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Li F, Zhao P, Wang S, Luo W, Xia Y, Li D, He L, Zhao J. Babesia duncani Pyruvate Kinase Inhibitor Screening and Identification of Key Active Amino Acid Residues. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1141. [PMID: 38930523 PMCID: PMC11205445 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061141] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesia duncani (B. duncani), a protozoan parasite prevalent in North America, is a significant threat for human health. Given the regulatory role of pyruvate kinase I (PyK I) in glycolytic metabolism flux and ATP generation, PyK I has been considered the target for drug intervention for a long time. In this study, B. duncani PyK I (BdPyK I) was successfully cloned, expressed, and purified. Polyclonal antibodies were confirmed to recognize the native BdPyK I protein (56 kDa) using Western blotting. AlphaFold software predicted the three-dimensional structure of BdPyK I, and molecular docking with small molecules was conducted to identify potential binding sites of inhibitor on BdPyK I. Moreover, inhibitory effects of six inhibitors (tannic acid, apigenin, shikonin, PKM2 inhibitor, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone) on BdPyK I were examined under the optimal enzymatic conditions of 3 mM PEP and 3 mM ADP, and significant activity reduction was found. Enzyme kinetics and growth inhibition assays further confirmed the reliability of these inhibitors, with PKM2 inhibitor, tannic acid, and apigenin exhibiting the highest selectivity index as specific inhibitors for B. duncani. Subsequently, key amino acid residues were mutated in both BdPyK I and Homo sapiens pyruvate kinase I (HPyK I), and two differential amino acid residues (isoleucine and phenylalanine) were identified between HPyK I and BdPyK I through PyK activity detection experiments. These findings lay foundation for understanding the role of PyK I in the growth and development of B. duncani, providing insights for babesiosis prevention and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Sen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Wanxin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Yingjun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Dongfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
| | - Lan He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.L.); (P.Z.); (S.W.); (W.L.); (Y.X.); (D.L.); (L.H.)
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan 430070, China
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Wang Y, Zhang S, Li X, Nian Y, Liu X, Liu J, Yin H, Guan G, Wang J. A high-resolution melting approach for the simultaneous differentiation of five human babesiosis-causing Babesia species. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:299. [PMID: 37641091 PMCID: PMC10463647 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Six species of apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia, namely B. microti, B. divergens, B. duncani, B. motasi, B. crassa-like and B. venatorum, are considered to be the primary causal agents of human babesiosis in endemic areas. These six species possess variable degrees of virulence for their primary hosts. Therefore, the accurate identification of these species is critical for the adoption of appropriate therapeutic strategies. METHODS We developed a real-time PCR-high-resolution melting (qPCR-HRM) approach targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene of five Babesia spp. based on melting temperature (Tm) and genotype confidence percentage values. This approach was then evaluated using 429 blood samples collected from patients with a history of tick bites, 120 DNA samples mixed with plasmids and 80 laboratory-infected animal samples. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of the proposed qPCR-HRM method were 95% and 100%, respectively, and the detection limit was 1-100 copies of the plasmid with the cloned target gene. The detection level depended on the species of Babesia analyzed. The primers designed in this study ensured not only the high interspecific specificity of our proposed method but also a high versatility for different isolates from the same species worldwide. Additionally, the Tm obtained from the prepared plasmid standard is theoretically suitable for identifying isolates of all known sequences of the five Babesia species. CONCLUSIONS The developed detection method provides a useful tool for the epidemiological investigation of human babesiosis and pre-transfusion screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shangdi Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
| | - Yueli Nian
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009 China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, Gansu People’s Republic of China
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Zeng Z, Zhou S, Xu G, Liu W, Han T, Liu J, Wang J, Deng Y, Xiao F. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia parasites in reservoir host species in Fujian province, Southeast China. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:915-924. [PMID: 35819239 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that mainly affects small mammals and has been reported in at least five provinces in China. However, the host range and geographical distribution of the parasite in Fujian province are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Babesia in Fujian province, Southeast China, between 2015 and 2020. Rodent blood samples were collected from 26 different surveillance sites across Fujian province. Genomic DNA was extracted to screen for Babesia infection using polymerase chain reaction based on 18S rRNA. DNA samples from 316 domestic goats, 85 water buffalo, 56 domestic dogs and 18 domestic pigs were examined. The prevalence of Babesia was statistically analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Babesia infections were detected in 3.96% (43/1,087; 95%CI: 2.80%, 5.12%) of rodents and 1.26% (6/475; 95%CI: 0.26%, 2.26%) of other mammals. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that irrigated cropland, shrubs and forests were risk factors for Babesia microti infections. The infection rates among domestic pigs, dogs and goats were 5.56%, 1.79% and 1.27%, respectively, with no infection found in water buffalo. The 18S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that rodents were infected with Babesia (sensu lato), whereas other mammals were infected with Babesia (sensu stricto). The geographical distribution and phylogenetic relationship of Babesia was determined in Southeast China. Mammals, particularly wild rodents, maybe the main natural hosts of Babesia in Fujian. Our findings provide a foundation for public health officials to develop prevention and control measures for Babesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zeng
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuheng Zhou
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tengwei Han
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanqin Deng
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fangzhen Xiao
- Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fuzhou, China
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Abstract
Babesiosis is caused by intraerythrocytic parasites that are transmitted primarily by ticks, infrequently through blood transfusion, and rarely through transplacental transmission or organ transplantation. Human babesiosis is found throughout the world, but the incidence is highest in the Northeast and upper Midwestern United States. Babesiosis has clinical features that resemble malaria and can be fatal in immunocompromised and older patients. Diagnosis is confirmed by identification of Babesia parasites on blood smear or Babesia DNA with polymerase chain reaction. Standard treatment consists of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine for 7 to 10 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Waked
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102, USA.
