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Nowak TA, Burke RL, Diuk-Wasser MA, Lin YP. Lizards and the enzootic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:1262-1272. [PMID: 38830767 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15271] [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] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging pathogens often stem from zoonotic origins, cycling between humans and animals, and are frequently vectored and maintained by hematophagous arthropod vectors. The efficiency by which these disease agents are successfully transmitted between vertebrate hosts is influenced by many factors, including the host on which a vector feeds. The Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato has adapted to survive in complex host environments, vectored by Ixodes ticks, and maintained in multiple vertebrate hosts. The versatility of Lyme borreliae in disparate host milieus is a compelling platform to investigate mechanisms dictating pathogen transmission through complex networks of vertebrates and ticks. Squamata, one of the most diverse clade of extant reptiles, is comprised primarily of lizards, many of which are readily fed upon by Ixodes ticks. Yet, lizards are one of the least studied taxa at risk of contributing to the transmission and life cycle maintenance of Lyme borreliae. In this review, we summarize the current evidence, spanning from field surveillance to laboratory infection studies, supporting their contributions to Lyme borreliae circulation. We also summarize the current understanding of divergent lizard immune responses that may explain the underlying molecular mechanisms to confer Lyme spirochete survival in vertebrate hosts. This review offers a critical perspective on potential enzootic cycles existing between lizard-tick-Borrelia interactions and highlights the importance of an eco-immunology lens for zoonotic pathogen transmission studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan A Nowak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Russell L Burke
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Maria A Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
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Golovchenko M, Opelka J, Vancova M, Sehadova H, Kralikova V, Dobias M, Raska M, Krupka M, Sloupenska K, Rudenko N. Concurrent Infection of the Human Brain with Multiple Borrelia Species. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16906. [PMID: 38069228 PMCID: PMC10707132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316906] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) spirochetes are well known to be able to disseminate into the tissues of infected hosts, including humans. The diverse strategies used by spirochetes to avoid the host immune system and persist in the host include active immune suppression, induction of immune tolerance, phase and antigenic variation, intracellular seclusion, changing of morphological and physiological state in varying environments, formation of biofilms and persistent forms, and, importantly, incursion into immune-privileged sites such as the brain. Invasion of immune-privileged sites allows the spirochetes to not only escape from the host immune system but can also reduce the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. Here we present a case of the detection of spirochetal DNA in multiple loci in a LD patient's post-mortem brain. The presence of co-infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia garinii in this LD patient's brain was confirmed by PCR. Even though both spirochete species were simultaneously present in human brain tissue, the brain regions where the two species were detected were different and non-overlapping. The presence of atypical spirochete morphology was noted by immunohistochemistry of the brain samples. Atypical morphology was also found in the tissues of experimentally infected mice, which were used as a control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Jakub Opelka
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (J.O.); (H.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Vancova
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadova
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (J.O.); (H.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kralikova
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Martin Dobias
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Milan Raska
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Michal Krupka
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kristyna Sloupenska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
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3
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Kazimírová M, Mahríková L, Hamšíková Z, Stanko M, Golovchenko M, Rudenko N. Spatial and Temporal Variability in Prevalence Rates of Members of the Borrelia burgdorferi Species Complex in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Urban, Agricultural and Sylvatic Habitats in Slovakia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1666. [PMID: 37512839 PMCID: PMC10383148 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tick-borne human infection in Europe, with increasing incidence during the latest decades. Abundant populations of Ixodes ricinus, the main vector of the causative agent, spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex, have been observed in urban and suburban areas of Europe, in general, and Slovakia, particularly. Understanding the spread of infectious diseases is crucial for implementing effective control measures. Global changes affect contact rates of humans and animals with Borrelia-infected ticks and increase the risk of contracting LB. The aim of this study was to investigate spatial and temporal variation in prevalence of Bbsl and diversity of its species in questing I. ricinus from three sites representing urban/suburban, natural and agricultural habitat types in Slovakia. Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults were collected by dragging the vegetation in green areas of Bratislava town (urban/suburban habitat), in the Small Carpathians Mountains (natural habitat) (south-western Slovakia) and in an agricultural habitat at Rozhanovce in eastern Slovakia. Borrelia presence in ticks was detected by PCR and Bbsl species were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. species in coinfected ticks were identified by reverse line blot. Significant spatial and temporal variability in prevalence of infected ticks was revealed in the explored habitats. The lowest total prevalence was detected in the urban/suburban habitat, whereas higher prevalence was found in the natural and agricultural habitat. Six Bbsl species were detected by RFLP in each habitat type -B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae and B. spielmanii. Coinfections accounted for 3% of the total infections, whereby B. kurtenbachii was identified by RLB and sequencing in mixed infection with B. burgdorferi s.s, B. garinii and B. valaisiana. This finding represents the first record of B. kurtenbachii in questing I. ricinus in Slovakia and Europe. Variations in the proportion of Bbsl species were found between nymphs and adults, between years and between habitat types. Spatial variations in prevalence patterns and proportion of Bbsl species were also confirmed between locations within a relatively short distance in the urban habitat. Habitat-related and spatial variations in Borrelia prevalence and distribution of Bbsl species are probably associated with the local environmental conditions and vertebrate host spectrum. Due to the presence of Borrelia species pathogenic to humans, all explored sites can be ranked as areas with high epidemiological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Mahríková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hamšíková
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Pascoe EL, Vaughn CE, Jones MI, Barrett RH, Foley JE, Lane RS. Recovery of western black-legged tick and vertebrate populations after a destructive wildfire in an intensively-studied woodland in northern California. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2023; 48:19-36. [PMID: 37255356 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-48.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing severity and frequency of wildfires, knowledge about how fire impacts the ecology of tick-borne pathogens is limited. In 2018, the River Fire burned a forest in the far-western U.S.A. where the ecology of tick-borne pathogens had been studied for decades. Forest structure, avifauna, large and small mammals, lizards, ticks, and tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi) were assessed after the wildfire in 2019 and 2020. Burning reduced canopy cover and eliminated the layer of thick leaf litter that hosted free-living ticks, which over time was replaced by forbs and grasses. Tick abundance and the vertebrate host community changed dramatically. Avian species adapted to cavity nesting became most prevalent, while the number of foliage-foraging species increased by 83% as vegetation regenerated. Nine mammalian species were observed on camera traps, including sentinel (black-tailed jackrabbits) and reservoir hosts (western gray squirrels) of B. burgdorferi. One Peromyscus sp. mouse was captured in 2019 but by 2020, numbers were rebounding (n=37), although tick infestations on rodents remained sparse (0.2/rodent). However, western fence lizards (n=19) hosted 8.6 ticks on average in 2020. Assays for pathogens found no B. miyamotoi in either questing or host-feeding ticks, A. phagocytophilum DNA in 4% (1/23) in 2019, and 17% (29/173) in 2020 for questing and host-feeding ticks combined, and B. burgdorferi DNA in just 1% of all ticks collected in 2020 (2/173). We conclude that a moderately severe wildfire can have dramatic impacts on the ecology of tick-borne pathogens, with changes posited to continue for multiple years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Pascoe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.,
| | - Charles E Vaughn
- University of California Hopland Research and Extension Center, Hopland, CA 95449, U.S.A
| | - Michael I Jones
- University of California Cooperative Extension-Mendocino County, Ukiah, CA 95482, U.S.A
| | - Reginald H Barrett
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A
| | - Robert S Lane
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
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Susnjar J, Cerar Kisek T, Strasek Smrdel K, Ruzic-Sabljic E, Adam K, Ivovic V. Detection, identification and genotyping of Borrelia spp. in ticks of Coastal-Karst and Littoral-Inner Carniola regions in Slovenia. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2023; 70. [PMID: 37042198 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2023.007] [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: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The density and spread of tick vector species have increased throughout Europe in the last 30 years, leading to an increase of Lyme borreliosis cases, including in Slovenia. The aim of this study was to isolate Borrelia strains and determine the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato and B. miyamotoi in adults of Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) collected in 2019 in the two regions of the country (Coastal-Karst and Littoral-Inner Carniola) by cultivation and PCR. We isolated B. burgdorferi s.l. by culture method in 28/559 (5%) ticks from both regions. Culture-negative samples (531/559, i.e., 95%) were additionally tested by real-time PCR. In 155/531 (29.2%) PCR-positive samples, a fragment of flaB or glpQ was amplified and further sequenced to identify species of the Borrelia. Using both methods, cultivation and PCR, Borrelia spp. prevalence was 32.7% in the Coastal-Karst region and 33.0% in the Littoral-Inner Carniola region. Genotyping of the Borrelia spp. isolates revealed that 17/28 (60%) were B. garinii subtype Mlg2. Of all tick samples tested for B. miyamotoi 8/398 (2%) were PCR positive. Based on previous studies in these regions, we had expected more ticks to be infected with B. afzelii, but genotyping revealed that B. garinii was the most abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Susnjar
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska,Koper, Slovenia
| | - Tjasa Cerar Kisek
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Strasek Smrdel
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Ruzic-Sabljic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Adam
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska,Koper, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Ivovic
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska,Koper, Slovenia
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Outer surface protein E (OspE) mediates Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strain-specific complement evasion in the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102081. [PMID: 36403322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102081] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In North America, Lyme disease is primarily caused by the spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bb), which is transmitted between multiple vertebrate hosts and ixodid ticks, and is a model commonly used to study host-pathogen interactions. While Bb is consistently observed in its mammalian and avian reservoirs, the bacterium is rarely isolated from North American reptiles. Two closely related lizard species, the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) and the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), are examples of reptiles parasitized by Ixodes ticks. Vertebrates are known to generate complement as an innate defense mechanism, which can be activated before Bb disseminate to distal tissues. Complement from western fence lizards has proven lethal against one Bb strain, implying the role of complement in making those lizards unable to serve as hosts to Bb. However, Bb DNA is occasionally identified in distal tissues of field-collected eastern fence lizards, suggesting some Bb strains may overcome complement-mediated clearance in these lizards. These findings raise questions regarding the role of complement and its impact on Bb interactions with North American lizards. In this study, we found Bb seropositivity in a small population of wild-caught eastern fence lizards and observed Bb strain-specific survivability in lizard sera. We also found that a Bb outer surface protein, OspE, from Bb strains viable in sera, promotes lizard serum survivability and binds to a complement inhibitor, factor H, from eastern fence lizards. Our data thus identify bacterial and host determinants of eastern fence lizard complement evasion, providing insights into the role of complement influencing Bb interactions with North American lizards.
