Mourad Ben Said

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Verified

Mourad verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

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• Doctor of Philosophy
• Professor (Associate) at Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet

Introduction Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus ticks are important genera that can transmit diseases to both animals and humans, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and several types of spotted fever. The accurate identification of tick species is essential for the effective control and prevention of tick-borne diseases. Ho...

Tick-borne rickettsioses are mainly caused by obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) of the Rickettsia genus. So far, the causative agents of SFG rickettsioses have not been detected in cattle ticks from Tunisia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the diversity and phylogeny of ticks associated w...

Introduction The camel-infesting tick, Hyalomma dromedarii, is a prominent ectoparasite in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, critically impacting camel health and acting as a vector for tick-borne pathogens. Despite prior studies on its microbiota, the effects of geographic origin and sex on microbial community structure and functiona...

Hyalomma ticks are important vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health. This study aimed to assess the outputs of three molecular markers (16S, 12S rRNA, and COI) for accurate tick species molecular identification, genetic diversity assessment, and phylogenetic positioning of Hyalomma tick specimens from Tunisia. A total of 20 tickspec...

Background A previous study highlighted the role of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis in the tick microbiota, facilitating the transstadial transmission of Babesia microti from nymph to adult in Haemaphysalis longicornis. This study builds on previous findings by analyzing sequence data from an earlier study to investigate bacterial interactions that co...

Toxoplasma gondiiis a globally significant parasite that affects various vertebrates, including livestock, posing health risks and economic losses, particularly in poorly managed regions. A total of 450 blood specimens were randomly collected from goats (Capra hircus) of Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Genomic DNA was extracted, an...

Ticks, hematophagous ectoparasites, pose significant health risks to wildlife and humans as vectors for various pathogens. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Ailanthus altissima plant extract against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum ticks using both in vitro and in silico approaches. According to gas chromatography...

The precise identification of Rhipicephalus species circulating in Tunisia is crucial for effective management and prevention of diseases, as these ticks are significant vectors for various pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Understanding their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships further aids in developing targeted control st...

Tick-borne viruses (TBVs) pose significant public health challenges worldwide, causing severe diseases such as hemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis. Given the limitations of existing therapeutic and preventive measures, the development of effective vaccines represents a critical strategy for controlling TBV-related infections. This review explores r...

Despite a goat population of approximately 80 million in Pakistan during 2020−2021, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in goats remains largely underexplored. This study aimed to assess the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in goat blood samples (N = 239)...

Haematopinus tuberculatus is a major ectoparasite of water buffaloes, causing substantial economic losses. Widespread pyrethroid use has driven the emergence of resistance in H. tuberculatus populations, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms. This study examined the genetic diversity and resistance me...

This book presents a collection of original and review articles that explore the diverse aspects of tick and tick-borne disease management. It addresses (i) innovative tick control methods using natural products, (ii) advancements in tick diagnostics and pathogen detection, (iii) novel vaccine strategies for combating vector-borne diseases, and (iv...

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting cattle. with emerging evidence of its spread to dromedary camels. This study evaluates the seroprevalence of BVD Pestivirus and identifies associated risk factors in Tunisian one-humped dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius). A total of 470 serum samples were randomly c...

Toxascaris leonina is a significant parasitic agent, affecting domestic carnivores, with implications for public health. This study investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and phylogenetic relationships of T. leonina in stray dogs and cats in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while also examining co-infection rates with Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. A c...

This Research Topic presents a collection of original and review articles that explore the diverse aspects of tick and tick-borne disease management. It addresses (i) innovative tick control methods using natural products, (ii) advancements in tick diagnostics and pathogen detection, (iii) novel vaccine strategies for combating vector-borne disease...

Introduction Despite Pakistan’s rich amphibian fauna, frog and toad species remain largely unexplored regarding blood-borne parasites. Methods This study aims to investigate potential infections by toxoplasma gondii and Hepatozoon spp. in four amphibian species (n = 223) collected from various regions in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. R...

Objectives: The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in dairy milk products is a global concern, compromising treatment efficacy and highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Therefore, a study was conducted to isolate S. aureus strains (N = 21) from raw milk samples of cows infected with subclinical bovine mastitis....

