Introduction

Ticks are small arachnid parasites capable of transmitting serious infectious diseases. Their presence poses an increasing public health risk worldwide, including in Central Europe and Hungary. Ticks are no longer confined to deep forests — they are now found in parks, gardens, and even urban green spaces. Among the most common and serious tick-borne diseases are Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), both of which may cause long-term or life-threatening complications if not prevented or treated properly.

Why tick removal matters

The risk of infection depends not only on the presence of the tick, but also on:

• how long it remains embedded in the skin,

• how the removal is performed,

• and whether the tick is squeezed or irritated during removal, increasing the chance of pathogen transmission.
  
  

In many cases, individuals attempt to remove ticks themselves using inappropriate tools or methods — such as tweezers, fingers, or oil — which may result in incomplete removal or higher infection risk.

This study aims to:

• provide an overview of major tick-borne diseases,

• explain the risks associated with improper removal techniques,

• and present a Hungarian-developed solution, the USB-Ctick,
  a device designed to safely and efficiently remove ticks without increasing infection risk.

The information is based on scientific research, medical sources, and internationally recognized guidelines (CDC, ECDC, WHO).

The Public Health Importance of Ticks

Ticks are efficient vectors of pathogens, capable of transmitting bacteria, viruses, and parasites through their bites. They are commonly found in forests, meadows, gardens, and even urban parks, making human exposure increasingly common. In recent years, climate change, urbanization, and changes in wildlife habitats have contributed to the expansion of tick populations and the extension of their active seasons.

Key risk factors:

• Climate change: Milder winters and warmer temperatures support tick survival and reproduction.

• Urban encroachment: Human activity in formerly natural habitats increases tick-human contact.

• Host species abundance: Deer, rodents, birds, and small mammals contribute to tick distribution and infection cycles.

Why are ticks so dangerous?

• Their saliva contains compounds that suppress the immune response, reduce pain and inflammation, and allow them to feed undetected for hours or even days.

• Many tick species can transmit multiple pathogens simultaneously, increasing diagnostic and treatment complexity.

• Ticks can go unnoticed for extended periods, delaying treatment or disease recognition.

Situation in Hungary and Central Europe

The most common tick species in the region is Ixodes ricinus, also known as the castor bean tick.  It is the primary vector of Borrelia burgdorferi (causing Lyme disease) and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). According to national health data, several thousand Lyme cases are reported annually, and experts believe the actual number may be significantly higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis.

Summary

Ticks are not just a nuisance, but a growing public health threat. Education, prevention, early detection, and proper removal are essential to reducing tick-borne infection rates.

Tick-borne Diseases – Overview of the Main Infections

Ticks can transmit a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The severity of tick-borne diseases varies, but several are potentially life-threatening and often underdiagnosed. Below are the most relevant infections in Europe and Hungary.

1. Lyme Disease (Borreliosis)

• Causative agent: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (a group of spirochete bacteria)

• Transmission: Typically after 24–48 hours of attachment

• Early symptoms:

  • Erythema migrans (the “bull’s-eye” rash)

  • Fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain

• Late symptoms:

  • Neurological complications (facial palsy, meningitis)

  • Carditis, chronic arthritis

• Treatment: Antibiotics (commonly doxycycline)

• Note: The rash may be absent in many cases, which complicates diagnosis.
  
  

2. Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE)

• Causative agent: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus

• Transmission: Through tick bites or unpasteurized dairy products

• Symptoms:

  • Biphasic: flu-like phase followed by neurological phase

  • In severe cases: encephalitis, paralysis, long-term disability

• Prevention: Vaccination is available and strongly recommended for at-risk individuals

• Treatment: No antiviral therapy exists — only supportive care
  
  

3. Other less common but relevant infections

• Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum): fever, chills, myalgia, leukopenia

• Babesiosis (Babesia spp.): malaria-like illness; more severe in immunocompromised patients

• Tularemia (Francisella tularensis): ulceroglandular symptoms, lymph node swelling

• Q Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Rickettsiosis – rare but documented
  
  

Summary

Many people underestimate tick-borne diseases, yet they can lead to severe, long-term complications. Effective prevention includes:

• avoiding tick bites,

• timely and proper removal, and

• early recognition of symptoms.

The Risks of Improper Tick Removal

Improper tick removal methods are a major risk factor for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. While removing the tick as early as possible is crucial, how it is removed matters just as much. Many people make the mistake of using household tools or outdated remedies, which can increase the chance of infection rather than prevent it.