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Lesiczka PM, Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Juránková J, Daněk O, Modrý D, Hrazdilová K. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) play an important role in the propagation of tick-borne pathogens. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102076. [PMID: 36345066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102076] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread free-living carnivore in the world. Over the years, foxes have been recognized as hosts for a number of tick-borne pathogens. However, their role as reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne diseases is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate tick-borne pathogens in the red fox population in the Czech Republic. Out of 117 red foxes, 110 (94.02%) individuals tested positive for the presence of at least one pathogen by the combined PCR and sequencing approach. Hepatozoon canis was the most frequently detected pathogen (n = 95; 81.2%), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 75; 64.1%). Babesia canis was not detected in our study. Four (3.42%) red foxes were positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., 3 (2.56%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and one red fox (0.85%) tested positive for the presence of Ehrlichia sp. DNA. Overall, DNA of spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex was detected in 8.6% of the foxes and B. miyamotoi in 5.12% of the samples. As a carnivore found in all ecosystems of Central Europe, foxes obviously contribute to transmission of tick-borne pathogens such as A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi s.l., and B. myiamotoi. In addition, foxes apparently harbour a community of pathogens, associated with this host in local ecological context, dominated by H. canis and B. vulpes (possibly also Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.). These species have the potential to spread to the domestic dog population and should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases with hematologic abnormalities in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Maria Lesiczka
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic; CEITEC VETUNI, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Rudenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Daněk
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, Plzeň, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University, Zemědělská 1665/1, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Golidonova K, Korenberg E, Krupinskaya E, Matrosova V, Gintsburg A. Allelic Variants of P66 Gene in Borrelia bavariensis Isolates from Patients with Ixodid Tick-Borne Borreliosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122509. [PMID: 36557762 PMCID: PMC9782215 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122509] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein P66 is one of the crucial virulence factors of Borrelia, inducing the production of specific antibodies in patients with ixodid tick-borne borreliosis (ITBB). Various species of Borrelia are characterized by genetic variability of the surface-exposed loop of P66. However, little is known about this variability in Borrelia bavariensis. Here we describe the variability of the nucleotide sequences of P66 gene locus in isolates of B. bavariensis. Analysis of nucleotide sequences of P66 in 27 isolates of B. bavariensis from ITBB patients revealed three allelic variants of this gene. The alignment score of amino acid sequences in the isolates showed amino acid replacements in various positions confirming the presence of three allelic variants. Two of them are characteristic only for some isolates of B. bavariensis of the Eurasian gene pool from various parts of the geographic ranges of B. bavariensis from various samples. At least three allelic variants of P66 B. bavariensis have been identified, which have different amino acid expression, occur with different frequency in ITBB patients and, presumably, can have different effects on the course of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Golidonova
- N. F. Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-985-337-01-85
| | - Eduard Korenberg
- N. F. Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Krupinskaya
- N. F. Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera Matrosova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Gintsburg
- N. F. Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
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Tazerji SS, Nardini R, Safdar M, Shehata AA, Duarte PM. An Overview of Anthropogenic Actions as Drivers for Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonotic Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:1376. [PMID: 36422627 PMCID: PMC9692567 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Population growth and industrialization have led to a race for greater food and supply productivity. As a result, the occupation and population of forest areas, contact with wildlife and their respective parasites and vectors, the trafficking and consumption of wildlife, the pollution of water sources, and the accumulation of waste occur more frequently. Concurrently, the agricultural and livestock production for human consumption has accelerated, often in a disorderly way, leading to the deforestation of areas that are essential for the planet's climatic and ecological balance. The effects of human actions on other ecosystems such as the marine ecosystem cause equally serious damage, such as the pollution of this habitat, and the reduction of the supply of fish and other animals, causing the coastal population to move to the continent. The sum of these factors leads to an increase in the demands such as housing, basic sanitation, and medical assistance, making these populations underserved and vulnerable to the effects of global warming and to the emergence of emerging and re-emerging diseases. In this article, we discuss the anthropic actions such as climate changes, urbanization, deforestation, the trafficking and eating of wild animals, as well as unsustainable agricultural intensification which are drivers for emerging and re-emerging of zoonotic pathogens such as viral (Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Hendravirus, Nipah virus, rabies, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease-2), bacterial (leptospirosis, Lyme borreliosis, and tuberculosis), parasitic (leishmaniasis) and fungal pathogens, which pose a substantial threat to the global community. Finally, we shed light on the urgent demand for the implementation of the One Health concept as a collaborative global approach to raise awareness and educate people about the science behind and the battle against zoonotic pathogens to mitigate the threat for both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Salajegheh Tazerji
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran P.O. Box. 1477893855, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elites Club Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University; Tehran P.O. Box. 1477893855, Iran
| | - Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Muhammad Safdar
- Department of Breeding and Genetics, Cholistan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Awad A. Shehata
- Avian and Rabbit Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
- Research and Development Section, PerNaturam GmbH, 56290 Gödenroth, Germany
- Prophy-Institute for Applied Prophylaxis, 59159 Bönen, Germany
| | - Phelipe Magalhães Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco 52171-900, Brazil
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10
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Santibáñez S, Portillo A, Ibarra V, Santibáñez P, Metola L, García-García C, Palomar AM, Cervera-Acedo C, Alba J, Blanco JR, Oteo JA. Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics in a Large Series of Patients Affected by Dermacentor-Borne-Necrosis-Erythema-Lymphadenopathy from a Unique Centre from Spain. Pathogens 2022; 11:528. [PMID: 35631049 PMCID: PMC9146834 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent decades, a tick-borne rickettsial syndrome, characterized by eschar and painful lymphadenopathy after Dermacentor marginatus-bite, has been described as an emerging rickettsiosis in Europe. Our group named it DEBONEL (Dermacentor-borne-necrosis-erythema-lymphadenopathy), regarding the vector and the main infection signs. Other groups called it TIBOLA (tick-borne-lymphadenophathy) and, later, SENLAT (scalp-eschar-and-neck-lymphadenopathy-after-tick-bite), expanding, in the latter, the etiological spectrum to other pathogens. Objective: To investigate the etiology of DEBONEL agents in our area, and to compare their epidemiological/clinical/microbiological characteristics. During 2001-2020, 216 patients clinically diagnosed of DEBONEL (the largest series from one center) in La Rioja (northern Spain) were examined. Rickettsia spp. were amplified in 14/104 (13.46%) blood samples, 69/142 (48.59%) eschar swabs, 7/7 (100%) biopsies, and 71/71 (100%) D. marginatus from patients. For samples in which Rickettsia was undetected, no other microorganisms were found. 'Candidatus Rickettsia rioja', Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, and Rickettsia DmS1 genotype were detected in 91, 66, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. DEBONEL should be considered in patients with clinical manifestations herein described in areas associated to Dermacentor. The most frequently involved agent in our environment is 'Ca. R. rioja'. The finding of Rickettsia sp. DmS1 in ticks attached to DEBONEL patients suggests the implication of other rickettsia genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain; (S.S.); (V.I.); (P.S.); (L.M.); (C.G.-G.); (A.M.P.); (C.C.-A.); (J.A.); (J.R.B.); (J.A.O.)
