagnosis and characterisation

The Neotropical region, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from the humid Amazon rainforests to the Central America habitats, including arid deserts, steppes, grasslands, and montane forests, represents a critical hotspot for ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBD) due to its high biodiversity and increasing human encroachment. The increase of TBD incidence, driven by ecological changes and the expansion of tick populations, requires innovative approaches for pathogen detection, such as next-generation sequencing and proteomic profiling, to overcome the limitations of serological cross-reactivity and under-diagnosis. Additionally, migratory bird patterns and anthropogenic factors further exacerbate the risk of pathogen spread, highlighting the necessity of integrated strategies that combine vector biology, climate modelling, and public education. Current research focuses on enhancing diagnostic accuracy, exploring transmission dynamics, and mitigating public health impacts through multidisciplinary solutions tailored to the unique ecological and epidemiological landscape of the Neotropics.

1. Improve Diagnostic Accuracy of Tick-Borne Diseases (TBD) in the Neotropical Region:
- Apply advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing and proteomic profiling to overcome the limitations of serological cross-reactivity and under-diagnosis.
- Develop precise and rapid diagnostic tools for identifying tick-borne pathogens.

2. Explore Transmission Dynamics of Tick-Borne Pathogens:
- Investigate tick-host interactions, including migratory birds and mammals, and their impact on pathogen transmission (enzootic cycles).
- Analyse the influence of environmental and climatic factors in the expansion of tick populations and disease spread.
- Evaluate the impact of human encroachment and the associated increased risks in wildlife/domestic interface areas.

3. Develop Integrated Strategies to Mitigate Public Health Impacts:
- Combine vector biology, climate modelling, and public education to design targeted interventions for the Neotropical region.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local communities to implement preventive and control measures.

This Research Topic aims to compile cutting-edge research on the epidemiology, ecology, and molecular biology of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Neotropical region. Contributions are sought from researchers working on novel diagnostic techniques, pathogen characterization, and the role of hosts in ticks and pathogens dispersal. The Research Topic will cover emerging tick-borne diseases caused by bacterial, parasitic, and viral agents, as well as innovative strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control.

Original research articles, short communications, review articles, and case reports will be welcomed.

Keywords: neotropics, phylogeny, diagnostics, zoonosis, emerging diseases, ticks, tick-borne diseases

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.