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2. SPATIAL MAPS

  • Use Map View to visualize all recorded locations.
  • Use Table View to see structured datasets.
  • Download datasets using the export button.
  • Click clusters to zoom and reveal individual records.
  • Click markers to view details including location and reference.

3. SPECIES PAGES

  • Displays taxonomy and species details.
  • External database links provide additional records.
  • References can be expanded inline.
  • List of proteins associated with the tick species from UniProt.
  • Visualize molecular and biological GO terms associated with the proteins, to understand their functions.
  • Filters allow selection by State, District, and Area.
  • Markers display location-specific data.
  • Location data can be exported.
  • Traits are grouped by life stage or sex.
  • Each trait is listed as bullet points.
  • References can be expanded per entry.
  • Contains sampling and environmental datas.
  • Tables are separated according to data types and each includes references.
  • Lists chemical and non-chemical control strategies.
  • Includes dosage and reference data.
  • Displays associated pathogens and diseases.
  • Includes symptoms and references.

4. ACARICIDES

  • Search and filter chemicals.
  • Download filtered datasets.
  • Click on View button under Usage data column to view effective usage dosage information.
  • Filter resistance data by species and/or location.
  • View resistance levels and toggle Show Interpretation to view interpretation of the quantities.

5. PROTEIN DATA

  • Use the sidebar to select species or genus of interest.
  • Filter the headers of the protein data tables to look up.
  • Toggle chart buttons to show/hide the different charts.
  • Toggle all/reviewed buttons to see all or only reviewed proteins.

6. USE CASES

The following use cases illustrate how different types of users can navigate the database to answer specific research or applied questions.

Question: "I have a tick specimen. How do I identify the species?"

Workflow A - screenshots
Workflow B - screenshots
Workflow A - Genus is known

Example: the specimen is an adult male and the genus is identified as Amblyomma

  • Go to Species in the navigation bar.
  • Select Amblyomma from the Genus dropdown on the sidebar - 7 species are listed.
  • Open each species page and navigate to Morphological Keys; compare traits under the different stages/sex.
  • The specimen shows the following traits: coxa I with two strongly unequal spurs and falciform stripe. These match the male key for Amblyomma integrum.
  • Expand References for supporting literature; cross-check Species Information to confirm taxonomy and known hosts.
Workflow B - Genus is unknown, but morphological traits are observable

Example: specimen shows coxa I with unequal spurs and a falciform stripe, but genus is not known

  • Go to Advanced Search in the navigation bar and select the Keys mode.
  • Type coxa i in the input box → click Add condition, select AND, type unequal spurs → click Add condition again, select AND, type falciform → click Search.
  • The search returns Amblyomma integrum as a match.
  • Click View Species Info → open Morphological Keys and confirm all observed traits against the male key entries.
  • Cross-check with Species Information for taxonomy and known hosts; confirm with Spatial Distribution if needed.
Outcome: Specimen identified as Amblyomma integrum (adult male) through morphological key matching via both genus-guided browsing and trait-based advanced search.

Question: "What proteins are associated with a tick species and what do they tell us about its biology?"

Workflow A - screenshots
Workflow B - screenshots
Workflow A - Starting from the species page

Example: Exploring the proteome of Haemaphysalis bispinosa

  • Open the species page for Haemaphysalis bispinosa → navigate to Associated Proteins from the sidebar → 24 proteins are listed.
  • Click on Show Charts. The summary charts show that the majority (21 proteins) are localized to the mitochondrial inner membrane; the top GO Biological Process term is electron transport coupled proton transport and the top GO Molecular Function term is cytochrome-c oxidase activity, reflecting the dominance of mitochondrial respiratory chain components in this dataset.
  • Filter by keyword Secreted from the dropdown → 1 protein is returned: Bispinosin, an unreviewed entry carrying the keywords Antibiotic, Antimicrobial, Disulfide bond, Secreted, and Signal.
  • Click the accession link to open the full UniProt entry for sequence data and any available cross-references.
Workflow B - Starting from the Protein Data page

