By Chiara Seletti

As ticks spread to new regions and remain active longer, the diseases they cause have become a significant challenge for public health

Nothing spoils the prospect of a beautiful walk through the woods quite as thoroughly as the threat of ticks. Whether tending to your garden, walking the dog, or playing soccer in the park, routine activities in the warmer months are putting us at increased risk of encountering these pathogen-laden bugs.

Ticks are most active in the spring and summer, making this time of year the most likely for people to contract a tick-borne disease. Studies have shown that climate change is influencing tick populations and the pathogens they carry, and as warmer temperatures and wildlife migration expand, so are tick habitats and their active periods.¹

With rapid results from molecular diagnostic tests, clinicians can effectively provide the right treatment to patients when it is most needed

 

This trend means that more healthcare providers will treat patients with a tick-borne disease, putting pressure on clinical laboratory teams to improve and implement appropriate tests to identify these cases as quickly as possible. This is made even more challenging by the overlapping and non-specific symptoms characteristic of many tick-borne diseases. With rapid lab results delivered by molecular diagnostic tests, clinicians can best provide the right treatment to patients during the period it will be most effective. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, some tick-borne diseases can lead to serious health complications, including chronic conditions, long-term disability, or even life-threatening outcomes.¹

Examples of common and emerging tick-borne diseases

Ticks carry a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans and animals through a tick bite. Here are some examples of common and emerging tick-borne diseases:

Lyme disease

Perhaps the best-known of these infections is Lyme disease, which is transmitted by black-legged ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi. This is now the most common tick-borne disease in North America, with more than 300,000 cases diagnosed each year in the US, and the incidence continues to rise.¹ Without proper treatment, patients can be affected by long-term issues related to the heart, nervous system, and joints.

Anaplasmosis

Another disease carried by black-legged ticks is anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Some 4,000 to 6,000 cases are reported annually in the US, and disease prevalence is increasing. Unlike the bull’s-eye rash associated with many cases of Lyme disease, the symptoms of anaplasmosis are generally non-specific, leading to a high risk of missed diagnosis.

Babesiosis

Less prevalent than Lyme disease or anaplasmosis, the incidence of babesiosis is rising in areas where Lyme disease is common. It can be spread by any tick found on deer, though its primary vector is also the black-legged variety. Babesiosis is caused by Babesia species, and approximately 1,000 to 2,000 cases are reported annually in the US, particularly among immunocompromised people.

Borrelia miyamotoi disease

Another emerging threat, the Borrelia miyamotoi bacterium is a recently recognized pathogen carried by ticks. Initially considered less serious, this tick-borne disease has quickly grown into a major health concern in regions with large tick populations, with infections rising due to environmental changes and human activities that affect tick habitats. Early, accurate diagnosis is essential for containing this pathogen.

Laboratory testing can help address the growing prevalence of tick-borne diseases through early diagnosis and management. The speed and accuracy of tests are better than ever thanks to advances in PCR-based molecular diagnostic tools. For example, newly developed primers for Borrelia miyamotoi have enabled labs to identify this emerging pathogen more efficiently, contributing to better patient outcomes.

Ehrlichiosis

Additionally, another often overlooked but potentially serious infection is Ehrlichiosis, which is caused by a group of bacteria in the genus Ehrlichia. Ehrlichiosis is transmitted primarily through the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), though other tick species can also serve as vectors. This disease affects both humans and animals, especially dogs. While treatable with antibiotics, it can escalate quickly and become severe, or even life-threatening, if not recognized and managed early.

Older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those who delay seeking medical treatment are at higher risk for developing serious illness. That’s why early detection and prompt treatment are so important. Molecular testing, performed with PCR, can detect the presence of Ehrlichia DNA in the blood early in the course of illness. This not only confirms the infection but also helps prevent unnecessary delays in treatment.

As tick populations continue to spread, early and prompt diagnosis through molecular testing is critical

As tick populations spread into new regions, the threat of tick-borne diseases is growing rapidly. Early diagnosis through molecular testing is critical — it enables timely treatment, reduces the risk of severe complications, and helps control outbreaks. When paired with greater awareness and preventive action, early detection plays a key role in reducing the health impact of these dangerous pathogens.

Diasorin is a trusted partner in the detection and management of tick-borne diseases, offering advanced diagnostic solutions that empower healthcare providers to deliver timely, accurate diagnoses and ensure effective treatment for their patients. Visit our website to learn more about our offerings.

Reference:
1. Ticks | Ticks | CDC