This research topic aims to explore the critical aspects of pathogens transmitted by ectoparasites, focusing on their epidemiology, genetic characterization, and interactions with hosts, ectoparasite microbiota, and environmental factors. We invite contributions that examine how these pathogens impact animal health and the potential for innovative...

Wild canids, in particular red foxes, serve as potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the presence of somepathogenic bacteria relevant to veterinary public health concern. On November 15, 2023, we collected spleen and blood samples from a corpse of a red fox found randomly during a field trip in the El-Jouza distr...

Despite Pakistan’s rich reptilian diversity, wild lizards have largely been unexplored for vector-borne parasites. This study reports the prevalence and phylogenetic assessment of Hepatozoon ophisauri and Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the blood samples of 101 wild lizards from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, captured at altitudes of 1200 to 2250 m above s...

Background Vector-borne diseases in Africa pose increasing threats due to factors like population expansion, livestock movement, and climate change. Ticks, as prominent vectors, transmit numerous pathogens (bacteria, protozoa, viruses) affecting human and animal health. Despite their significance, substantial data gaps remain concerning the prevale...

Background Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed protozoan that infects nearly all warm-blooded hosts, including humans. Understanding its epidemiology and phylogeny is essential for infection management and outbreak reduction. Recent advances in molecular biology have revealed the parasite's genotype diversity and virulence factors. The One...

The Common House Crow (Corvus splendens) exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, enabling its rapid expansion across continents. However, despite its wide distribution, there is a need for genetic studies to clarify its evolutionary history and population structure. This research employs DNA barcoding, focusing on the mitochondrial gene cytoch...

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element present in the Earth's crust, which is released from rocks into the soil and water. Elevated levels of fluoride have been reported in phreatic groundwater worldwide, posing significant health risks to animals, plants, and humans. This study aims to assess the fluoride content in water intended for human con...

This chapter thoroughly examines the basic biology of ticks and their significant impact on various ecosystems. It delves into their complex four-stage life cycle, specialized sensory abilities, and capacity to target a wide range of host species, including livestock, pets, and crops. The chapter underscores the crucial role ticks play in transmitt...

Background Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of various animals, including goats, and can also contaminate water sources, posing a significant public health risk. Detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal and water samples is critical for understanding the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and impl...

This study aimed to investigate the genetic and phylogenetic characteristics of IL-10-like protein andORF103 encoded genes of Sheep poxvirus (SPV) in sheep in Iraq. DNA samples of three sheep farms with clinicalsigns of pox infection were employed to collect the specimens from Al-Qadisiyah Province, Iraq, and the DNA wasextracted and amplified by P...

Pakistan is home to a rich rodent fauna, yet no investigations have been conducted on the presence of Haemogregarines in these animals, leaving their epidemiology and genetic diversity in this subtropical region unexplored. In this study, blood samples from four wild rodent species, Rattus (R.) rattus (n = 122), Mus (M.) musculus (n = 64), Rattus n...

Background In camels, thelaziosis is mainly caused by Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910, a little-known eyeworm species. Given the paucity of scientific data, this study aimed to provide new insights into the morphology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic relationship of T. leesei and its occurrence in camels from Iran, where animals...

Parasites and infectious diseases pose significant threats to primate populations, especially in captive non-human primates (NHPs). This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of intestinal parasites in NHPs at the CIRMF Primatology Center. A total of 97 fecal samples were analyzed using parasitological techniques, including sodium chlo...

The taxa Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes inopinatus are sympatric in Tunisia. The genetics underlying their morphological differences are unresolved. In this study, ticks collected in Jouza-Amdoun, Tunisia, were morphologically identified and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Three complete genome assemblies of I. inopinatus and three of I. r...

This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in ruminants slaughtered at the abattoir in district Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was determined to be 72.92% based on faecal examination. Among the ruminant species, goats exhibited a significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence of p...

This chapter delves into the pivotal role of bioinformatics in the study and management of veterinary parasitic diseases. It provides a comprehensive overview of how bioinformatics tools and methodologies are employed across various domains, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Through comparative genomics, researchers...

