Three recently identified tick species have been detected by researchers at Tyumen Medical University (TMU), raising attention to their potential role as carriers of serious diseases such as plague and West Nile fever. The conclusions come from a comprehensive study recently published in the Persian Journal of Acarology, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance of tick populations and their associated pathogens in northern Eurasia. The discovery adds to the growing body of knowledge about tick biodiversity in diverse climates and biogeographic zones, and it calls for careful monitoring of how these tiny parasites may intersect with public health concerns across the region.
TMU scientists conducted an extensive examination of existing literature from multiple countries, including China and Japan, alongside their own field samples. Through meticulous comparison and taxonomic analysis, the team concluded that the collected specimens represent new species rather than already described ones. The researchers emphasize that these ticks appear to be widespread in the Siberian landscape as well as in neighboring Mongolia, suggesting a broad geographic footprint that warrants further study to understand ecological factors that sustain their populations and their potential to harbor pathogens.
According to TMU biologists, the identified parasites belong to two distinct families, Spinturnicidae and Macronyssidae, each with unique biology and host associations. Members of the Spinturnicidae family are known to parasitize bats and have been associated with the transmission of certain Bartonella-like bacteria, which can cause systemic illnesses in humans and animals under specific conditions. The Macronyssidae family includes species that have been linked to a variety of natural focal infections that may pose risks in areas where humans and wildlife interact closely. The study highlights the necessity of understanding the life cycles, host preferences, and seasonal dynamics of these ticks to assess any potential public health implications for bat roosts and human communities nearby.
One of the tick specimens was obtained in 2020 from preserved collections housed at the Zoological Museum of Moscow State University, while researchers revisited the bat collections to integrate historical material with contemporary observations. The remaining specimens were captured from wild bats observed in the regions of Buryatia and Tuva, then released after verification, allowing scientists to compare historical records with current populations. This blend of museum and field data strengthens the evidence for recognizing newly described species and provides a richer context for interpreting their distribution patterns and host associations over time.
Public health authorities have noted substantial activity in response to various tick-related concerns. In recent years, thousands of individuals sought medical evaluation for tick bites, dermatitis, and potential tick-borne exposures, reinforcing the importance of accurate species identification and risk assessment for communities living in tick-prone environments. The growing body of research from TMU and allied institutions contributes to a clearer picture of how tick diversity intersects with human health, wildlife ecology, and ecosystem dynamics in Russia and beyond. Ongoing collaboration among researchers, public health officials, and veterinary scientists is essential to translate these findings into practical guidance for disease prevention, surveillance strategies, and informed public awareness campaigns.