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Amoros J, Fattar N, Buysse M, Louni M, Bertaux J, Bouchon D, Duron O. Reassessment of the genetic basis of natural rifampin resistance in the genus Rickettsia. Microbiologyopen 2024; 13:e1431. [PMID: 39082505 PMCID: PMC11289727 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia, a genus of obligate intracellular bacteria, includes species that cause significant human diseases. This study challenges previous claims that the Leucine-973 residue in the RNA polymerase beta subunit is the primary determinant of rifampin resistance in Rickettsia. We investigated a previously untested Rickettsia species, R. lusitaniae, from the Transitional group and found it susceptible to rifampin, despite possessing the Leu-973 residue. Interestingly, we observed the conservation of this residue in several rifampin-susceptible species across most Rickettsia phylogenetic groups. Comparative genomics revealed potential alternative resistance mechanisms, including additional amino acid variants that could hinder rifampin binding and genes that could facilitate rifampin detoxification through efflux pumps. Importantly, the evolutionary history of Rickettsia genomes indicates that the emergence of natural rifampin resistance is phylogenetically constrained within the genus, originating from ancient genetic features shared among a unique set of closely related Rickettsia species. Phylogenetic patterns appear to be the most reliable predictors of natural rifampin resistance, which is confined to a distinct monophyletic subclade known as Massiliae. The distinctive features of the RNA polymerase beta subunit in certain untested Rickettsia species suggest that R. raoultii, R. amblyommatis, R. gravesii, and R. kotlanii may also be naturally rifampin-resistant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Amoros
- MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRDUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Noor Fattar
- MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRDUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Buysse
- MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRDUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | | | | | | | - Olivier Duron
- MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRDUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
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2
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Silva KA, do Prado VB, Silva RR, Rocha MVP, de Oliveira RAR, Falcão TDJR, Serpa CC, Rocha MA, Pereira SP, Silva LS, Machado JM, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Fujiwara RT, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Coelho EAF, Giunchetti RC, Campos-da-Paz M, Gonçalves AAM, Galdino AS. A Mini-Review of Diagnostic Methods for the Antigen and Antibody Detection of Rocky Mountain and Brazilian Spotted Fever. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1501. [PMID: 39062074 PMCID: PMC11274458 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071501] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rocky Mountain or Brazilian spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is a fulminant, seasonal, and neglected disease that occurs in focal points of North America and South America. Its rapid detection is essential for the better prognosis and survival rate of infected individuals. However, disease diagnosis still faces challenges as the accuracy of many of the available laboratory tests fluctuates. This review aimed to analyze methods for antibody or antigen detection, their gaps, and their evolution over time. A search was conducted to find all studies in the Pubmed database that described the antibody or antigen detection of R. rickettsii infections. Initially, a total of 403 articles were screened. Of these articles, only 17 fulfilled the pre-established inclusion criteria and were selected. Among the different methods applied, the IFA technique was the one most frequently found in the studies. However, it presented varied results such as a low specificity when using the indirect method. Other techniques, such as ELISA and immunohistochemistry, were also found, although in smaller numbers and with their own limitations. Although some studies showed promising results, there is a pressing need to find new techniques to develop a rapid and effective diagnosis of R. rickettssi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Alves Silva
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
| | - Vanesa Borges do Prado
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Silva
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Marcelo van Petten Rocha
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Rafael Almeida Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Tarumim de Jesus Rodrigues Falcão
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Clara Cristina Serpa
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Marina Andrade Rocha
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Sabrina Paula Pereira
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
| | - Líria Souza Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
| | - Juliana Martins Machado
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma 88806-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Eduardo Antônio Ferraz Coelho
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, National Institute of Science and Technology in Tropical Diseases (INCT-DT), Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Mariana Campos-da-Paz
- Laboratório de Bioativos e Nanobiotecnologia, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| | - Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Programas de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBIOTEC) e Multicêntrico em Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular (PMBqBM), Disciplina Biotecnologia & Inovações, Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (K.A.S.); (V.B.d.P.); (R.R.S.); (M.v.P.R.); (R.A.R.d.O.); (T.d.J.R.F.); (C.C.S.); (M.A.R.); (S.P.P.)
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, National Institute of Science and Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (INCT-BIO), Universidade Federal de São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.S.S.); (J.M.M.); (A.A.M.G.)
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3
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1261-1295. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
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Probert WS, Haw MP, Nichol AC, Glaser CA, Park SY, Campbell LE, Trivedi KK, Romo H, Saunders MEM, Kjemtrup AM, Padgett KA, Hacker JK. Newly Recognized Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia as Cause of Severe Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever-Like Illness, Northern California, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1344-1351. [PMID: 38816345 PMCID: PMC11210658 DOI: 10.3201/eid3007.231771] [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] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses in the United States has tripled since 2010. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the most severe SFG rickettsiosis, is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. The lack of species-specific confirmatory testing obfuscates the relative contribution of R. rickettsii and other SFG Rickettsia to this increase. We report a newly recognized rickettsial pathogen, Rickettsia sp. CA6269, as the cause of severe Rocky Mountain spotted fever-like illness in 2 case-patients residing in northern California. Multilocus sequence typing supported the recognition of this pathogen as a novel Rickettsia genotype most closely related to R. rickettsii. Cross-reactivity observed for an established molecular diagnostic test indicated that Rickettsia sp. CA6269 might be misidentified as R. rickettsii. We developed a Rickettsia sp. CA6269-specific real-time PCR to help resolve this diagnostic challenge and better characterize the spectrum of clinical disease and ecologic epidemiology of this pathogen.
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Caudrelier N, Dionne MC. Three cases of African tick bite fever diagnosed in Quebec City: A case series. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241260516. [PMID: 38881975 PMCID: PMC11179540 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241260516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
African tick bite fever is a rickettsiosis of the spotted fever group that is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. It is characterized by eschars at the inoculation sites and a maculopapular rash which may be purpuric. We describe three cases that were diagnosed in Quebec City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Caudrelier
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Dionne
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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González-Cueto E, de la Fuente J, López-Camacho C. Potential of mRNA-based vaccines for the control of tick-borne pathogens in one health perspective. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384442. [PMID: 38947333 PMCID: PMC11211597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems at various levels, is crucial for addressing interconnected health threats. This is complemented by the advent of mRNA vaccines, which have revolutionized disease prevention. They offer broad-spectrum effectiveness and can be rapidly customized to target specific pathogens. Their utility extends beyond human medicine, showing potential in veterinary practices to control diseases and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions. This review place mRNA vaccines and One Health in the context of tick-borne diseases. The potential of these vaccines to confer cross-species immunity is significant, potentially disrupting zoonotic disease transmission cycles and protecting the health of both humans and animals, while reducing tick populations, infestations and circulation of pathogens. The development and application of mRNA vaccines for tick and tick-borne pathogens represent a comprehensive strategy in global health, fostering a healthier ecosystem for all species in our interconnected world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC)-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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7
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Biller ML, Kaiser KP, Kessel J, Koepsell J, Kenikstul N, Bucur J, Müller M, Kohnen T. [Rickettsial retinitis]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:494-497. [PMID: 38507088 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-02019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Lucas Biller
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
| | - Klemens Paul Kaiser
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Johanna Kessel
- Medizinische Klinik II, Schwerpunkt Infektiologie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Julia Koepsell
- Medizinische Klinik II, Schwerpunkt Infektiologie, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Ninel Kenikstul
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Julian Bucur
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Michael Müller
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Kohnen
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
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Sergi CM. Rudolph Virchow's Upper Silesia report: the starting point for his simultaneous engagement with public health and antisemitism. Pathologica 2024; 116:186-188. [PMID: 38979594 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-982] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2023 an important anniversary took place. It regards Virchow's report on the Upper Silesia epidemic typhus, which was associated with the death of numerous Polish peasants. It is also the starting point of Virchow's political career and fight against antisemitism, which has reached fearful levels in academia. Antisemitism is not new, but the recrudescence following the October 7th massacre of Jewish and not-Jewish people is appalling and recalls Virchow's vehemence of the past a few decades before the Nazi extermination of the Shoah during the World War II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consolato Maria Sergi
