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Böhm S, Woudenberg T, Stark K, Böhmer MM, Katz K, Kuhnert R, Schlaud M, Wilking H, Fingerle V. Seroprevalence, seroconversion and seroreversion of Borrelia burgdorferi-specific IgG antibodies in two population-based studies in children and adolescents, Germany, 2003 to 2006 and 2014 to 2017. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200855. [PMID: 37616114 PMCID: PMC10451011 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.34.2200855] [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] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundLyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), is the most common tick-borne infection in Germany. Antibodies against Bb are prevalent in the general population but information on temporal changes of prevalence and estimates of seroconversion (seroincidence) and seroreversion are lacking, especially for children and adolescents.AimWe aimed at assessing antibodies against Bb and factors associated with seropositivity in children and adolescents in Germany.MethodsWe estimated seroprevalence via two consecutive cross-sectional surveys (2003-2006 and 2014-2017). Based on a longitudinal survey component, we estimated annual seroconversion/seroreversion rates.ResultsSeroprevalence was 4.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9-4.9%) from 2003 to 2006 and 4.1% (95% CI: 3.2-5.1%) from 2014 to 2017. Seroprevalence increased with age, was higher in male children, the south-eastern regions of Germany and among those with a high socioeconomic status. The annual seroconversion rate was 0.3% and the annual seroreversion rate 3.9%. Males were more likely to seroconvert compared with females. Low antibody levels were the main predictor of seroreversion.ConclusionWe did not detect a change in seroprevalence in children and adolescents in Germany over a period of 11 years. Potential long-term changes, for example due to climatic changes, need to be assessed in consecutive serosurveys. Seroconversion was more likely among children and adolescents than among adults, representing a target group for preventive measures. Seroreversion rates are over twice as high in children and adolescents compared with previous studies among adults. Thus, seroprevalence estimates and seroconversion rates in children are likely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Böhm
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom Woudenberg
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology Path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Analytics Unit, Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Merle M Böhmer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Katz
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
| | - Ronny Kuhnert
- Department for Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schlaud
- Department for Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Wilking
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share the last authorship
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany
- German National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Oberschleißheim, Germany
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share the last authorship
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Hoeve-Bakker BJA, van den Berg OE, Doppenberg HS, van der Klis FRM, van den Wijngaard CC, Kluytmans JAJW, Thijsen SFT, Kerkhof K. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Lyme Borreliosis in The Netherlands: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041081. [PMID: 37110504 PMCID: PMC10143428 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is not notifiable in many European countries, and accurate data on the incidence are often lacking. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.)-specific antibodies in the general population of The Netherlands, and to determine risk factors associated with seropositivity. Sera and questionnaires were obtained from participants (n = 5592, aged 0-88 years) enrolled in a nationwide serosurveillance study. The sera were tested for B. burgdorferi s.l.-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA and immunoblot. Seroprevalence was estimated controlling for the survey design. Risk factors for seropositivity were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed-effect model. In 2016/2017, the seroprevalence in The Netherlands was 4.4% (95% CI 3.5-5.2). Estimates were higher in men (5.7% [95% CI 4.4-7.2]) than in women (3.1% [95% CI 2.0-4.0]), and increased with age from 2.6% (95% CI 1.4-4.4) in children to 7.7% (95% CI 5.9-7.9) in 60- to 88-year-olds. The seroprevalence for B. burgdorferi s.l. in the general population in The Netherlands was comparable to rates reported in European countries. The main risk factors for seropositivity were increasing age, being male and the tick bite frequency. The dynamics of LB infection are complex and involve variables from various disciplines. This could be further elucidated using infectious disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J A Hoeve-Bakker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Diakonessenhuis Hospital, 3582 KE Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Oda E van den Berg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - H S Doppenberg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona R M van der Klis
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cees C van den Wijngaard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A J W Kluytmans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven F T Thijsen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Diakonessenhuis Hospital, 3582 KE Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Kerkhof
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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3
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Data sustainability: Data governance in data infrastructures across technological and human generations. INFORMATION AND ORGANIZATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.infoandorg.2023.100449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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4
