Research conducted at CIU on tick types

Lecturer Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Seyer from the Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology of Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Medicine, initiated a study to determine which tick species exist in the TRNC and which microbes these ticks carry.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyer noted that the project was supported by CIU and they formed a project team, including scientists from Israel and Turkey.

Saying that Cyprus is a very suitable region for the reproduction and development of many tick species due to its climate and geographical structure, Seyer added, "Therefore, it is inevitable that tick-borne infections will also be seen on our island."

Reminding that in order to live, ticks have to feed by sucking blood, they can choose any kind of mammals or humans as their habitat to survive, and when some tick species bite people, they transmit various microbes from their own bodies to the person they bite.

Seyer pointed out that many diseases and infections that fall under the category of vector-mediated infections can be observed in people who are bitten. "While ticks and tick-borne diseases affect animal and human health worldwide, they are not given the much-needed attention."

Saying that the concept of "One Health" has come to the forefront in the field of health in recent years, Seyer said, "According to this definition, it is not enough for the people around us to be healthy, but also every living thing, especially animals, in the environment we live in should be healthy."

Soyer stated  that in order to be protected from tick-bite induced  infections, it is important to inform the public about tick habitats, risky areas and tick bites. Seyer also said it is also necessary to carry out pest control effectively and to provide necessary veterinary services specially to stray animals.

Seyer mentioned that ignoring such animals or not taking the necessary precautions against them will have negative consequences, and hence they started a project as a team to find out which tick species are found in the TRNC and which microbes these ticks carry.

Pointing out that the project in question will be implemented for the first time in the TRNC, Seyer said this project will contribute significantly to public health and to reshaping health policies in the TRNC.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyer, to conclude said, "We are excited to share the evidence-based scientific data we will obtain with the scientific world and health authorities as soon as possible."