Comprehensive analysis of the global impact and distribution of tick paralysis, a deadly neurological yet fully reversible condition

Deng, Yuan-Ping; Fu, Yi-Tian; Elsheikha, Hany M.; Cao, Mei-Ling; Zhu, Xing-Quan; Wang, Jin-Lei; Zhang, Xue‑Ling; Xie, Shi-Chen; Yao, Chaoqun; Liu, Guo-Hua

Abstract

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by neurotoxins secreted by the salivary glands of certain ticks. Documented cases have been reported worldwide, predominantly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with additional reports from Europe and Africa. This condition also affects animals, leading to significant economic losses and adverse impacts on animal health and welfare. To date, 75 tick species, mostly hard ticks, have been identified as capable of causing this life-threatening condition. Due to symptom overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis of tick paralysis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, which could result in adverse patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on tick paralysis, including the implicated tick species, global distribution, tick toxins, molecular pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention. Enhancing awareness among medical and veterinary professionals is critical for improving the management of tick paralysis and its health impacts on both humans and animals.

Citation

Deng, Y.-P., Fu, Y.-T., Elsheikha, H. M., Cao, M.-L., Zhu, X.-Q., Wang, J.-L., Zhang, X., Xie, S.-C., Yao, C., & Liu, G.-H. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of the global impact and distribution of tick paralysis, a deadly neurological yet fully reversible condition. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00074-24

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Publication Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 5, 2024
• Journal: Clinical Microbiology Reviews
• Print ISSN: 0893-8512
• Electronic ISSN: 1098-6618
• Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00074-24
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40984665
• Publisher URL: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/cmr.00074-24