Example: Identifying secreted proteins in Rhipicephalus sanguineus

  • Go to Proteins in the navigation bar → filter Species to Rhipicephalus sanguineus from the sidebar dropdown.
  • Select status as Reviewed. Apply the keyword filter Secreted → 5 proteins are returned: Japanin-like-RS, Evasin-1, Evasin-3, Evasin-4, and Complement inhibitor CirpT3.
  • Function annotations are available for all five: Japanin-like-RS modulates host immune response; Evasin-1, -3, and -4 are salivary chemokine-binding proteins with chemokine-neutralizing activity; CirpT3 is a complement inhibitor that prevents complement-mediated activation.
  • Click any accession to open the full UniProt entry for sequence, literature, and structural data.
Outcome: Protein data in TickMapKB supports two types of inquiry: a species-level view of the functional landscape (as in H. bispinosa, where mitochondrial proteins dominate the dataset), and targeted discovery of biologically relevant protein classes across species (as in R. sanguineus, where secreted immunomodulators are readily retrievable by keyword). UniProt cross-links enable direct follow-up for any protein of interest.

Question: "What tick-borne diseases or pathogens are associated with my region?"

Example: What ticks and pathogens are present in the Jalana district of Maharashtra?

Workflow screenshots
  • Go to Maps in the navigation bar → visually inspect occurrence clusters around Jalana.
  • Switch to Table View → filter the District dropdown to Jalana → records are returned for Rhipicephalus microplus as the only species reported from this district.
  • Click on Rhipicephalus microplus to open its species page → navigate to Pathogens & Diseases.
  • Associated pathogens include: Anaplasma marginale, Theileria orientalis, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus, Coxiella-like bacteria, Jingmen tick virus (JMTV), Lihan tick virus (LTV), Mivirus wuhanense, and Xinjiang tick-associated virus-I (XTAVI), among others. No diseases are formally reported for this species in the database.
  • Note: While Theileria annulata has not been reported for R. microplus, the clinically related Theileria orientalis is listed with known symptoms of theileriosis including anorexia, pyrexia, and pale oral and ocular mucous membranes.
  • Expand References to access the underlying epidemiological and clinical literature for each pathogen.
Outcome: Rhipicephalus microplus is the only tick species recorded in Jalana, with associations to multiple pathogens of veterinary significance. The pathogen list and linked references can inform local disease risk assessment and surveillance planning.

Question: "Which acaricides work against a species, and is there resistance?"

Workflow A - screenshots
Workflow B - screenshots

Example: What acaricides can be used against Hyalomma anatolicum?

Workflow A - Starting from a species page
  • Open the species page for Hyalomma anatolicum → navigate to Control Strategies. Compounds listed include Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin, Amitraz, Ivermectin, and several plant-based alternatives such as Withania somnifera leaves extract, Cymbopogon winterianus leaves extract, and Vitex negundo root and leaves extract.
  • Four compounds (Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin, Amitraz, Ivermectin) have resistance data available - click View Resistance Data for each.
  • Deltamethrin resistance data shows LC50 values as low as 2.1 ppm, with resistance levels spanning Susceptible (S), Level I (I), and Level II (II). Level II resistance is concentrated in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Given that all four synthetic compounds have documented resistance, the plant-based extracts listed (Withania somnifera, Cymbopogon winterianus, Vitex negundo) are preferable alternatives where synthetic acaricide use is a concern, though at different concentrations.
Workflow B - Starting from the Acaricides section

Example: the user has Deltamethrin available and is located in Rajasthan

  • Go to Acaricides in the navigation bar → select Resistance Data in front of Deltamethrin → filter Species to Hyalomma anatolicum and State to Rajasthan.
  • Deltamethrin entries for Rajasthan show resistance levels of Susceptible (S) and Level I (I), with LC50 values ranging from 4.58 ppm to 11.7 ppm, indicating that the compound is still largely effective in this state.
  • For a more cautious approach, or if Level I populations are a concern, return to the species page and consider plant-based alternatives from the Control Strategies section: Withania somnifera leaves extract, Cymbopogon winterianus leaves extract, or Vitex negundo root extract.
Outcome: Deltamethrin remains largely effective against H. anatolicum in Rajasthan (LC50 range: 4.58 to 11.7 ppm; resistance levels S and I), but Level II resistance in Madhya Pradesh highlights the value of checking resistance data by region before use. Plant-based alternatives are available for situations where synthetic acaricide resistance is a concern.