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11
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Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and piroplasms) in questing and feeding hard ticks from North-Western Spain. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Cornell BA, López Salazar LM, Russell AB, Daza JD, Bechelli J. Observation of Tick Parasitism on Scincella lateralis in Texas. SOUTHEAST NAT 2021. [DOI: 10.1656/058.020.0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Cornell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 2000 Avenue I, Life Sciences Building, Huntsville, TX 77341
| | - Luis M. López Salazar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 2000 Avenue I, Life Sciences Building, Huntsville, TX 77341
| | - Alyssa B. Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 2000 Avenue I, Life Sciences Building, Huntsville, TX 77341
| | - Juan D. Daza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 2000 Avenue I, Life Sciences Building, Huntsville, TX 77341
| | - Jeremy Bechelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 2000 Avenue I, Life Sciences Building, Huntsville, TX 77341
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13
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Reptile Host Associations of Ixodes scapularis in Florida and Implications for Borrelia spp. Ecology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080999. [PMID: 34451463 PMCID: PMC8400089 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Host associations of the tick vector for Lyme Borreliosis, Ixodes scapularis, differ across its geographic range. In Florida, the primary competent mammalian host of Lyme disease is not present but instead has other small mammals and herpetofauna that I. scapularis can utilize. We investigated host–tick association for lizards, the abundance of ticks on lizards and the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl). To determine which lizard species I. scapularis associates with, we examined 11 native lizard species from historical herpetological specimens. We found that (294/5828) of the specimens had attached ticks. The most infested species were Plestiodon skinks (241/1228) and Ophisaurus glass lizards (25/572). These species were then targeted at six field sites across Florida and sampled from June to September 2020, using drift fence arrays, cover boards and fishing. We captured 125 lizards and collected 233 immature I. scapularis. DNA was extracted from ticks and lizard tissue samples, followed by PCR testing for Borrelia spp. Of the captured lizards, 69/125 were infested with immature I. scapularis. We did not detect Borrelia spp. from tick or lizard tissue samples. Overall, we found that lizards are commonly infested with I. scapularis. However, we did not detect Borrelia burgdorferi sl. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that lizards are poor reservoir species.
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Leydet BF, Liang FT. Unexpected failure of Ixodes scapularis nymphs to transmit a North American Borrelia bissettiae strain. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 1:100039. [PMID: 35284869 PMCID: PMC8906133 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, the Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) complex comprises more than 21 species of spirochetes. Although the USA is home to a diverse fauna of Lyme disease group Borrelia species, only two are considered responsible for human clinical disease: Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu stricto) and Borrelia mayonii. However, evidence has implicated additional B. burgdorferi (s.l.) species in human illness elsewhere. While much research has focused on the B. burgdorferi (s.s.)-tick interface, tick vectors for most of the other North American Lyme disease group Borrelia species remain experimentally unconfirmed. In this report we document the ability of Ixodes scapularis to acquire but not transmit a single strain of Borrelia bissettiae, a potential human pathogen, in a murine infection model. Pathogen-free I. scapularis larvae were allowed to feed on mice with disseminated B. burgdorferi (s.s.) or B. bissettiae infections. Molted infected nymphs were then allowed to feed on naïve mice to assess transmission to a susceptible host through spirochete culture and qPCR throughout in ticks collected at various developmental stages (fed larvae and nymphs, molted nymphs, and adults). In this study, similar proportions of I. scapularis larvae acquired B. bissettiae and B. burgdorferi (s.s.) but transstadial passage to the nymphal stage was less effective for B. bissettiae. Furthermore, B. bissettiae-infected nymphs did not transmit B. bissettiae infection to naïve susceptible mice as determined by tissue culture and serology. In the tick, B. bissettiae spirochete levels slightly increased from fed larvae to molted and then fed nymphs, yet the bacteria were absent in molted adults. Moreover, in contrast to B. burgdorferi (s.s.), B. bissettiae failed to exponentially increase in upon completion of feeding in our transmission experiment. In this specific model, I. scapularis was unable to support B. bissettiae throughout its life-cycle, and while live spirochetes were detected in B. bissettiae-infected ticks fed on naïve mice, there was no evidence of murine infection. These data question the vector competence of Ixodes scapularis for B. bissettiae. More importantly, this specific B. bissettiae-I. scapularis model may provide a tool for researchers to delineate details on mechanisms involved in Borrelia-tick compatibility.
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Kniazeva V, Baysal O, Krasko A, Iwaniak W, Higgs S. The Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Strains of Borrelia Isolated from Ixodes Tick Vectors in Belarus (2012-2019). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:566-572. [PMID: 34077696 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) is the most common pathogen of medical significance transmitted by ticks of the family Ixodidae in Belarus. Human infection with B. burgdorferi causes Lyme borreliosis, most commonly referred to as Lyme disease. Currently, 20 species of Lyme disease-associated Borrelia and more than 20 relapsing fever-associated Borrelia species have been identified. These etiologic agents belong to the genus Borrelia in the family Spirochaetaceae. Genetically characterized isolates with specific sequences have proven that these pathogens are endemically transmitted in many European and Asian countries. In addition, joinpoint regression analysis is often applied to characterize infection trends over time and to identify the time point(s) at which the trend significantly changes. In this epidemiological investigation, joinpoint analysis was applied to investigate the temporal trend of B. burgdorferi s.l. infections in 4070 ticks collected between April and October 2012-2019. Detection of Borrelia species in ticks is an important tool to determine temporal and geographic distribution and abundance, and to predict the risk of Lyme disease to people in different regions. Our data provide a basis for further studies to determine the distribution and abundance of B. burgdorferi s.l. species in Belarus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volha Kniazeva
- Laboratory Biosafety with Pathogens Collection, Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Omur Baysal
- Molecular Microbiology Unit, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Muğla Sıtkı Kocman University Faculty of Science, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Anatoli Krasko
- Laboratory Biosafety with Pathogens Collection, Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Minsk, Belarus
| | | | - Stephen Higgs
- Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI), Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Luu L, Palomar AM, Farrington G, Schilling AK, Premchand-Branker S, McGarry J, Makepeace BL, Meredith A, Bell-Sakyi L. Bacterial Pathogens and Symbionts Harboured by Ixodes ricinus Ticks Parasitising Red Squirrels in the United Kingdom. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040458. [PMID: 33920445 PMCID: PMC8070177 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) are native to most of Eurasia; in much of the United Kingdom, they have been supplanted by the non-native grey squirrel, and are considered an endangered species. Very little is known about the range of tick-borne pathogens to which UK red squirrels are exposed. As part of trap-and-release surveys examining prevalence of Mycobacterium spp. in red squirrel populations on two UK islands, Ixodes ricinus ticks were removed from squirrels and PCR screened for Borrelia spp., intracellular arthropod-borne bacteria and the parasitic wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri. At both sites, the most commonly encountered tick-transmitted bacterium was Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (overall minimum prevalence 12.7%), followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (overall minimum prevalence 1.6%). Single ticks infected with Spiroplasma were found at both sites, and single ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi or an Ehrlichia sp. at one site. Ticks harbouring Wolbachia (overall minimum prevalence 15.2%) were all positive for I. hookeri. Our study shows that UK red squirrels are potentially exposed to a variety of bacterial pathogens via feeding ticks. The effects on the health and survival of this already vulnerable wildlife species are unknown, and further studies are needed to evaluate the threat posed to red squirrels by Borrelia and other tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Luu
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (L.L.); (G.F.); (J.M.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Ana M. Palomar
- Centre of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, 26006 Logroño, Spain;
| | - Gemma Farrington
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (L.L.); (G.F.); (J.M.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Anna-Katarina Schilling
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; (A.-K.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Shonnette Premchand-Branker
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, UK;
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
| | - John McGarry
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (L.L.); (G.F.); (J.M.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Benjamin L. Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (L.L.); (G.F.); (J.M.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Anna Meredith
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK; (A.-K.S.); (A.M.)
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; (L.L.); (G.F.); (J.M.); (B.L.M.)