Delving into the transformative role of genomic diagnostics, this chapter explores the advances in understanding and diagnosing parasitic infections. Parasites, spanning helminths, protozoa, and arthropods, present unique challenges due to the vast diversity in their genomes. The advent of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutio...

As lifestyles continue to evolve, the demand for canned foods, particularly in collective catering, has seen a notable surge. Traditional recipes, including the beloved Tunisian dish of pea sauce, are increasingly sought in canned formats. This study aimed to develop a canned pea sauce recipe and optimize its sterilization parameters. The formulati...

Background and Aim Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by various Trypanosoma species, poses a significant threat to global livestock, affecting both human health and economic sectors. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on key ruminant species, including camels, cattle,...

Tick-borne rickettsioses, caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the Rickettsia genus, pose a growing global threat, with various arthropod vectors contributing to their transmission. Understanding the complex interactions within tick microbiota, including the role of Rickettsia species, is crucial for elucidating the dynamics of rickettsial diseases....

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers with a high mortality rate. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to CRC development. This study aimed to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fatty acid binding protein-2 (rs1799883), Cytochrome P450 2E1 (rs3813865), TP53 (rs1042522), and Mur...

Background and Aim Coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant concern in poultry farming, leading to substantial economic losses worldwide. In Pakistan, poultry is a major component of the agricultural sector, with both broiler and egg-laying chickens playing crucial roles in meeting the country’s protein need...

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a key pollinator critical to global agriculture, facing threats from various stressors, including the ectoparasitic Varroa mite (Varroa destructor). Previous studies have identified shared bacteria between Varroa mites and honeybees, yet it remains unclear if these bacteria assemble similarly in both species. This s...

Background Gram-negative bacteria with quinolone resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) present significant treatment challenges. This study evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of quinolone resistance in Gram-negative strains, investigating the relationship between plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), ESBLs, and...

Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) is a parapoxvirus that infects cattle, causing skin lesions on the udder and mouth. There have been few studies, however, on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of BPSV in Iraq. Here, we describe the prevalence, phylogenetic analysis, and clinico-epidemiological features of BPSV in cattle in Al-Qadisi...

Babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is a major threat to the livestock industry worldwide. In Pakistan, the Lohi sheep breed is an important economic resource, but limited information is available on the impact of B. ovis infection on this breed. This study aimed to investigate the serum electrolyte and trace element variations between B. ovis-infect...

Global access to clean and safe drinking water remains a formidable challenge, contributing to a myriad of health issues. This research exposes the existence of waterborne parasites in seemingly pristine spring waters, indicating potential contamination. Daily extensive sampling of Seventeen water sources was conducted in the untarnished freshwater...

This study investigates the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of two prominent blood-borne pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Plasmodium spp., in common quails (Coturnix coturnix) sampled from both wild (N = 236) and farmed (N = 197) populations across four districts (Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, and Multan) in Pun...

Soft ticks pose significant health risks as vectors of various pathogens. This study explored the spatio-temporal distribution and genetic relationships of the soft tick species Argas persicus infesting domestic hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) across different districts in Pakistan. An examination of 778 hens revealed a notable tick infestation pre...

Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-an...

Bed bugs, common blood-feeding pests, have received limited attention regarding their potential involvement in emerging pathogen transmission. This study aimed to investigate the main vector-borne bacteria within bed bugs collected from Tunisian governorates and to genetically characterize the identified species. Molecular screening was conducted o...

Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants. The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep...

Background Fleas belonging to the Pulicidae are prevalent ectoparasites infesting mammals and birds in Iran. This study focused on genetically identifying and characterizing Ctenocephalides canis collected both off-host and infesting humans and various domestic animals in the country. Methods A total of 918 adult flea samples were collected from 10...

This study investigates the presence of Trichuris trichiura eggs in soil samples collected from urban areas in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 3600 soil samples were collected over two years from Lahore’s urban regions. The detection of helminth eggs in these samples was performed using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a diagnostic technique. The study...

