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Lee JT, Li Z, Nunez LD, Katzel D, Perrin Jr. BS, Raghuraman V, Rajyaguru U, Llamera KE, Andrew L, Anderson AS, Hovius JW, Liberator PA, Simon R, Hao L. Development of a sequence-based in silico OspA typing method for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001252. [PMID: 38787376 PMCID: PMC11165634 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD), caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, remains the most common vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Borrelia outer surface protein A (OspA) is an integral surface protein expressed during the tick cycle, and a validated vaccine target. There are at least 20 recognized Borrelia genospecies, that vary in OspA serotype. This study presents a new in silico sequence-based method for OspA typing using next-generation sequence data. Using a compiled database of over 400 Borrelia genomes encompassing the 4 most common disease-causing genospecies, we characterized OspA diversity in a manner that can accommodate existing and new OspA types and then defined boundaries for classification and assignment of OspA types based on the sequence similarity. To accommodate potential novel OspA types, we have developed a new nomenclature: OspA in silico type (IST). Beyond the ISTs that corresponded to existing OspA serotypes 1-8, we identified nine additional ISTs that cover new OspA variants in B. bavariensis (IST9-10), B. garinii (IST11-12), and other Borrelia genospecies (IST13-17). The IST typing scheme and associated OspA variants are available as part of the PubMLST Borrelia spp. database. Compared to traditional OspA serotyping methods, this new computational pipeline provides a more comprehensive and broadly applicable approach for characterization of OspA type and Borrelia genospecies to support vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan T. Lee
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Zhenghui Li
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Lorna D. Nunez
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Daniel Katzel
- Pfizer Digital, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | | | - Varun Raghuraman
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Urvi Rajyaguru
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Katrina E. Llamera
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Lubomira Andrew
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | | | - Joppe W. Hovius
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Academic Medical Center (AMC), Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul A. Liberator
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Raphael Simon
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | - Li Hao
- Vaccine Research and Development, Pfizer, Inc., Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
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Plahe G, Hall JL, Johnson D, Gilbert L, Birtles RJ. Borrelia bavariensis in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks, United Kingdom. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2173-2175. [PMID: 37735806 PMCID: PMC10521598 DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.230907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We detected Borrelia bavariensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected near 2 towns in the United Kingdom. Human B. bavariensis infections have not been reported previously in the country, underscoring the value of tick surveillance to warn of emerging human disease. B. bavariensis should be considered in patients with suspected neuroborreliosis.
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Böhmer MM, Ens K, Böhm S, Heinzinger S, Fingerle V. Epidemiological Surveillance of Lyme Borreliosis in Bavaria, Germany, 2013-2020. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091872. [PMID: 34576768 PMCID: PMC8467410 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany. Mandatory notification of acute LB manifestations (erythema migrans (EM), neuroborreliosis (NB), and Lyme arthritis (LA)) was implemented in Bavaria on 1 March 2013. We aimed to describe the epidemiological situation and to identify LB risk areas and populations. Therefore, we analyzed LB cases notified from March 2013 to December 2020 and calculated incidence (cases/100,000 inhabitants) by time, place, and person. Overall, 35,458 cases were reported during the study period (EM: 96.7%; NB: 1.7%; LA: 1.8%). The average incidence was 34.3/100,000, but annual incidence varied substantially (2015: 23.2; 2020: 47.4). Marked regional differences at the district level were observed (annual average incidence range: 4–154/100,000). The Bavarian Forest and parts of Franconia were identified as high-risk regions. Additionally, high risk for LB was found in 5–9-year-old males and in 60–69-year-old females. The first group also had the highest risk of a severe disease course. We were able to identify areas and populations in Bavaria with an increased LB risk, thereby providing a basis for targeted measures to prevent LB. Since LB vaccination is currently not available, such measures should comprise (i) avoiding tick bites, (ii) removing ticks rapidly after a bite, and (iii) treating LB early/adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Margarete Böhmer
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Taskforce Infectiology, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Lazarettstrasse 67, 80636 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-6808-5634
| | - Katharina Ens
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Stefanie Böhm
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Susanne Heinzinger
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.H.); (V.F.)
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (S.H.); (V.F.)
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Zubriková D, Wittmann M, Hönig V, Švec P, Víchová B, Essbauer S, Dobler G, Grubhoffer L, Pfister K. Prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101375. [PMID: 31983627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most common tick-borne diseases in Germany. We collected Ixodes ricinus ticks from 16 high-risk and four low-risk sites distributed in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate based on the number of human TBE cases recorded at the Robert Koch Institute from 2001 to 2009. A total of 8805 questing ticks (8203 nymphs, 602 adults) were collected in 2010 and examined in pools for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) using real-time RT-PCR. Overall TBEV prevalence evaluated as the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.26 % (23 positive pools/8805 ticks in 1029 pools). TBEV was detected at seven of the 16 high-risk sites, where MIR ranged from 0.16 to 2.86 %. A total of 3969 ticks were examined by PCR for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) targeting the 5 S-23 S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region. IGS nucleotide sequences were used to determine genospecies. Selected positive Borrelia samples were subjected to PCR and sequencing targeting the OspA gene, providing 46 sequences for molecular phylogenetic analysis. Of the 3969 questing ticks, 506 (12.7 %) were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Seven B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies were identified: B. afzelii (41.3 %), B. garinii (19 %), B. valaisiana (13.8 %), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (11.1 %), B. spielmanii (0.4 %), B. lusitaniae (0.2 %), and Candidatus B. finlandensis (0.6 %). Mixed infections were identified in 13.6 % of the ticks. The rate of infection in questing ticks varied among sites from 5.6 % (72 examined, four positive) to 29.5 % (88 examined, 26 positive). B. burgdorferi s.l. occurred at all 20 sites, whereas TBEV was detected only at the high-risk sites where more human TBE cases were reported compared to low-risk sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Zubriková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Maria Wittmann
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Václav Hönig
- Biology Centre AS CR, Institute of Parasitology & University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Švec
- Department of Geoinformatics, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Sandra Essbauer
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research DZIF Partner, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research DZIF Partner, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre AS CR, Institute of Parasitology & University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kurt Pfister
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Experimental Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. As the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the USA, LD affects 300,000 human cases each year. LD is caused by inoculation of the bacterial spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, from an infected tick. If not treated quickly and completely, the bacteria disseminate from the tick's biting site into multiple organs including the joints, heart, and brain. Thus, the best outcome from medical intervention can be expected with early detection and treatment with antibiotics, prior to multi-organ dissemination. In the absence of a characteristic rash, LD is diagnosed using serological testing involving enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by western blotting, which is collectively known as the two-tier algorithm. These assays detect host antibodies against the bacteria, but are hampered by low sensitivity, which can miss early LD cases. This review discusses the application of some current assays for diagnosing LD clinically, thus providing a foundation for exploring newer techniques being developed in the laboratory for more sensitive detection of early LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Chou
- Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY SUNY Downstate Medical School and SUNY Polytechnic Institute
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- University in Ithaca, NY and postdoctoral training from Tufts University in Boston, MA