- Anatomic Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Barradas PF, Marques J, Tavares C, Brito NV, Mesquita JR. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101033. [PMID: 38772649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101033] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Marques
- Nanta Portugal, 2615-180 Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
| | - Catarina Tavares
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira Brito
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
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10
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Zamora Gonzalez RA, Mayo MS, Jeng AC. Severe flea-borne typhus complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report and review of literature. IDCases 2024; 36:e01955. [PMID: 38646601 PMCID: PMC11031783 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne typhus (FBT), also known as murine typhus, is a zoonotic infection caused by R. typhi with world-wide distribution. In the United States, the infection is uncommon but remains endemic in some areas, including Los Angeles County. It typically manifests as a benign acute febrile illness but can be complicated in a minority of cases. Associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been described in a limited number of cases. Here, we present a case of a patient with FBT complicated by HLH treated empirically with doxycycline with subsequent resolution of HLH. Also included is a review of the literature of other published cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark S. Mayo
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Arthur C. Jeng
- Infectious Diseases, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
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11
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Cheng R, Zhou C, Zhao M, Zhang S, Wan W, Yu Y, Wen B, Jiao J, Xiong X, Xu Q, OuYang X. TRIM56-mediated production of type I interferon inhibits intracellular replication of Rickettsia rickettsii. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0369523. [PMID: 38358243 PMCID: PMC10986528 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03695-23] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii (R. rickettsii), the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), is the most pathogenic member among Rickettsia spp. Previous studies have shown that tripartite motif-containing 56 (TRIM56) E3 ligase-induced ubiquitination of STING is important for cytosolic DNA sensing and type I interferon production to induce anti-DNA viral immunity, but whether it affects intracellular replication of R. rickettsii remains uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the effect of TRIM56 on HeLa and THP-1 cells infected with R. rickettsii. We found that the expression of TRIM56 was upregulated in the R. rickettsii-infected cells, and the overexpression of TRIM56 inhibited the intracellular replication of R. rickettsii, while R. rickettsii replication was enhanced in the TRIM56-silenced host cells with the reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and STING and the increased production of interferon-β. In addition, the mutation of the TRIM56 E3 ligase catalytic site impairs the inhibitory function against R. rickettsii in HeLa cells. Altogether, our study discovers that TRIM56 is a host restriction factor of R. rickettsii by regulating the cGAS-STING-mediated signaling pathway. This study gives new evidence for the role of TRIM56 in the innate immune response against intracellular bacterial infection and provides new therapeutic targets for RMSF. IMPORTANCE Given that Rickettsia rickettsii (R. rickettsii) is the most pathogenic member within the Rickettsia genus and serves as the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, there is a growing need to explore host targets. In this study, we examined the impact of host TRIM56 on R. rickettsii infection in HeLa and THP-1 cells. We observed a significant upregulation of TRIM56 expression in R. rickettsii-infected cells. Remarkably, the overexpression of TRIM56 inhibited the intracellular replication of R. rickettsii, while silencing TRIM56 enhanced bacterial replication accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and STING, along with increased interferon-β production. Notably, the mutation of the TRIM56's E3 ligase catalytic site did not impede R. rickettsii replication in HeLa cells. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the role of TRIM56 as a host restriction factor against R. rickettsii through the modulation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxi Cheng
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Weiqiang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuan OuYang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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12
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Penteado RF, Iulek J. Crystal structure of Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase from Rickettsia typhi in complex with its cognate amino acid. Biochimie 2024; 219:63-73. [PMID: 37673171 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia typhi is the causative agent of murine typhus (endemic typhus), a febrile illness that can be self-contained, though in some cases it can progress to death. The three dimensional structure of Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase from R. typhi (RtMetRS) in complex with its substrate l-methionine was solved by molecular replacement and refined at 2.30 Å resolution in space group P1 from one X-ray diffraction dataset. Processing and refinement trials were decisive to establish the lower symmetry space group and indicated the presence of twinning with four domains. RtMetRS belongs to the MetRS1 family and was crystallized with the CP domain in an open conformation, what is distinctive from other MetRS1 enzymes whose structures were solved with a bound L-methionine (therefore, in a closed conformation). This conformation resembles the ones observed in the MetRS2 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Ferras Penteado
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, 84030-900, Brazil
| | - Jorge Iulek
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, 84030-900, Brazil.
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13
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Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Macaluso KR. Cat Flea Coinfection with Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia typhi. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:201-213. [PMID: 38422214 PMCID: PMC11035851 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0122] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Flea-borne rickettsioses, collectively referred to as a term for etiological agents Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and RFLOs (R. felis-like organisms), has become a public health concern around the world, specifically in the United States. Due to a shared arthropod vector (the cat flea) and clinical signs, discriminating between Rickettsia species has proven difficult. While the effects of microbial coinfections in the vector can result in antagonistic or synergistic interrelationships, subsequently altering potential human exposure and disease, the impact of bacterial interactions within flea populations remains poorly defined. Methods: In this study, in vitro and in vivo systems were utilized to assess rickettsial interactions in arthropods. Results: Coinfection of both R. felis and R. typhi within a tick-derived cell line indicated that the two species could infect the same cell, but distinct growth kinetics led to reduced R. felis growth over time, regardless of infection order. Sequential flea coinfections revealed the vector could acquire both Rickettsia spp. and sustain coinfection for up to 2 weeks, but rickettsial loads in coinfected fleas and feces were altered during coinfection. Conclusion: Altered rickettsial loads during coinfection suggest R. felis and R. typhi interactions may enhance the transmission potential of either agent. Thus, this study provides a functional foundation to disentangle transmission events propelled by complex interspecies relationships during vector coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin R. Macaluso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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Taylor-Salmon E, Shapiro ED. Tick-borne infections in children in North America. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:156-163. [PMID: 38167816 PMCID: PMC10932821 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Because both incidence and awareness of tick-borne infections is increasing, review of major infections and recent advances related to their diagnosis and management is important. RECENT FINDINGS A new algorithm, termed modified two-tier testing, for testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi , the cause of Lyme disease, has been approved and may replace traditional two-tier testing. In addition, doxycycline is now acceptable to use for treatment of and/or prophylaxis for Lyme disease for up to 21 days in children of any age. Borrelia miyamotoi , a bacterium in the relapsing fever type of Borrelia, is the first of this type of Borrelia that is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks such as Ixodes scapularis. SUMMARY Awareness of these infections and advances in their diagnosis and treatment is important to assure the best outcomes for affected patients. Table 1 contains a summary of infections discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Taylor-Salmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eugene D Shapiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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15
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Mandel CG, Sanchez SE, Monahan CC, Phuklia W, Omsland A. Metabolism and physiology of pathogenic bacterial obligate intracellular parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1284701. [PMID: 38585652 PMCID: PMC10995303 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1284701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial obligate intracellular parasites (BOIPs) represent an exclusive group of bacterial pathogens that all depend on invasion of a eukaryotic host cell to reproduce. BOIPs are characterized by extensive adaptation to their respective replication niches, regardless of whether they replicate within the host cell cytoplasm or within specialized replication vacuoles. Genome reduction is also a hallmark of BOIPs that likely reflects streamlining of metabolic processes to reduce the need for de novo biosynthesis of energetically costly metabolic intermediates. Despite shared characteristics in lifestyle, BOIPs show considerable diversity in nutrient requirements, metabolic capabilities, and general physiology. In this review, we compare metabolic and physiological processes of prominent pathogenic BOIPs with special emphasis on carbon, energy, and amino acid metabolism. Recent advances are discussed in the context of historical views and opportunities for discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron G. Mandel
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Savannah E. Sanchez
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Colleen C. Monahan
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Weerawat Phuklia
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Anders Omsland
