ClimaTickNet: Mapping the spatial and temporal networks of climatic factors influencing Ixodid tick abundance and tick-borne pathogens in the Western Ghats, India

Duration of the project: March 2025 to March 2027

Study funded by:?Biotechnology Industry 亚洲通_亚洲通官网 Assistance Council (BIRAC), Government of India

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The ClimaTickNet project is a collaborative effort between the 亚洲通_亚洲通官网 Institute of Virology (MIV) at the 亚洲通_亚洲通官网 Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Karnataka and the National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune, Maharashtra. This three-year prospective study focused on understanding the intricate relationships between climatic factors, Ixodid tick populations, and tick-borne pathogens in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India. This research aims to map the spatial and temporal networks that govern the abundance of ticks and the spread of tick-borne diseases in this ecologically sensitive region.

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The study will involve a comprehensive two-year longitudinal investigation, with a focus on sentinel surveillance of tick-borne pathogens across 12 strategically selected sites. These sites, represent diverse ecological habitats where human, wild animal, and domestic animal interactions are most frequent. By systematically collecting and analyzing tick samples, the research seeks to uncover the seasonal dynamics of host-seeking ticks and identify spatial density patterns.

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The project will employ advanced statistical and spatial modeling techniques to develop predictive models for tick-borne disease management. Climatic data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, will be integrated with ecological and epidemiological data to create a detailed risk map of tick and pathogen distribution. This information will be crucial for developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases in the region.