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Margos G, Notter I, Fingerle V. Species Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Using Molecular Biological Methods. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1690:13-33. [PMID: 29032533 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7383-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial species identification is required in different disciplines and-depending on the purpose-levels of specificity or resolution of typing may vary. Nowadays, molecular methods are the mainstay for bacterial identification and sequence-based analyses are of ever-growing importance. For diagnostics, immediate results are needed and often real-time PCR of one or two loci is the method of choice while for epidemiological or evolutionary studies sequence data of several loci improve phylogenetic resolution to required levels. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multilocus sequence analyses (MLSA) utilize sequences information of several housekeeping loci (eight for Borrelia) to distinguish between species. This method has been widely used for bacterial species and strain identification and will be described in this chapter.As more and more diversity is being detected in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex, the importance of accurate species and strain typing has come to the fore. This is particularly significant with a view of differentiating human pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains or species and understanding the epidemiology, ecology, population structure, and evolution of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Margos
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, National Reference Center for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - Isabell Notter
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, National Reference Center for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, National Reference Center for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Kowalec M, Szewczyk T, Welc-Falęciak R, Siński E, Karbowiak G, Bajer A. Ticks and the city - are there any differences between city parks and natural forests in terms of tick abundance and prevalence of spirochaetes? Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:573. [PMID: 29157278 PMCID: PMC5697153 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus ticks are commonly encountered in either natural or urban areas, contributing to Lyme disease agents Borreliella [(Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato)] spp. and Borrelia miyamotoi enzootic cycles in cities. It is an actual problem whether urbanization affects pathogen circulation and therefore risk of infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate main tick-borne disease risk factors in natural, endemic areas of north-east (NE) Poland (Białowieża) and urban areas of central Poland (Warsaw), measuring tick abundance/density, prevalence of infection with spirochaetes and diversity of these pathogens in spring-early summer and late summer-autumn periods between 2012 and 2015. METHODS Questing I. ricinus ticks were collected from three urban sites in Warsaw, central Poland and three natural sites in Białowieża, NE Poland. A total of 2993 ticks were analyzed for the presence of Borreliella spp. and/or Borrelia miyamotoi DNA by PCR. Tick abundance was analyzed by General Linear Models (GLM). Prevalence and distribution of spirochaetes was analyzed by Maximum Likelihood techniques based on log-linear analysis of contingency tables (HILOGLINEAR). Species typing and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the sequenced flaB marker were carried out. RESULTS Overall 4617 I. ricinus ticks were collected (2258 nymphs and 2359 adults). We report well established population of ticks in urban areas (10.1 ± 0.9 ticks/100 m2), as in endemic natural areas with higher mean tick abundance (16.5 ± 1.5 ticks/100 m2). Tick densities were the highest in spring-early summer in both types of areas. We observed no effect of the type of area on Borreliella spp. and B. miyamotoi presence in ticks, resulting in similar prevalence of spirochaetes in urban and natural areas [10.9% (95% CI: 9.7-12.2%) vs 12.4% (95% CI: 10.1-15.1%), respectively]. Prevalence of spirochaetes was significantly higher in the summer-autumn period than in the spring-early summer [15.0% (95% CI: 12.8-17.5%) vs 10.4% (95% CI: 9.2-11.6%), respectively]. We have detected six species of bacteria present in both types of areas, with different frequencies: dominance of B. afzelii (69.3%) in urban and B. garinii (48.1%) in natural areas. Although we observed higher tick densities in forests than in maintained parks, the prevalence of spirochaetes was significantly higher in the latter [9.8% (95% CI: 8.6-11.0%) vs 17.5% (95% CI: 14.4-20.5%)]. CONCLUSIONS Surprisingly, a similar risk of infection with Borreliella spp. and/or B. miyamotoi was discovered in highly- and low-transformed areas. We suggest that the awareness of presence of these disease agents in cities should be raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kowalec
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szewczyk
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 51/55 Twarda Street, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Welc-Falęciak
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edward Siński
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Karbowiak
- W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 51/55 Twarda Street, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 1 Miecznikowa Street, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
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Glatz M, Means T, Haas J, Steere AC, Müllegger RR. Characterization of the early local immune response to Ixodes ricinus tick bites in human skin. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:263-269. [PMID: 27623398 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the immunomodulation by tick saliva during a natural tick bite in human skin, the site of the tick-host interaction. We examined the expression of chemokines, cytokines and leucocyte markers on the mRNA levels and histopathologic changes in human skin biopsies of tick bites (n=37) compared to unaffected skin (n=9). Early tick-bite skin lesions (<24 hours of tick attachment) were characterized by a predominance of macrophages and dendritic cells, elevated mRNA levels of macrophage chemoattractants (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4) and neutrophil chemoattractants (CXCL1, CXCL8), of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-5. In contrast, the numbers of lymphocytes and mRNA levels of lymphocyte cell markers (CD4, CD8, CD19), lymphocyte chemoattractants (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CCL1, CCL22), dendritic cell chemoattractants (CCL20), and other pro- (IL-6, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β) did not differ from normal skin. With longer tick attachment (>24 hours), the numbers of innate immune cells and mediators (not significantly) declined, whereas the numbers of lymphocytes (not significantly) increased. Natural tick bites by Ixodes ricinus ticks initially elicit a strong local innate immune response in human skin. Beyond 24 hours of tick attachment, this response usually becomes less, perhaps because of immunomodulation by tick saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Glatz
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Immunology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Terry Means
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Immunology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josef Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Allen C Steere
- Division of Rheumatology Allergy and Immunology, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert R Müllegger
- Department of Dermatology, State Hospital Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria.,Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Briciu VT, Sebah D, Coroiu G, Lupşe M, Cârstina D, Ţăţulescu DF, Mihalca AD, Gherman CM, Leucuţa D, Meyer F, Hizo-Teufel C, Fingerle V, Huber I. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR as diagnostic tools for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks collected from humans. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 69:49-60. [PMID: 26801157 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate different methods used for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in ticks: immunohistochemistry followed by focus floating microscopy (FFM) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) targeting the ospA and hbb genes. Additionally, an optimized ospA real-time PCR assay was developed with an integrated internal amplification control (IAC) for the detection of inhibition in the PCR assay and was validated as an improved screening tool for B. burgdorferi. One hundred and thirty-six ticks collected from humans in a hospital from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were investigated regarding genus, stage of development and sex, and then tested by all three assays. A poor quality of agreement was found between FFM and each of the two real-time PCR assays, as assessed by concordance analysis (Cohen's kappa), whereas the agreement between the two real-time PCR assays was moderate. The present study argues for a low sensitivity of FFM and underlines that discordant results of different assays used for detection of B. burgdorferi in ticks are frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta T Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Street Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăstur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany.
| | - Daniela Sebah
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Georgiana Coroiu
- Department of Pathology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Street Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupşe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Street Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dumitru Cârstina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Street Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina F Ţăţulescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Street Iuliu Moldovan 23, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăstur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin M Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea Mănăstur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Leucuţa
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Haţieganu", Street Pasteur 6, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Fabian Meyer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Cecilia Hizo-Teufel
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Center for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Ingrid Huber
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinaerstrasse 2, Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Markowicz M, Ladstatter S, Schotta AM, Reiter M, Pomberger G, Stanek G. Oligoarthritis caused by Borrelia bavariensis, Austria, 2014. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:1052-4. [PMID: 25992945 PMCID: PMC4451909 DOI: 10.3201/eid2106.141516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of Lyme oligoarthritis occurred in an 11-year-old boy in Vienna, Austria. DNA of Borrelia bavariensis was detected by PCR in 2 aspirates obtained from different joints. Complete recovery was achieved after a 4-week course with amoxicillin. Lyme arthritis must be considered in patients from Europe who have persisting joint effusions.