| | - Peter J Krause
- Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Wang J, Chen K, Yang J, Zhang S, Li Y, Liu G, Luo J, Yin H, Wang G, Guan G. Comparative genomic analysis of Babesia duncani responsible for human babesiosis. BMC Biol 2022; 20:153. [PMID: 35790982 PMCID: PMC9258201 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01361-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human babesiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Babesia, is an emerging and re-emerging tick-borne disease that is mainly transmitted by tick bites and infected blood transfusion. Babesia duncani has caused majority of human babesiosis in Canada; however, limited data are available to correlate its genomic information and biological features. Results We generated a B. duncani reference genome using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) and Illumina sequencing technology and uncovered its biological features and phylogenetic relationship with other Apicomplexa parasites. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that B. duncani form a clade distinct from B. microti, Babesia spp. infective to bovine and ovine species, and Theileria spp. infective to bovines. We identified the largest species-specific gene family that could be applied as diagnostic markers for this pathogen. In addition, two gene families show signals of significant expansion and several genes that present signatures of positive selection in B. duncani, suggesting their possible roles in the capability of this parasite to infect humans or tick vectors. Conclusions Using ONT sequencing and Illumina sequencing technologies, we provide the first B. duncani reference genome and confirm that B. duncani forms a phylogenetically distinct clade from other Piroplasm parasites. Comparative genomic analyses show that two gene families are significantly expanded in B. duncani and may play important roles in host cell invasion and virulence of B. duncani. Our study provides basic information for further exploring B. duncani features, such as host-parasite and tick-parasite interactions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01361-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.
| | - Kai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jifei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Shangdi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Youquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guangying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.
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Suwannarong K, Soonthornworasiri N, Maneekan P, Yimsamran S, Balthip K, Maneewatchararangsri S, Saisongkorh W, Saengkul C, Sangmukdanun S, Phunta N, Singhasivanon P. Rodent–Human Interface: Behavioral Risk Factors and Leptospirosis in a Province in the Central Region of Thailand. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020085. [PMID: 35202338 PMCID: PMC8878075 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This sequential explanatory mixed-method study consisted of analytical, cross-sectional, and qualitative studies. The research was conducted in the Khao Nor and Khao Kaew areas of the Banphot Pisai districts of Nakhon Sawan Province in 2019. Here, we examined the rodent contact characteristics of villagers in these areas and determined the potential characteristics/risk factors associated with rodents using a semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interview (KII), and focus group discussion (FGD). Results of the quantitative study (N1 = 372) characterized participants that contacted rodents per gender, age, occupation, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), including their cultural contexts, and beliefs. Ninety participants (24.2%) reported contact with rodents, and the reasons for their direct physical rodent contact were hunting (35, 9.4%), killing (41, 11.0%), preparing rodents as food (33, 8.9%), consuming cooked meats (12, 3.2%), feeding food (4, 1.1%), cleaning feces (17, 4.6%), and cleaning carcasses (33, 8.9%). Moreover, logistic regression results showed that males encountering rodents were statistically significant (Adjusted OR = 3.137, 95% CI 1.914–5.139, p < 0.001). Low monthly household income (<THB 15,000 or <USD 450) was also negatively statistically significant with encountering rodents (Adjusted OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.99, p = 0.04). Additionally, the villagers had a low level of knowledge toward zoonotic diseases and inappropriate attitudes and practices toward contacting rodents and zoonotic diseases. Thirty-five qualitative study participants (N2) participated in the KIIs and FGDs. Various rodent contact activities were also reported among the qualitative research participants, such as hunting, consumption, and selling them to their friends and neighbors. However, these rodents also destroyed their belongings, crops, and plants. Some participants also reported that rodents accounted for leptospirosis transmission. As a result, communication intervention should be planned to provide appropriate knowledge and attitude to the villagers, especially among those who have close contact with rodents in the understudied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
- SUPA71 Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10230, Thailand
| | - Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +66-2-6444436
| | - Pannamas Maneekan
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Surapon Yimsamran
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
| | | | - Santi Maneewatchararangsri
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Watcharee Saisongkorh
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand;
| | - Chutarat Saengkul
- Faculty of Public Health, Nakhon Sawan Campus, Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan 60130, Thailand;
| | - Suntaree Sangmukdanun
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Nittaya Phunta
- Ban Dan Health Promotion Hospital (under Ministry of Public Health Thailand), Ban Phot Pisai District, Nakhon Sawan 60180, Thailand;
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.M.); (S.Y.); (S.S.); (P.S.)
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Hussain S, Hussain A, Aziz MU, Song B, Zeb J, George D, Li J, Sparagano O. A Review of Zoonotic Babesiosis as an Emerging Public Health Threat in Asia. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010023. [PMID: 35055971 PMCID: PMC8779675 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic babesiosis poses a serious health risk in many parts of the world. Its emergence in Asia is thus a cause for significant concern, demanding that appropriate control measures are implemented to suppress its spread in this region. This study focuses on zoonotic Babesia species reported in Asia, offering an extensive review of those species reported in animals and humans. We reported 11 studies finding zoonotic Babesia species in animals and 16 in humans. In China, the most prevalent species was found to be Babesia microti, reported in both humans (n = 10) and wild and domesticated animals (n = 4). In Korea, only two studies reported human babesiosis, with a further two studies reporting Babesia microti in wild animals. Babesia microti was also reported in wild animal populations in Thailand and Japan, with evidence of human case reports also found in Singapore, Mongolia and India. This is the first review to report zoonotic babesiosis in humans and animals in Asia, highlighting concerns for future public health in this region. Further investigations of zoonotic species of Babesia in animal populations are required to confirm the actual zoonotic threat of babesiosis in Asia, as well as its possible transmission routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (O.S.)
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54600, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - David George
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Olivier Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; (M.U.A.); (B.S.); (J.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.H.); (O.S.)