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFv) is the etiologic agent of CCHF, a tick-borne disease associated with high case fatality rates. While CCHFv is mainly transmitted through Ixodid tick bites, humans may also become infected through direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected livestock or humans. Considering the widespread distrib...

Trace metals are naturally occurring metals found in very small concentrations in the environment. In the context of fish flesh, metals such as copper, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron, and manganese are absorbed by fish and play vital roles in various physiological functions. However, if these metals exceed the recommended limits set by WHO/...

Brucellosis remains a significant zoonotic disease, with Brucella melitensis maintaining endemicity in Middle Eastern nations. This study presents the draft genome sequencing of an Iraqi B. melitensis strain, representing a crucial step in monitoring virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and exploring the diversity and evolution of the Brucella genu...

In this study, we used in silico techniques to identify available parasite treatments, representing a promising therapeutic avenue. Building upon our computational initiatives aimed at discovering natural inhibitors for various target enzymes from parasites causing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we present novel findings on three turmeric-deri...

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a substantial threat to cattle globally, exerting adverse impacts on production, health, and economic viability. This study delves into the prevalence and implications of TTBPs in cattle sourced from resource-limited smallholder livestock farms situated in southeastern Iran, proximate to Afghanistan and Pakista...

Aquaculture and the production of aquatic goods are rapidly growing industries in the world. These industries involve the cultivation of various saltwater and freshwater fish as well as shellfish species, and they undergo regular updates in their manufacturing processes. The increasing popularity of aquaculture is driven by the desire to achieve lo...

Epigenetics plays a vital role in the interaction between living organisms and their environment by regulating biological functions and phenotypic plasticity. Considering that most aquaculture activities take place in open or natural habitats that are vulnerable to environmental changes. Promising findings from recent research conducted on various...

Parasitic diseases, notably babesiosis, exert a substantial impact on the global cattle industry, posing challenges to commerce, economies, and human health. This study, conducted in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, aimed to assess the prevalence of Babesia spp. across various livestock species using microscopic and PCR methods. A total of 180 blood samp...

Ticks pose significant health risks to both wildlife and humans due to their role as vectors for various pathogens. In this study, we investigated tick infestation patterns, tick-associated pathogens, and genetic relationships within the tick species Amblyomma gervaisi, focusing on its prevalence in monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) across diff...

Helminth infections pose a significant economic threat to livestock production, causing productivity declines and, in severe cases, mortality. Conventional anthelmintics, exemplified by fenbendazole, face challenges related to low solubility and the necessity for high doses. This study explores the potential of supramolecular complexes, created thr...

Background Until now, there has been limited information on the prevalence and the phylogeny of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ticks in Tunisia, particularly in Ixodes inopinatus. Methods The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and the phylogeny of B. burgdorferi s.l., in coexisted I. ricinus and I. inopinatus ticks collecte...

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is among the most important viruses of poultry, however, variants also cause clinical diseases in birds of the family Columbidae. From 2014 onwards, notable mortality rates have been observed in racing and rock pigeons, with a correlation to subgenotypes XXI.1.1 and XXI.1.2 of genotype XXI in Pakistan. In this study, w...

Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis stand out as the primary diseases affecting livestock during periods of tick activity. These vector-borne diseases continue to emerge worldwide, exerting a detrimental impact on both animal health and national economies. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of Piroplasma spp. and its co-occurrence wit...

Background Tropical theileriosis is the most prevalent hemoprotozoan disease in Pakistan. Aims The study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and evolutionary relationship of Theileria annulata in bovines in diverse agro-climatic regions of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods 800 blood specimens were collected from asymptomatic cattle (n=480) and buffaloe...

The primary aim of this investigation was to assess the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among sheep and goats in five districts within the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Additionally, the study aimed to pinpoint potential factors associated with the spread of this infection. Serum samples were gathered from a to...

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. Methods To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. Results Microscopy and internal transcribed spac...

Background Babesia infections in sheep can cause a wide range of clinical and laboratory presentations. Changes in blood parameters are a meaningful manifestation of physiological and pathological changes in an organism. Aim Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze and compare hematological and biochemical parameters between blood pro...