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
- Correspondence:
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17
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Sgroi G, Iatta R, Veneziano V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Lesiczka P, Hrazdilová K, Annoscia G, D'Alessio N, Golovchenko M, Rudenko N, Modrý D, Otranto D. Molecular survey on tick-borne pathogens and Leishmania infantum in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from southern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101669. [PMID: 33578255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been recognised to harbour and transmit a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) including those of zoonotic concern. To investigate the prevalence and the distribution of TBPs and of Leishmania infantum in foxes (n = 244), spleen samples were collected within the frame of a multi-regional wildlife health surveillance program in Italy. A combined PCR/sequencing approach was performed for the detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and L. infantum DNA. Overall, 146 foxes (59.8 %, 95 % CI: 53.6-65.8) tested positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (i.e., n = 124; 50.8 %, 95 % CI: 44.6-57.0), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 20; 8.2 %, 95 % CI: 5.4-12.3), different spirochete species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (n = 9; 3.7 %, 95 % CI: 1.9-6.9), Ehrlichia canis and L. infantum (n = 7; 2.9 % each, 95 % CI: 1.4-5.8), Anaplasma platys (n = 4; 1.6 %, 95 % CI: 0.6-4.1), Anaplasma phagocytophilum ecotype I and Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (n = 3; 1.2 % each, 95 % CI: 0.4-3.5). All samples scored negative for Babesia canis and Borrelia miyamotoi. This study revealed the presence of spirochetes from B. burgdorferi s.l. complex, Ca. Neoehrlichia sp., A. platys and A. phagocytophilum ecotype I in red fox population from Italy, underling the necessity to monitoring these carnivores, mainly because they live in contact with dogs and humans. Data on the tick fauna circulating on wildlife species will complement information herein obtained, instrumentally to establish preventive strategies for minimizing the risk of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio, Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paulina Lesiczka
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Abstract
With one exception (epidemic relapsing fever), borreliae are obligately maintained in nature by ticks. Although some Borrelia spp. may be vertically transmitted to subsequent generations of ticks, most require amplification by a vertebrate host because inheritance is not stable. Enzootic cycles of borreliae have been found globally; those receiving the most attention from researchers are those whose vectors have some degree of anthropophily and, thus, cause zoonoses such as Lyme disease or relapsing fever. To some extent, our views on the synecology of the borreliae has been dominated by an applied focus, viz., analyses that seek to understand the elements of human risk for borreliosis. But, the elements of borrelial perpetuation do not necessarily bear upon risk, nor do our concepts of risk provide the best structure for analyzing perpetuation. We identify the major global themes for the perpetuation of borreliae, and summarize local variations on those themes, focusing on key literature to outline the factors that serve as the basis for the distribution and abundance of borreliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam R. Telford
- Dept of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Heidi K. Goethert
- Dept of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Monitoring of Nesting Songbirds Detects Established Population of Blacklegged Ticks and Associated Lyme Disease Endemic Area in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8010059. [PMID: 32183171 PMCID: PMC7151351 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides a novel method of documenting established populations of bird-feeding ticks. Single populations of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, were revealed in southwestern Québec, Canada. Blacklegged tick nymphs and, similarly, larval and nymphal rabbit ticks were tested for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), using PCR and the flagellin (flaB) gene, and 14 (42%) of 33 of blacklegged tick nymphs tested were positive. In contrast, larval and nymphal H. leporsipalustris ticks were negative for Bbsl. The occurrence of Bbsl in I. scapularis nymphs brings to light the presence of a Lyme disease endemic area at this songbird nesting locality. Because our findings denote that this area is a Lyme disease endemic area, and I. scapularis is a human-biting tick, local residents and outdoor workers must take preventive measures to avoid tick bites. Furthermore, local healthcare practitioners must include Lyme disease in their differential diagnosis.
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Coble NM, Ballantyne TR. Detection and Transstadial Passage of Babesia Species and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected from Avian and Mammalian Hosts in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:E155. [PMID: 31810270 PMCID: PMC6955799 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7040155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease and human babesiosis are the most common tick-borne zoonoses in the Temperate Zone of North America. The number of infected patients has continued to rise globally, and these zoonoses pose a major healthcare threat. This tick-host-pathogen study was conducted to test for infectious microbes associated with Lyme disease and human babesiosis in Canada. Using the flagellin (flaB) gene, three members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex were detected, namely a Borrelia lanei-like spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss), and a distinct strain that may represent a separate Bbsl genospecies. This novel Bbsl strain was detected in a mouse tick, Ixodes muris, collected from a House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, in Quebec during the southward fall migration. The presence of Bbsl in bird-feeding larvae of I. muris suggests reservoir competency in three passerines (i.e., Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Magnolia Warbler). Based on the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, three Babesia species (i.e., Babesia divergens-like, Babesia microti, Babesia odocoilei) were detected in field-collected ticks. Not only was B. odocoilei found in songbird-derived ticks, this piroplasm was apparent in adult questing blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in southern Canada. By allowing live, engorged ticks to molt, we confirm the transstadial passage of Bbsl in I. muris and B. odocoilei in I. scapularis. Bbss and Babesia microti were detected concurrently in a groundhog tick, Ixodes cookei, in Western Ontario. In Alberta, a winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus, which was collected from a moose, Alces alces, tested positive for Bbss. Notably, a B. divergens-like piroplasm was detected in a rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, collected from an eastern cottontail in southern Manitoba; this Babesia species is a first-time discovery in Canada. This rabbit tick was also co-infected with Borrelia lanei-like spirochetes, which constitutes a first in Canada. Overall, five ticks were concurrently infected with Babesia and Bbsl pathogens and, after the molt, could potentially co-infect humans. Notably, we provide the first authentic report of I. scapularis ticks co-infected with Bbsl and B. odocoilei in Canada. The full extent of infectious microorganisms transmitted to humans by ticks is not fully elucidated, and clinicians need to be aware of the complexity of these tick-transmitted enzootic agents on human health. Diagnosis and treatment must be administered by those with accredited medical training in tick-borne zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7007, USA
| | - Kerry L. Clark
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.L.C.); (N.M.C.); (T.R.B.)
| | - Nikki M. Coble
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.L.C.); (N.M.C.); (T.R.B.)
| | - Taylor R. Ballantyne
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (K.L.C.); (N.M.C.); (T.R.B.)
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21
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Estimating population parameters for the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink using robust design capture–mark–recapture modelling. ORYX 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605318001485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractReliably estimating population parameters for highly secretive or rare animals is challenging. We report on the status of the two largest remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Bermuda skink Plestiodon longirostris, using a robust design capture–mark–recapture analysis. Skinks were tagged with passive integrated transponders on two islands and captured on 15 sampling occasions per year over 3 years. The models provided precise estimates of abundance, capture and survival probabilities and temporary emigration. We estimated skink abundance to be 547 ± SE 63.5 on Southampton Island and 277 ± SE 28.4 on Castle Island. The populations do not appear to be stable and fluctuated at both sites over the 3-year period. Although the populations on these two islands appear viable, the Bermuda skink faces population fluctuations and remains threatened by increasing anthropogenic activities, invasive species and habitat loss. We recommend these two populations for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
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Supriyono, Takano A, Kuwata R, Shimoda H, Hadi UK, Setiyono A, Agungpriyono S, Maeda K. Detection and isolation of tick-borne bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp.) in Amblyomma varanense ticks on lizard (Varanus salvator). Microbiol Immunol 2019; 63:328-333. [PMID: 31209913 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are one of the arthropods that play an important role in the transmission of numerous pathogens to livestock and humans. We investigated the presence of tick-borne bacteria in 23 Amblyomma varanense that fed on a water monitor (Varanus salvator) in Indonesia. Anaplasmataceae and borreliae were detected by PCR in 17.4% and 95.7% of ticks, respectively. "Candidatus Rickettsia sepangensis", spotted fever group of Rickettsia, was detected in 21.7% of ticks. The water monitor is a common reptile that is widely encountered in city areas in Asian countries. Our results suggested that Am. varanense on water monitor in Indonesia harbored several kinds of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyono
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ai Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ryusei Kuwata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Upik K Hadi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Agus Setiyono
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Srihadi Agungpriyono
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ken Maeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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23
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Beckmann S, Freund R, Pehl H, Rodgers A, Venegas T. Rodent species as possible reservoirs of Borrelia burgdorferi in a prairie ecosystem. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1162-1167. [PMID: 31248821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States and Europe. It is caused by a group of spirochete bacteria belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. These pathogens are transmitted among vertebrate reservoir hosts through the bite of hard-bodied ticks. While the enzootic cycle of Borrelia transmission is well understood in its primary reservoir, the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, far less is known about other reservoir hosts, particularly in grassland ecosystems. This study assessed the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s. l. among four non-Peromyscus rodents in a prairie ecosystem in the Midwestern United States over a four-year period. We found high prevalences of the bacteria in all four species studied. Our results help to support the roles of Microtus species as reservoirs of B. burgdorferi and add to the literature that suggests Zapus hudsonius may also be a reservoir. Additionally, we identified a previously unknown possible reservoir, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. Our study also identifies the need to study the dynamics of Lyme borreliosis in habitats and areas outside of the typical range of P. leucopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Beckmann
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, USA; Department of Biology, Stetson University, 421 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL, 32723, USA.
| | - Rhonda Freund
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, USA
| | - Hayden Pehl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, USA
| | - Ashley Rodgers
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, USA
| | - Taggart Venegas
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois, 61108, USA
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24
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Durden LA. Presence of Babesia odocoilei and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto in a Tick and Dual Parasitism of Amblyomma inornatum and Ixodes scapularis on a Bird in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7010046. [PMID: 30897803 PMCID: PMC6473902 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild birds transport ticks into Canada that harbor a diversity of zoonotic pathogens. However, medical practitioners often question how these zoonotic pathogens are present in their locality. In this study, we provide the first report of an Amblyomma inornatum tick cofeeding with a blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, which parasitized a Veery, Catharus fuscescens—a neotropical songbird. Using the flagellin (flaB) gene of the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and the 18S rRNA gene of the Babesia piroplasm, a malaria-like microorganism, we detected Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Babesia odocoilei, respectively, in an I. scapularis nymph. After the molt, these ticks can bite humans. Furthermore, this is the first documentation of B. odocoilei in a tick parasitizing a bird. Our findings substantiate the fact that migratory songbirds transport neotropical ticks long distances, and import them into Canada during northward spring migration. Health care practitioners need to be aware that migratory songbirds transport pathogen-laden ticks into Canada annually, and pose an unforeseen health risk to Canadians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20185-7007, USA.