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Han L, Zhang Y, Jin X, Ren H, Teng Z, Sun Z, Xu J, Qin T. Changing epidemiologic patterns of typhus group rickettsiosis and scrub typhus in China, 1950-2022. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 140:52-61. [PMID: 38163619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.12.013] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic analysis of the notifiable rickettsial diseases in humans in China during 1950-2022. METHODS We utilized descriptive statistics to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic characteristics of typhus group rickettsiosis (TGR) and scrub typhus (ST) cases. RESULTS Since the 1950s, there have been variations in the incidence rate of TGR and ST in China, with a downtrend for TGR and an uptrend for ST. The South became a high-incidence area of TGR, whereas the North was previously the high-incidence area. ST cases were concentrated in the South and the geographic area of ST spread northward and westward. The seasonality of TGR and ST were similar in the South but distinct in the North. Most TGR and ST cases were reported by county-level medical institutions, whereas primary institutions reported the least. Delayed diagnosis was associated with fatal outcomes of TGR and ST. Cases in low-incidence provinces, confirmed by laboratory tests and reported from county/municipal-level institutions had higher odds of delayed diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed significant changes in the epidemiological characteristics of TGR and ST in China, which can provide useful information to enhance the control and prevention strategies of rickettsial diseases in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Han
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongqiu Teng
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaobin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Qin
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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17
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Saadalla A, Jacela J, Poll R, Slev P. Immunoassay Testing of Alpha-Gal Specific Immunoglobulin-E: Data from a National Reference Laboratory. J Appl Lab Med 2024; 9:262-272. [PMID: 38424720 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfad115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoassay measurements of serum alpha-gal (AG) specific IgE (sIgE) enable antibody detection and quantification with high sensitivity and specificity and are essential for AG syndrome diagnosis and patient management. We here present and analyze results from over 15 000 patient serum samples tested using the ImmunoCAP (Thermo/Phadia) assay. METHODS AG-sIgE levels and positivity rates were correlated to patient age, gender, geographic location, repeat testing results, sIgE levels to co-tested red meat whole allergen extracts, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) serology performed on a subset of patient samples. RESULTS Of the tested samples, 36.7% contained detectable (>0.1 KUA/L) AG-sIgE. Antibody levels were higher in patients of older age, in samples submitted from lower midwestern and southern states, and during the June-December period of the year. Specific IgE to co-tested red meat whole allergens showed moderate to strong correlation to AG-sIgE and were of lower levels. Samples with positive RMSF IgG titers (≥1:64) were of overall higher AG-IgE levels. CONCLUSION Findings are consistent with the role of lone star ticks in AG syndrome pathogenesis. Levels of measured sIgE to AG are higher than co-tested sIgE to red meat whole allergen, consistent with the improved diagnostic performance of component-resolved testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman Saadalla
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Immunology section, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jessica Jacela
- Immunology section, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Rick Poll
- Immunology section, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Patricia Slev
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Immunology section, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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18
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Lehner L, Thurau S, Pusl K, Tiedt S, Schöberl F, Forbrig R, Höglinger G, Strupp M. Meningoencephalitis and retinal vasculitis due to rickettsial infection. J Neurol 2024; 271:1469-1472. [PMID: 38001378 PMCID: PMC10896935 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Lehner
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Marchioninistr, 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Stephan Thurau
- Department of Ophthalmology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Pusl
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Marchioninistr, 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Tiedt
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Schöberl
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Marchioninistr, 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Forbrig
- Institute of Neuroradiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Günter Höglinger
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Marchioninistr, 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Marchioninistr, 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
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Blacksell SD, Le KK, Rungrojn A, Wongsantichon J, Stenos J, Graves SR, Day NPJ. Gaps and inconsistencies in the current knowledge and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices for rickettsial pathogens. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:268. [PMID: 38424500 PMCID: PMC10905923 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09151-0] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. are the causes of neglected infections that can lead to severe febrile and systemic illnesses in humans. Implementing proper biosafety practices when handling these pathogens is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable work environment. It is essential to assess the current knowledge and identify any potential gaps to develop effective measures that minimise the risk of exposure to these pathogens. By doing so, we can establish a comprehensive framework that promotes safety, mitigates hazards, and safeguards the well-being of personnel and the surrounding community. METHODS AND RESULTS This review aimed to synthesise and determine the evidence base for biosafety precautions for Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. pathogens. Enhancing our understanding of the relative infectious risk associated with different strains of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. requires identifying the infectious dose of these pathogens that can cause human disease. The application of risk groups for Rickettsia and Orientia spp. is inconsistent across jurisdictions. There is also incomplete evidence regarding decontamination methods for these pathogens. With regards to Orientia spp. most of the available information is derived from experiments conducted with Rickettsia spp. CONCLUSIONS Rickettsia and Orientia spp. are neglected diseases, as demonstrated by the lack of evidence-based and specific biosafety information about these pathogens. In the case of Orientia spp., most of the available information is derived from Rickettsia spp., which may not be appropriate and overstate the risks of working with this pathogen. The advent of effective antibiotic therapy and a better understanding of the true hazards and risks associated with pathogen manipulation should inform decisions, allowing a sustainable and safe work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Nuffield, Oxford, UK.
| | - Khanh Kim Le
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Artharee Rungrojn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jantana Wongsantichon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen R Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Nuffield, Oxford, UK
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Sit B, Lamason RL. Pathogenic Rickettsia spp. as emerging models for bacterial biology. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0040423. [PMID: 38315013 PMCID: PMC10883807 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00404-23] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of free-living bacterial models like Escherichia coli far outpaces that of obligate intracellular bacteria, which cannot be cultured axenically. All obligate intracellular bacteria are host-associated, and many cause serious human diseases. Their constant exposure to the distinct biochemical niche of the host has driven the evolution of numerous specialized bacteriological and genetic adaptations, as well as innovative molecular mechanisms of infection. Here, we review the history and use of pathogenic Rickettsia species, which cause an array of vector-borne vascular illnesses, as model systems to probe microbial biology. Although many challenges remain in our studies of these organisms, the rich pathogenic and biological diversity of Rickettsia spp. constitutes a unique backdrop to investigate how microbes survive and thrive in host and vector cells. We take a bacterial-focused perspective and highlight emerging insights that relate to new host-pathogen interactions, bacterial physiology, and evolution. The transformation of Rickettsia spp. from pathogens to models demonstrates how recalcitrant microbes may be leveraged in the lab to tap unmined bacterial diversity for new discoveries. Rickettsia spp. hold great promise as model systems not only to understand other obligate intracellular pathogens but also to discover new biology across and beyond bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Sit
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Lamason
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Ponce Nájera E, Lozano Lazcano V, Ploneda González C, Montoya Hinojosa M, González Oropeza D. Case Report: Fatal Rickettsiosis in Pregnancy. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:320-322. [PMID: 38190746 PMCID: PMC10859820 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. We present a series of two cases of pregnant patients who showed up at the emergency room of a hospital in Nuevo León, Mexico. Both patients lived in environments where R. rickettsii is endemic and they presented with several days of symptoms, including fever. Both patients developed a rash and had stillbirths during their hospital stay. Treatment with doxycycline was delayed, with fatal results in both patients. Diagnosis of RMSF was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction assay postmortem. The need to link epidemiological clues with clinical data is critical in the diagnosis and early treatment of RMSF to prevent maternal deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ponce Nájera
- Hospital Regional Materno Infantil del Estado de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud Tecnológico de Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Valeria Lozano Lazcano
- Hospital Regional Materno Infantil del Estado de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud Tecnológico de Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - César Ploneda González
- Hospital Metropolitano “Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda’’ del Estado de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | | | - Diego González Oropeza
- Hospital Regional Materno Infantil del Estado de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud Tecnológico de Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
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22