Background and Aim Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock caused by the bacteria Anaplasma, poses a global concern. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, spatiotemporal variation, and associated risk factors of anaplasmosis in cattle from the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Met...

The present sero-epidemiological survey was designed and conducted to scrutinize the current status of camel-related brucellosis and chlamydiosis in Tunisia. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from 470 dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) from eight different Tunisian governorates. Serum samples were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immun...

Although fish are rich sources of various trace metals in their bodies, when these metals exceed health safety limits, it becomes a global concern. Fish exposed to trace metal pollution in their aquatic ecosystems can lead to bioaccumulation and transfer to consumers. Monitoring trace metal contamination of fish food is crucial because they can rea...

Caprine theileriosis, caused by Theileria ovis is a serious production issue, especially in the areas that depend on goats and sheep for milk, meat, and other economic benefits. Pakistan has a large goat population, but few reports have been documented from this country regarding PCR-based detection of T. ovis. The molecular prevalence of T. ovis,...

Calotropis procera, a medicinally important plant found in Asia, was explored for its anticancer and antibacterial properties in this study. The leaves of C. procera were extracted using methanol and FTIR and UV-VIS spectrophotometry were used to characterize them. Using the MTT assay and the disc diffusion test, the extract was examined for antica...

Parasitic infections are one of the major One Health threats in developing countries. Early and accurate diagnosis of the infection is pivotal for the estimate of the disease burden and devising appropriate treatment and control strategies. Parasites are diagnosed by simple conventional tools such as microscopy. Many protozoa, e.g. Babesia, Plasmod...

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals contains various helminth parasites, responsible for subclinical and clinical parasitism. The health situation of animals is seriously affected by these parasites and leads massive financial losses for the livestock trade. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk fac...

In the meantime, the epidemic of the Covid-19 virus (COVID-19) in December 2019, cases of infection and death rates are constantly increasing. So far, no effective treatment for Covid Covid-19 has been identified, so thus efforts are being made to search for a treatment extracted from natural sources such as plants to reduce the side effects of che...

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection and identify associated risk factors at both individual and community levels in a pediatric population in different agroecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2022. Usi...

Background: Ovine and caprine theileriosis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease, caused by Theileria spp., responsible for heavy economic losses in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates. Diagnosis of ovine theileriosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms, microscopic screening of stained blood smears and lymph node biopsy smears, but the...

Abstract | Background: Ectoparasites are known to transmit various pathogens that can cause numerous diseases in livestock, leading to detrimental effects such as skin damage, weight loss, anemia, reduced meat and milk production, and even mortality. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the species composition and prevalence of ectoparasites in dom...

Camel production is severely hampered in Pakistan by a wide range of diseases, including ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Camels serve as hosts for various tick-borne pathogens that can lead to human illnesses. Thereby, it was necessary to identify tick species and their infestation prevalence on camels before recommendation of any tick control meas...

Backgrounds Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit affecting most teenagers and numerous adults throughout the world. The present study was designed to assess the association of the presence or absence of GSTM1, GSTT1, and single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1695 in GSTP1 and rs1042522 in TP53 gene with acne vu...

The role of dogs as reservoir hosts for Toscana virus (TOSV) remains undetermined. This study investigated TOSV and Leishmania infantum infections in one healthy and three infected dogs with Leishmania (A, B, C) following natural exposition to sandfly bites in a focus of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) located in Northern Tunisia from June to...

Simple Summary Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, commonly known as the cattle tick, is an ectoparasite that affects all terrestrial vertebrates, including livestock. As animal husbandry is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, tick infestation results in significant economic losses for farmers annually. Given the reported resistance of various tic...

Research activities have presented different methods in cancer prevention, early detection, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Furthermore, several compounds have shown tremendous influence into understanding buildup and breakdown of cancer cells. One major compound that has promoted breakthrough in cancer studies is glycogen and its functional a...

This book converges different original and review contributions highlighting tick associations with microbial communities. These contributions shed light on the fields of (i) diagnosis, epidemiology, and phylogeny of pathogenic and endosymbiotic tick-borne bacteria, and (ii) tick microbiota exploration.