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
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25
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Tietjen M, Esteve-Gassent MD, Medina RF. Searching for the Immature Stages of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Leaf Litter and Soil in Texas. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:35-39. [PMID: 30212843 PMCID: PMC6324188 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The standard tick collection methods of flagging and dragging are successful for collecting all stages of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), in the northern United States. However, for unknown reasons, these methods are unsuccessful for collecting the immature stages of I. scapularis in the southern United States. Thus, a different collection strategy was employed to search for the immature stages of I. scapularis in the southern state of Texas. Monthly sampling of three types of microhabitats potentially harboring ticks was conducted for 17 mo at the Big Thicket National Preserve. Samples of leaf litter, topsoil, and subsoil were placed within Berlese funnels to determine if the immature stages of I. scapularis are residing in these layers. No ticks were found in any of the 600 substrate samples examined. Along nearby trail edges in the same area, 656 adult I. scapularis (an average of 22.6 per 1,000 m2), as well as 268 immatures of other species (i.e., Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeaus) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae)) were collected using flagging and dragging. These results suggest that unlike speculations from previous studies in the southern United States, the immature stages of I. scapularis may not be residing in the leaf litter and soil layers in Texas. We hypothesize that they may be residing in their host's nests and burrows. Perhaps I. scapularis in the south is exhibiting a stage specific mixed host-seeking strategy by residing in nests and burrows as immatures, contributing to the geographical difference in Lyme disease prevalence between the northern and southern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raul F Medina
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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26
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Foley JE, Anderson JF, Bierman BC, Durden LA. Extensive Distribution of the Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, in Multiple Tick Species Parasitizing Avian and Mammalian Hosts across Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6040131. [PMID: 30424543 PMCID: PMC6315338 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6040131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by the spirochetal bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), is typically transmitted by hard-bodied ticks (Acari: Ixodidae). Whenever this tick-borne zoonosis is mentioned in medical clinics and emergency rooms, it sparks a firestorm of controversy. Denial often sets in, and healthcare practitioners dismiss the fact that this pathogenic spirochetosis is present in their area. For distribution of Bbsl across Canada, we conducted a 4-year, tick–host study (2013–2016), and collected ticks from avian and mammalian hosts from Atlantic Canada to the West Coast. Overall, 1265 ticks representing 27 tick species belonging to four genera were collected. Of the 18 tick species tested, 15 species (83%) were positive for Bbsl and, of these infected ticks, 6 species bite humans. Overall, 13 of 18 tick species tested are human-biting ticks. Our data suggest that a 6-tick, enzootic maintenance cycle of Bbsl is present in southwestern B.C., and five of these tick species bite humans. Biogeographically, the groundhog tick, Ixodes cookei, has extended its home range from central and eastern Canada to southwestern British Columbia (B.C.). We posit that the Fox Sparrow, Passerella iliaca, is a reservoir-competent host for Bbsl. The Bay-breasted Warbler, Setophaga castanea, and the Tennessee Warbler, Vermivora peregrina, are new host records for the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. We provide the first report of a Bbsl-positive Amblyomma longirostre larva parasitizing a bird; this bird parasitism suggests that a Willow Flycatcher is a competent reservoir of Bbsl. Our findings show that Bbsl is present in all provinces, and that multiple tick species are implicated in the enzootic maintenance cycle of this pathogen. Ultimately, Bbsl poses a serious public health contagion Canada-wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD 20827, USA.
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - John F Anderson
- Department of Entomology, Center for Vector Ecology and Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504, USA.
| | - Bradley C Bierman
- Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
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27
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Foley JE, Bierman BC, Durden LA. Far-Reaching Dispersal of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato-Infected Blacklegged Ticks by Migratory Songbirds in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:E89. [PMID: 30044388 PMCID: PMC6164468 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6030089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease has been documented in northern areas of Canada, but the source of the etiological bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) has been in doubt. We collected 87 ticks from 44 songbirds during 2017, and 24 (39%) of 62 nymphs of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, were positive for Bbsl. We provide the first report of Bbsl-infected, songbird-transported I. scapularis in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Newfoundland and Labrador; north-central Manitoba, and Alberta. Notably, we report the northernmost account of Bbsl-infected ticks parasitizing a bird in Canada. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequencing reveal that these Bbsl amplicons belong to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss), which is pathogenic to humans. Based on our findings, health-care providers should be aware that migratory songbirds widely disperse B. burgdorferi-infected I. scapularis in Canada's North, and local residents do not have to visit an endemic area to contract Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD 20827, USA.
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Janet E Foley
- Vector-borne Disease Epidemiology and Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Bradley C Bierman
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
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28
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Stromdahl EY, Nadolny RM, Hickling GJ, Hamer SA, Ogden NH, Casal C, Heck GA, Gibbons JA, Cremeans TF, Pilgard MA. Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks Are Not Vectors of the Lyme Disease Agent, Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirocheatales: Spirochaetaceae): A Review of the Evidence. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:501-514. [PMID: 29394366 PMCID: PMC6459681 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In the early 1980s, Ixodes spp. ticks were implicated as the key North American vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt and Brenner) (Spirocheatales: Spirochaetaceae), the etiological agent of Lyme disease. Concurrently, other human-biting tick species were investigated as potential B. burgdorferi vectors. Rashes thought to be erythema migrans were observed in patients bitten by Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks, and spirochetes were visualized in a small percentage of A. americanum using fluorescent antibody staining methods, sparking interest in this species as a candidate vector of B. burgdorferi. Using molecular methods, the spirochetes were subsequently described as Borrelia lonestari sp. nov. (Spirocheatales: Spirochaetaceae), a transovarially transmitted relapsing fever Borrelia of uncertain clinical significance. In total, 54 surveys from more than 35 research groups, involving more than 52,000 ticks, have revealed a low prevalence of B. lonestari, and scarce B. burgdorferi, in A. americanum. In Lyme disease-endemic areas, A. americanum commonly feeds on B. burgdorferi-infected hosts; the extremely low prevalence of B. burgdorferi in this tick results from a saliva barrier to acquiring infection from infected hosts. At least nine transmission experiments involving B. burgdorferi in A. americanum have failed to demonstrate vector competency. Advancements in molecular analysis strongly suggest that initial reports of B. burgdorferi in A. americanum across many states were misidentified B. lonestari, or DNA contamination, yet the early reports continue to be cited without regard to the later clarifying studies. In this article, the surveillance and vector competency studies of B. burgdorferi in A. americanum are reviewed, and we conclude that A. americanum is not a vector of B. burgdorferi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Y. Stromdahl
- Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
- Corresponding author, ;
| | - Robyn M. Nadolny
- Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
| | - Graham J. Hickling
- Center for Wildlife Health, The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Nicholas H. Ogden
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Quebec, Canada J2S 2M2
| | - Cory Casal
- Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
| | - Garrett A. Heck
- Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | | | | | - Mark A. Pilgard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO 80521
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29
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Espí A, Del Cerro A, Somoano A, García V, M. Prieto J, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato prevalence and diversity in ticks and small mammals in a Lyme borreliosis endemic Nature Reserve in North-Western Spain. Incidence in surrounding human populations. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2017; 35:563-568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2016.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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30
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VanBik D, Lee SH, Seo MG, Jeon BR, Goo YK, Park SJ, Rhee MH, Kwon OD, Kim TH, Geraldino PJL, Kwak D. Borrelia Species Detected in Ticks Feeding on Wild Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) Using Molecular and Genotypic Analyses. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1397-1402. [PMID: 28549151 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the bite of ticks infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii. The goal of the present study was to detect Borrelia species in ticks infesting wild Korean water deer (KWD; Hydropotes inermis Swinhoe), using molecular and genotypic analyses. In total, 48 ticks were collected from KWD, all of which were morphologically identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann that is dominant in Korea. Nested PCR was performed to detect the Borrelia-specific 5S (rrf)-23S (rrl) intergenic spacer region and the outer surface protein A (ospA) genes in ticks. Both rrf-rrl and ospA were amplified from one of the 48 ticks (2.1%) and were identified as B. afzelii. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first molecular detection of B. afzelii in Haemaphysalis ticks in Korea. Because B. afzelii is a zoonotic tick-borne pathogen, understanding the molecular characteristics of this bacterium is important for preventing the transmission of Borrelia from ticks to other animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D VanBik
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - S H Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - M G Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - B R Jeon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Y K Goo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - S J Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - M H Rhee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - O D Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - T H Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - P J L Geraldino