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Barathan M. From fever to action: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae006. [PMID: 38614961 PMCID: PMC11067964 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae006] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI) presents a clinical challenge, often characterized by sudden fever, non-specific symptoms, and potential life-threatening implications. This review highlights the global prevalence, types, challenges, and implications of AUFI, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where infectious diseases thrive. It delves into the difficulties in diagnosis, prevalence rates, regional variations, and potential causes, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, it explores treatment strategies, preventive measures, and the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing AUFI. The paper also addresses the emerging zoonotic risks and ongoing outbreaks, including COVID-19, Rickettsia spp., and other novel pathogens, emphasizing their impact on AUFI diagnosis and management. Challenges in resource-limited settings are analyzed, highlighting the need for bolstered healthcare infrastructure, enhanced diagnostics, and collaborative One Health strategies. Amidst the complexity of emerging zoonotic threats, this review underscores the urgency for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the growing burden of AUFI, ensuring early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttiah Barathan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sergi CM. Stanislaus Josef Mathias von Prowazek, Edler von Lanow, Rudolph Virchow, and the Upper Silesia Report. Arch Med Sci 2024; 20:354-356. [PMID: 38414458 PMCID: PMC10895968 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/177494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Consolato M Sergi
- Anatomic Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Gual-Gonzalez L, Self SCW, Zellars K, Meyer M, Dye-Braumuller KC, Evans CL, Cantillo-Barraza O, Torres MW, Nolan MS. Eco-epidemiology of Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia parkeri in naturally infected ticks (Acari: Ixodida) from South Carolina. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:33. [PMID: 38273414 PMCID: PMC10811935 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06099-z] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) is the largest group of Rickettsia species of clinical and veterinary importance emerging worldwide. Historically, SFGR cases were linked to Rickettsia rickettsii, the causal agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever; however, recently discovered species Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia amblyommatis have been shown to cause a wide range of clinical symptoms. The role of R. amblyommatis in SFGR eco-epidemiology and the possible public health implications remain unknown. METHODS This study evaluated statewide tick surveillance and land-use classification data to define the eco-epidemiological relationships between R. amblyommatis and R. parkeri among questing and feeding ticks collected across South Carolina between 2021 and 2022. Questing ticks from state parks and feeding ticks from animal shelters were evaluated for R. parkeri and R. amblyommatis using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) on pooled samples. A Bayesian multivariable logistic regression model for pool testing data was used to assess associations between R. parkeri or R. amblyommatis infection and land-use classification variables among questing ticks. The Spearman correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the two tested pathogens. RESULTS The infection prevalence for R. amblyommatis was 24.8% (23.4-26.3%) among questing ticks, and 39.5% (37.4-42.0%) among feeding ticks; conversely, for R. parkeri it was 19.0% (17.6-20.5%) among questing ticks and 22.4% (20.3-24.5%) among feeding ticks. A negative, refractory correlation was found between the species, with ticks significantly more likely to contain one or the other pathogen, but not both simultaneously. The Bayesian analysis revealed that R. amblyommatis infection was positively associated with deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forests, and negatively associated with hay and pasture fields, and emergent herbaceous wetlands. Rickettsia parkeri infection was positively associated with deciduous, mixed, and evergreen forests, herbaceous vegetation, cultivated cropland, woody wetlands, and emergent herbaceous wetlands, and negatively associated with hay and pasture fields. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate the eco-epidemiological factors driving tick pathogenicity in South Carolina. The negative interactions between SFGR species suggest the possible inhibition between the two pathogens tested, which could have important public health implications. Moreover, land-use classification factors revealed environments associated with tick pathogenicity, highlighting the need for tick vector control in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Gual-Gonzalez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Stella C W Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kia Zellars
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Madeleine Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Chris L Evans
- Vector-Borne Diseases Laboratory, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Public Health Laboratory, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Omar Cantillo-Barraza
- Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Myriam W Torres
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Curran EH, Devine MD, Hartley CD, Huang Y, Conrady CD, Debiec MR, Justin GA, Thomas J, Yeh S. Ophthalmic implications of biological threat agents according to the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives framework. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1349571. [PMID: 38293299 PMCID: PMC10824978 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1349571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As technology continues to evolve, the possibility for a wide range of dangers to people, organizations, and countries escalate globally. The United States federal government classifies types of threats with the capability of inflicting mass casualties and societal disruption as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Energetics/Explosives (CBRNE). Such incidents encompass accidental and intentional events ranging from weapons of mass destruction and bioterrorism to fires or spills involving hazardous or radiologic material. All of these have the capacity to inflict death or severe physical, neurological, and/or sensorial disabilities if injuries are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Ophthalmic injury can provide important insight into understanding and treating patients impacted by CBRNE agents; however, improper ophthalmic management can result in suboptimal patient outcomes. This review specifically addresses the biological agents the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems to have the greatest capacity for bioterrorism. CBRNE biological agents, encompassing pathogens and organic toxins, are further subdivided into categories A, B, and C according to their national security threat level. In our compendium of these biological agents, we address their respective CDC category, systemic and ophthalmic manifestations, route of transmission and personal protective equipment considerations as well as pertinent vaccination and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H. Curran
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Max D. Devine
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Caleb D. Hartley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ye Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Matthew R. Debiec
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Grant A. Justin
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joanne Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- National Strategic Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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26
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Sato R, Yamada N, Kodani N, Makiishi T, Iwashita Y. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Japanese spotted fever: A report of three cases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23462. [PMID: 38173519 PMCID: PMC10761556 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese Spotted Fever (JSF) is a Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia japonica. More than 300 cases are diagnosed annually in Japan, and the number of reported cases has been increasing. Correct diagnoses depend on the triad of symptoms and signs, including fever, rash, and eschar, which can be seen at the site of vector bites. JSF is not life-threatening if treated appropriately without diagnostic delay but there are some fatal cases every year. This negligence leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure (MOF), and poor prognoses, consequently. Prompt diagnosis of JSF is difficult when the aforementioned triad of signs and symptoms is not initially present. Case report This report describes three JSF cases: an 87-year-old woman with fever, shock, pancytopenia, DIC, and MOF; a 79-year-old man with fever and difficulty in movement; and a 78-year-old man with fever, general fatigue, and appetite loss. All patients had a rash and eschar, which led to prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment immediately. All patients were treated without any complications. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? As mentioned above, JFS can be fatal with delayed diagnoses and treatment initiations. The key for a prompt diagnosis is to recognize the triad of symptoms and signs, which are not often present initially, and it makes JSF diagnosis challenging. Repeated comprehensive physical examinations are essential for prompt diagnosis and improve prognosis of JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Sato
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Noriaki Yamada
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Kodani
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Makiishi
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Iwashita
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
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Torres-Bustamante M, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ko AI, Wunder EA, Quintero-Vélez JC. Eco-epidemiological study of seropositivity against Rickettsia and Leptospira agents in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3760267. [PMID: 38260656 PMCID: PMC10802693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3760267/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Rickettsioses and leptospirosis are infectious diseases that are often underdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about their epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, among others. Objetive to characterize the seroprevalence and seroincidence of both Rickettsia and Leptospira agents and determine the risk factors for these outcomes in rural areas of Urabá, Antioquia. Methods a secondary data analysis using information on Rickettsia and Leptospira exposure from a prior prospective study that explored sociocultural and ecological aspects of Rickettsia infection in rural Urabá, Colombia. A multinomial mixed logistic regression model was employed to analyze factors linked to seroprevalent cases of Rickettsia, Leptospira and both, along with descriptive analyses of seroincident cases. Results the concomitant seroprevalence against Rickettsiaand Leptospira was 9.38% [95%CI 6.08%-13.37%] (56/597). The factors associated with this seroprevalence were age (ORa= 1.02 [95%CI 1.007-1.03]), male gender (ORa= 3.06 [95%CI 1.75-5.37]), fever history (ORa= 1.71 [95%CI 1.06-2.77]) the presence of breeding pigs (ORa= 2.29 [95%CI 1.36-3.88]), peridomicile yucca crops(ORa= 2.5 [95%CI 1.1-5.62]), and deforestation practices(ORa= 1.74 [95%CI 1.06-2.87]). The concomitant seroincidence against Rickettsia and Leptospira was 1.09% (3/274) [95%CI 0.29%-4.05%], three cases were female, with a median age of 31.83 years-old (IQR 8.69-56.99). At the household level, all the seroincident cases had households built partially or totally with soil floors, wooden walls, and zinc roofs. Two seroincident cases described the presence of equines, canines, and domestic chickens in intra or peri-domicile. Finally, two cases were exposed to synanthropic rodents, and one case to tick infestation. Conclusion there is evidence of seroprevalent and seroincident cases of seropositivity against both Rickettsia and Leptospira in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia. These findings can help improve public health surveillance systems in preventing, detecting, and attending to the different clinical cases caused by these pathogens.