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8
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Yodsheewan R, Sukmak M, Sangkharak B, Kaolim N, Ploypan R, Phongphaew W. First report on detection of Babesia spp. in confiscated Sunda pangolins ( Manis javanica) in Thailand. Vet World 2021; 14:2380-2385. [PMID: 34840457 PMCID: PMC8613799 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2380-2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (critically endangered) due to high levels of illegal trafficking for its products. Thailand is one of the habitats of this species, and it has become the main hub for its illegal trafficking. Rehabilitating these captive pangolins and reintroducing them back to the wild are challenging due to the limited knowledge on their diet, management, and diseases. Hemoparasites, including Babesia spp., can cause important protozoal infections in both domestic and wild animals, resulting in the failure of rehabilitation and conservation programs. However, Babesia spp. has not been reported in pangolins. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Babesia spp. in the Sunda pangolin of Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 confiscated Sunda pangolins from across different regions in Thailand were investigated. These pangolins had been admitted to a regional Wildlife Quarantine Center for rehabilitation before release in the forest. Routine physical examinations were conducted on the animals. We collected blood samples from each pangolin for hematological analysis and to detect Babesia spp. using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial 18s rRNA gene. Results: Babesia-specific PCR detected 53 animals (41.4%) that were positive for Babesia spp. Blood smears were obtained from the positive samples and investigated under a light microscope to observe for trophozoites of Babesia spp. Examination of 40 PCR-positive and -negative samples found no significant differences between the hematological parameters of Babesia-positive and Babesia-negative samples. Eight PCR-positive samples were randomly selected and their DNA was sequenced. Seven and one of sequences match uncharacterized Babesia spp. with 100% and 99.2% similarity, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that our samples form a unique monophyletic clade along with other Babesia spp. detected in the wild. This clade is clearly separated from other Babesia spp. from small carnivores, ruminants, and rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of infection of Sunda pangolins in Thailand by Babesia spp. These pangolins originated from different regions and had not lived together before blood collection. Thus, we suggest that the uncharacterized Babesia spp. found in this study constitute a new group of pangolin-specific Babesia spp. The prevalence of the uncharacterized Babesia spp. was not correlated to pangolin health. Further studies are required to characterize the genomes and phenotypes, including the morphology and pathogenicity of these protozoa. Such information will be helpful for the conservation and health management of the Sunda pangolin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rungrueang Yodsheewan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manakorn Sukmak
- Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Kamphangsaen Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | - Nongnid Kaolim
- Kamphangsaen Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Raveewan Ploypan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wallaya Phongphaew
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Bangkok, Thailand
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9
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Karshima SN, Karshima MN, Ahmed MI. Global meta-analysis on Babesia infections in human population: prevalence, distribution and species diversity. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 116:220-235. [PMID: 34788196 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1989185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne protozoan zoonosis caused by parasites of the genus Babesia and transmitted by ixodid ticks. It was thought to be a public health problem mainly for the immunocompromised, however the increasing numbers of documented cases among immunocompetent individuals is a call for concern. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we reported from 22 countries and 69 studies, an overall pooled estimate (PE) of 2.23% (95% CI: 1.46-3.39) for Babesia infections in humans. PEs for all sub-groups varied significantly (p < 0.05) with a continental range of 1.54% (95% CI: 0.89-2.65) in North America to 4.17% (95% CI: 2.11-8.06) in Europe. PEs for country income levels, methods of diagnosis, study period, sample sizes, Babesia species and targeted population ranged between 0.43% (95% CI: 0.41-0.44) and 7.41% (95% CI: 0.53-54.48). Babesia microti recorded the widest geographic distribution and was the predominant specie reported in North America while B. divergens was predominantly reported in Europe. Eight Babesia species; B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. crassa-like, B. divergens, B. duncani, B. microti, B. odocoilei and B. venatorum were reported in humans from different parts of the world with the highest prevalence in Europe, lower middle income countries and among individuals with history of tick bite and other tick-borne diseases. To control the increasing trend of this emerging public health threat, tick control in human settlements, the use of protective clothing by occupationally exposed people and the screening of transfusion blood in endemic countries are recommended.Abbreviations AJOL: African Journals OnLine, CI: Confidence interval, CIL: Country income level, df: Degree of freedom, HIC: Higher-income countries, HQ: High quality, I2: Inverse variance index, IFAT: Indirect fluorescent antibody test, ITBTBD: Individuals with tick-bite and tick-borne diseases, JBI: Joanna Briggs Institute, LIC: Lower-income countries, LMIC: Lower middle-income countries, MQ: Medium quality, NA: Not applicable, N/America: North America, OEI: Occupational exposed individuals, OR: Odds ratio, PE: Pooled estimates, PCR: Polymerase chain reaction, Prev: Prevalence, PRISMA: Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Q: Cochran's heterogeneity statistic, QA: Quality assessment, Q-p: Cochran's p-value, qPCR: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, S/America: South America, Seq: Sequencing, UMIC: Upper middle-income countries, USA: United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Ngutor Karshima
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | - Musa Isiyaku Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Nigeria
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10
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The Global Emergence of Human Babesiosis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111447. [PMID: 34832603 PMCID: PMC8623124 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa that are primarily transmitted by hard-bodied (ixodid) ticks and rarely through blood transfusion, perinatally, and organ transplantation. More than 100 Babesia species infect a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animals worldwide and six have been identified as human pathogens. Babesia microti is the predominant species that infects humans, is found throughout the world, and causes endemic disease in the United States and China. Babesia venatorum and Babesia crassa-like agent also cause endemic disease in China. Babesia divergens is the predominant species in Europe where fulminant cases have been reported sporadically. The number of B. microti infections has been increasing globally in recent decades. In the United States, more than 2000 cases are reported each year, although the actual number is thought to be much higher. In this review of the epidemiology of human babesiosis, we discuss epidemiologic tools used to monitor disease location and frequency; demographics and modes of transmission; the location of human babesiosis; the causative Babesia species in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia; the primary clinical characteristics associated with each of these infections; and the increasing global health burden of this disease.