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Brandt FC, Ertas B, Falk TM, Metze D, Böer-Auer A. Histopathology and immunophenotype of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans correlated withospAandospCgenotypes ofBorreliaspecies. J Cutan Pathol 2015; 42:674-92. [DOI: 10.1111/cup.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dieter Metze
- Department of Dermatology; Munster University; Münster Germany
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12
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Comparison of detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA and anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in patients with erythema migrans in north-eastern Poland. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2015; 32:11-4. [PMID: 25821421 PMCID: PMC4360001 DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diagnostic methods in erythema migrans are still not standardized. Aim To evaluate the frequency of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. DNA presence in patients with erythema migrans (EM); to assess the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure for detecting B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in patients with the skin form of Lyme borreliosis; and to compare the results of the PCR-based method with the traditional ELISA method. Material and methods Skin biopsy and blood samples from 93 patients with EM were examined for B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA detection (PCR). Seventy-one of these patients were examined for the presence of anti-B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies (ELISA). Results Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. DNA was detected in 48% of the skin biopsy specimens and in 2% of blood samples. Only 1 patient was PCR positive in both blood and skin samples. Seventy percent of patients whose PCR results were positive were bitten by a tick less than 14 days before. IgM anti-B. burgdorferi s.l – specific antibodies were present in the serum of 35% of patients and IgG antibodies – in 30% of patients. Seventeen percent were positive in both IgM and IgG. Conclusions Polymerase chain reaction of skin biopsy specimens seems to be currently the most sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of patients with EM, especially in patients with a short duration of the disease (< 14 days) but still its effectiveness is much lower than expected. Polymerase chain reaction of blood samples cannot be recommended at the present time for the routine diagnostic of patients with EM.
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Glatz M, Muellegger RR, Hizo-Teufel C, Fingerle V. Low prevalence of Borrelia bavariensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks in southeastern Austria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:649-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Brandt FC, Ertas B, Falk TM, Metze D, Böer-Auer A. Genotyping of Borrelia from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded skin biopsies of cutaneous borreliosis and tick bite reactions by assays targeting the intergenic spacer region, ospA and ospC genes. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:528-43. [PMID: 24471698 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lyme borreliosis has a broad spectrum of clinical presentations involving the skin, joints and nervous system. The variable manifestations have been attributed to different Borrelia genospecies but genotyping required culture or fresh tissue. However, in dermatology practice, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies are used for dermatopathological examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu latu has been established on such specimens, but studies attempting genotyping of subspecies or strains are lacking. OBJECTIVES To adapt PCR assays for genotyping of Borrelia using paraffin-embedded biopsies, to identify Borrelia genospecies and to compare clinicopathological features of different genospecies. METHODS Eighty-two paraffin-embedded biopsies from 68 patients, with erythema migrans, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, lymphocytoma cutis or tick bite reactions, were studied with assays targeting the intergenic spacer (IGS), ospA and ospC, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Clinicopathological data were analysed comparing different Borrelia genospecies. RESULTS Genotyping by IGS, ospA and ospC was successful in 85% of patients (91% B. afzelii, 7% B. garinii, 2% B. bavariensis). ospA serotyping identified type 2 (90%), type 3 (8%) and type 4 (2%). ospC-PCR was positive in 40% of the patients revealing 12 different groups, noninvasive forms being seen only in tick bite reactions and erythema migrans. No major clinicopathological differences could be identified between the genospecies, but neural inflammation and arthralgia were seen more often in lesions caused by invasive ospC strains. CONCLUSIONS Genotyping of Borrelia can be easily implemented in a routine dermatopathology setting, especially as a fast method to confirm early cutaneous borreliosis. Genotyping could also enable earlier treatment of patients infected with invasive strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Brandt
- Department of Dermatology, Münster University, Von Esmarch Strasse 58, Münster, 48149, Germany
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Briciu VT, Meyer F, Sebah D, Tăţulescu DF, Coroiu G, Lupşe M, Carstina D, Mihalca AD, Hizo-Teufel C, Klier C, Huber I, Fingerle V. Real-time PCR-based identification of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in ticks collected from humans in Romania. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:575-81. [PMID: 24986749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aims of our study were to determine (i) which tick species bite humans in Romania and (ii) the prevalence of Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi genospecies in these ticks. All ticks collected from patients who presented to the Clinic of Infectious Diseases Cluj Napoca in spring/summer 2010 were morphologically identified by an entomologist and tested for B. burgdorferi genospecies prevalence by a real-time PCR assay targeting the hbb gene and melting curve analysis. Out of 532 ticks, 518 were Ixodes ricinus, 10 Dermacentor marginatus, and 3 Haemaphysalis spp. ticks, and one unidentified tick due to destruction. Since evaluation of the hbb PCR revealed that it was not possible to differentiate between B. spielmanii/B. valaisiana and B. garinii/B. bavariensis, sequencing of an 800-bp fragment of the ospA gene was performed in these cases. Out of 389 investigated ticks, 43 were positive by hbb PCR for B. burgdorferi sensu lato. The positive samples were 42 Ixodes ricinus (11.1% B. burgdorferi sensu lato prevalence) and the one unidentified tick. Species identification revealed the presence of mainly B. afzelii, but also of B. garinii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. valaisiana, and B. lusitaniae. In 4 samples, differentiation between B. spielmanii/B. valaisiana was impossible. Our study shows that the most relevant human pathogenic B. burgdorferi genospecies - predominantly B. afzelii - are present in ticks collected from Romanian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta T Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania; National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Meyer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Daniela Sebah
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Doina F Tăţulescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Coroiu
- Department of Pathology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupşe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Dumitru Carstina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cecilia Hizo-Teufel
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Christiane Klier
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Ingrid Huber
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
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Glatz M, Müllegger RR, Maurer F, Fingerle V, Achermann Y, Wilske B, Bloemberg GV. Detection of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a tick population from Austria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 5:139-44. [PMID: 24345313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was discovered in Ixodes ricinus ticks in 1999 and is referred to as an emerging human pathogen since its first detection in patients with febrile illness reported in 2010. In recent years, Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis has been detected in ticks from several European, Asian, and African countries. However, no epidemiological data exist for Austria, which is a highly endemic region for tick-transmitted diseases. To assess the geographic spread and prevalence of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis sympatric with other tick-transmitted pathogens, we analysed 518 I. ricinus ticks collected in 2002 and 2003 in Graz, Austria. The prevalence of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis was 4.2%, that of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato 25.7%, and that of Anaplasma phagocytophilum 1%. Coinfections with Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis and B. burgdorferi sensu lato were found in 2.3% of all ticks. Thus, the results show a relatively high prevalence of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Austrian ticks suggesting a high probability for the occurrence of undiagnosed human infections in Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Glatz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Robert R Müllegger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Dermatology, State Hospital Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Florian Maurer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volker Fingerle