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Dong Y, Zhou G, Cao W, Xu X, Zhang Y, Ji Z, Yang J, Chen J, Liu M, Fan Y, Kong J, Wen S, Li B, Yue P, Liu A, Bao F. Global seroprevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in human populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007744. [PMID: 35697507 PMCID: PMC9185477 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb) infection, the most frequent tick-transmitted disease, is distributed worldwide. This study aimed to describe the global seroprevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of Bb in human populations. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and other sources for relevant studies of all study designs through 30 December 2021 with the following keywords: ‘Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato’ AND ‘infection rate’; and observational studies were included if the results of human Bb antibody seroprevalence surveys were reported, the laboratory serological detection method reported and be published in a peer-reviewed journal. We screened titles/abstracts and full texts of papers and appraised the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration-endorsed Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Data were synthesised narratively, stratified by different types of outcomes. We also conducted random effects meta-analysis where we had a minimum of two studies with 95% CIs reported. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021261362). Results Of 4196 studies, 137 were eligible for full-text screening, and 89 (158 287 individuals) were included in meta-analyses. The reported estimated global Bb seroprevalence was 14.5% (95% CI 12.8% to 16.3%), and the top three regions of Bb seroprevalence were Central Europe (20.7%, 95% CI 13.8% to 28.6%), Eastern Asia (15.9%, 95% CI 6.6% to 28.3%) and Western Europe (13.5%, 95% CI 9.5% to 18.0%). Meta-regression analysis showed that after eliminating confounding risk factors, the methods lacked western blotting (WB) confirmation and increased the risk of false-positive Bb antibody detection compared with the methods using WB confirmation (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.2). Other factors associated with Bb seropositivity include age ≥50 years (12.6%, 95% CI 8.0% to 18.1%), men (7.8%, 95% CI 4.6% to 11.9%), residence of rural area (8.4%, 95% CI 5.0% to 12.6%) and suffering tick bites (18.8%, 95% CI 10.1% to 29.4%). Conclusion The reported estimated global Bb seropositivity is relatively high, with the top three regions as Central Europe, Western Europe and Eastern Asia. Using the WB to confirm Bb serological results could significantly improve the accuracy. More studies are needed to improve the accuracy of global Lyme borreliosis burden estimates. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021261362.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guozhong Zhou
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenjing Cao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Xu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhenhua Ji
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiaru Yang
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meixiao Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuxin Fan
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Kong
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shiyuan Wen
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bingxue Li
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Yue
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China .,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fukai Bao
- The Institute for Tropical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China .,Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Tropical Infectious Diseases in Universities, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Cong Y, Li J, Sun Y, Wang F, Zhao L, Xue H, Guo L, Wang Y, Li X, Liu X, Zhao J. Comment on: Rabies-infected dogs at slaughterhouses: A potential risk of rabies transmission via dog trading and butchering activities in Vietnam. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:254-255. [PMID: 35146938 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Cong
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junfeng Li
- Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yixue Sun
- Jilin Research & Development Center of Biomedical Engineering, Changchun University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Lifeng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Honghong Xue
- People's Government of Huanxi Township, Chuanying District, Jilin, China
| | - Li Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Yongzhi Wang
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaocheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Direct-Fed Microbial Engineering, Beijing DaBeiNong Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DBN), Beijing, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- Jilin DaBeiNong Agriculture and Animal, Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd, Changchun, China
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Direct-Fed Microbial Engineering, Beijing DaBeiNong Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DBN), Beijing, China.,Jilin DaBeiNong Agriculture and Animal, Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd, Changchun, China
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The evolving story of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato transmission in Europe. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:781-803. [PMID: 35122516 PMCID: PMC8816687 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Beside mosquitoes, ticks are well-known vectors of different human pathogens. In the Northern Hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis (Eurasia, LB) or Lyme disease (North America, LD) is the most commonly occurring vector-borne infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia which are transmitted by hard ticks of the genus Ixodes. The reported incidence of LB in Europe is about 22.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually with a broad range depending on the geographical area analyzed. However, the epidemiological data are largely incomplete, because LB is not notifiable in all European countries. Furthermore, not only differ reporting procedures between countries, there is also variation in case definitions and diagnostic procedures. Lyme borreliosis is caused by several species of the Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex which are maintained in complex networks including ixodid ticks and different reservoir hosts. Vector and host influence each other and are affected by multiple factors including climate that have a major impact on their habitats and ecology. To classify factors that influence the risk of transmission of B. burgdorferi s.l. to their different vertebrate hosts as well as to humans, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the pathogens including their astonishing ability to overcome various host immune responses, regarding the main vector in Europe Ixodes ricinus, and the disease caused by borreliae. The research shows, that a higher standardization of case definition, diagnostic procedures, and standardized, long-term surveillance systems across Europe is necessary to improve clinical and epidemiological data.