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Araújo Pereira MO, Júnior ÁF, Batista Rodrigues ES, Mulser H, Nascimento de Mello E Silva G, Pio Dos Santos WT, de Souza Gil E. An impedimetric immunosensor for diagnosis of Brazilian spotted fever in blood plasma. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:189-195. [PMID: 38098444 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01308a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a serious disease of medical importance due to its rapid evolution and high lethality. The effectiveness of the treatment mainly depends on the rapid diagnosis, which is currently performed by indirect immunofluorescence and PCR tests, which require high costs and laboratory structure. In order to propose an alternative methodology, we sought to develop an impedimetric immunosensor (IM) based on the immobilization of specific IgY antibodies for IgG anti Rickettsia rickettsii, using blood plasma from capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), for characterization, validation and applications of the ready IM. IM selectivity was observed when comparing capybara reagent IgG (IgGcr) readings with non-reagent IgG (IgGnr). A reagent IgG calibration curve was obtained, from which the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 1.3 ng mL-1 and 4.4 ng mL-1 were calculated, respectively. The accuracy tests showed that different concentrations of IgGcr showed a maximum deviation of 20.0%, with CI between 90.00% and 95.00%. Intermediate precision tests showed a relative standard deviation of 2.09% for researcher 1 and 2.61% for researcher 2, and the F test showed no significant difference between the recovery values found between the two analysts, since Fcal 1.56 < 5.05 and P-value 0.48 > 0, 05. Therefore, an impedimetric immunosensor was developed to detect anti BSF IgG in capybara blood plasma, which greatly contributes to the improvement of diagnostic tests, cost reduction and ease of execution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Mulser
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.
| | | | - Wallans Torres Pio Dos Santos
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Campus JK, 39100000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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29
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Yomogida K, Kjemtrup A, Martínez-López B, Ibrahim M, Contreras Z, Ngo V, Halai UA, Balter S, Feaster M, Zahn M, Shearer E, Sorvillo R, Balanji N, Torres C, Prado B, Porse C, Kramer V. Surveillance of Flea-Borne Typhus in California, 2011-2019. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:142-149. [PMID: 38109767 PMCID: PMC10793031 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne typhus (FBT), also referred to as murine typhus, is an acute febrile disease in humans caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi. Currently, cases of FBT are reported for public health surveillance purposes (i.e., to detect incidence and outbreaks) in a few U.S. states. In California, healthcare providers and testing laboratories are mandated to report to their respective local public health jurisdictions whenever R. typhi or antibodies reactive to R. typhi are detected in a patient, who then report cases to state health department. In this study, we characterize the epidemiology of flea-borne typhus cases in California from 2011 to 2019. A total of 881 cases were reported during this period, with most cases reported among residents of Los Angeles and Orange Counties (97%). Demographics, animal exposures, and clinical courses for case patients were summarized. Additionally, spatiotemporal cluster analyses pointed to five areas in southern California with persistent FBT transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Yomogida
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Anne Kjemtrup
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Mireille Ibrahim
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zuelma Contreras
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Van Ngo
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Umme-Aiman Halai
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sharon Balter
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Acute Communicable Disease Control Program – Morbidity Unit, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matt Feaster
- City of Pasadena Public Health Department, Pasadena, California
| | - Matthew Zahn
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Santa Ana, California
| | - Eric Shearer
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Santa Ana, California
| | | | - Nora Balanji
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Cindy Torres
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Belinda Prado
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Program, Long Beach, California
| | - Charsey Porse
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
| | - Vicki Kramer
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California
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Olivo-Freites C, Davar K, Gallardo-Huizar O, Vijayan T, Younes R. Case Report: Cardiovascular Manifestations due to Flea-Borne Typhus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:150-154. [PMID: 38052087 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne typhus is a vector-borne disease caused by Rickettsia typhi that occurs worldwide, except in Antarctica. In the United States, most cases are restricted to California, Hawaii, and Texas. The syndrome is characterized by nonspecific signs and symptoms: fever, headache, rash, arthralgia, cough, hepatosplenomegaly, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although flea-borne typhus can cause pulmonary, neurological, and renal complications, the cardiovascular system is rarely affected. We present a case of endocarditis resulting from flea-borne typhus diagnosed by blood microbial cell-free DNA testing that required valve replacement and antibiotic therapy for 6 months. In addition, we review 20 cases of presumed and confirmed cardiovascular manifestations resulting from flea-borne typhus in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Olivo-Freites
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kusha Davar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Oscar Gallardo-Huizar
- Internal Medicine Department, Olive View Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tara Vijayan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ramee Younes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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Qiu J, Feng H, Liu L, Zhu J. A case of Rickettsia felis infection-induced encephalitis in a pregnant woman. World J Emerg Med 2024; 15:150-152. [PMID: 38476524 PMCID: PMC10925534 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2024.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Qiu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
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Dzul-Rosado K, Lavín-Sánchez DG, Hernández GÁ, Gómez-Carro S, Puerto-Manzano FI. Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia typhi in hospitalized children diagnosed with Pediatric Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Merida, Yucatan. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103707. [PMID: 38070540 PMCID: PMC10826168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2023.103707] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) presents with fever, fatigue, elevated inflammatory markers (acute phase reactants), and a history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or positive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, the risk of MIS-C in the pediatric population increased. However, exposure to other viruses and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 positive antibodies in children hospitalized for various pathogen-associated illnesses will also remain common and may complicate differential diagnoses with diseases endemic to the region such as rickettsial diseases. The objective was to highlight the desirability of medical personnel systematically incorporating rickettsiosis as a differential diagnosis for MIS-C when studying a child with fever, non-specific symptoms, and elevated inflammatory markers. In conclusion MIS-C should be considered in children with elevated inflammatory markers when there is a history of COVID-19 and they also meet criteria that have already been established by international agencies, such as CDC and WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Dzul-Rosado
- Hideyo Noguchi Regional Investigation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, México.