- German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Yvonne Achermann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Wilske
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido V Bloemberg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Figlerowicz M, Urbanowicz A, Lewandowski D, Jodynis-Liebert J, Sadowski C. Functional insights into recombinant TROSPA protein from Ixodes ricinus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76848. [PMID: 24204685 PMCID: PMC3800121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (also called borreliosis) is a prevalent chronic disease transmitted by ticks and caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. spirochete. At least one tick protein, namely TROSPA from I. scapularis, commonly occurring in the USA, was shown to be required for colonization of the vector by bacteria. Located in the tick gut, TROSPA interacts with the spirochete outer surface protein A (OspA) and initiates the tick colonization. Ixodes ricinus is a primary vector involved in B. burgdorferi s. l. transmission in most European countries. In this study, we characterized the capacities of recombinant TROSPA protein from I. ricinus to interact with OspA from different Borrelia species and to induce an immune response in animals. We also showed that the N-terminal part of TROSPA (a putative transmembrane domain) is not involved in the interaction with OspA and that reduction of the total negative charge on the TROSPA protein impaired TROSPA-OspA binding. In general, the data presented in this paper indicate that recombinant TROSPA protein retains the capacity to form a complex with OspA and induces a significant level of IgG in orally immunized rats. Thus, I. ricinus TROSPA may be considered a good candidate component for an animal vaccine against Borrelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Figlerowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Urbanowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dominik Lewandowski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Czeslaw Sadowski
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Bingsohn L, Beckert A, Zehner R, Kuch U, Oehme R, Kraiczy P, Amendt J. Prevalences of tick-borne encephalitis virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus populations of the Rhine-Main region, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:207-13. [PMID: 23415373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis are the most common tick-borne zooanthroponoses in Germany. The federal risk map for TBE in this country is based on recorded cases of human infection, whereas information on the vector-based prevalence of either pathogen is fragmentary. In this study, a total of 12,497 host-seeking nymphal and adult Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were collected from March to October 2009 and April to June 2010, in 5 TBE non-risk and 4 TBE risk areas of the Rhine-Main region (Hesse) via flagging. A total of 3615 ticks was examined for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and 9115 ticks were analyzed for TBE virus (TBEV). Pathogens were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Among 3615 questing ticks, 344 (9.5%) were found infected with B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Five Borrelia genospecies were identified by sequencing the OspA gene: B. afzelii (81.3%), B. garinii (14.0%), B. valaisiana (2.7%), B. spielmanii (1.3%), and B. bavariensis (0.7%). TBE infection of ticks differed between areas classified as TBE risk and TBE non-risk areas. While the prevalence of TBEV was between 0 and 0.2% (3 of 3947 ticks) in the TBE risk areas, no TBEV-infected tick was detected from TBE non-risk areas. The results show that B. burgdorferi sensu lato occurred in all 9 examined locations, indicating that Lyme borreliosis is prevalent in the Rhine-Main region, whereas TBEV was detected only in previously classified risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Bingsohn
- Division of Medical Entomology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Goethe University Hospital, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Schwab J, Hammerschmidt C, Richter D, Skerka C, Matuschka FR, Wallich R, Zipfel PF, Kraiczy P. Borrelia valaisiana resist complement-mediated killing independently of the recruitment of immune regulators and inactivation of complement components. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53659. [PMID: 23320099 PMCID: PMC3539980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato complex differ in their resistance to complement-mediated killing, particularly in regard to human serum. In the present study, we elucidate the serum and complement susceptibility of B. valaisiana, a genospecies with the potential to cause Lyme disease in Europe as well as in Asia. Among the investigated isolates, growth of ZWU3 Ny3 was not affected while growth of VS116 and Bv9 was strongly inhibited in the presence of 50% human serum. Analyzing complement activation, complement components C3, C4 and C6 were deposited on the surface of isolates VS116 and Bv9, and similarly the membrane attack complex was formed on their surface. In contrast, no surface-deposited components and no aberrations in cell morphology were detected for serum-resistant ZWU3 Ny3. While further investigating the protective role of bound complement regulators in mediating complement resistance, we discovered that none of the B. valaisiana isolates analyzed bound complement regulators Factor H, Factor H-like protein 1, C4b binding protein or C1 esterase inhibitor. In addition, B. valaisiana also lacked intrinsic proteolytic activity to degrade complement components C3, C3b, C4, C4b, and C5. Taken together, these findings suggest that certain B. valaisiana isolates differ in their capability to resist complement-mediating killing by human serum. The molecular mechanism utilized by B. valaisiana to inhibit bacteriolysis appears not to involve binding of the key host complement regulators of the alternative, classical, and lectin pathways as already known for serum-resistant Lyme disease or relapsing fever borreliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Schwab
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Claudia Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dania Richter
- Abteilung Parasitologie, Institut für Pathologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Franz-Rainer Matuschka
- Abteilung Parasitologie, Institut für Pathologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wallich
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Kraiczy
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Skuballa J, Petney T, Pfäffle M, Oehme R, Hartelt K, Fingerle V, Kimmig P, Taraschewski H. Occurrence of different Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies including B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, and B. spielmanii in hedgehogs (Erinaceus spp.) in Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:8-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2011.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Ponzoni M, Ferreri AJM, Mappa S, Pasini E, Govi S, Facchetti F, Fanoni D, Tucci A, Vino A, Doglioni C, Berti E, Dolcetti R. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a series of 98 primary cutaneous lymphomas. Oncologist 2011; 16:1582-8. [PMID: 22071292 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2011-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi has been variably associated with different forms of primary cutaneous lymphoma. Differences in prevalence rates among reported studies could be a result of geographic variability or heterogeneity in the molecular approaches that have been employed. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in diagnostic tissue samples from fresh cutaneous biopsies of 98 primary cutaneous lymphomas and 19 normal skin controls. Three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols targeting the hbb, flagellin, and Osp-A genes were used. Direct sequencing of both sense and antisense strands of purified PCR products confirmed the specificity of the amplified fragments. Sequence specificity was assessed using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and MultAlin software was used to investigate the heterogeneity of target gene sequences across the different samples. Borrelia DNA was not detected in 19 controls, 23 cases of follicular lymphoma, 31 cases of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, or 30 cases of mycosis fungoides. A single case of 14 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases was positive for B. burgdorferi. This study does not support a pathogenic role of B. burgdorferi in primary cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas from areas nonendemic for this microorganism and the consequent rationale for the adoption of antibiotic therapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurilio Ponzoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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flaB gene as a molecular marker for distinct identification of Borrelia species in environmental samples by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:7088-92. [PMID: 21841027 DOI: 10.1128/aem.05437-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A new protocol employing nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) based on the flaB gene and two restriction enzymes was worked out. This protocol allows the identification of all Borrelia species transmitted by Ixodes ricinus in Europe, including Borrelia miyamotoi and 3 genetic variants of B. garinii. A dendrogram of flaB sequence similarity was in accordance with RFLP variants.
