Author

June 05 2025

UKMC's Professor Olivier Sparagano Leads Breakthrough Research in Vector-Borne Disease Control

UK Management College proudly announces a significant contribution from Professor Olivier Sparagano, Deputy Provost, who has recently published five peer-reviewed scientific articles addressing the control and eradication of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. These diseases, including malaria, Lyme Disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and blue tongue virus, are major global health concerns, causing significant morbidity and mortality annually across human and animal populations worldwide. 

The published works specifically explore the geographical expansion of arthropod vector species into new territories and the development of novel, non-chemical treatments for tick infestations, which are crucial due to the growing resistance to traditional chemical acaricides. Additionally, the papers advocate for ongoing education for farmers, healthcare professionals, and the general public to mitigate infection risks and enhance preventative strategies. 

Professor Sparagano expresses his profound gratitude to his extensive international network of collaborators from the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, China, Benin, Belgium, Cuba, Egypt, France, Spain, and Pakistan, who co-authored these publications. 

Detailed citations of Professor Sparagano’s recent publications include: 

1. Rajput, M.; Sajid, M.S.; Rajput, N.A.; George, D.R.; Usman, M.; Zeeshan, M.; Iqbal, O.; Bhutto, B.; Atiq, M.; Rizwan, H.M.; Daniel, I. K.; Sparagano, O. A. (2024). "Entomopathogenic Fungi as Alternatives to Chemical Acaricides: Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects for Sustainable Tick Control." Insects 2024, 15, 1017. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15121017 
2. Perveen, N.; Cabezas-Cruz, A.; Iliashevich, D.; Abuin-Denis, L.; Sparagano, O.A.; Willingham, A.L. (2025). "Microbiome of Hyalomma dromedarii (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Ticks: Variation in Community Structure with Regard to Sex and Host Habitat." Insects 2025, 16, 11. DOI pending. 
3. Perveen, N.; Muzaffar, S.B.; Jaradat, A.; Sparagano, O.A.; Willingham, A.L. (2024). "Camel Tick Species Distribution in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Using MaxEnt Modelling." Parasitology 151, 1024–1034. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001161 
4. Hussain, A.; Hussain, S.; Chaudhry, M.; Ali, M.A.; Elsohaby, I.; Zia, U.-R.; Sparagano, O.A. (2024). "Prevalence and Herd-Level Risk Factors Associated with Brucella Infection in Smallholders Keeping Large Ruminants." Research in Veterinary Sciences, 183, 105506. 
5. Aziz, M.U.; Zeb, J.; Lontsi-demano, M.; Almendros Cebrian, A.; de la Fuente, J.; Sparagano, O.A.; Butaye, P. (2025). "Unveiling Tick Diversity in Cattle in Cameroon: Emergence of Rhipicephalus microplus, Replacing the Original Rhipicephalus spp." Veterinary Sciences (in press). 

These publications underscore Professor Sparagano’s leadership in research aimed at addressing critical global health challenges posed by vector-borne diseases.