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Magnavita N, Capitanelli I, Ilesanmi O, Chirico F. Occupational Lyme Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020296. [PMID: 35204387 PMCID: PMC8870942 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) can have significant consequences for the health of workers. The frequency of infection can be estimated by using prevalence and incidence data on antibodies against Borrelia Burgdoferi (BB). A systematic search of studies published in English between 2002 and 2021 and a meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Out of a total of 1125 studies retrieved, 35 articles were included in the systematic review. Overall, in these studies, outdoor workers showed a 20.5% BB seroprevalence rate. Meta-analysis, performed on 15 studies (3932 subjects), revealed a significantly increased risk in outdoor activities (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.15–3.23), with medium-level heterogeneity (I2 = 69.2%), and non-significant publication bias. The estimated OR in forestry and agricultural workers was 2.36 (CI95% 1.28; 4.34) in comparison with the controls, while a non-significant increase in risk (OR = 1.05, CI95% 0.28; 3.88) was found in the remaining categories of workers (veterinarians, animal breeders, soldiers). The estimated pooled risk was significantly higher in the studies published until 2010 (OR 3.03 95%CI 1.39–6.61), while in more recent studies the odds became non-significant (OR 1.08 95% CI 0.63–1.85). The promotion of awareness campaigns targeting outdoor workers in endemic areas, and the implementation of local programs aimed at controlling range expansion of vectors, are key strategies for protecting workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Science of Woman, Child & Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-7330-0367
| | - Ilaria Capitanelli
- Prevention Service in the Workplace (SPRESAL), Local Health Unit Roma 4, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy;
| | - Olayinka Ilesanmi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200281, Nigeria;
| | - Francesco Chirico
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, 20123 Milan, Italy
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8
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Kalmár Z, Briciu V, Coroian M, Flonta M, Rădulescu AL, Topan A, Mihalca AD, Lupșe M. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy blood donors in Romania: an update. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:596. [PMID: 34863277 PMCID: PMC8645117 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05099-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genogroup is the causative agent responsible for Lyme borreliosis, a common tick-borne infectious disease in some temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In humans, the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis vary from dermatological infection to severe systemic manifestations. In Romania, data on the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis and associated risk factors are scarce and outdated, as the only seroprevalence study with a large dataset was published more than 20 years ago. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in healthy blood donors from six Romanian counties and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS The study was conducted among 1200 healthy blood donors aged between 18 and 65 years during November 2019 and September 2020 from six counties in the northwestern and central parts of Romania. A two-tiered testing strategy was applied. Positive and equivocal immunoenzymatic test results for IgG and IgM antibodies were further confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS Serum samples from 20% of the blood donors had positive or equivocal IgG and IgM ELISA index values. In total, 2.3% of the serum samples for IgG and 1.8% for IgM were positive by Western blot. The seroprevalence for both antibodies varied between 1.5% (Satu-Mare) and 6.5% (Bistrița-Năsăud) in the six counties investigated. The highest seroprevalence was observed in men (4.7%), in blood donors performing their professional activities outdoors (4.2%), and in those aged ≥ 56 years (8%). CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the presence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. among healthy blood donors from Romania. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as gender, age, and behavior, associated with the presence of positive B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies among healthy blood donors were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Kalmár
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Violeta Briciu
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mircea Coroian
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Flonta
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Adriana Topan