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11
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Yen TY, Wang HC, Chang YC, Su CL, Chang SF, Shu PY, Tsai KH. Seroepidemiological Study of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae and Identification of a Putative New Species, Rickesttsia sp. Da-1, in Gongliao, Northeast Taiwan. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111434. [PMID: 34832589 PMCID: PMC8617620 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses were neglected in Taiwan. The study reported a seroepidemiological survey of SFG rickettsiae in residents in Gongliao District, Northeast Taiwan. Blood samples were examined for antibodies against SFG rickettsiae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression. Ticks parasitizing dogs were collected within a 2 km radius from the houses of seropositive participants, and PCR was performed to detect possible tick-borne pathogens. Of 1108 participants, 75 (6.8%) had antibodies against SFG rickettsiae. Residents were more likely to be seropositive if they were older than 65 years, recruited by Dr. Enjoy’s Clinic, or resided in Jilin village. A total of 184 ticks including 5 species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Dermacentor auratus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis ornithophila) were collected. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 6.5% (12/184) of ticks. Rickettsia sp. TwKM01 was found in 6 R. sanguineus and 4 R. haemaphysaloides; while Rickettsia sp. TwKM03 was identified in 1 R. sanguineus. Moreover, gene-based pairwise analysis indicated identification of a putative new species, Rickettsia sp. Da-1, in D. auratus. These findings provided evidence of SFG rickettsiae infection in ticks and suggested SFG rickettsiae exposure in the residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (T.-Y.Y.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (T.-Y.Y.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Yin-Chao Chang
- Dr. Enjoy’s Clinic, Gong-Liao District, New Taipei City 228003, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Ling Su
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 115210, Taiwan; (C.-L.S.); (S.-F.C.)
| | - Shu-Fen Chang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 115210, Taiwan; (C.-L.S.); (S.-F.C.)
| | - Pei-Yun Shu
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 115210, Taiwan; (C.-L.S.); (S.-F.C.)
- Correspondence: (P.-Y.S.); (K.-H.T.); Tel.: +886-2-26531372 (P.-Y.S.); +886-2-33668103 (K.-H.T.)
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (T.-Y.Y.); (H.-C.W.)
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-Y.S.); (K.-H.T.); Tel.: +886-2-26531372 (P.-Y.S.); +886-2-33668103 (K.-H.T.)
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12
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Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia sp., Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, and Hepatozoon canis in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected in Eastern Canada. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101265. [PMID: 34684214 PMCID: PMC8541619 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens cause infectious diseases that inflict much societal and financial hardship worldwide. Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, are primary vectors of several epizootic and zoonotic pathogens. The aim was to find varius pathogens of I. scapularis and to determine their prevalence. In Ontario and Quebec, 113 I. scapularis ticks were collected from songbirds, mammals, including humans, and by flagging. PCR and DNA sequencing detected five different microorganisms: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 (0.9%); Babesia odocoilei, 17 (15.3%); Babesia microti-like sp., 1 (0.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), 29 (26.1%); and Hepatozoon canis, 1 (0.9%). Five coinfections of Bbsl and Babesia odocoilei occurred. Notably, H. canis was documented for the first time in Canada and, at the same time, demonstrates the first transstadial passage of H. canis in I. scapularis. Transstadial passage of Bbsl and B. odocoilei was also witnessed. A novel undescribed piroplasm (Babesia microti-like) was detected. An established population of I. scapularis ticks was detected at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Because songbirds widely disperse I. scapularis larvae and nymphs, exposure in an endemic area is not required to contract tick-borne zoonoses. Based on the diversity of zoonotic pathogens in I. scapularis ticks, clinicians need to be aware that people who are bitten by I. scapularis ticks may require select antimicrobial regimens.
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Puri A, Bajpai S, Meredith S, Aravind L, Krause PJ, Kumar S. Babesia microti: Pathogen Genomics, Genetic Variability, Immunodominant Antigens, and Pathogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:697669. [PMID: 34539601 PMCID: PMC8446681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.697669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 100 Babesia spp. tick-borne parasites are known to infect mammalian and avian hosts. Babesia belong to Order Piroplasmid ranked in the Phylum Apicomplexa. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that of the three genera that constitute Piroplasmida, Babesia and Theileria are polyphyletic while Cytauxzoon is nested within a clade of Theileria. Several Babesia spp. and sub-types have been found to cause human disease. Babesia microti, the most common species that infects humans, is endemic in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States and is sporadically reported elsewhere in the world. Most infections are transmitted by Ixodid (hard-bodied) ticks, although they occasionally can be spread through blood transfusion and rarely via perinatal transmission and organ transplantation. Babesiosis most often presents as a mild to moderate disease, however infection severity ranges from asymptomatic to lethal. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by blood smear or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment consists of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine and usually is effective but may be problematic in immunocompromised hosts. There is no human Babesia vaccine. B. microti genomics studies have only recently been initiated, however they already have yielded important new insights regarding the pathogen, population structure, and pathogenesis. Continued genomic research holds great promise for improving the diagnosis, management, and prevention of human babesiosis, and in particular, the identification of lineage-specific families of cell-surface proteins with potential roles in cytoadherence, immune evasion and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Puri
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Surabhi Bajpai
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, India
| | - Scott Meredith
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter J Krause
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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14
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Scott JD, Sajid MS, Pascoe EL, Foley JE. Detection of Babesia odocoilei in Humans with Babesiosis Symptoms. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060947. [PMID: 34070625 PMCID: PMC8228967 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that causes societal and economic impact worldwide. Several species of Babesia cause babesiosis in terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. A one-day clinic was held in Ontario, Canada, to see if a red blood cell parasite, which is present in blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, is present in humans. Based on PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, we unveiled B. odocoilei in two of 19 participants. DNA amplicons from these two patients are almost identical matches with the type strains of B. odocoilei in GenBank. In addition, the same two human subjects had the hallmark symptoms of human babesiosis, including night sweats, chills, fevers, and profound fatigue. Based on symptoms and molecular identification, we provide substantive evidence that B. odocoilei is pathogenic to humans. Dataset reveals that B. odocoilei serologically cross-reacts with Babesia duncani. Clinicians must realize that there are more than two Babesia spp. in North America that cause human babesiosis. This discovery signifies the first report of B. odocoilei causing human babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Scott
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.S.S.); (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Muhammad S. Sajid
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.S.S.); (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Emily L. Pascoe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.S.S.); (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
| | - Janet E. Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (M.S.S.); (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
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15
