ClimaTickNet: Mapping the spatial and temporal networks of climatic factors influencing Ixodid tick abundance and tick-borne pathogens in the Western Ghats, India

Duration of the project: March 2025 to March 2028

Study funded by: Grand Challenges India (a joint initiative between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Indian Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC))

The ClimaTickNet project is a collaborative effort between the Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV) at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Karnataka and the National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune, Maharashtra. This three-year prospective study focused on understanding the intricate relationships between climatic factors, Ixodid tick populations, and tick-borne pathogens in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India. This research aims to map the spatial and temporal networks that govern the abundance of ticks and the spread of tick-borne diseases in this ecologically sensitive region.

The study will involve a comprehensive two-year longitudinal investigation, with a focus on sentinel surveillance of tick-borne pathogens across 12 strategically selected sites. These sites represent diverse ecological habitats where human, wild animal, and domestic animal interactions are most frequent. By systematically collecting and analysing tick samples, the research seeks to uncover the seasonal dynamics of host-seeking ticks and identify spatial density patterns.

The project will employ advanced statistical and spatial modelling techniques to develop predictive models for tick-borne disease management. Climatic data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, will be integrated with ecological and epidemiological data to create a detailed risk map of tick and pathogen distribution. This information will be crucial for developing targeted strategies to mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases in the region.

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