Common improper removal methods:

• Squeezing the tick's body with fingers or blunt tweezers

• Twisting or jerking motions

• Applying oil, soap, alcohol, nail polish, butter, or heat

• Using bare hands

Why are these methods dangerous?

• Squeezing can cause the tick to regurgitate (vomit) infectious material into the host.

• Twisting or irritation may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded in the skin, leading to inflammation or secondary infection.

• Oil and chemicals stress the tick and may provoke pathogen release.

• Heat or flame can cause the tick to discharge its contents or lead to skin burns.

What does the research say?

• A 2020 Turkish study found that in 53% of self-removal cases, the tick's mouthparts remained lodged in the skin. (Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi, 2020)

• An Australian case series showed that improper removal led to adverse allergic reactions in 86% of cases, including anaphylaxis. (NCBI: PMC6494660:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6494660/)

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against squeezing or irritating the tick, as it increases the risk of infection. CDC Tick Removal Guidelines

Summary

Improper tick removal is not a trivial mistake — it can:

• increase the risk of bacterial or viral infection,

• cause inflammation, tissue damage, or scarring,

• and delay proper medical evaluation.

Safe, gentle, and complete removal without compression or twisting is the best strategy for infection prevention.

Mechanisms of Pathogen Transmission by Ticks

Tick-borne pathogens are not transmitted immediately upon attachment. The risk of infection depends on the species of the tick, the type of pathogen, the duration of feeding, and the method of removal. Understanding how pathogens are transmitted helps explain why certain removal techniques are safer than others.

Main transmission mechanisms:

1. Through tick saliva

• Most pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, are transmitted via the tick’s salivary glands.

• Tick saliva contains:

  • Immunosuppressive proteins,

  • Anticoagulants,

  • Anesthetics that reduce pain and inflammation.

These compounds help the tick feed undetected, while simultaneously facilitating pathogen transmission into the host.

2. Regurgitation (backflow of gut contents)

• When a tick is squeezed or irritated, it may involuntarily regurgitate partially digested blood or gut contents back into the bite site.

• This backflow can contain high concentrations of pathogens.

• Regurgitation is a major risk factor for infection, particularly when the tick is crushed or removed improperly.
  
  

3. Extended feeding duration

• Some pathogens require prolonged feeding to activate and migrate from the gut to the salivary glands.

• For example, Borrelia transmission typically occurs after 36–48 hours of uninterrupted feeding.

• Prompt and safe removal reduces the chance of pathogen migration and lowers infection risk.

Factors that increase infection risk:

• Compression or crushing of the tick

• Sudden or forceful removal

• Chemical irritation (e.g., oils, soaps)

• Incomplete removal (e.g., mouthparts left in skin)

Summary

Tick-borne infections are not transmitted randomly they are the result of specific biological mechanisms, which can be aggravated by poor removal techniques.

The safest approach is to avoid compression, prevent regurgitation, and ensure complete removal of the tick without trauma.

The USB-Ctick Approach – An Innovative Technology for Safer Tick Removal

The USB-Ctick is a Hungarian-developed, patent-protected device that introduces a novel method for removing ticks.  Unlike traditional tools such as tweezers or spoons, which rely on mechanical force, the USB-Ctick works through chemical immobilization using a skin-safe, dental-grade resin. This process allows the tick to be removed gently and completely, without pressure or irritation, minimizing the risk of infection.

How does it work?

1. A small amount of liquid resin is dispensed from a single-use cartridge.
   The resin gently flows around the tick without compressing or irritating it.

2. The built-in LED light (blue or UV) cures the resin within seconds.
   This creates a solid, shape-locking seal around the tick’s body.

3. Once hardened, the resin forms a rigid shell, effectively immobilizing the tick.

4. The entire resin-tick unit is then lifted from the skin in one piece  ensuring that no parts remain embedded and no pressure is applied to the tick’s body.

5. The cartridge is disposable, allowing hygienic handling and safe disposal of the parasite.

Why is this method safer?

• No squeezing or twisting → no regurgitation risk

• No stress to the tick → no activation of saliva or gut contractions

• No risk of breaking the mouthparts → no secondary skin infection

• Fully encapsulated → tick cannot move or escape during removal

Scientific and regulatory background

• The USB-Ctick uses medical-grade resin, originally developed for dental applications.