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ahvenainen N, Dub T, Knuutila A, Barkoff AM, Sane J, He Q. Widespread circulation of pertussis in Finland during 1968-1972 when the whole cell vaccine was in use. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1526-1528. [PMID: 34153458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niina Ahvenainen
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Timothée Dub
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aapo Knuutila
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Alex-Mikael Barkoff
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Qiushui He
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Medical Microbiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Zakham F, Jääskeläinen AJ, Castrén J, Sormunen JJ, Uusitalo R, Smura T, Von Troil G, Kuivanen S, Sironen T, Vapalahti O. Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia miyamotoi strains from ticks collected in the capital region of Finland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101608. [PMID: 33249364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging pathogen that shares high similarity with relapsing fever Borrelia, but has an atypical clinical presentation. Within the framework of tick-borne disease surveillance in Finland, human serum samples suspected for tick-borne encephalitis (n=974) and questing ticks (n=739) were collected from the capital region in Finland to determine the prevalence of B. miyamotoi. All tested human samples were negative and 5 (0.68 %) Ixodes ricinus ticks were positive for B. miyamotoi. Partial sequencing of the flagellin (flaB) gene of 3 positive samples and 27 B. miyamotoi-positive tick samples obtained from previous studies across Finland were amplified, sequenced, and included in the phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree revealed that most B. miyamotoi strains isolated from ticks in Finland share high similarity with other European strains, including strains related to human infection. Possible disease transmission may occur during exposure to tick bites. A single strain collected from an I. persulcatus tick in Pajujärvi grouped with an outlier of B. miyamotoi strains isolated from Russia and Far East Asian countries. Further studies should investigate the pathogen's role in human infection in Finland. Another important finding is the occurrence of I. persulcatus ticks (8%) collected by crowdsourcing from the coastal southern part of Finland. This suggests a regular introduction and a possible wide expansion of this tick species in the country. This could be associated with transmission of new pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathiah Zakham
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anne J Jääskeläinen
- HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | | | | | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Geosciences and Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gabriel Von Troil
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Archipelago Doctors Ltd, Helsinki Area, Finland
| | - Suvi Kuivanen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Clinical Microbiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
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11
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Tick populations from endemic and non-endemic areas in Germany show differential susceptibility to TBEV. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15478. [PMID: 32968088 PMCID: PMC7511395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71920-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is endemic in twenty-seven European countries, transmitted via the bite of an infected tick. TBEV is the causative agent of one of the most important viral diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In Germany, 890 human cases were registered between the years 2018–2019. The castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, is the TBEV vector with the highest importance in Central Europe, including Germany. Despite the nationwide distribution of this tick species, risk areas of TBEV are largely located in Southern Germany. To increase our understanding of TBEV-tick interactions, we collected ticks from different areas within Germany (Haselmühl/Bavaria, Hanover/Lower Saxony) and infected them via an in vitro feeding system. A TBEV isolate was obtained from an endemic focus in Haselmühl. In two experimental series conducted in 2018 and 2019, ticks sampled in Haselmühl (TBEV focus) showed higher artificial feeding rates, as well as higher TBEV infections rates than ticks from the non-endemic area (Hanover). Other than the tick origin, year and month of the infection experiment as well as co-infection with Borrelia spp., had a significant impact on TBEV Haselmühl infection rates. Taken together, these findings suggest that a specific adaptation of the tick populations to their respective TBEV virus isolates or vice versa, leads to higher TBEV infection rates in those ticks. Furthermore, co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia spp. can lower TBEV infection rates in specific populations.
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