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Margos G, Vollmer SA, Ogden NH, Fish D. Population genetics, taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1545-63. [PMID: 21843658 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the population structure and dynamics of bacterial microorganisms, typing systems that accurately reflect the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationship of the agents are required. Over the past 15 years multilocus sequence typing schemes have replaced single locus approaches, giving novel insights into phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of many bacterial species and facilitating taxonomy. Since 2004, several schemes using multiple loci have been developed to better understand the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and in this paper we have reviewed and summarized the progress that has been made for this important group of vector-borne zoonotic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Margos
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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Hildebrandt A, Straube E, Neubauer H, Schmoock G. Coxiella burnetiiand Coinfections inIxodes ricinusTicks in Central Germany. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1205-7. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hildebrandt
- Medical University Laboratories, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Eberhard Straube
- Medical University Laboratories, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses at the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut), Jena, Germany
| | - Gernot Schmoock
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses at the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut), Jena, Germany
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Hildebrandt A, Franke J, Schmoock G, Pauliks K, Krämer A, Straube E. Diversity and coexistence of tick-borne pathogens in central Germany. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 48:651-655. [PMID: 21661327 DOI: 10.1603/me10254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In total, 1000 Ixodes ricinus L. ticks were collected from a small recreational forest area in central Germany (Thuringia) and investigated for the presence of Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Francisella tularensis. Overall, 43.6% of the ticks were infected with at least one pathogen. In 8.4% of ticks double infections were detected, and 1.6% harbored more than two pathogens. In this study, we present data on the coexistence of established and emerging pathogens in questing nymphs and adult ticks in a recreational area in central Germany, indicating the need for further studies for a reliable risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hildebrandt
- Medical University Laboratories, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany.
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Reservoir competence of various rodents for the lyme disease Spirochete Borrelia spielmanii. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:3565-70. [PMID: 21460106 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00022-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the pathogenic Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia spielmanii is adapted exclusively to garden dormice, we compared the reservoir competence of various rodent species for this spirochete, including sympatric and peridomestic rodents. The different kinds of rodents varied in their attractiveness to nymphal ticks and their level of susceptibility to tick-borne B. spielmanii infection, but only the edible dormouse appeared to be refractory. Although hazel dormice and Norway rats became infectious to ticks somewhat later than did garden dormice, they remained infectious for a longer period of time. During the course of a tick season, garden and hazel dormice contributed theoretically more than twice as many B. spielmanii-infected ticks than the somewhat less susceptible Norway rats and wood or yellow-necked mice. Hazel dormice appeared to be extraordinarily competent as reservoir hosts for B. spielmanii. Because peridomestic rodents proved to be reservoir competent, urban foci of transmission of B. spielmanii may affect the health of townspeople.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Aberer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Siegel C, Hallström T, Skerka C, Eberhardt H, Uzonyi B, Beckhaus T, Karas M, Wallich R, Stevenson B, Zipfel PF, Kraiczy P. Complement factor H-related proteins CFHR2 and CFHR5 represent novel ligands for the infection-associated CRASP proteins of Borrelia burgdorferi. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13519. [PMID: 20975954 PMCID: PMC2958145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One virulence property of Borrelia burgdorferi is its resistance to innate immunity, in particular to complement-mediated killing. Serum-resistant B. burgdorferi express up to five distinct complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASP) which interact with complement regulator factor H (CFH) and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL1) or factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1). In the present study we elucidate the role of the infection-associated CRASP-3 and CRASP-5 protein to serve as ligands for additional complement regulatory proteins as well as for complement resistance of B. burgdorferi. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To elucidate whether CRASP-5 and CRASP-3 interact with various human proteins, both borrelial proteins were immobilized on magnetic beads. Following incubation with human serum, bound proteins were eluted and separated by Glycine-SDS-PAGE. In addition to CFH and CFHR1, complement regulators CFHR2 and CFHR5 were identified as novel ligands for both borrelial proteins by employing MALDI-TOF. To further assess the contributions of CRASP-3 and CRASP-5 to complement resistance, a serum-sensitive B. garinii strain G1 which lacks all CFH-binding proteins was used as a valuable model for functional analyses. Both CRASPs expressed on the B. garinii outer surface bound CFH as well as CFHR1 and CFHR2 in ELISA. In contrast, live B. garinii bound CFHR1, CFHR2, and CFHR5 and only miniscute amounts of CFH as demonstrated by serum adsorption assays and FACS analyses. Further functional analysis revealed that upon NHS incubation, CRASP-3 or CRASP-5 expressing borreliae were killed by complement. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In the absence of CFH and the presence of CFHR1, CFHR2 and CFHR5, assembly and integration of the membrane attack complex was not efficiently inhibited indicating that CFH in co-operation with CFHR1, CFHR2 and CFHR5 supports complement evasion of B. burgdorferi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Siegel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Teresia Hallström
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Hannes Eberhardt
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Beckhaus
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Michael Karas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wallich
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Brian Stevenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Kraiczy
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Hildebrandt A, Pauliks K, Sachse S, Straube E. Coexistence of Borrelia spp. and Babesia spp. in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Middle Germany. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 10:831-7. [PMID: 20420533 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2009.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Altogether, 430 nymphs and 570 adult Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected in 2006 (n = 506) and 2007 (n = 494) from a forest area in Middle Germany (Thuringia). Single ticks were investigated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism or sequencing for Borrelia spp. (ospA gene) and Babesia spp. (18S rRNA gene). Overall, 27.0% (270/1000) were infected with Borrelia species. Out of these, Borrelia garinii was detected most frequently (133/270)-especially, OspA serotype 6 (51/270), followed by Bo. burgdorferi (70/270), Bo. afzelii (42/270), Bo. valaisiana subgroup I (28/270), not typable Borrelia spp. (5/270), Bo. spielmanii (3/270), Bo. valaisiana subgroup II (2/270), and Bo. lusitaniae (1/270). In 1.4% of investigated ticks mixed infections with several Borrelia spp. occurred. Babesia spp.-specific DNA was detected in 5.0% of ticks. Babesia microti was slightly more prevalent (28/50) than Babesia divergens (20/50). Moreover, 5.9% (16/270) of Borrelia spp.-infected ticks were coinfected with Babesia spp. Knowledge on the degree of heterogeneity of Borrelia species and OspA types is prerequisite not only for local risk assessment, but also for diagnostic test and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hildebrandt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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Franke J, Moldenhauer A, Hildebrandt A, Dorn W. Are birds reservoir hosts for Borrelia afzelii? Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2010; 1:109-12. [PMID: 21771517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Revised: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is known that birds are competent reservoir hosts of particular Borrelia species like B. garinii and B. valaisiana but not for B. afzelii, a rodent-associated genospecies. Since they can carry infected ticks over long distances, they are also important covectors for Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes. To assess the role of different bird species in transmission and dispersal of Borrelia OspA types, we examined 191 Ixodes ricinus ticks from 99 birds, captured on a German conservation island in the Baltic Sea in spring 2007. Surprisingly, more than one third of the 27 positive samples were identified as B. afzelii. The cause for this unusually high prevalence remains unknown, indicating the need of further studies on bird-feeding ticks that should include a higher sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Franke
- Institute of Nutrition, Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Dornburger Str. 29, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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31
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Prevalence and seasonality of tick-borne pathogens in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from Luxembourg. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:2923-31. [PMID: 20228110 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03061-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, ixodid ticks are important arthropod vectors of human and animal pathogens, but comprehensive studies of the prevalence of all relevant pathogens in Central Europe are scarce. As a result of ecological changes, the incidences of tick-borne infections are expected to increase. In this study, 1,394 nymphal and adult Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled monthly during the active season from 33 ecologically distinct collection sites throughout Luxembourg were screened for all human tick-borne pathogens relevant in Central Europe. Species were identified by sequence analysis of detection PCR amplicons. Mean infection rates of ticks were 11.3% for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, 5.1% for Rickettsia sp., 2.7% for Babesia sp., and 1.9% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. No tick was found to be infected with Coxiella sp., Francisella tularensis subsp., or Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 3.2% of ticks were infected with more than one pathogen species, including mixed Borrelia infections (1.5%). Seasonal variations of tick infection rates were observed for Borrelia, Babesia, and Anaplasma, possibly reflecting a behavioral adaptation strategy of questing ticks. A positive correlation between the grade of urbanization and Borrelia infection rate of ticks was observed, suggesting an established urban zoonotic cycle. We also found Hepatozoon canis (0.1%) and Bartonella henselae (0.3%), which so far have not been found in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in Central Europe.