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - D Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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31
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Palomar AM, Portillo A, Santibáñez P, Mazuelas D, Roncero L, Gutiérrez Ó, Oteo JA. Presence of Borrelia turdi and Borrelia valaisiana (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Ticks Removed From Birds in the North of Spain, 2009-2011. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:243-246. [PMID: 28082654 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The genus Borrelia includes species responsible for severe human diseases such as Lyme disease. Birds are involved in their epidemiology as dispersers of infected ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and as reservoirs or amplifiers of the bacterium. Herein, the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner in 336 ticks collected from birds in the north of Spain from 2009 to 2011 was investigated. Nucleic acid extracts from 174 Ixodes frontalis (Panzer), 108 Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini & Fanzango, 34 Hyalomma marginatum Koch, 17 Ixodes ricinus (L.), and 3 Ixodes spp. were screened for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. by PCR. Borrelia turdi was detected in 22 I. frontalis, 2 H. punctata, and 2 I. ricinus Additionally, 1 I. frontalis and 1 H. punctata were found to be infected with the human pathogen Borrelia valaisiana Moreover, 3 I. frontalis showed coinfection with both Borrelia species. This study corroborates the presence of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in ticks from birds in the north of Spain. The presence of these bacteria in larval specimens could suggest the role of birds as their reservoirs, or the occurrence of the cofeeding phenomenon. In addition, the detection of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in H. punctata and I. frontalis ticks, respectively, is reported for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - Paula Santibáñez
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
| | - David Mazuelas
- Abies, Environment Resources Inc., Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; )
| | - Lidia Roncero
- Abies, Environment Resources Inc., Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; )
| | - Óscar Gutiérrez
- Aranzadi Society of Sciences, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
| | - José A Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain (; ; ; )
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32
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Stewart PE, Rosa PA. Physiologic and Genetic Factors Influencing the Zoonotic Cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 415:63-82. [PMID: 28864829 DOI: 10.1007/82_2017_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi is a symbiont of ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. These ticks serve as vectors to disseminate the spirochete to a variety of susceptible vertebrate hosts, which, in turn, act as reservoirs for naïve ticks to become infected, perpetuating the infectious life cycle of B. burgdorferi. The pivotal role of ticks in this life cycle and tick-spirochete interactions are the focus of this chapter. Here, we describe the challenging physiological environment that spirochetes encounter within Ixodes ticks, and the genetic factors that B. burgdorferi uses to successfully infect, persist, and be transmitted from the vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Stewart
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| | - Patricia A Rosa
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th St., Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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33
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Potkonjak A, Kleinerman G, Gutiérrez R, Savić S, Vračar V, Nachum-Biala Y, Jurišić A, Rojas A, Petrović A, Ivanović I, Harrus S, Baneth G. Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ixodes ricinus Ticks with First Identification of Borrelia miyamotoi in Vojvodina, Serbia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:631-5. [PMID: 27574731 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Eurasia. Borrelia miyamotoi is the only known relapsing fever Borrelia group spirochete transmitted by Ixodes species. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Lyme Borrelia spp. and relapsing fever Borrelia spp. in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and the vegetation from different parts of Vojvodina, Serbia. A total of 71 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected and screened for the presence of Lyme Borrelia spp. group and relapsing fever Borrelia spp. by real-time PCR for the Borrelia flagellin B (flaB) gene followed by DNA sequencing of PCR products. Species identification was verified by PCR of the outer surface protein A (ospA) gene for Lyme Disease Borrelia spp. and by PCR of the glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (glpQ) gene for relapsing fever Borrelia spp. Lyme Borrelia spp. were found in 15/71 (21.13%) of the ticks evaluated and included B. luisitaniae (11.3%), B. afzelii (7%), B. valaisiana (1.4%), and B. garinii (1.4%). Borrelia miyamotoi, from the relapsing fever Borrelia complex, was found, for the first time in Serbia, in one (1.4%) nymph collected from the environment. Co-infections between Borrelia species in ticks were not detected. These results suggest that the dominance of species within B. burgdorferi s.l. complex in I. ricinus ticks may vary over time and in different geographic regions. Further systematic studies of Borrelia species in vectors and reservoir hosts are needed to understand eco-epidemiology of these zoonotic infections and how to prevent human infection in the best way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Potkonjak
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gabriela Kleinerman
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sara Savić
- 3 Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad ," Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vuk Vračar
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aleksandar Jurišić
- 4 Department of Environmental and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Alicia Rojas
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aleksandra Petrović
- 4 Department of Environmental and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivana Ivanović
- 4 Department of Environmental and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Shimon Harrus
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gad Baneth
- 2 Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot, Israel
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Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Clark K, Oliver JH, Grubhoffer L. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in Amblyomma americanum ticks in the southeastern United States: the case of selective compatibility. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e48. [PMID: 27222323 PMCID: PMC4893544 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Rudenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology AS CR, Department of Molecular Ecology of Vectors and Pathogens, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic.,Georgia Southern University, James H Oliver, Jr Institute for Coastal Plain Sciences, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, USA
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology AS CR, Department of Molecular Ecology of Vectors and Pathogens, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic.,Georgia Southern University, James H Oliver, Jr Institute for Coastal Plain Sciences, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, USA
| | - Kerry Clark
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - James H Oliver
- Georgia Southern University, James H Oliver, Jr Institute for Coastal Plain Sciences, Statesboro, GA 30460-8056, USA
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology AS CR, Department of Molecular Ecology of Vectors and Pathogens, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic
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Fredericks LP, Forgacs D, Yu J, Allan BF. An Expanded Reverse Line Blot Hybridization Protocol for the Simultaneous Detection of Numerous Tick-Borne Pathogens in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:721-726. [PMID: 26819330 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Due to an increasing diversity of bacterial pathogens known to be transmitted by hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in North America, a comprehensive assay is needed to detect and differentiate among these numerous tick-borne pathogens. We describe an expanded protocol using a combination of multiplex polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot hybridization to detect a greater diversity of infectious agents than were previously detectable. Ten novel oligonucleotide probes, either individually or in concert, enabled or enhanced identification of six Borrelia species, three Rickettsia species, and one Ehrlichia species. Simultaneous detection of these numerous tick-borne pathogens can advance surveillance efforts and improve accuracy of detection and, thus, reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Page Fredericks
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 (; ; )
| | - David Forgacs
- Interdisciplinary Program of Genetics, Texas A&M University, 2128 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Johnny Yu
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 (; ; )
| | - Brian F Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 (; ; ),
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, and
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Schwarzova K, Kozub P, Szep Z, Golovchenko M, Rudenko N. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia garinii DNAs in patient with Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel disease). Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2016; 61:359-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s12223-016-0444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Norte AC, da Silva LP, Tenreiro PJQ, Felgueiras MS, Araújo PM, Lopes PB, Matos C, Rosa A, Ferreira PJSG, Encarnação P, Rocha A, Escudero R, Anda P, Núncio MS, Lopes de Carvalho I. Patterns of tick infestation and their Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection in wild birds in Portugal. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:743-50. [PMID: 26159798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Wild birds may act as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens and may be mechanical carriers of pathogen infected vector ticks through long distances during migration. The aim of this study was to assess tick infestation patterns in birds in Portugal and the prevalence of tick infection by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. using PCR techniques. Seven tick species were collected from birds including Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Ixodes acuminatus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes ventalloi. We found that I. frontalis and Hyalomma spp. were the most common ticks infesting birds of several species and that they were widespread in Portugal. Turdus merula was the bird species that presented the highest diversity of infesting ticks and had one of the highest infestation intensities. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 7.3% (37/505) of Ixodidae ticks derived from birds. The most common genospecies was Borrelia turdi (6.9%), detected in ticks collected from Parus major, T. merula and Turdus philomelos, but Borrelia valaisiana (0.2%) and one Borrelia sp. (0.2%) similar to Borrelia bissettii (96% of similarity of the flaB gene in Blastn) were also detected. This study contributed to a better knowledge of the Ixodidae tick fauna parasitizing birds in Western Europe and to the assessment of the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. associated with birds and their ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Norte
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Largo Marquês de Pombal, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal.