| | | | | | - Salvador Gómez-Carro
- Agustín O' Horan General Hospital, Department of Health, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Fernando I Puerto-Manzano
- Hideyo Noguchi Regional Investigation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mérida, México
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Dahmani M, Zhu JC, Cook JH, Riley SP. Anaphylatoxin signaling activates macrophages to control intracellular Rickettsia proliferation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0253823. [PMID: 37855623 PMCID: PMC10714731 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02538-23] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Pathogenic Rickettsia species are extremely dangerous bacteria that grow within the cytoplasm of host mammalian cells. In most cases, these bacteria are able to overpower the host cell and grow within the protected environment of the cytoplasm. However, a dramatic conflict occurs when Rickettsia encounter innate immune cells; the bacteria can "win" by taking over the host, or the bacteria can "lose" if the host cell efficiently fights the infection. This manuscript examines how the immune complement system is able to detect the presence of Rickettsia and alert nearby cells. Byproducts of complement activation called anaphylatoxins are signals that "activate" innate immune cells to mount an aggressive defensive strategy. This study enhances our collective understanding of the innate immune reaction to intracellular bacteria and will contribute to future efforts at controlling these dangerous infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Dahmani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinyi C. Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jack H. Cook
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean P. Riley
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland-College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, Maryland, USA
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Teramoto K, Tamura S, Yoshida K, Inada Y, Yamashita Y, Morimoto M, Mushino T, Koreeda D, Miyamoto K, Komiya N, Nakano Y, Takagaki Y, Koizumi Y. Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Prediction of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome and Rickettsiosis in the Co-Endemic Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2024. [PMID: 38004073 PMCID: PMC10672843 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59112024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Wakayama prefecture is endemic for two types of tick-borne rickettsioses: Japanese spotted fever (JFS) and scrub typhus (ST). Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne hemorrhagic viral disease with a high mortality rate and is often difficult to differentiate from such rickettsioses. SFTS cases have recently increased in Wakayama prefecture. For early diagnosis, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical characterization of such tick-borne infections in the co-endemic area. Materials and Methods: The study included 64 febrile patients diagnosed with tick-borne infection in Wakayama prefecture between January 2013 and May 2022. Medical records of 19 patients with SFTS and 45 with rickettsiosis (JSF, n = 26; ST, n = 19) were retrospectively examined. The receiver operating curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate potential factors for differentiating SFTS from rickettsiosis. Results: Adults aged ≥70 years were most vulnerable to tick-borne infections (median, 75.5 years; interquartile range, 68.5-84 years). SFTS and rickettsiosis occurred mostly between summer and autumn. However, no significant between-group differences were found in age, sex, and comorbidities; 17 (89%) patients with SFTS, but none of those with rickettsiosis, experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, 43 (96%) patients with rickettsiosis, but none of those with SFTS, developed a skin rash. The AUCs of white blood cells (0.97) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (0.98) were very high. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis of SFTS was significantly associated with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (AUC 0.95), the absence of a skin rash (AUC 0.98), leukopenia <3.7 × 109/L (AUC 0.95), and low CRP levels < 1.66 mg/dL (AUC 0.98) (p < 0.001 for each factor). Conclusions: Clinical characteristics and standard laboratory parameters can verify the early diagnosis of SFTS in areas where tick-borne infections are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Teramoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Susami Hospital, Wakayama 649-2621, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shinobu Tamura
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Kikuaki Yoshida
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yukari Inada
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yusuke Yamashita
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Masaya Morimoto
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mushino
- Department of Hematology, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koreeda
- Department of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama 640-8558, Japan
| | - Kyohei Miyamoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Komiya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama 640-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshio Nakano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama 646-8588, Japan
| | - Yusaku Takagaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Susami Hospital, Wakayama 649-2621, Japan
| | - Yusuke Koizumi
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Varadarajan R, Patel AP, Rashidi K, Oh A, Rahman R, Neal R. Flea-Borne Typhus Presenting with Acalculous Cholecystitis and Severe Anemia. Case Rep Infect Dis 2023; 2023:5510295. [PMID: 37954983 PMCID: PMC10637845 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5510295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Flea-borne typhus (FBT), an uncommon illness in the United States, typically presents as a high continuous fever with commonly associated symptoms including headache, myalgias, and rashes on the trunk and extremities. Patients infected with FBT may also present with atypical symptoms. As such, the combination of its relatively low incidence in the United States coupled with its variability in associated symptoms poses a diagnostic challenge for clinicians; early empiric treatment with doxycycline is warranted prior to a definitive diagnosis to reduce the risk of damage to vital organs. Case Report. This case describes a 54-year-old male who presented to an emergency room in Houston, Texas, with one week of constant right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fevers up to 40°C. The patient was initially diagnosed with Grade III severe acute cholangitis after abdominal ultrasound revealed gallbladder sludge and wall thickening without ductal dilatation, but a subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was unremarkable. Following intermittent fevers and worsening anemia, the patient was started on oral doxycycline for atypical infection, and an infectious disease workup subsequently returned a positive titer for Rickettsia typhi. He experienced rapid symptomatic and clinical improvement, and the patient was discharged home with a final diagnosis of flea-borne typhus. Conclusion Albeit uncommon, the presentation of this patient's symptoms and final diagnosis of flea-borne typhus demonstrates the importance of (1) keeping atypical infections such as FBT in the differential diagnosis and (2) beginning empiric treatment to prevent damage to vital organs if suspicion of FBT is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Varadarajan
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ashmi P. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Keyvon Rashidi
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Albert Oh
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rashmeen Rahman
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ryan Neal
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Jafari K, Woodward GA. Mpox. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023; 39:883-889. [PMID: 37902655 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Human mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease that causes a smallpox-like infection in humans. The mpox virus, the causative agent of mpox, was first reported to cause human disease in a 9-month-old infant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since that time, periodic outbreaks in primarily endemic regions have occurred, typically secondary to transmission from wildlife reservoirs. However, in May 2022, after a rapid rise in worldwide cases in largely nonendemic countries, the World Health Organization declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of January 2022, more than 80,000 cases of mpox in nonendemic countries have occurred, and more than 25,000 cases in the United States alone. Most of these cases occurred in adults, with the highest frequency among men who had sex with men. Children and adolescents represented only 0.3% of US cases as of September 2022, with most infections in young children the result of direct contact with an infected household member. Although infection remains uncommon in US children and teens, pediatric emergency and urgent care providers should be aware of the clinical features, treatment, and prophylaxis of this important emerging infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George A Woodward
- Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
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McCarthy ML, Wallace DI. Optimal control of a tick population with a view to control of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:18916-18938. [PMID: 38052583 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In some regions of the Americas, domestic dogs are the host for the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and spread the tick-borne pathogen Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in humans. Interventions are carried out against the vector via dog collars and acaricidal wall treatments. This paper investigates the optimal control of acaricidal wall treatments, using a prior model for populations and disease transmission developed for this particular vector, host, and pathogen. It is modified with a death term during questing stages reflecting the cost of control and level of coverage. In the presence of the control, the percentage of dogs and ticks infected with Ri. rickettsii decreases in a short period and remains suppressed for a longer period, including after treatment is discontinued. Risk of RMSF infection declines by 90% during this time. In the absence of re-application, infected tick and dog populations rebound, indicating the eventual need for repeated treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve L McCarthy
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Murray State University, 203A Industry & Technology, Murray KY 42071, USA
| | - Dorothy I Wallace
- Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, 27 N. Main Street, 6188 Kemeny Hall, Hanover, NH 03755-3551, USA
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Marcek J, Foley J, Backus L, Suzan G, López-Pérez AM. POTENTIAL SHARED DISEASE RISK AMONG DOGS AND COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) EXEMPLIFIED BY THE ECOLOGY OF RICKETTSIOSIS IN A ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER-EPIDEMIC REGION IN NORTHERN MEXICO. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:722-733. [PMID: 37846906 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00179] [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: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is a re-emerging tick-borne zoonosis in North America, with hundreds of human fatalities in multiple outbreaks in northern Mexico and the southwestern US in the past few decades. Free-roaming dogs are key because they are reservoirs for the pathogen and the main hosts of the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which vectors RMSF in this region. Because coyotes (Canis latrans) can be infected with R. rickettsii and infested with Rh. sanguineus, we hypothesized that space sharing among dogs and coyotes could enhance disease risks. In summer 2021, we captured and sampled 11 coyotes at two sites in Baja California, Mexico, near population centers with human cases of RMSF, and fitted seven individuals with GPS logging collars. We also tested tissue samples, sera, and ectoparasites for DNA of R. rickettsii with PCR and used serology to detect antibodies to R. rickettsii. Finally, we deployed an array of cameras to document dog-coyote interactions. Mean home range size was 40.37 km2. Both GPS and camera data showed considerable home range overlap both between individual coyotes and between coyotes and dogs. Coyotes were active in areas where dogs occur including the domestic interface surrounding human settlements. Although none of our samples were positive for R. rickettsii on PCR, 72.7% (8/11) of the samples were seropositive with titers ≥64. Our data confirm shared space use and risk of shared parasites and disease between coyotes and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Marcek