Question: "Which proteins in a specific tick species could be potential targets for anti-tick vaccine development?"

Example: Identifying salivary toxins and immunomodulators in a species of interest

Workflow screenshots
  • Go to Proteins in the navigation bar, or open the target species page and navigate to Associated Proteins from the sidebar.
  • Filter by Subcellular Localisation → select Secreted to retrieve proteins likely present in tick saliva and therefore exposed to the host immune system during feeding.
  • Review the Keywords column to identify proteins with functionally relevant annotations, such as Hemostasis impairing toxin or Platelet aggregation inhibiting toxin, which point to proteins that directly interfere with host defence mechanisms.
  • For proteins of interest, check the PDB outlinks to determine whether experimental or predicted structural data are available, supporting downstream computational modelling and epitope prediction.
Outcome: By combining subcellular localisation filters with keyword annotations and structural cross-references, TickMapKB enables rapid shortlisting of secreted proteins with host-interfering functions. The resulting candidate set can inform prioritisation decisions for experimental validation in anti-tick vaccine development or diagnostic assay design.

Question: "Do different species within the same genus share similar proteins used to evade host immunity?"

Example: Exploring shared immunomodulatory proteins across Haemaphysalis species

Workflow screenshots
  • Go to Proteins in the navigation bar → filter by Genus (e.g., Haemaphysalis) from the sidebar dropdown to retrieve all proteins associated with species in that genus.
  • Search the Function column for terms containing keywords such as immune to retrieve proteins with host-relevant annotations.
  • Compare the functional annotations returned across species to identify proteins with shared or overlapping roles in host immune evasion.
Outcome: By filtering at the genus level and examining GO Biological Process annotations across species, TickMapKB enables identification of conserved protein families within a vector genus. Such comparisons aid researchers in understanding shared mechanisms of host immune evasion and pathogen transmission, and can inform the design of broad-spectrum intervention strategies.

Question: "A cluster of undiagnosed febrile illness has been reported in a new district. Which tick vectors should be investigated?"

Example: Investigating potential vectors in a district with reported febrile illness

  • Go to Maps and use the district filter to view all tick species documented in that district or adjacent geographies.
  • For each identified species, navigate to its Pathogens & Diseases section to review associated pathogens, where data are available.
  • Review the listed pathogens and their documented clinical presentations (e.g., hemorrhagic fever, neurological signs) manually to identify those whose disease profile matches the reported outbreak.
Outcome: By combining geographic occurrence data with species-level pathogen associations, TickMapKB can provide rapid, evidence-based guidance for medical officers on which vectors and pathogens, such as CCHF, KFD, or Q Fever, to prioritise for diagnostic testing. The depth of this analysis will vary depending on data availability for the species present in the affected area.

Question: "What is the recommended acaricide protocol for a specific state where resistance is emerging?"