• The technology is officially patented in Hungary under number 231 519, and the product is manufactured by Labsolver Kft.
  
  

Summary

The USB-Ctick represents a new generation of tick removal devices:

• Non-invasive, pressure-free,

• Scientifically justified in its design,

• Ideal for use on children, elderly people, outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and more.
  
  

It combines biomechanical security with ease of use, significantly improving safety during tick removal.

Summary and Recommendations

Proper tick removal is not just a minor hygiene issue  it plays a critical role in preventing tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, TBE, and others. While many traditional removal tools require mechanical force or dexterity, these methods risk irritating the tick, increasing the chance of pathogen transmission.

Key advantages of the USB-Ctick:

• ✅ Pressure-free removal — avoids squeezing or triggering regurgitation

• ✅ Shape-lock immobilization — the tick is secured by solidified resin, not by force

• ✅ Hygienic and single-use — no need to touch or store the tick

• ✅ Skin-friendly materials — medical-grade, originally developed for human application

• ✅ Quick and simple — easy to apply and remove in seconds

• ✅ Scientifically designed and patented — a proven and protected innovation

Who can benefit from it?

The USB-Ctick is recommended for:

• Families with children

• Elderly individuals

• Outdoor sports enthusiasts (hikers, trail runners)

• Campers, hunters, anglers

• Dog walkers and those living in tick-prone regions
  
  

Its ease of use and hygienic design make it ideal for first aid kits, backpacks, or glove compartments.

Final recommendation

The USB-Ctick offers an innovative, research-backed solution to a common but often mishandled problem. By minimizing the biological triggers that lead to pathogen transmission, it provides a smarter, safer, and cleaner way to remove ticks. 

Glossary and References

📘 Glossary

Shape-locking immobilization
A physical method of securing an object (e.g. a tick) based on its shape, without the use of pressure or force. In this case, hardened resin forms a physical seal around the tick.

Resin
A liquid substance that solidifies under light exposure. The USB-Ctick uses a skin-safe, medical-grade resin originally developed for dental use.

Regurgitation
The involuntary backflow of the tick’s gut contents into the host during stress, squeezing, or irritation — a major infection risk factor.

Ixodes ricinus
The most common tick species in Europe, known for transmitting Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
A viral infection affecting the brain and nervous system, spread by tick bites. Vaccination is available and recommended in endemic areas.

📚 References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Tick Removal Guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/removing_a_tick.html

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) – Lyme Borreliosis Factsheet https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/lyme-borreliosis

• Biomechanika Hungarica, Vol. 2022/2  Kossa Attila & Gombos Ákos: Fotopolimer alapú ektoparazita eltávolító eszköz mechanikai modellezése

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369123/

• WHO – Vector-borne Diseases Overview https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases

• Szellemi Tulajdon Nemzeti Hivatala (Hungarian Patent Office) USB-Ctick Patent Number: 231 519

• Labsolver Kft. (Manufacturer of USB-Ctick) www.labsolver.hu

📄 Disclaimer

This document is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a tick-borne infection.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why is proper tick removal important?

Improper removal techniques — such as squeezing, twisting, or applying irritants — can increase the risk of infection. This is because the tick’s saliva or gut contents may enter the body during stress or trauma, potentially carrying dangerous pathogens like Borrelia or TBE virus.

❓ How can I safely remove a tick?

The safest method is one that avoids squeezing or irritating the tick. Stress-free removal reduces the chance of regurgitation (backflow of gut contents). The USB-Ctick offers such a solution by surrounding the tick with medical-grade resin, which is then hardened using light. The tick is removed whole, without trauma.

❓ What is the USB-Ctick, and how is it different from other tools?

The USB-Ctick is a Hungarian-developed, patented tick removal device.  Instead of mechanically pulling the tick out, it uses a gentle resin-based immobilization technique. The tick is encapsulated in resin, cured with light, and lifted off the skin intact — with no squeezing, twisting, or residue left behind.

❓ How does the USB-Ctick help prevent infections?

By avoiding pressure and irritation, the USB-Ctick minimizes the biological triggers that lead to pathogen release. The hardened resin forms a shape-lock around the tick, preventing it from regurgitating or breaking apart during removal — reducing the risk of transmitting Lyme disease or other infections.

❓ Where can I read more about this method?

A full scientific background study is available, which explains tick-borne infections and the working principle of the USB-Ctick in detail.