- University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, 1275 Med Science Dr., Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Janet Foley
- University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, 1275 Med Science Dr., Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Laura Backus
- University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, 1275 Med Science Dr., Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Gerardo Suzan
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Av. Universidad no. 3000, Coyoacán 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrés M López-Pérez
- University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, 1275 Med Science Dr., Davis, California 95616, USA
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz 91073, Mexico
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Deng YP, Fu YT, Yao C, Shao R, Zhang XL, Duan DY, Liu GH. Emerging bacterial infectious diseases/pathogens vectored by human lice. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102630. [PMID: 37567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102630] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Human lice have always been a major public health concern due to their vector capacity for louse-borne infectious diseases, like trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever, and epidemic fever, which are caused by Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii, respectively. Those diseases are currently re-emerging in the regions of poor hygiene, social poverty, or wars with life-threatening consequences. These louse-borne diseases have also caused outbreaks among populations in jails and refugee camps. In addition, antibodies and DNAs to those pathogens have been steadily detected in homeless populations. Importantly, more bacterial pathogens have been detected in human lice, and some have been transmitted by human lice in laboratories. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and update on louse-borne infectious diseases/bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Silva-Ramos CR, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Serna-Rivera CC, Mattar S, Hidalgo M. Etiologies of Zoonotic Tropical Febrile Illnesses That Are Not Part of the Notifiable Diseases in Colombia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2154. [PMID: 37763998 PMCID: PMC10535066 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Colombia, tropical febrile illnesses represent one of the most important causes of clinical attention. Febrile illnesses in the tropics are mainly zoonotic and have a broad etiology. The Colombian surveillance system monitors some notifiable diseases. However, several etiologies are not monitored by this system. In the present review, we describe eleven different etiologies of zoonotic tropical febrile illnesses that are not monitored by the Colombian surveillance system but have scientific, historical, and contemporary data that confirm or suggest their presence in different regions of the country: Anaplasma, Arenavirus, Bartonella, relapsing fever group Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia, Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Orientia, Oropouche virus, and Rickettsia. These could generate a risk for the local population, travelers, and immigrants, due to which they should be included in the mandatory notification system, considering their importance for Colombian public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá 110110, Colombia;
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología—SAI, Bogotá 110110, Colombia
| | - Cristian C. Serna-Rivera
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias (CENTAURO), Línea de Investigación Zoonosis Emergentes y Re-Emergentes, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050034, Colombia;
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales 170004, Colombia
| | - Salim Mattar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas del Trópico, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230001, Colombia;
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
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Chen K, Travanty NV, Garshong R, Crossley D, Wasserberg G, Apperson CS, Roe RM, Ponnusamy L. Detection of Orientia spp. Bacteria in Field-Collected Free-Living Eutrombicula Chigger Mites, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1676-1679. [PMID: 37486323 PMCID: PMC10370866 DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.230528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease caused by Orientia spp., is transmitted by infected larval trombiculid mites (chiggers). We report the molecular detection of Orientia species in free-living Eutrombicula chiggers collected in an area in North Carolina, USA, to which spotted fever group rickettsiae infections are endemic.
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Kawali A, Mahendradas P, Sanjay S, Mishra SB, Shetty B. Epidemic retinitis during pregnancy. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:2784-2788. [PMID: 37417121 PMCID: PMC10491078 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3169_22] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of epidemic retinitis (ER) during pregnancy. Methods This is a retrospective, observational chart review of pregnant patients diagnosed with ER from January 2014 to February 2023. Demographic details, month of pregnancy at the onset of ocular symptoms, history of present illness, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes were studied. Results In 9 years, ER was seen in 86 females, of whom 12 (13.9%) were pregnant. Twenty-one eyes of those 12 patients were studied. Most of the patients presented in the sixth month of pregnancy (range: 5-9 months, mean: 6.3 months). Physicians diagnosed viral exanthematous fever in six, typhoid in three, and suspected rickettsia in one patient. Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) was performed in two patients before presentation. Weil-Felix test was positive in five, Brucella in one, WIDAL in three, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) IgG and dengue IgG in one patient each. Oral antibiotics were given in five patients (two post-medical termination of pregnancy [MTP]) for the retinitis. All except four received oral steroids. Mean presenting corrected distant visual acuity (n = 21) was 20/125 (range: 20/20-20/20,000), which improved to (n = 18) 20/30 (range: 20/20-20/240). Macular edema (n = 11) resolved in 33.18 days (range: 20-50 days), and retinitis (n = 13) resolved in 58 days (range: 30-110 days). Ocular and systemic examination of newborn was possible in two and the babies were normal. Conclusion ER is seen commonly at the beginning of the third trimester. Lack of antibiotics may delay the resolution of retinitis. Ocular health needs to be assessed in larger series to conclude absence of retinal involvement in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankush Kawali
- Department of Uveitis and Ocular Immunology, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Padmamalini Mahendradas
- Department of Uveitis and Ocular Immunology, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Srinivasan Sanjay
- Department of Uveitis and Ocular Immunology, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sai Bhakti Mishra
- Department of Uveitis and Ocular Immunology, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhujang Shetty
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Laroche M, Weeks ENI. Vector-borne bacterial diseases: a neglected field of infectious diseases research. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:177-178. [PMID: 36789732 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Laroche
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Emma N I Weeks
- University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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44
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Warrell CE, Osborne J, Mrcp LN, Gibney B, Carter DP, Warner J, Houlihan CF, Brooks TJG, Rampling T. Imported Rickettsial Infections to the United Kingdom, 2015-2020. J Infect 2023; 86:446-452. [PMID: 36948252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The burden of imported rickettsial infection in the UK is not previously described. This retrospective review identifies rickettsial cases diagnosed at the national reference laboratory between 2015-2022. METHODS Samples testing positive for spotted fever group, typhus group and scrub typhus IgG/IgM on acute and convalescent blood samples, and/or PCR on tissue/blood were categorised as suspected, confirmed or past infection. RESULTS 220 patients had rickettsioses, the commonest import was acute spotted fever group infection (61%, 125/205), 54% (62/114) from South Africa. Acute typhus group cases, 60% (40/67) from Southeast Asia. One patient with Rickettsia typhi bacteremia died. Scrub typhus group infections (5%, 10/205) were exclusively from Asia and the Western Pacific regions. Overall, 43% of confirmed cases (39/91) had not received doxycycline prior to results. CONCLUSIONS Rickettsial infections are important and under-recognised causes of imported fever in the UK. Thorough history, examination and timely treatment with doxycycline should be considered if there is suspicion of Rickettsia infection before testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Warrell
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Salisbury, UK; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Jane Osborne
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Salisbury, UK
| | | | - Barry Gibney
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Salisbury, UK
| | | | | | - Catherine F Houlihan
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Salisbury, UK; Hospital for Tropical Diseaess, London, UCLH, UK; Department of Clinical Virology UCLH, UK; Infection and Immunity, University College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tommy Rampling
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Salisbury, UK; Hospital for Tropical Diseaess, London, UCLH, UK; Infection and Immunity, University College London, United Kingdom
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45
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Cabello FC, Millanao AR, Lozano-Muñoz I, Godfrey HP. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations: Antimicrobial use and resistance in salmon aquaculture. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023. [PMID: 36934450 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The exponential growth of aquaculture over the past 30 years has been accompanied by a parallel increase in the use of antimicrobials. This widespread use has had negative effects on animal, human and environmental health and affected the biodiversity of the environments where aquaculture takes place. Results showing these harmful effects have been resisted and made light of by the aquaculture industry and their scientific supporters through introduction of misunderstandings and misinterpretations of concepts developed in the evolution, genetics, and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance. We focus on a few of the most obvious scientific shortcomings and biases of two recent attempts to minimise the negative impacts of excessive antimicrobial use in Chilean salmon aquaculture on human and piscine health and on the environment. Such open debate is critical to timely implementation of effective regulation of antimicrobial usage in salmon aquaculture in Chile, if the negative local and worldwide impacts of this usage are to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C Cabello
