Ecology and Dynamics of Tick Coinfections Involving Powassan Virus
Abstract
(1) Describe the Rationale, Scientific Objective, and Aims for the Proposed Project Tick-borne infections have risen sharply in number, increased in distribution and are a significant public health problem due to associated illness and cost implications. The proposed project concentrates on Powassan virus, and how it interacts with other pathogens spread by ticks. Powassan is an understudied tick-borne virus, cases of which are occurring more widely and frequently in the USA, yet we need to know more about the virus’ prevalence or what happens when ticks are infected with more than just Powassan. The treatment for each associated disease can differ. We firstly aim to look at where Powassan virus exists, including in a State which has barely yet shown human cases; we also seek evidence in wild ticks and mice hosts of infection with multiple disease agents. Secondly in the laboratory we aim to mimic tick infection with Powassan and agents of other diseases such as Lyme, and look at what occurs to their transmission. The project will address Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Focus Areas: (i) Prevention – aiming to reduce tick-borne diseases of risk to humans, by studying the ecology of ticks and mice exposed to disease-causing pathogens (ii) Pathogenesis - investigating the movement of pathogens as ticks mature, reproduce or feed on hosts, when the tick is infected with more than one pathogen at the same time (“coinfection”). (2) Describe the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) Career Goals in Tick-Borne Diseases Research The PI has multiple years’ experience researching mosquito-borne viral diseases, using field and lab-based studies, and now wishes to adapt those techniques for tick-borne disease research. Her major career goals are (i) to establish a tick-borne disease ecology research program as an independent investigator, (ii) gain proficiency in cutting-edge scientific techniques useful for tick pathogen investigations, (iii) train tick-borne disease students with the same philosophy of mentorship as she gains from this Career Development Award, and (iv) establish collaborations with a network of leading tick-borne disease researchers. The TBDRP Career Development Award provides a unique opportunity for the PI to accomplish these goals via mentorship with an expert in tick-borne viruses, and a track record in mentoring trainees. It will enable new relevant scientific skills to be developed for use in tick-borne research. The proposed research will support these goals and provide experience and skills needed to advance in tick-borne research and recognition of achievement in this field. Managing this project under the guidance of a mentor will ensure that her development is evaluated and any weaknesses identified and strengthened over the 3 years; this will ensure a solid career foundation as a tick-borne researcher. (3) The Ultimate Applicability of the Research The motivation for this project arises from the growing amount of tick-borne pathogens in circulation and concern from the general public for their health. We apply both surveillance and experimental techniques to consider exposure, of both the tick and its mouse host, to a new viral pathogen; one that causes serious (and occasionally fatal) disease in people. Additionally, the research will check for simultaneous infection in the tick or host with other tick-borne pathogens. By incorporating a field component, the project potentially has an immediate impact on patient-related outcome or reducing disease burden. By alerting public health, and nearby military facilities, that certain risks exist, there is the clinical benefit that physicians can be aware to check for co-infections of Powassan and treat patients accordingly. For example, treatment for Powassan would differ to that recommended for Lyme or for Babesiosis. The experimental component has a longer time frame but will create an initial model for examining
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010170
Entities
People
- Gillian Eastwood
Organizations
- United States Army
- Virginia Tech