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Cutler SJ, Fooks AR, van der Poel WHM. Public health threat of new, reemerging, and neglected zoonoses in the industrialized world. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 16:1-7. [PMID: 20031035 PMCID: PMC2874344 DOI: 10.3201/eid1601.081467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving our capacity to respond to these pathogens is essential. Microbiologic infections acquired from animals, known as zoonoses, pose a risk to public health. An estimated 60% of emerging human pathogens are zoonotic. Of these pathogens, >71% have wildlife origins. These pathogens can switch hosts by acquiring new genetic combinations that have altered pathogenic potential or by changes in behavior or socioeconomic, environmental, or ecologic characteristics of the hosts. We discuss causal factors that influence the dynamics associated with emergence or reemergence of zoonoses, particularly in the industrialized world, and highlight selected examples to provide a comprehensive view of their range and diversity.
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Diversity of Borrelia genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks in a Lyme borreliosis endemic area in Switzerland identified by using new probes for reverse line blotting. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2009; 1:23-9. [PMID: 21771508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Revised: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, 7 Borrelia species belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex have been reported in Ixodes ricinus ticks. In addition, another Borrelia, related to the relapsing fever spirochaetes, has also been described. In the present study, we designed probes for reverse line blotting allowing detection and identification of all these Borrelia species after amplification of the variable spacer region between the 23S and 5S ribosomal genes. These new probes allowed us investigate the diversity of Borrelia in 915 I. ricinus collected on the south-facing slope of Chaumont (Switzerland). Among the 159 infected ticks, 7 Borrelia species were identified, and B. spielmanii and relapsing fever-like (RFL) spirochaetes were identified in this area for the first time. B. valaisiana and B. spielmanii were significantly less present in male than in female or nymphal ticks. Mixed infection with RFL spirochaetes and Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes were detected in 4 ticks. In addition, the set of probes could identify the recently described species, B. bavariensis.
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34
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Margos G, Vollmer SA, Cornet M, Garnier M, Fingerle V, Wilske B, Bormane A, Vitorino L, Collares-Pereira M, Drancourt M, Kurtenbach K. A new Borrelia species defined by multilocus sequence analysis of housekeeping genes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:5410-6. [PMID: 19542332 PMCID: PMC2725479 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00116-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) spirochetes, using a novel multilocus sequence analysis scheme, revealed that OspA serotype 4 strains (a rodent-associated ecotype) of Borrelia garinii were sufficiently genetically distinct from bird-associated B. garinii strains to deserve species status. We suggest that OspA serotype 4 strains be raised to species status and named Borrelia bavariensis sp. nov. The rooted phylogenetic trees provide novel insights into the evolutionary history of LB spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Margos
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, 3 South, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
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35
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Lyme-Borreliose: Forschungsbedarf und Forschungsansätze. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2008; 51:1329-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-008-0703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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36
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Variations in Ixodes ricinus density and Borrelia infections associated with cattle introduced into a woodland in The Netherlands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2008; 74:7138-44. [PMID: 18836006 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00310-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of introduced large herbivores on the abundance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and their Borrelia infections was studied in a natural woodland in The Netherlands. Oak and pine plots, either ungrazed or grazed by cattle, were selected. Ticks were collected weekly by blanket dragging. Borrelia infections were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Rodent densities were estimated using mark-release-recapture methods. On occasion, the cattle were inspected for tick infestations. Meteorological data were recorded for each habitat. Significantly more ticks were collected in the ungrazed woodland than in the grazed woodland. The ungrazed oak habitat had higher tick densities than the pine habitat, while in the grazed habitats, tick densities were similar. Borrelia infection rates ranged from zero in larvae to 26% in nymphs to 33% in adult ticks, and B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, and B. valaisiana were the species involved. Coinfections were found in five ticks. There was no effect of the presence of cattle on Borrelia infections in the ticks. In the ungrazed area, Borrelia infections in nymphs were significantly higher in the oak habitat than in the pine habitat. More mice were captured in the ungrazed area, and these had a significantly higher tick burden than mice from the grazed area. Tick burden on cattle was low. The results suggest that grazing has a negative effect on small rodents as well as on ticks but not on Borrelia infections. Implications of these results for management of woodland reserves and risk of Lyme disease are discussed.
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37
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Franke J, Kipp S, Flügel C, Dorn W. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in ticks feeding on humans in Thuringia/Germany. Int J Med Microbiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2008.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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38
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Lencáková D, Fingerle V, Stefancíková A, Schulte-Spechtel U, Petko B, Schréter I, Wilske B. Evaluation of recombinant line immunoblot for detection of Lyme disease in Slovakia: comparison with two other immunoassays. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2008; 8:381-90. [PMID: 18279004 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2007.0216.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study the sensitivity and the specificity of three serological tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFA], and recombinant line immunoblot) were compared by examining 74 sera from patients diagnosed with Lyme disease in Eastern Slovakia. In addition, the reactivity to each of the recombinant proteins in the immunoblot was examined in order to evaluate their diagnostic value. Generally, the immunoblot (93.2%) and the ELISA (90.5%) were significantly more sensitive than the IFA (64.9%; df = 1; p < or = 0.001). Correlation between results of the ELISA, IFA, and immunoblot for IgM or IgG, when two tests were always compared, one to the other, ranged from r(s) = 0.673 to r(s) = 0.905. In the immunoblot, the highest sensitivity was observed in DbpA and VlsE proteins (76.9% and 84.6%, respectively) in IgG testing of the sera from the patient group of Lyme arthritis. VlsE proteins, together with OspC proteins, were also shown to be useful for IgM antibody detection in erythema migrans patients (up to 44.4% and 53.7% sensitivity, respectively). Our results indicate that both the ELISA and the recombinant immunoblot test were more satisfactory for seroconfirmation of Lyme disease than IFA. Moreover, the reseach confirmed diagnostic value of the in-vivo expressed proteins (VlsE and DbpA), which might have the potential to play an important role in improving whole-cell antigen-based testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lencáková
- Department of Natural Foci Diseases, Parasitological Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia.
