With Lyme disease and tick populations on the rise, researchers at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada, are exploring the potential of a soil-dwelling fungus to help manage these threats. Clonostachys rosea, discovered by Luís Anholeto in the Annapolis Valley, has shown promising results in killing ticks in laboratory tests. The research team, led by professors Nicoletta Faraone and Laure Ferguson, hopes to use this fungus to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly way to manage tick populations to help areas heavily affected by Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the transfer of bacteria from the bites of infected blacklegged and American dog ticks. Within the past few years, incidents of Lyme disease in Nova Scotia have significantly increased. Back in 2009, there were only 17 cases, yet in 2019, the number of Lyme cases soared to 830. The infection rate of blacklegged ticks in some areas of the province has reached as high as 40%. This striking increase in cases is likely due to higher populations of ticks and longer active seasons caused by climate change. While targeted chemical treatments and habitat modification can help reduce tick populations, these methods have their own limitations, and the addition of biocontrols like fungi could significantly help in the fight against Lyme disease.
“I would say there is not a magic cure that will eliminate ticks at all,” explained Prof. Faraone. “But for sure we can use different little approaches that all together will make a difference.”
Multiple species of fungi have shown promising results as natural pesticides and can specifically target pests without harming other organisms in the surrounding environment. Although the research into Clonostachys rosea is still relatively new, preliminary findings suggest the fungus could be a highly effective tool in reducing tick populations. Anholeto found that ticks tend to die quickly after coming in contact with the fungus. He has since received a grant to continue researching its efficacy for tick management. More studies will be required to determine if Colonstachys rosea is, in fact, a realistic method for managing ticks, and researchers will need to determine whether or not the fungus targets other species as well.