Example: Evaluating resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus across Punjab

  • Go to the Acaricides & Resistance module from the navigation bar.
  • Filter resistance data by State and Species (e.g., Rhipicephalus microplus in Punjab) to retrieve region-specific records.
  • Compare Resistance Factor and LC50 values across chemicals to identify compounds with diminishing efficacy.
  • Review the Control Strategies section for non-chemical or integrated management practices that may serve as alternatives.
Outcome: Veterinarians and policy makers can use region- and species-specific resistance profiles to issue targeted advisories for acaricide rotation, reducing selection pressure and mitigating further resistance development in livestock populations.
  • Global Impact: Ticks act as reservoirs for fungi, protozoa, viruses, and bacteria, causing over 100,000 human illnesses annually.
  • Major Vectors in India:
    • Haemaphysalis spinigera & H. turturis (KFD)
    • Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (CCHF)
    • Rhipicephalus sanguineus (ITT)
    • Ixodes ricinus (Lyme Disease)
  • Transmission Cycles:
    • KFD & Lyme: Infected by small mammals; the nymphal stage is most infective to humans.
    • CCHF & ITT: Transovarial transmission; in CCHF, the adult tick is the infective stage.
  • Human-to-Human Spread: Occurs only in CCHF through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
  • Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats).
  • CCHF: Reported in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Other Diseases: ITT (Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Delhi, UP, Karnataka), Lyme (Kerala), and Q Fever (Puducherry).
  • Peak Risk Period: Outbreaks typically occur from December to June.
  • Personal Protection: Use of repellents, protective clothing, and gumboots in endemic areas.
  • Vaccination: Residents in endemic areas should receive the formalin inactivated tissue culture Vaccine.
  • Animal Hygiene: Regular tick removal from domestic animals to reduce local populations.
  • Outbreak Protocol: Prohibit forest visits during peak season (Dec–June), especially near monkey death sites.
  • Environmental Control:
    • Apply Malathion 5% or 25% powder within a 50-foot radius of a monkey death.
    • Fire can be lit along footpaths to clear questing ticks.
    • Large-scale spraying is generally not feasible due to inaccessible terrain.

Reference:
A. Elango. Hands-on Training Module on Medically Important Hard Ticks (Ixodidae). ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (VCRC), Puducherry, 2022. Source PDF

The table below compares TickMapKB with other publicly available tick surveillance and distribution resources. Features marked ✓ are present and - indicates absent or not applicable.

Resource Region Data Source Interactive Map Species Info Morphological Keys Host Data Pathogen / Disease Info Acaricide Data Protein Annotations Bulk Download Notes
TickMapKB India Literature-curated ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Curated data from 260+ articles on 72 species, 600+ locations, FAIR-compliant knowledgebase
Zhang et al. (2019) China Literature-curated - - - - - - - ✓ 5,731 georeferenced occurrence records for 123 species; flat file dataset only
VectorNet Data Portal Europe Expert-validated, field surveys ✓ - - - - - - ✓ EFSA/ECDC initiative; covers multiple vector groups (ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies, midges); GBIF-hosted; FAIR-compliant
ECDC Tick Maps Europe Expert-curated (VectorNet) ✓ - - - - - - - Distribution maps for 7 tick species at NUTS3 level; no bulk download
Tekenradar Netherlands Citizen science (tick bites) ✓ - - - - - - - Crowdsourced tick bite reports; focus on Lyme disease risk; 60,000+ reports since 2012
eTick Canada Citizen science (photo submission) ✓ - - - - - - - Public tick photo submission; expert identification within 24 hours; real-time map
Zecke-Tique-Tick Switzerland Citizen science (tick bites) ✓ - - - - - - - Tick bite reporting map; public awareness focus
UTMB Tick Map Texas, USA Curated ✓ ✓ - - - - - - Regional distribution maps with basic species information; Texas focus
TickEncounter (URI) USA Curated ✓ ✓ - - ✓ - - - Field guide with species info, host data, and disease risk maps; public health focus
VectorSurv USA Surveillance (institutional) ✓ - - - ✓ - - - Arbovirus and vector surveillance platform; primarily institutional users; broader than ticks

✓ Present

- Absent or not applicable

Information compiled from publicly available sources as of 2026.

DISCLAIMER

TickMapKB is a database of tick species, their distribution, and associated data, compiled from published literature and publicly available sources. The authors are not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions in this resource. This database is intended to support research on tick ecology and distribution and does not necessarily reflect the views or objectives of the authors’ affiliated institutions or funders.