| | - L P da Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Largo Marquês de Pombal, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - P J Q Tenreiro
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, IP, DCNFC-DGOV, Mata Nacional do Choupal, 3000-611 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M S Felgueiras
- A ROCHA - Associação Cristã de Estudo e Defesa do Ambiente, Apartado 41, 8501-903 Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal
| | - P M Araújo
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Largo Marquês de Pombal, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - P B Lopes
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Largo Marquês de Pombal, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - C Matos
- Rua da capela, n°13, 7630-711 Bicos, Odemira, Portugal
| | - A Rosa
- Casais da Estrada, 2000-335 Achete, Santarém, Portugal
| | | | - P Encarnação
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, IP, Estação Ornitológica do Monte do Outeirão - Apartado 139, 7500-999 Vila Nova Santo André, Portugal
| | - A Rocha
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Largo Marquês de Pombal, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R Escudero
- Laboratorio de Espiroquetas y Patógenos Especiales, Servicio de Bacteriología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Anda
- Laboratorio de Espiroquetas y Patógenos Especiales, Servicio de Bacteriología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M S Núncio
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - I Lopes de Carvalho
- Centre for Vector and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal; Emergence Response and Biopreparadness Unit, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
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Stensvold CR, Al Marai D, Andersen LO, Krogfelt KA, Jensen JS, Larsen KS, Nielsen HV. Babesia spp. and other pathogens in ticks recovered from domestic dogs in Denmark. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:262. [PMID: 25951937 PMCID: PMC4425907 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Newly recognized endemic foci for human babesiosis include Europe, where Ixodes ricinus, a vector for several species of Babesia, is the most commonly identified tick. Vector-based surveillance provides an early warning system for the emergence of human babesiosis, which is likely to be under-reported at emerging sites. In the present study, we set out to screen I. ricinus collected from Danish domestic dogs for Babesia, in order to identify whether humans in Denmark are exposed to the parasite. Findings A total of 661 ticks (Ixodes spp.) were collected from 345 Danish domestic dogs during April-September 2011 and pooled, one sample per dog. DNA was extracted from each sample and examined by PCR and sequencing for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and Babesia spp. In total, 34% of the samples were positive for tick-borne microorganisms potentially pathogenic to humans: Rickettsia spp. were detected in 16% of the pools, with 79% being R. helvetica. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was found in 15%, with the main species identified as Borrelia afzelii (39%). Likewise, 8% of the samples were positive for Babesia spp. (Babesia microti, 82%; Babesia venatorum (‘EU1’), 18%). Lastly, 1% of the samples tested positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and 0.6% for Bartonella spp. No ticks were found to be infected with Francisella tularensis. Conclusions Our data are in support of endemic occurrence of potentially zoonotic Babesia in Denmark and confirms I. ricinus as a vector of multiple pathogens of public health concern. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0843-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dua Al Marai
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lee O'Brien Andersen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jørgen Skov Jensen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Schneider SC, Parker CM, Miller JR, Page Fredericks L, Allan BF. Assessing the Contribution of Songbirds to the Movement of Ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi in the Midwestern United States During Fall Migration. ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:164-73. [PMID: 25297819 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0982-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The geographic distributions of Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) and the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease) are expanding in the USA. To assess the role of migratory songbirds in the spread of this tick and pathogen, we captured passerines in central Illinois during the fall of 2012. We compared forested sites in regions where I. scapularis populations were either previously or not yet established. Ticks were removed from birds and blood samples were taken from select avian species. Ticks were identified by morphology and molecular techniques were used to detect B. burgdorferi and other tick-borne pathogens in ticks and avian blood samples. Ixodes spp. were detected on 10 of 196 migrants (5.1%), with I. scapularis larvae found on 2 individuals. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was detected in the blood of 9 of 29 birds sampled (31%), yet only 1 infected bird was infested by ticks. The ticks were mostly Haemaphysalis leporispalustris and I. dentatus larvae, and none tested positive for B. burgdorferi. Infestation of birds by Ixodes spp. differed significantly by region, while B. burgdorferi infection did not. These data suggest that migratory birds may play a larger role in the dispersal of B. burgdorferi than previously realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Schneider
- Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, USA
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Pesquera C, Portillo A, Palomar AM, Oteo JA. Investigation of tick-borne bacteria (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia spp.) in ticks collected from Andean tapirs, cattle and vegetation from a protected area in Ecuador. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:46. [PMID: 25616567 PMCID: PMC4307133 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0662-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ixodid ticks play an important role in the transmission and ecology of infectious diseases. Information about the circulation of tick-borne bacteria in ticks is lacking in Ecuador. Our aims were to investigate the tick species that parasitize Andean tapirs and cattle, and those present in the vegetation from the buffer zone of the Antisana Ecological Reserve and Cayambe-Coca National Park (Ecuador), and to investigate the presence of tick-borne bacteria. Methods Tick species were identified based on morphologic and genetic criteria. Detection of tick-borne bacteria belonging to Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Borrelia genera was performed by PCRs. Results Our ticks included 91 Amblyomma multipunctum, 4 Amblyomma spp., 60 Rhipicephalus microplus, 5 Ixodes spp. and 1 Ixodes boliviensis. A potential Candidatus Rickettsia species closest to Rickettsia monacensis and Rickettsia tamurae (designated Rickettsia sp. 12G1) was detected in 3 R. microplus (3/57, 5.3%). In addition, Anaplasma spp., assigned at least to Anaplasma phagocytophilum (or closely related genotypes) and Anaplasma marginale, were found in 2 A. multipunctum (2/87, 2.3%) and 13 R. microplus (13/57, 22.8%). Conclusions This is the first description of Rickettsia sp. in ticks from Ecuador, and the analyses of sequences suggest the presence of a potential novel Rickettsia species. Ecuadorian ticks from Andear tapirs, cattle and vegetation belonging to Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus genera were infected with Anaplasmataceae. Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were not found in any ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José A Oteo
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital San Pedro- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (CIBIR), C/ Piqueras 98, 26006 - Logroño, La Rioja, Spain.
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Chao LL, Liu LL, Ho TY, Shih CM. First detection and molecular identification of Borrelia garinii spirochete from Ixodes ovatus tick ectoparasitized on stray cat in Taiwan. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110599. [PMID: 25343260 PMCID: PMC4208787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia garinii spirochete was detected for the first time in Ixodes ovatus tick ectoparasitized on stray cat in Taiwan. The genetic identity of this detected spirochete was determined by analyzing the gene sequence amplified by genospecies-specific polymerase chain reaction assays based on the 5S-23S intergenic spacer amplicon (rrf-rrl) and outer surface protein A (ospA) genes of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed by comparing the sequences of rrf-rrl and ospA genes obtained from 27 strains of Borrelia spirochetes representing six genospecies of Borrelia. Seven major clades can be easily distinguished by neighbour-joining analysis and were congruent by maximum-parsimony method. Phylogenetic analysis based on rrf-rrl gene revealed that this detected spirochete (strain IO-TP-TW) was genetically affiliated to the same clade with a high homogeneous sequences (96.7 to 98.1% similarity) within the genospecies of B. garinii and can be discriminated from other genospecies of Borrelia spirochetes. Interspecies analysis based on the genetic distance values indicates a lower level (<0.022) of genetic divergence (GD) within the genospecies of B. garinii, and strain IO-TP-TW was genetically more distant ( >0.113) to the strains identified in I. ovatus collected from Japan and China. Intraspecies analysis also reveals a higher homogeneity (GD<0.005) between tick (strain IO-TP-TW) and human (strain Bg-PP-TW1) isolates of B. garinii in Taiwan. This study provides the first evidence of B. garinii isolated and identified in an I. ovatus tick in Asia, and the higher homogeneity of B. garinii between tick and human strain may imply the risk of human infection by I. ovatus bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Li-Ling Liu
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Tsung-Yu Ho
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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Pathogen infection and exposure, and ectoparasites of the federally endangered Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis), California, USA. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:767-76. [PMID: 25121407 DOI: 10.7589/2013-09-248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract We surveyed pathogens and ectoparasites among federally endangered Amargosa voles (Microtus californicus scirpensis) and sympatric rodents in Tecopa Hot Springs, Inyo County, California, December 2011-November 2012. We aimed to assess disease and detect possible spillover from or connectivity with other hosts within and outside the Amargosa ecosystem. We assessed 71 individual voles and 38 individual sympatric rodents for current infection with seven vector-borne zoonotic pathogens and past exposure to five pathogens. Thirteen percent of Amargosa voles were PCR positive for Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan that may alter host behavior or cause mortality. Additionally, we found antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (SL) spp. in 21% of voles, against Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 2.6%, Rickettsia spp. in 13%, relapsing fever Borrelia (3.9%), and T. gondii (7.9%). Sympatric rodents also had active infections with Borrelia SL spp. (15%). Of the ectoparasites collected, the tick Ixodes minor is of particular interest because the study area is well outside of the species' reported range and because I. minor ticks infest migratory birds as well as rodents, showing a potential mechanism for pathogens to be imported from outside the Amargosa ecosystem.
