# Ticks: Biology, Habitat, Threats and Protection Methods

## TL;DR

Ticks are expanding their range due to global warming and transmitting diseases, so understanding their biology and habitats is crucial for prevention and treatment.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the genomic structure of ticks and their unique biological features, which could aid in developing new treatments and vaccines.

## Key findings

- Ticks are active year-round due to global warming, increasing disease transmission risks.
- Tick saliva contains substances that aid in unnoticed blood feeding and may have insecticidal enzymes.
- The tick genome has a high proportion of repetitive genes, which may impact survival and disease transmission.

## Abstract

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to tick bites and the diseases they transmit. Ticks have always accompanied humans and animals, but they can now move rapidly and expand their feeding range. Ticks from the Ixodes family are found in many parts of the world, except for mountainous regions. Ticks transmit Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan infection, and other diseases to humans and animals. They are active from March to November, practically year-round, due to global warming. Hosts include birds, lizards, hedgehogs, goats, roe deer, fallow deer, red deer, foxes, dogs, cats, and humans. The tick genome has already been identified in 10-year surveillance studies, which is crucial for interpreting gene structure. Approximately 70% of the genome consists of repetitive, often mutated, genes. They comprise single copies of the same genus that differ from others to aid arachnid survival. Researchers are examining both genes and applications that facilitate the use and transmission of diseases, potentially helping to develop new treatments and vaccines. Unique aspects of tick biology have been identified. For instance, their saliva contains various bactericidal, analgesic, anticoagulant, and immunosuppressive substances, which may cause ticks to suck blood unnoticed. Ticks also contain enzymes that may possess insecticides.

The most common species of tick in Europe is the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), which is found in forests, parks, and gardens and is active almost all year round. Ticks are among the most important arthropods and vectors of disease, transmitting a wide range of parasites that sometimes lead to the death of infected organisms. The peak incidence of tick-borne diseases occurs between May and September; however, due to global warming, people are increasingly exposed to tick-borne diseases throughout the year. In order to increase the possibility of preventing the transmission of diseases by ticks, it is necessary to become thoroughly familiar with the life cycle of ticks and the environment in which they live. Vaccines are available for some diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis, while others require a highly specific diagnosis. Another major problem is the long period between the tick bite, which often goes unnoticed or is even ignored by the patient or the doctor, and the development of tick-borne diseases. Increasing attention is being paid to the prevention of tick-borne diseases through prevention of tick bites, quick tick removal, use of repellents, appropriate land management, vaccinations, and the use of plants as natural acaricides.