The Science of Ticks: The Biology of Disease Vectors You Should KnowBook Review
Rika Shirafuji, Takeshi Hatta, Ryo Nakao, and Satoshi Shimano (Eds.) Published November 1, 2024 List price 4,620 yen
This book was planned as "a specialized Japanese book on tick science that accurately and clearly explains the biological characteristics of ticks" (from the "Introduction"). It is a comprehensive specialized book on ticks that covers everything from their classification, morphology, physiology, and biochemistry to the latest findings from medical and veterinary perspectives. Ticks not only cause direct harm to humans, livestock, and pets, but also indirect harm by transmitting pathogens. Against this backdrop, it goes without2 saying that it is important to properly disseminate the biological characteristics of ticks throughout Japanese society. A specialized book on ticks in Japanese like this one will undoubtedly lead to the dissemination of correct knowledge about ticks throughout Japan, and even upon actually reading it, that sentiment is felt deeply and heart-to-heart.
Chapter 1 is titled "Q & A" and summarizes a wide range of information about ticks in a question-and-answer format, serving as a stepping stone to the detailed explanations that follow. Chapter 2 describes the taxonomy and phylogeny of ticks, along with the characteristics of each taxonomic group. The characteristics of tick species native to Japan are also listed. Chapter 3 broadly covers findings on the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of ticks. The explanations are interspersed with comparisons to arthropods such as insects. It also touches upon the existence of symbiotic bacteria that serve as a source of vitamins for ticks, which rely solely on blood as a nutrient source, making this a chapter where one can fully understand the characteristics of ticks. Chapter 4 describes the life history, various behaviors (questing, feeding, and reproductive behaviors), diapause and overwintering, seasonal fluctuations, and lifespan. Compared to Chapter 3, it introduces more macroscopic research (at the individual level and above). Chapter 5, titled "Damage Caused by Ticks," provides a detailed explanation focusing primarily on tick-borne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and protozoa), incorporating recent findings. Chapter 6 provides a concise description of countermeasures against tick bites and tick-borne infectious diseases, mentioning not only humans but also pets and livestock. Chapter 7 details the techniques and databases (such as genomic information) necessary for various aspects of tick research.
According to the "Introduction," the book is intended for general readers at risk of ticks; those involved in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, forestry, and livestock industries; beginners, majors, and specialists in parasitology and related fields in medical, veterinary, and agricultural education; educational settings in elementary and junior high schools where outdoor activities take place; and nature activity groups. However, to fully understand the entire book (especially Chapter 3), it seems difficult unless one is at least a specialist who has fully mastered molecular biology related to arthropods. On the other hand, Chapters 5 and 6, which describe tick damage and countermeasures, are packed with content that directly benefits general readers, even if it might be difficult to fully understand every detail. In this way, the book is packed with content that can meet a wide range of reader demands, making it a highly valuable book.
Kazuki Sakura (National Institute for Basic Biology, Division of Evolutionary Biology)
Tick Science: The Biology of Disease Vectors — Book Review (PDF file)
