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Epidemiological characterisation and transmission dynamics of tick-borne diseases in Japan

Title of PhD project

Epidemiological characterisation and transmission dynamics of tick-borne diseases in Japan

Supervisory team

LSHTM

Lead: Dr Juan Fernando Vesga (Juan.vesga-gaviria@lshtm.ac.uk, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health)

Prof John Edmunds (John.Edmunds@LSHTM.ac.uk, third supervisor)

Nagasaki University

Prof. Koya Ariyoshi (kari@nagasaki-u.ac.jp)

N.B: Prof Ariyoshi is tentatively the second supervisor from NU, and this will be decided according to his current load of supervision. Prof Ariyoshi will propose another potential supervisor from NU if necessary.

Brief description of project

The last decade has seen a surge in the incidence of tick-borne-diseases (TBD) in Japan, of which its two principal forms are Japanese Spotted Fever (JSF) and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS)1. The former caused by bacteria Rickettsia japonica and SFTS caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV), are both transmitted by tick bites from a diverse number of tick species in Japan and other countries in east and south east Asia.   

Drawing from a wealth of existing clinical and laboratory surveillance data, with this project we aim at 1) Describe the principal epidemiological features of these two diseases in Japan; 2) Understand the transmission dynamics of these diseases, and 3) Provide plausible scenarios to explain the surge in incidence in the last decade.

The project will be structured around the following 4 pillars:  

  1. Data analysis of clinical records:  using data on PCR confirmed cases of Japanese spotted fever (JSV) and SFTS in selected Japanese prefectures, we will aim to build a detailed profile of the disease in terms of case fatality rate, duration of symptoms, comorbidities, age/sex patterns. For this, we will apply data analysis skills and basic epidemiology methods.
  2. Identifying hotspots of TBD in Japan: Looking initially at location of reported cases and matching with laboratory extended location data, try to identify spatial patterns in the occurrence of SFTS and JSF in Japan. Spatial analytics and further data analysis skills well be developed and applied during this phase.
  3. Serological survey: In coordination with National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and NU In order to have an estimation of exposure to these diseases in selected areas, a serological survey in population and animal hosts living in previously defined hot spot areas.
  4. Transmission dynamics of JSF and SFTS in Japan: using mathematical modelling and infectious disease epidemiology skills, this aims to build a mechanistic model for these diseases relying on the previously assessed data. This will aim to provide a mechanistic framework for understanding potential drivers behind the recent increase in SFTS and JSF reporting.

References

1. Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: Japan under Threat from Life-threatening Emerging Tick-borne Disease. JMA J 3, (2020).

The role of LSHTM and NU in this collaborative project

In coordination with NU, LSHTM will design a detailed training programme, provide the methodological supervision and support through the project and be part in the joint meeting with NU.

NU will provide a platform for a student to gather data from clinical level to local and national government level.

Particular prior educational requirements for a student undertaking this project

Minimum qualifications:

Candidates must hold (or are expected to hold) an Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Infectious Disease Control, Statistics, or equivalent title in Medicine or Veterinary Medicine

Preferred qualifications:

(1) background and/or interest in infectious diseases and interdisciplinary research

(2) quantitative, analytical, and programming skills (preferably R, Python, MATLAB)

(3) basic knowledge of data analysis, or applied statistics

(4) ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English and in Japanese, since much of raw data is available only in Japanese

Skills we expect a student to develop/acquire whilst pursuing this project

  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Applied statistics, data analysis, programmatic skills
  • Survey methods
  • Transmission dynamics of tick borne diseases, mathematical modelling techniques