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Ana R Millanao
- Instituto de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ivonne Lozano-Muñoz
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Henry P Godfrey
- Department of Pathology (retired), New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Salceda-Sánchez B, Gasca-Zarate CM, Jiménez-Soto K, Grostieta E, López-Sánchez CG, Soto-Gutiérrez JJ, Lammoglia-Villagómez MÁ, Huerta-Peña J, Hernández-Carbajal GR, Chagoya-Fuentes JL, Jácome-Sosa E, Pérez-Brígido CD, Ballados-González GG, Becker I, Sánchez-Montes S. Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis in fleas and ticks collected from dogs and cats of Puebla, Mexico. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:176-183. [PMID: 36409281 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13011] [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: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fleas and ticks represent the two main groups of ectoparasites that infest companion animals. In particular, the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and several members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are the main vectors of a wide range of pathogens on the American continent. They are competent vectors for several members of the genus Rickettsia, which encompass at least 15 pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells of vertebrates. In Mexico, 10 species of Rickettsia belonging to three groups have been detected in six species of ectoparasites from dogs in 9 of the 32 states of the country. However, in some larger regions of the country, active epidemiological surveillance has not been carried out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of members of the genus Rickettsia in fleas and ticks of dogs and cats in the state of Puebla, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect ectoparasites of dogs and cats during August to November 2019. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Rickettsia DNA by the amplification and sequencing of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. Additionally, ecological parameters of the ectoparasite infestations were also calculated. We recovered 196 ectoparasites belonging to two species, 33 C. felis felis and 163 R. sanguineus s.l. (Rhipicephalus linnaei), parasitizing 46 hosts (42 dogs and 4 cats) in 11 localities of the state of Puebla. We detected the presence of Rickettsia felis in three pools of C. felis felis, and five from R. sanguineus s.l. Our work provides the first record of R. felis in hard ticks of Mexico and Central America, with new collection localities for this pathogen in central Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Salceda-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Cecilia M Gasca-Zarate
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Karen Jiménez-Soto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Estefania Grostieta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia G López-Sánchez
- Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública del estado de Puebla, Secretaría de Salud del estado de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan J Soto-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Á Lammoglia-Villagómez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Javier Huerta-Peña
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Gabriela R Hernández-Carbajal
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Jorge L Chagoya-Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Edelmira Jácome-Sosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Carlos D Pérez-Brígido
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Gerardo G Ballados-González
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Rancho Torreón del Molino, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz, Mexico.,Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Rickettsioses in Colombia during the 20th century: A historical review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102118. [PMID: 36628901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsioses are vector-borne zoonotic diseases whose etiological agents are bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Orientia. In Colombia, literature published on rickettsioses during the 20th century is limited and disperse; to date, there are no detailed publications that compile the affected regions or the involved Rickettsia species in each outbreak. Since early works of Luis Patiño-Camargo, the study of rickettsioses gained major importance with the subsequent description of significant outbreaks in some departments of the country. During the 1940s, many articles were published reporting outbreaks probably caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, and Rickettsia prowazekii, as well as studies on their diagnosis, vaccination, and prophylaxis. One of the most notorious works was published by Patiño-Camargo where he named the R. rickettsii rickettsiosis as "Tobia fever". However, in the subsequent decades, these entities entered a prolonged period of neglected research and surveillance, and just gained importance until the 21st century, when new fatal cases began to be reported in the country; thus, many questions remained unanswered during this overlooked period. The present work reviewed online databases, repositories, and libraries to compile literature related to rickettsioses in Colombia published during the 20th century. Gathered data show that typhus group rickettsioses (including infections by R. typhi and R. prowazekii) were broadly distributed in departments from the Andean and Caribbean regions, and that spotted fever group rickettsioses cases (including infections by R. rickettsii) were registered in other locations different from Tobia (Cundinamarca), like Atlántico, Bolivar, and Santander departments. These findings contribute to the knowledge of these diseases, their historical distribution, public health burden, and set new horizons for rickettsioses research in different Colombian locations.
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Muniz APM, Tolesano-Pascoli G, Vieira RBK, Polli MG, Rodrigues VDS, Gonzaga HT, Mamede CCN, Da Cunha NC, Szabó MJP, Yokosawa J. Evaluation of a mimotope of the Rickettsia outer membrane protein A (OmpA) as an antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect rickettsiosis in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), horses (Equus caballus), and opossums (Didelphis sp.). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:317-327. [PMID: 36795267 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00776-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii is the etiological agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is an important tick-borne zoonosis and, in Brazil, it causes Brazilian spotted fever, which has high lethality rate. This study aimed to evaluate a synthetic peptide corresponding to a segment of the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) as an antigen in a serological test for the diagnosis of rickettsial infections. The amino acid sequence of the peptide was selected by predicting B cell epitopes using B Cell Epitope Prediction (Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource) and Epitopia and OmpA sequences of Rickettsia rickettsii strain 'Brazil' and Rickettsia parkeri strains 'Maculatum 20' and 'Portsmouth'. A peptide with amino acid sequence common to both Rickettsia species was synthesized and arbitrarily named OmpA-pLMC. To evaluate this peptide in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum samples of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), horse (Equus caballus), and opossum (Didelphis albiventris) that had been previously tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for rickettsial infection were separated into IFA-positive and IFA-negative groups and used in the assay. There were no significant differences in ELISA optical density (OD) values between IFA-positive and IFA-negative groups with horse samples. The mean OD values were significantly higher in the IFA-positive capybara serum samples (IFA-pos vs. IFA-neg = 2.389 ± 0.761 vs. 1.760 ± 0.840). However, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis did not show significant diagnostic parameters. On the other hand, 12 out of 14 (85.7%) opossum samples of the IFA-positive group showed reactivity in ELISA, and this was significantly higher than of the IFA-negative group (0.7196 ± 0.440 vs. 0.2318 ± 0.098, respectively; 85.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Therefore, our results show that OmpA-pLMC has a potential to be used in immunodiagnostic assays to detect spotted fever group rickettsial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Mendes Muniz
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | - Raíssa Brauner Kamla Vieira
- Laboratory of Ixodology, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, UFU, Uberlândia, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Mayara Garcia Polli
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Nathalie Costa Da Cunha
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Jonny Yokosawa
- Laboratory of Microorganisms of Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah), Department of Microbiology, Instituto De Ciências Biomédicas (ICBIM), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Brazil.
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Reece ST, Kaufmann SH. Host Defenses to Intracellular Bacteria. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-8165-1.00026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Zhang YY, Sun YQ, Chen JJ, Teng AY, Wang T, Li H, Hay SI, Fang LQ, Yang Y, Liu W. Mapping the global distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae: a systematic review with modelling analysis. Lancet Digit Health 2023; 5:e5-e15. [PMID: 36424337 PMCID: PMC10039616 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(22)00212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging and re-emerging spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are increasingly recognised worldwide as threats to public health, yet their global distribution and associated risk burden remain poorly understood. METHODS In this systematic review and modelling analysis, we mapped global distributions of all confirmed species of SFG rickettsiae (SFGR) detected in animals, vectors, and human beings, using data collected from the literature. We assessed ecological drivers for the distributions of 17 major SFGR species using machine learning algorithms, and mapped model-predicted risks. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 1906, and March 31, 2021, we found reports of 48 confirmed SFGR species, with 66 133 human infections worldwide, with a large spatial variation across the continents. 198 vector species were detected to carry 47 of these Rickettsia spp. (146 ticks, 24 fleas, 15 mosquitoes, six mites, four lice, two keds, and one bug). Based on model-predicted global distributions of the 17 major SFGR species, we found five spatial clusters aggregated by ecological similarity in terms of environmental and ecoclimatic features. Rickettsia felis is the leading SFGR species to which 4·4 billion (95% CI 3·8-5·3 billion) people are at risk, followed by Rickettsia conorii (3·7 billion) and Rickettsia africae (3·6 billion). INTERPRETATION The wide spectrum of vectors is contributing substantially to the increasing incidence of SFGR infections among humans. Awareness, diagnosis, and surveillance of SFGR infections should be improved in the high-risk regions, especially in areas where human infections are underreported. FUNDING National Key Research and Development Program of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Qun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ai-Ying Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Simon I Hay
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Statistics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China; Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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