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Krause PJ, Auwaerter PG, Bannuru RR, Branda JA, Falck-Ytter YT, Lantos PM, Lavergne V, Meissner HC, Osani MC, Rips JG, Sood SK, Vannier E, Vaysbrot EE, Wormser GP. Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA): 2020 Guideline on Diagnosis and Management of Babesiosis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e49-e64. [PMID: 33252652 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance for the most effective strategies for the diagnosis and management of babesiosis. The diagnosis and treatment of co-infection with babesiosis and Lyme disease will be addressed in a separate Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guideline [1]. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of human granulocytic anaplasmosis can be found in the recent rickettsial disease guideline developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2]. The target audience for the babesiosis guideline includes primary care physicians and specialists caring for this condition, such as infectious diseases specialists, emergency physicians, intensivists, internists, pediatricians, hematologists, and transfusion medicine specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Krause
- Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paul G Auwaerter
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raveendhara R Bannuru
- Center for Treatment Comparison and Integrative Analysis (CTCIA), Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John A Branda
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yngve T Falck-Ytter
- Case Western Reserve University and VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul M Lantos
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Valéry Lavergne
- Research Center CIUSSS NIM, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Cody Meissner
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mikala C Osani
- Center for Treatment Comparison and Integrative Analysis (CTCIA), Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sunil K Sood
- Zucker School of Medicine and Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Edouard Vannier
- Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizaveta E Vaysbrot
- Center for Treatment Comparison and Integrative Analysis (CTCIA), Division of Rheumatology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Scott JD, Pascoe EL, Sajid MS, Foley JE. Detection of Babesia odocoilei in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected in Southern Ontario, Canada. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030327. [PMID: 33802071 PMCID: PMC7999371 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonotic diseases have an economic and societal impact on the well-being of people worldwide. In the present study, a high frequency of Babesia odocoilei, a red blood cell parasite, was observed in the Huronia area of Ontario, Canada. Notably, 71% (15/21) blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, collected from canine and feline hosts were infected with B. odocoilei. Consistent with U.S. studies, 12.5% (4/32) of questing I. scapularis adults collected by flagging in various parts of southwestern Ontario were positive for B. odocoilei. Our data show that all B. odocoilei strains in the present study have consistent genetic identity, and match type strains in the GenBank database. The high incidence of B. odocoilei in the Huronia area indicates that this babesial infection is established, and is cycling enzootically in the natural environment. Our data confirm that B. odocoilei has wide distribution in southern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Scott
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Emily L. Pascoe
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
| | - Muhammad S. Sajid
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan;
| | - Janet E. Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (E.L.P.); (J.E.F.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As human babesiosis caused by apicomplexan parasites of the Babesia genus is associated with transfusion-transmitted illness and relapsing disease in immunosuppressed populations, it is important to report novel findings relating to parasite biology that may be responsible for such pathology. Blood screening tools recently licensed by the FDA are also described to allow understanding of their impact on keeping the blood supply well tolerated. RECENT FINDINGS Reports of tick-borne cases within new geographical regions such as the Pacific Northwest of the USA, through Eastern Europe and into China are also on the rise. Novel features of the parasite lifecycle that underlie the basis of parasite persistence have recently been characterized. These merit consideration in deployment of both detection, treatment and mitigation tools such as pathogen inactivation technology. The impact of new blood donor screening tests in reducing transfusion transmitted babesiosis is discussed. SUMMARY New Babesia species have been identified globally, suggesting that the epidemiology of this disease is rapidly changing, making it clear that human babesiosis is a serious public health concern that requires close monitoring and effective intervention measures. Unlike other erythrocytic parasites, Babesia exploits unconventional lifecycle strategies that permit host cycles of different lengths to ensure survival in hostile environments. With the licensure of new blood screening tests, incidence of transfusion transmission babesiosis has decreased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Lobo
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, USA
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18
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Xia LY, Jiang BG, Yuan TT, von Fricken M, Jia N, Jiang RR, Zhang Y, Li XL, Sun Y, Ruan XD, Cao WC, Jiang JF. Genetic Diversity and Coexistence of Babesia in Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Northeastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:817-824. [PMID: 32749919 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks in China. A few systematic reports on Babesia spp. was involved with ticks, especially in the human babesiosis endemic areas in Northeastern China. Materials and Methods: Ticks were collected from 30 individual waypoints along 2.0 km transects in two recreational forests. Babesia spp. infection in ticks was screened by amplifying the partial 18s rRNA gene with subsequent sequencing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between tick infection and related environmental risk factors. Cluster analyses were performed using SaTScan v6.0 software to identify any geographical cluster of infected ticks. Results: A total of 2380 Ixodes persulcatus and 461 Haemaphysalis concinna ticks were collected. Of the 0.97% of I. persulcatus ticks that tested positive, five Babesia species were identified, including B. bigemina (n = 6), B. divergens (n = 2), B. microti (n = 3), B. venatorum (n = 11), and one novel strain HLJ-8. Thirteen (2.92%) H. concinna ticks tested positive for B. bigemina (n = 1), B. divergens (n = 1), three genetic variants of Babesia represented by HLJ-874, which was closely related to Babesia sp.MA#361-1, and eight other Babesia variants represented by HLJ242, which were similar to B. crassa. Each study site had 5-6 different Babesia spp. One waypoint was more likely to yield B. venatorum (relative risk = 15.36, p = 0.045) than all other waypoints. Conclusions: There exists a high genetic diversity of Babesia spp. across a relatively small sampled region. Further study is needed to understand the risks these variants pose to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo-Yuan Xia
- Graduate School of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Michael von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Ruo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Lou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Ruan
- Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- Graduate School of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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19
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human babesiosis is reported throughout the world and is endemic in the northeastern and northern Midwestern United States and northeastern China. Transmission is primarily through hard bodied ticks. Most cases of severe disease occur in immunocompromised individuals and may result in prolonged relapsing disease or death. AREAS COVERED We provide a summary of evidence supporting current treatment recommendations for immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals experiencing babesiosis. EXPERT OPINION Most cases of human babesiosis are successfully treated with atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine. Severe disease may require prolonged treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine; Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Klaus-Peter Hunfeld
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology & Infection Control, Northwest Medical Centre, Medical Faculty, Goethe University , Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Peter J Krause
- Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
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Wang J, Zhang S, Yang J, Liu J, Zhang D, Li Y, Luo J, Guan G, Yin H. Babesia divergens in human in Gansu province, China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:959-961. [PMID: 31244397 PMCID: PMC6598508 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1635431] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Human babesiosis is an important tick-borne infectious disease. We investigated human babesiosis in the Gansu province and found that it is prevalent in this area with a prevalence of 1.3%. Results of gene sequencings indicate that 1.3% of patients were positive for Babesia divergens. This initial report of human B. divergens infections in Gansu Province should raise awareness of human babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Shangdi Zhang
- b Department of Clinical Laboratory , The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingqiong Yang
