Document Type : Review Paper

Author

• Faraz Malek bagali

Ardabil

Abstract

Ticks are among the most important arthropod vectors, responsible for transmitting a wide variety of zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which pose serious threats to both human and animal health worldwide. Changes in the environment and increased interactions between humans and wildlife have expanded the geographic range of ticks, contributing to a rise in tick-borne diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of tick biology, ecology, and vector competence, alongside the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of major tick-borne zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). It also discusses current challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the importance of integrated surveillance and control strategies. By summarizing recent findings and highlighting knowledge gaps, this review aims to guide future research and support public health efforts to reduce the global impact of tick-borne zoonotic diseases. Ticks play a prominent role in causing new and re-emerging diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Keywords

• Ticks
• Tick-borne pathogens
• Arthropod vectors
• Zoonosis