Research into tick-killing fungi started at NS University

Research is being conducted at a university in Nova Scotia into a possible form of tick control that could limit the spread of Lyme disease.

Luís Anholeto, a researcher at Acadia University in Wolfville, is studying a type of fungus found naturally in soil that has been found to kill black ticks and American dog ticks.

Anholeto found that ticks collected for research died after coming into contact with the fungus.

Anholeto was the first to note the types of fungi known as Clonostachys rosea around Coldbrook in the Annapolis Valley. He received a grant to continue studying the fungus in Acadia’s Tick Research Lab, a joint project led by associate professor of chemistry Nicoletta Faraone and associate professor of biology Laura Ferguson.

“Our laboratory is focused on finding innovative solutions for tick control and we focus especially on the use of natural products for the development of repellents,” said Anholeto, a member of the tick-focused research center since 2023.

While the lab studies a variety of biological elements related to ticks, including how climate change increase their populationThe research team is determined to find different methods to combat them.

Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness

The research has become particularly important because every area in the province is now considered a high-risk area for lyme diseasecaused by bacteria spread through the bite of an infected black tick. Early signs of Lyme disease resemble a cold or flu, but in later stages can lead to nerve pain, arthritis and memory loss.

The Clonostachys rosea It has not yet been proven that mold is a viable method of growing number of ticks.

Faraone’s lab is the primary lab at Acadia that works with ticks and the fungus. She says the fungus could provide a more sustainable approach to tick management than previous methods of killing ticks, such as synthetic acaricide sprays.

“These are some harsher methods that need to be used with caution because they can be harmful to beneficial insects like pollinators or other species that are good for our ecosystem,” Faraone said. “(The fungus) is ecologically sustainable.”

But Ferguson says that because little research has been done, there is no certainty that it will not affect other natural species.

Anholeto, Ferguson and Faraone say they will continue to conduct more studies to determine whether the drug can be effective in controlling ticks in the province.

How to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease (Even if You Get Bitten)

There’s been a spike in Lyme disease cases and experts say Canadians need to be more vigilant when outdoors. The National’s Adrienne Arsenault speaks with Dr. Allan Grill, chief of family medicine at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital, about the best ways to protect yourself.

“I would say there is no magic bullet that will eliminate ticks completely,” Faraone said. “But we can certainly use several small approaches that will all add up to make a difference.”

Anholeto says Nova Scotians should be cautious when engaging in outdoor activities. He also advises using a tick repellent and thoroughly checking clothing, shoes and exposed skin for ticks or tick bites.