- c Department of Clinical Laboratory , The Hospital of Gannan Tibetan Medicine , Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture , People's Republic of China
| | - Junlong Liu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- d Department of Gastroenterology , The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Youquan Li
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Yin
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province , Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , People's Republic of China.,e Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , People's Republic of China
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Hong SH, Kim SY, Song BG, Rho JR, Cho CR, Kim CN, Um TH, Kwak YG, Cho SH, Lee SE. Detection and characterization of an emerging type of Babesia sp. similar to Babesia motasi for the first case of human babesiosis and ticks in Korea. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:869-878. [PMID: 31179860 PMCID: PMC6566668 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1622997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-transmitted intraerythrocytic zoonosis. In Korea, the first mortalities were reported in 2005 due to Babesia sp. detection in sheep; herein we report epidemiological and genetic characteristics of a second case of babesiosis. Microscopic analysis of patient blood revealed polymorphic merozoites. To detect Babesia spp., PCR was performed using Babesia specific primers for β-tubulin, 18S rDNA, COB, and COX3 gene fragments. 18S rDNA analysis for Babesia sp., showed 98% homology with ovine Babesia sp. and with Babesia infections in Korea in 2005. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA, COB, and COX3 revealed close associations with B. motasi. For identifying the infectious agent, Haemaphysalis longicornis (296) and Haemaphysalis flava (301) were collected around the previous residence of the babesiosis patient. Babesia genes were identified in three H. longicornis: one sample was identified as B. microti and two samples were 98% homologous to B. motasi. Our study is the first direct confirmation of the infectious agent for human babesiosis. This case most likely resulted from tick bites from ticks near the patient house of the babesiosis patient. H. longicornis has been implicated as a vector of B. microti and other Babesia sp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hee Hong
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
| | - Seong-Yoon Kim
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
| | - Bong Goo Song
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
| | - Jong-Rul Rho
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
| | - Chong Rae Cho
- b Department of Laboratory Medicine , Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital , Goyang , Korea
| | - Chul-Nam Kim
- c Department of Surgery , Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital , Goyang , Korea
| | - Tae-Hyun Um
- b Department of Laboratory Medicine , Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital , Goyang , Korea
| | - Yee Gyung Kwak
- d Department of Internal Medicine , Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital , Goyang , Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- a Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases , Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Cheongju , Korea
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Gupta A, Patel P, Manvar K, Kellner T, Guevara E. Splenic infarction in babesiosis: A rare presentation. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:1591-1595. [PMID: 31428398 PMCID: PMC6692990 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a protozoan parasitic infection transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Splenic infarction is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of babesiosis; it is therefore vital that this complication is recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Gupta
- Internal MedicineThe Brooklyn Hospital CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Poras Patel
- Hematology OncologyThe Brooklyn Hospital CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kapil Manvar
- Internal MedicineThe Brooklyn Hospital CenterNew YorkNYUSA
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Human Babesiosis in China: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1103-1112. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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24
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Krause PJ. Human babesiosis. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:165-174. [PMID: 30690090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a worldwide emerging tick-borne disease that is increasing in frequency and geographic range. It imposes a significant health burden, especially on those who are immunocompromised and those who acquire the infection through blood transfusion. Death from babesiosis occurs in up to 20 percent of these groups. Diagnosis is confirmed with identification of typical intraerythrocytic parasites on a thin blood smear or Babesia DNA using PCR. Treatment consists of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine, and exchange transfusion in severe cases. Personal and communal protective measures can limit the burden of infection but it is important to recognize that none of these measures are likely to prevent the continued expansion of Babesia into non-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Krause
- Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Chao LL, Hsieh CK, Ho TY, Shih CM. First zootiological survey of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting dogs in northern Taiwan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:105-115. [PMID: 30488157 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hard ticks infesting canine hosts were determined for the first time in northern Taiwan. Between May 2010 and April 2011, a total of 9467 ticks were collected from 2025 dogs. They were identified based on pictorial keys of their morphological characteristics. These ticks belong to three genus and six species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis hystricis, H. lagrangei, H. formosensis and Ixodes ovatus. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most dominant species (92.5%), followed by H. hystricis (4.6%), R. haemaphysaloides (2.3%), I. ovatus (0.54%), H. lagrangei (0.04%) and H. formosensis (0.01%). The overall density was 4.7 ticks per dog (ranging from 1.8 to 20.8) and the highest seasonal prevalence was observed in September with an average density of 8.2 ticks per dog. Our results not only provide the first survey of hard ticks infesting dogs in northern Taiwan, but also highlight the possible impact of these tick species on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chin-Kuei Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsung-Yu Ho
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Cai YC, Wu F, Hu W, Chen J, Chen SH, Xu B, Lu Y, Ai L, Yang CL, Zhao S. Molecular characterization of Babesia microti seroreactive antigen 5-1-1 and development of rapid detection methods for anti-B. microti antibodies in serum. Acta Trop 2018; 185:371-379. [PMID: 29559329 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis has become a new global threat impacting human health, and most human babesiosis cases are caused by Babesia microti. Until now few antigens of B. microti have been described which can be used for the diagnosis of human babesiosis. In the present study, we report on the bioinformatic analysis, cloning and expression of the sequence encoding the B. microti seroreactive antigen 5-1-1 to investigate its potential incorporation in serologic diagnostic tools for babesiosis. Bioinformatic analysis and recombinant gene expression were performed to molecularly characterize seroreactive antigen 5-1-1. Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL)-Western blot methods were used to detect specific antibodies in infected mice. Immunofluorescence antibody assays (IFA) were performed to detect the localization of BmSA5-1-1 in B. microti parasites. ELISA and immunochromatographic (ICT) tests were developed using recombinant BmSA5-1-1 to evaluate its potential use in rapid detection methods for B. microti antibodies and for the diagnosis of babesiosis. A recombinant expression plasmid was constructed by inserting the target gene fragment in the pET28a vector after double digestion with BamHI and XhoI restriction enzymes. The recombinant BmSA5-1-1 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (rBmSA5-1-1) and purified by means of Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) agarose columns. Polyclonal antibodies were generated against rBmSA5-1-1. Based on indirect immunofluorescence assay results, BmSA5-1-1 appeared to localize on the surface of B. microti. ELISA tests using the rBmSA5-1-1 antigen detected specific antibodies from infected mice as early as 4 days post-infection. Our results indicate that the two methods we developed can detect specific antibodies in mice at different stages of infection with sensitivities of 100% (rBmSA5-1-1 ELISA) and 90% (ICT). The specificity of the two methods was 100%. Sera of patients suffering from other closely related parasitic diseases, such as malaria and toxoplasmosis, produced negative results. In conclusion, seroreactive antigen 5-1-1, a member of the BMN1 protein family, is expressed on the outer surface of B. microti and is a promising candidate antigen for the early diagnosis of babesiosis. rBmSA5-1-1 ELISA and ICT methods show good potential for detecting specific antibodies in mice at different stages of infection.