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39
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Ružić-Sabljić E, Zore A, Strle F. Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis after MluI restriction of genomic DNA. Res Microbiol 2008; 159:441-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2008.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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40
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Fingerle V, Schulte-Spechtel UC, Ruzic-Sabljic E, Leonhard S, Hofmann H, Weber K, Pfister K, Strle F, Wilske B. Epidemiological aspects and molecular characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. from southern Germany with special respect to the new species Borrelia spielmanii sp. nov. Int J Med Microbiol 2008; 298:279-90. [PMID: 17616434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2007.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Revised: 05/29/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In 475 Borrelia-infected Ixodes ricinus (2155 ticks investigated) from southern Germany the most common Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species was B. garinii (34.3%) followed by B. afzelii (25.1%), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (22.0%), and B. valaisiana (12.7%). B. spielmanii sp. nov. was detected in 5.9% of the 475 infected ticks. Hints for a focal distribution were found for B. spielmanii sp. nov. and B. garinii OspA type 4. In 242 patient isolates, dominance (66.9%) of B. afzelii for skin could be confirmed, while frequency of B. garinii in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isolates (51.1%) was comparable to the frequency in nymphal ticks (51.6%). Four patient isolates from southern Germany and two from Slovenia, all isolated from erythema migrans, could be assigned to B. spielmanii sp. nov. Within this new species high sequence identities were found for rrs, fla, and ospA while rrf-rrl, ospC, and dbpA were less conserved: three new ospC and two new dbpA sequence types were found. This genetic heterogeneity reveals that B. spielmanii sp. nov. did not evolve just recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Center for Borreliae, Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
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41
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Hildebrandt A, Hunfeld KP, Baier M, Krumbholz A, Sachse S, Lorenzen T, Kiehntopf M, Fricke HJ, Straube E. First confirmed autochthonous case of human Babesia microti infection in Europe. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 26:595-601. [PMID: 17587072 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-007-0333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A 42-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia presented with fever and heavy chest pain after her first cycle of specific chemotherapy. Acute myocardial infarction was excluded, but surprisingly, parasitic inclusions in erythrocytes became obvious in Pappenheim and Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears. The patient did not remember a tick bite but acknowledged having received several blood transfusions in her recent medical history. Suspicion of malaria was ruled out by use of a dip-stick test. The diagnosis of Babesia microti infection was finally established by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Six weeks after initiation of specific treatment, PCR turned negative and a positive immunoflourescence assay (IFA) with an IgG titer of 1:128 indicated seroconversion. Subsequent screening of donors involved in the transfusion of blood products to the patient demonstrated borderline reactivity for Babesia microti (IgG-titer 1:32) in 1 out of 44 individuals. Neither the patient nor the positively tested blood donor had travelled to North America or Asia. Therefore, this is the first confirmed autochthonous human infection in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hildebrandt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Semmelweiss Str. 4, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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42
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Herzberger P, Siegel C, Skerka C, Fingerle V, Schulte-Spechtel U, van Dam A, Wilske B, Brade V, Zipfel PF, Wallich R, Kraiczy P. Human pathogenic Borrelia spielmanii sp. nov. resists complement-mediated killing by direct binding of immune regulators factor H and factor H-like protein 1. Infect Immun 2007; 75:4817-25. [PMID: 17635869 PMCID: PMC2044541 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00532-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia spielmanii sp. nov. has recently been shown to be a novel human pathogenic genospecies that causes Lyme disease in Europe. In order to elucidate the immune evasion mechanisms of B. spielmanii, we compared the abilities of isolates obtained from Lyme disease patients and tick isolate PC-Eq17 to escape from complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Using a growth inhibition assay, we show that four B. spielmanii isolates, including PC-Eq17, are serum resistant, whereas a single isolate, PMew, was more sensitive to complement-mediated lysis. All isolates activated complement in vitro, as demonstrated by covalent attachment of C3 fragments; however, deposition of the later activation products C6 and C5b-9 was restricted to the moderately serum-resistant isolate PMew and the serum-sensitive B. garinii isolate G1. Furthermore, serum adsorption experiments revealed that all B. spielmanii isolates acquired the host alternative pathway regulators factor H and factor H-like protein (FHL-1) from human serum. Both complement regulators retained their factor I-mediated C3b inactivation activities when bound to spirochetes. In addition, two distinct factor H and FHL-1 binding proteins, BsCRASP-1 and BsCRASP-2, were identified, which we estimated to be approximately 23 to 25 kDa in mass. A further factor H binding protein, BsCRASP-3, was found exclusively in the tick isolate, PC-Eq17. This is the first report describing an immune evasion mechanism utilized by B. spielmanii sp. nov., and it demonstrates the capture of human immune regulators to resist complement-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Herzberger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
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43
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Wilske B, Fingerle V, Schulte-Spechtel U. Microbiological and serological diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 49:13-21. [PMID: 17266710 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2006.00139.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, Lyme borreliosis is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii and the recently described species B. spielmanii. For the development of diagnostic tools, the heterogeneity of the causative agents must be considered. The serological diagnosis should follow the principle of a two-step procedure: a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis as the first step, followed by immunoblot (IgM and IgG) if reactive. The sensitivity and standardization of immunoblots have been enhanced by the use of recombinant antigens instead of whole cell lysates. Improved sensitivity has resulted from the use of recombinant proteins primarily expressed in vivo (e.g. VlsE) and the combination of homologous proteins from different strains (e.g. DbpA). At present, detection rates for serum antibodies are 20-50% in localized, 70-90% in disseminated early and nearly 100% in late disease. Detection of the borreliae by culture or PCR should be confined to specific indications. The best results are obtained from skin biopsies (50-70% with culture or PCR) and synovial tissue or fluid (50-70% with PCR). Cerebrospinal fluid is positive in only 10-30%. Methods that are not recommended for diagnostic purposes include antigen tests in body fluids, PCR of urine and lymphocyte transformation tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Wilske
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, University of Munich, National Reference Centre for Borreliae, Munich, Germany.