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McAllister CT, Bursey CR, Connior MB, Durden LA, Robison HW. Helminth and Arthropod Parasites of the Ground Skink,Scincella lateralis(Sauria: Scincidae), from Arkansas and Oklahoma, U.S.A. COMP PARASITOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1654/4682.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Rulison EL, Kerr KT, Dyer MC, Han S, Burke RL, Tsao JI, Ginsberg HS. Minimal role of eastern fence lizards in Borrelia burgdorferi transmission in central New Jersey oak/pine woodlands. J Parasitol 2014; 100:578-82. [PMID: 24871138 DOI: 10.1645/14-503.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus , is widely distributed in eastern and central North America, ranging through areas with high levels of Lyme disease, as well as areas where Lyme disease is rare or absent. We studied the potential role of S. undulatus in transmission dynamics of Lyme spirochetes by sampling ticks from a variety of natural hosts at field sites in central New Jersey, and by testing the reservoir competence of S. undulatus for Borrelia burgdorferi in the laboratory. The infestation rate of ticks on fence lizards was extremely low (prevalence = 0.087, n = 23) compared to that on white-footed mice and other small mammals (prevalence = 0.53, n = 140). Of 159 nymphs that had fed as larvae on lizards that had previously been exposed to infected nymphs, none was infected with B. burgdorferi , compared with 79.9% of 209 nymphs that had fed as larvae on infected control mice. Simulations suggest that changes in the numbers of fence lizards in a natural habitat would have little effect on the infection rate of nymphal ticks with Lyme spirochetes. We conclude that in central New Jersey, S. undulatus plays a minimal role in the enzootic transmission cycle of Lyme spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Rulison
- Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
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Clark KL, Leydet BF, Threlkeld C. Geographical and genospecies distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato DNA detected in humans in the USA. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:674-684. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.073122-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the cause of illness in human patients primarily in the southern USA with suspected Lyme disease based on erythema migrans-like skin lesions and/or symptoms consistent with early localized or late disseminated Lyme borreliosis. The study also included some patients from other states throughout the USA. Several PCR assays specific for either members of the genus Borrelia or only for Lyme group Borrelia spp. (Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato), and DNA sequence analysis, were used to identify Borrelia spp. DNA in blood and skin biopsy samples from human patients. B. burgdorferi
sensu lato DNA was found in both blood and skin biopsy samples from patients residing in the southern states and elsewhere in the USA, but no evidence of DNA from other Borrelia spp. was detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis of partial flagellin (flaB) gene sequences, strains that clustered separately with B. burgdorferi
sensu stricto, Borrelia americana or Borrelia andersonii were associated with Lyme disease-like signs and symptoms in patients from the southern states, as well as from some other areas of the country. Strains most similar to B. burgdorferi
sensu stricto and B. americana were found most commonly and appeared to be widely distributed among patients residing throughout the USA. The study findings suggest that human cases of Lyme disease in the southern USA may be more common than previously recognized and may also be caused by more than one species of B. burgdorferi
sensu lato. This study provides further evidence that B. burgdorferi
sensu stricto is not the only species associated with signs and/or symptoms consistent with Lyme borreliosis in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L. Clark
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Brian F. Leydet
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Clifford Threlkeld
- Ameripath Central Florida, 8150 Chancellor Drive, Suite 110, Orlando, FL 32809, USA
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Earnhart CG, Rhodes DVL, Smith AA, Yang X, Tegels B, Carlyon JA, Pal U, Marconi RT. Assessment of the potential contribution of the highly conserved C-terminal motif (C10) of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein C in transmission and infectivity. Pathog Dis 2014; 70:176-84. [PMID: 24376161 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OspC is produced by all species of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex and is required for infectivity in mammals. To test the hypothesis that the conserved C-terminal motif (C10) of OspC is required for function in vivo, a mutant B. burgdorferi strain (B31::ospCΔC10) was created in which ospC was replaced with an ospC gene lacking the C10 motif. The ability of the mutant to infect mice was investigated using tick transmission and needle inoculation. Infectivity was assessed by cultivation, qRT-PCR, and measurement of IgG antibody responses. B31::ospCΔC10 retained the ability to infect mice by both needle and tick challenge and was competent to survive in ticks after exposure to the blood meal. To determine whether recombinant OspC protein lacking the C-terminal 10 amino acid residues (rOspCΔC10) can bind plasminogen, the only known mammalian-derived ligand for OspC, binding analyses were performed. Deletion of the C10 motif resulted in a statistically significant decrease in plasminogen binding. Although deletion of the C10 motif influenced plasminogen binding, it can be concluded that the C10 motif is not required for OspC to carry out its critical in vivo functions in tick to mouse transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Earnhart
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Belfiore NM, Grubhoffer L, Oliver JH. Divergence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes could be driven by the host: diversity of Borrelia strains isolated from ticks feeding on a single bird. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:4. [PMID: 24383476 PMCID: PMC3892016 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The controversy surrounding the potential impact of birds in spirochete transmission dynamics and their capacity to serve as a reservoir has existed for a long time. The majority of analyzed bird species are able to infect larval ticks with Borrelia. Dispersal of infected ticks due to bird migration is a key to the establishment of new foci of Lyme borreliosis. The dynamics of infection in birds supports the mixing of different species, the horizontal exchange of genetic information, and appearance of recombinant genotypes. METHODS Four Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato strains were cultured from Ixodes minor larvae and four strains were isolated from Ixodes minor nymphs collected from a single Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). A multilocus sequence analysis that included 16S rRNA, a 5S-23S intergenic spacer region, a 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer, flagellin, p66, and ospC separated 8 strains into 3 distinct groups. Additional multilocus sequence typing of 8 housekeeping genes, clpA, clpX, nifS, pepX, pyrG, recG, rplB, and uvrA was used to resolve the taxonomic status of bird-associated strains. RESULTS Results of analysis of 14 genes confirmed that the level of divergence among strains is significantly higher than what would be expected for strains within a single species. The presence of cross-species recombination was revealed: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto housekeeping gene nifS was incorporated into homologous locus of strain, previously assigned to B. americana. CONCLUSIONS Genetically diverse Borrelia strains are often found within the same tick or same vertebrate host, presenting a wide opportunity for genetic exchange. We report the cross-species recombination that led to incorporation of a housekeeping gene from the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strain into a homologous locus of another bird-associated strain. Our results support the hypothesis that recombination maintains a majority of sequence polymorphism within Borrelia populations because of the re-assortment of pre-existing sequence variants. Even if our findings of broad genetic diversity among 8 strains cultured from ticks that fed on a single bird could be the exception rather than the rule, they support the theory that the diversity and evolution of LB spirochetes is driven mainly by the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Rudenko
- Biology Centre AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic.
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Leydet BF, Liang FT. Detection of Lyme Borrelia in questing Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) and small mammals in Louisiana. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 51:278-82. [PMID: 24605479 PMCID: PMC3955005 DOI: 10.1603/me12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is caused by spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex. In the United States, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.; Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner) is the most common cause of human Lyme borreliosis. With >25,000 cases reported annually, it is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Although approximately 90% of cases are contained to the northeastern and Great Lake states, areas in Canada and some southern states are reporting rises in the number of human disease cases. Louisiana records a few cases of Lyme each year. Although some are most certainly the result of travel to more endemic areas, there exists evidence of locally acquired cases. Louisiana has established populations of the vector tick, Ixodes scapularis (Say), and a wide variety of potential reservoir animals, yet Lyme Borrelia has never been described in the state. Using culture and polymerase chain reaction, we investigated the presence of Lyme Borrelia in both mammals and questing ticks at a study site in Louisiana. Although culture was mostly unsuccessful, we did detect the presence of B. burgdorferi s.s. DNA in 6.3% (11 of 174) of ticks and 22.7% (five of 22) of animal samples. To our knowledge, this is among the first evidence documenting B. burgdorferi s.s. in Louisiana. Further investigations are required to determine the significance these findings have on human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian F Leydet
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Fang-Ting Liang
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Keskin A, Bursali A, Kumlutas Y, Ilgaz C, Tekin S. Parasitism of Immature Stages ofHaemaphysalis sulcata(Acari: Ixodidae) on Some Reptiles in Turkey. J Parasitol 2013; 99:752-5. [DOI: 10.1645/13-187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Clark KL, Leydet B, Hartman S. Lyme borreliosis in human patients in Florida and Georgia, USA. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10:915-31. [PMID: 23781138 PMCID: PMC3675506 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the cause of illness in several human patients residing in Florida and Georgia, USA, with suspected Lyme disease based upon EM-like skin lesions and/or symptoms consistent with early localized or late disseminated Lyme borreliosis. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays developed specifically for Lyme group Borrelia spp., followed by DNA sequencing for confirmation, we identified Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in samples of blood and skin and also in lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) removed from several patients who either live in or were exposed to ticks in Florida or Georgia. This is the first report to present combined PCR and DNA sequence evidence of infection with Lyme Borrelia spp. in human patients in the southern U.S., and to demonstrate that several B. burgdorferi sensu lato species may be associated with Lyme disease-like signs and symptoms in southern states. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that human Lyme borreliosis occurs in Florida and Georgia, and that some cases of Lyme-like illness referred to as southern tick associated rash illness (STARI) in the southern U.S. may be attributable to previously undetected B. burgdorferi sensu lato infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Clark
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
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