Unifying Medicine and Veterinary Science: Development of One Health Multiple Molecular Diagnostic assay in Tick Pathogens

?a) Goal 1: Feasibility testing for detection of 6 groups of tick-borne infectious pathogensGoal 1.1: Bioinformatics analysis and primer testing-To allow the detection of all know species of a particular pathogens in an assay, it is important to classify and categorize the known pathogens that are in circulation.Goal 1.2: Testing the sensitivity and specificity of each probe and primer set in a singleplex assay using the BMB's on Applied BioCode 2500 system.The rationale behind this aim is to confirm that PCR amplicons generated by each primer set are specifically detected by their respective probes tethered to barcoded beads, without compromising the sensitivity and specificity for detection.b) Goal 2: Up-gradation from singleplex to miniplex PCR detection- The rationale behind the gradual development from singleplex to miniplex in the development process is to standardize the working conditions in which primer sets retain the target specificity without competing for undesired targets or interrupting the specificity and efficiency of other primers in the combined reaction.c) Goal 3: Screening the ticks of San Gabriel valley for tickborne infections- Urban greenspaces offer recreational opportunities for people and pets, but they also harbor wildlife that can act as tick hosts. Animals, wildlife, and human sharing these spaces face increased risks of tick bites and potential exposure to tickborne infections. Limited data exists on ticks in the eastern San Gabriel Valley and Southern California. Our research aims to fill these knowledge gaps by employing a novel tick collection approach and using a multiplex assay to screen for tickborne pathogens. The resulting data will shed light on the risk of tickborne infections and identify the periods of highest likelihood for such exposures.