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44
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Kurtenbach K, Hanincová K, Tsao JI, Margos G, Fish D, Ogden NH. Fundamental processes in the evolutionary ecology of Lyme borreliosis. Nat Rev Microbiol 2006; 4:660-9. [PMID: 16894341 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary ecology of many emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne zoonoses, is poorly understood. Here, we aim to develop a biological, process-based framework for vector-borne zoonoses, using Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans, as an example. We explore the fundamental biological processes that operate in this zoonosis and put forward hypotheses on how extrinsic cues and intrinsic dynamics shape B. burgdorferi s.l. populations. Additionally, we highlight possible epidemiological parallels between B. burgdorferi s.l. and other vector-borne zoonotic pathogens, including West Nile virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Kurtenbach
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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45
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Richter D, Postic D, Sertour N, Livey I, Matuschka FR, Baranton G. Delineation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species by multilocus sequence analysis and confirmation of the delineation of Borrelia spielmanii sp. nov. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2006; 56:873-881. [PMID: 16585709 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.64050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) for taxonomic purposes in the delineation of species withinBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, seven relevant loci of various strains for which extensive DNA–DNA reassociation data were available were sequenced. MLSA delineation proved to be fully concordant with conventional methods. Our analysis confirmed the delineation of a novel species,Borrelia spielmaniisp. nov., previously known as ‘Borrelia spielmani’ Richteret al. 2004, with strain PC-Eq17N5T(=DSM 16813T=CIP 108855T) as the type strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Richter
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Ian Livey
- Baxter Vaccine AG, A-2304 Orth/Donau, Austria
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Weber K, Wilske B. Mini Erythema Migrans – A Sign of Early Lyme Borreliosis. Dermatology 2006; 212:113-6. [PMID: 16484816 DOI: 10.1159/000090650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2005] [Accepted: 06/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An erythema migrans (EM) remaining smaller than 5 cm in diameter, called mini EM by us, has not been addressed in detail. OBJECTIVE To study the significance of the mini EM as a sign of Lyme borreliosis. METHODS Patients with suspected mini EM were retrospectively selected out of 257 consecutive patients with EM. The diagnosis of mini EM rested on the cultivation of Borrelia burgdorferi. Species and subtype analysis of culture isolates was performed using outer surface protein A (OspA) polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of the OspA gene. RESULTS There was one patient with definite (0.4%) and another patient with a questionable mini EM. Borrelia garinii OspA type 6 was identified in the patient with the definite and B. burgdorferi sensu lato in the patient with the questionable mini EM. CONCLUSION The mini EM represents an important and apparently uncommon sign of early Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Weber
- Dermatological Practice and Krankenhaus der Missionsbenediktiner, Tutzing, Germany.
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Lencáková D, Hizo-Teufel C, Petko B, Schulte-Spechtel U, Stanko M, Wilske B, Fingerle V. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. OspA types in Ixodes ricinus ticks from selected localities in Slovakia and Poland. Int J Med Microbiol 2006; 296 Suppl 40:108-18. [PMID: 16530478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2005.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 746 questing Ixodes (I.) ricinus ticks from eastern Slovakia and 187 ticks from southern Poland were investigated for infection with Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato and different outer surface protein A (OspA) types by an improved restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the ospA gene. The method enables differentiation of both single and multiple infections with B. burgdorferi s.s. (OspA type 1), B. afzelii (OspA type 2), B. garinii (OspA types 3-8), B. valaisiana (subgroups I and II), B. lusitaniae, B. bissettii, and the recently described genospecies A14S. Broad heterogeneity in B. burgdorferi s.l. was found including all species and subtypes except for B. lusitaniae, B. bissettii, and genospecies A14S. Regional prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. varied between 8% and 22.5%. The most frequent species were B. garinii (45.4%) and, notably, B. burgdorferi s.s. (31.3%). I. ricinus nymphs harbored almost exclusively B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. garinii OspA type 4, while in adults a broad variety of B. burgdorferi s.l. types was found. Mixed infections were significantly more often in nymphs than in adult ticks. In all mixed infected nymphs, B. burgdorferi s.s. with OspA type 4 was present. These data strongly suggest that B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. garinii OspA type 4 are maintained in these areas by specific transmission cycles involving a so far undetermined vertebrate host which is frequently fed on by I. ricinus larvae. This improved method provides a reliable tool for epidemiological studies on the heterogeneity of B. burgdorferi species and OspA types, an important prerequisite for improved local risk assessment and for test- and vaccine development for Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lencáková
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, LMU Munich, National Reference Center for Borreliae, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, D-80336 Munich, Germany
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Schulte-Spechtel U, Fingerle V, Goettner G, Rogge S, Wilske B. Molecular analysis of decorin-binding protein A (DbpA) reveals five major groups among European Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato strains with impact for the development of serological assays and indicates lateral gene transfer of the dbpA gene. Int J Med Microbiol 2006; 296 Suppl 40:250-66. [PMID: 16530482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2006.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi adhesin DbpA (decorin-binding protein A) is a valuable antigen for serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis and a promising candidate for a vaccine. To investigate the heterogeneity of DbpA, we aligned DNA sequences of 83 different dbpA genes (37 from the database, where the majority of sequences belong to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and 46 were newly sequenced). Analysis of 25 sequences from the species B. burgdorferi s.s., 16 from B. afzelii, 40 from B. garinii, and two from the recently described human pathogenic genospecies A14S revealed five distinct DbpA groups. Group I comprises B. burgdorferi s.s. and group II B. afzelii. B. garinii is divided into groups III and IV, whereas A14S strains form group V. Formation of groups is mainly due to insertions of whole sequence sections. Comparison of dbpA sequences with ospC sequences from a subset of 59 strains revealed all kinds of cross-connections indicating processes of lateral gene transfer among strains. The extent of sequence identity within the dbpA genes decreases from the DNA (67%) to the amino acid (AA) level (44%) by about 23%, in contrast ospC sequence identities differed only by about 10%. This might be an indication that DbpA plays an important role in immune escape. Immunoblots using four recombinant DbpAs representing groups I-IV show that DbpA proteins are sensitive and specific antigens and complement one another in their reactivity. Part of the sera showed group-specific reactivity which could also be demonstrated with monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schulte-Spechtel
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstr. 9a, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Földvári
- St. István University Faculty of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- St. István University Faculty of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Lakos
- Center for Tick-borne Disease, Budapest, Hungary
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Goettner G, Schulte-Spechtel U, Hillermann R, Liegl G, Wilske B, Fingerle V. Improvement of Lyme borreliosis serodiagnosis by a newly developed recombinant immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM line immunoblot assay and addition of VlsE and DbpA homologues. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:3602-9. [PMID: 16081885 PMCID: PMC1233984 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.8.3602-3609.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed and evaluated a recombinant Borrelia line immunoblot assay based on 18 homologues of seven different antigens, i.e., p100, p58, p41i, BmpA, VlsE, OspC, and DbpA. Each recombinant antigen can be detected separately and is distinct even from homologues with identical molecular weights. This blot was compared to the recently described recombinant Borrelia Western immunoblot assay (U. Schulte-Spechtel, G. Lehnert, G. Liegl, V. Fingerle, C. Heimerl, B. J. Johnson, and B. Wilske, J. Clin. Microbiol. 41:1299-1303, 2003). To verify sensitivity and specificity, both blots were evaluated for reactivity with Borrelia-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies with 85 sera from patients with different manifestations of Lyme borreliosis and 110 controls. According to European interpretation criteria for Borrelia Western blots, which define a serum as positive when it recognizes at least two bands, sensitivity increased significantly from 70.6% (Western blot) to 84.7% (line blot) for IgG (P = 0.042) and from 40.0% (Western blot) to 73.8% (line blot) for IgM (P < 0.005). The increased sensitivity for IgG detection is due to the new line blot technique, whereas the improvement in detection of IgM is mainly achieved through incorporation of the additional antigens. Notably, the recombinant VlsE of Borrelia garinii strain PBi displayed the highest sensitivity of all antigens tested for IgG detection and is also one of the most useful antigens for IgM. Due to its excellent sensitivity and specificity combined with ease of evaluation, this line immunoblot assay offers a useful improvement in serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gereon Goettner
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schulte-Spechtel
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Hillermann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Gabi Liegl
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Wilske
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, National Reference Center for Borreliae, D-80336 Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Pettenkoferstr. 9a, D-80336 Munich, Germany. Phone: 49 89-51605225. Fax: 49 89-51604757. E-mail:
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