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Karnchanabanthoeng A, Morand S, Jittapalapong S, Carcy B. BabesiaOccurrence in Rodents in Relation to Landscapes of Mainland Southeast Asia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:121-130. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Karnchanabanthoeng
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- CNRS ISEM–CIRAD ASTRE, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Bernard Carcy
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Rodríguez Y, Rojas M, Gershwin ME, Anaya JM. Tick-borne diseases and autoimmunity: A comprehensive review. J Autoimmun 2018; 88:21-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Djokic V, Akoolo L, Parveen N. Babesia microti Infection Changes Host Spleen Architecture and Is Cleared by a Th1 Immune Response. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:85. [PMID: 29445365 PMCID: PMC5797759 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia microti is a malaria-like parasite, which infects ∼2000 people annually, such that babesiosis is now a notifiable disease in the United States. Immunocompetent individuals often remain asymptomatic and are tested only after they feel ill. Susceptible C3H/HeJ mice show several human-like disease manifestations and are ideal to study pathogenesis of Babesia species. In this study, we examined parasitemia of B. microti at different time points and assessed its impact on hemoglobin levels in blood, on spleen pathology and overall immune response in C3H/HeJ mice. Peak parasitemia of 42.5% was immediately followed by diminished hemoglobin level. Parasitemia at 21 days of infection was barely detectable by microscopy presented 5.7 × 108 to 5.9 × 109B. microti DNA copies confirming the sensitivity of our qPCR. We hypothesize that qPCR detects DNA released from recently lysed parasites or from extracellular B. microti in blood, which are not easily detected in blood smears and might result in under-diagnosis of babesiosis in patients. Splenectomized patients have been reported to show increased babesiosis severity and result in high morbidity and mortality. These results emphasize the importance of splenic immunity in resolution of B. microti infection. Splenomegaly in infected mice associated with destruction of marginal zone with lysed erythrocytes and released B. microti life forms in our experiments support this premise. At conclusion of the experiment at 21 days post-infection, significant splenic B and T cells depletion and increase in macrophages levels were observed in B. microti infected mice suggesting a role of macrophage in disease resolution. Infected mice also showed significantly higher plasmatic concentration of CD4 Th1 cells secreted cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ while cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secreted by Th2 cells increase was not always significant. Thus, Th1 cells-mediated immunity appears to be important in clearance of this intracellular pathogen. Significant increase in IL-6 that promotes differentiation of Th17 cells was observed but it resulted in only moderate change in IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, all secreted by Th17 cells. A similar immune response to Trypanosoma infection has been reported to influence the clearance of this protozoan, and co-infecting pathogen(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitomir Djokic
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lavoisier Akoolo
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Nikhat Parveen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Gao ZH, Huang TH, Jiang BG, Jia N, Liu ZX, Shao ZT, Jiang RR, Liu HB, Wei R, Li YQ, Yao HW, von Fricken ME, Jiang JF, Du CH, Cao WC. Wide Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Babesia microti in Small Mammals from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005898. [PMID: 29059184 PMCID: PMC5681298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesia, usually found in wild and domestic mammals worldwide, have recently been responsible for emerging malaria-like zoonosis in infected patients. Human B. microti infection has been identified in China, primarily in the Southwest along the Myanmar border but little direct surveillance of B. microti infection in rodents has been carried out here (Yunnan province). In this region, a diverse topographic range combined with tropical moisture sustains a high biodiversity of small mammals, which might play important role on Babesia transmission. Methods Small mammals were captured in 141 sample locations from 18 counties located Yunnan Province, and screened for B. microti-like parasites infection by a nested PCR to target 18S rRNA gene of Babesia, plus directly sequencing for positive samples. Univariate and multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to access the association between infections and some related risk factors. Results Infection with Babesia microti was confirmed in 2.4% (53/ 2204) of small mammals. Significant differences in prevalence rates of B. microti were observed based on variations in forest, agricultural, and residential landscapes. Furthermore, adult small mammals had higher prevalence rates than younger, pubertal mammals. The near full-length 18S rRNA gene revealed that there were two types of B. microti, Kobe and Otsu, which demonstrate the genetic diversity and regional distribution. Conclusions There exists a wide distribution and genetic diversity of endemic B. microti in Southwestern China, warranting further investigations and monitoring of clinical disease in individuals presenting with Babesia like symptoms in these areas. Babesia spp are garnering more attention as causative agents of human disease, with B. microti responsible for most cases globally. Our study documents potential small mammal reservoir hosts, collected from a large of sample sites, with PCR and sequencing identifying the wide distribution and genetic diversity of endemic B. microti in Southwestern China. Our study adds to body of literature on Babesia in China, while focusing on potential rodent reservoirs of disease. This report will be important for public health, and for researchers in the field of parasitology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hou Gao
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
| | - Tao-Hua Huang
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Liu
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
| | - Zong-Ti Shao
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
| | - Rui-Ruo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
| | - Hong-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
| | - Ran Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
| | - Yu-Qiong Li
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
| | - Hong-Wu Yao
- Chinese PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Beijing, P.R., China
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- George Mason University, Dept. of Global and Community Health, Fairfax, VA, United States of America
- Duke University, Duke Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Durham N.C., United States of America
