Technological advancements in tick research

Each spring, tick populations explode across Southern Ontario much to the dismay of outdoor enthusiasts and pet owners. While most associate ticks with Lyme disease, Queen카지노 게임 컬렉션�s 카지노게임사이트 researcher Robert Colautti (Biology) is partnering with undergraduate students and veterinarians in the region to efficiently identify newly emerging tick-borne pathogens.

The is Canada카지노 게임 컬렉션�s first publicly-available laboratory test allowing for the identification of all tick-borne pathogens at once, including unknown ones. Currently, tick-borne pathogens are only identified with individual tests, presenting a barrier for both researchers and healthcare providers.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�If you want to test for 10 pathogens, you카지노 게임 컬렉션�ll have to do 10 tests, and you can only find what you are looking for,카지노 게임 컬렉션� says Dr. Colautti. 카지노 게임 컬렉션�That means as new pathogens arise, the number of tests piles up and the process of identifying these diseases becomes more complicated.카지노 게임 컬렉션�

Building on years of work with the , this testing strategy takes a different approach. By combining recent advancements in genomics and machine learning, BATT allows researchers to truly understand the diversity of microbes carried by ticks. While current tests focus on targeting DNA from individual pathogens within a tick, BATT uses machine learning to sequence and identify all the DNA in a sample from a tick. This novel technique allows for the detection of new pathogens and changes in the tick microbiome.

First established at Queen카지노 게임 컬렉션�s in 2017, the multidisciplinary nature of CLyDRN brings together researchers, clinicians, and patients 카지노 게임 컬렉션� a unique network that led Dr. Colautti to develop BATT.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�Meeting patients made it clear there is a gap between the healthcare system and the patient experience,카지노 게임 컬렉션� he says. 카지노 게임 컬렉션�Current tests simply cannot identify new pathogens, and new tests aren카지노 게임 컬렉션�t being developed until people are already sick. What we are trying to do is get ahead of the curve and identify these illnesses as they emerge.카지노 게임 컬렉션�

But the curve will only get steeper with the effects of human-driven global change. As temperatures rise and climate change makes its mark, new tick species from the U.S. and around the world begin to migrate into Canada, carrying with them a wide variety of new pathogens.

카지노 게임 컬렉션�With all of these global change components, climate change 카지노 게임 컬렉션� biological invasions and habitat modification 카지노 게임 컬렉션� it카지노 게임 컬렉션�s a certainty that we카지노 게임 컬렉션�ll have new tick-borne illnesses coming to Canada, some of which are already here,카지노 게임 컬렉션� says Dr. Colautti.

How monitoring pets can help 
To combat this, BATT is being provided to vet clinics across Southern Ontario as part of a new pilot project. With three vet clinics already participating following the project카지노 게임 컬렉션�s recent launch, the first pilot study is planned to begin this fall before opening to more clinics in Spring 2025. Starting with our four-legged companions provides a large sample size to assess the effectiveness of BATT, while also allowing researchers to explore the range of pathogens in Southern Ontario that could impact the human population. The long-term goal is to use this information to develop a commercially available test to identify and diagnose tick-borne illnesses in both domestic animals and humans. An accomplishment that if realized would transform patient treatment.

In the meantime, protecting yourself from tick-borne illnesses begins with prevention. Long pants, socks, and insect repellant are useful at preventing tick bites, while light-colored clothing can help ticks stand out and be removed.

For more information regarding the pilot project and how to get involved visit the . 

Note: This article originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.