| Prevalence and Epidemiological Role of Dermacentor and Ixodes Ticks in Tularemia Transmission in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis |
| Paper ID : 1128-IPCA5 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mehrdad Pooyanmehr * Assistant Professor of Immunology, Department of Basic Sciences and Pathobiology, Section of Immunology and Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Tularemia, caused by the highly infectious bacterium Francisella tularensis, is a re-emerging zoonotic disease with a complex ecology involving multiple vectors and hosts. In Iran, sporadic cases have been reported in recent decades, raising concerns about underdiagnosed and underestimated endemic foci. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the prevalence of tularemia in Iran, with a particular focus on the role of Dermacentor and Ixodes ticks in its transmission. A comprehensive search of international (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and national databases (SID, IranMedex, Magiran) was conducted for articles published up to March 2025. Studies reporting tularemia prevalence in humans, animals, or ticks in Iran were included. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, with heterogeneity assessed via I² statistics and meta-regression used to explore sources of variability. Out of 487 screened articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of F. tularensis in Dermacentor and Ixodes ticks was estimated at 3.8% (95% CI: 2.1–5.6), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 79%). Higher prevalence was noted in the northwestern provinces (e.g., Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan), where tick populations overlap with rodent reservoirs and pastoral communities. Meta-regression suggested geographic region and sampling method as significant moderators (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential role of Dermacentor and Ixodes ticks as vectors of tularemia in Iran, particularly in border regions with high livestock and wildlife interaction. The findings underscore the need for integrated surveillance systems and molecular diagnostic capacity to monitor tick-borne diseases. Public health awareness and vector control strategies should be prioritized to mitigate future outbreaks. |
| Keywords |
| Dermacentor, Francisella tularensis, Iran, Ixodes, meta-analysis, systematic review, ticks, Tularemia, zoonosis. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |