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
- * E-mail: (JFJ); (CHD); (WCC)
| | - Chun-Hong Du
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, P.R., China
- * E-mail: (JFJ); (CHD); (WCC)
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R., China
- * E-mail: (JFJ); (CHD); (WCC)
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Detection of Kobe-type and Otsu-typeBabesia microtiin wild rodents in China's Yunnan province. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2704-2710. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYBabesiosis is an emerging tick-transmitted zoonosis prevalent in large parts of the world. This study was designed to determine the rates ofBabesia microtiinfection among small rodents in Yunnan province, where human cases of babesiosis have been reported. Currently, distribution ofBabesiain its endemic regions is largely unknown. In this study, we cataloged 1672 small wild rodents, comprising 4 orders, from nine areas in western Yunnan province between 2009 and 2011.Babesia microtiDNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 4·3% (72/1672) of the rodents analyzed. The most frequently infected rodent species includedApodemus chevrieriandNiviventer fulvescens. Rodents from forests and shrublands had significantly higherBabesiainfection rates. Genetic comparisons revealed thatBabesiawas most similar to the Kobe- and Otsu-type strains identified in Japan. A variety of rodent species might be involved in the enzootic maintenance and transmission ofB. microti, supporting the need for further serological investigations in humans.
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Chao LL, Lu CW, Lin YF, Shih CM. Molecular and morphological identification of a human biting tick, Amblyomma testudinarium (Acari: Ixodidae), in Taiwan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 71:401-414. [PMID: 28405839 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic identity and morphological features of a human biting tick, Amblyomma testudinarium, were determined for the first time in Taiwan. Morphological features of adult male and female ticks of Am. testudinarium were observed and photographed by a stereo- microscope. The genetic identity was analyzed by comparing the sequences of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA gene obtained from 18 strains of ticks representing 10 species of Amblyomma, and four outgroup species of Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus ticks. Nine major clades could be easily distinguished by neighbour-joining analysis and were congruent by maximum-parsimony method. All these Am. testudinarium ticks collected from Taiwan and Japan were genetically affiliated to a monophyletic group with highly homogeneous sequence (99.8-100% similarity), and can be discriminated from other species of Amblyomma and other genera of ticks (Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus) with a sequence divergence ranging from 6.9 to 23.9%. Moreover, intra- and inter-species analysis based on the genetic distance (GD) values indicated a lower level (GD < 0.003) within the same lineage of Am. testudinarium ticks collected from Taiwan and Japan, as compared with other lineage groups (GD > 0.108) of Amblyomma ticks, as well as outgroup (GD > 0.172) species. Our results provide the first distinguished features of adult Am. testudinarium ticks and the first genetic identification of Am. testudinarium ticks collected from humans in Taiwan. Seasonal prevalence, host range, and vectorial capacity of this tick species in Taiwan need to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Wei Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ying-Fang Lin
- Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
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33
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Chao LL, Yu WC, Shih CM. First detection and molecular identification of Babesia microti in Rattus losea captured from the offshore Kinmen Island of Taiwan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:313-319. [PMID: 27988311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Babesia microti was firstly detected and identified in brown country rats (Rattus losea, Swinhoe) captured from the offshore Kinmen Island of Taiwan. The prevalence of Babesia infection in 283 rodents was screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using a piroplasma-conserved primer set (Piro A/B) and the thirty-seven PCR-positive rodents were further examined by PCR using a species-specific primer set (Bab 1/4) targeting the gene encoding the nuclear small-subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) of Babesia species. B. microti was detected only in Rattus losea with a total infection rate of 9.9% (28/283). Positivity examined by species-specific PCR (9.9%) is higher than examined by blood smear (4.6%). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Babesia species detected in Taiwan were genetically affiliated to the genotypes of B. microti, and can be easily distinguished from other genotypes of Babesia parasites by neighbour-joining and maximum-parsimony methods. Intra- and inter-species analysis also indicate that all these Taiwan species have a lower level of genetic divergence (genetic distance values <0.084) within the genotypes of B. microti, and were genetically more distant to other genotypes (>0.218) of Babesia parasites. This study provides the first evidence of B. microti identified in R. losea in Taiwan, and the high prevalence of Babesia infection in R. losea may imply its possible role served as reservoir host for maintaining an enzoonotic cycle of Babesia transmission in Kinmen Island. The possible vector tick responsible for the transmission of Babesia infection need to be further identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Ching Yu
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Chao LL, Shih CM. Molecular analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae), an incriminated vector tick for Babesia vogeli in Taiwan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 70:469-481. [PMID: 27815655 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-016-0094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The genetic identity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick was determined for the first time in Taiwan. The phylogenetic relationships were analyzed by comparing the sequences of mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA gene obtained from 32 strains of ticks representing six species of Rhipicephalus, two species of Dermacentor and two outgroup species (Haemaphysalis inermis and Ixodes ricinus). Seven major clades can be easily distinguished by neighbour-joining analysis and were congruent by maximum-parsimony method. All R. sanguineus ticks of Taiwan were genetically affiliated to the tropical lineage group of R. sanguineus sensu lato with highly homogeneous sequence (99.7-100% similarity), and can be discriminated from the temperate lineage group of Rhipicephalus sp. II and R. turanicus with a sequence divergence ranging from 1.7 to 5.2%. In contrast, the nucleotide variations among other Rhipicephalus spp. and other species/genus of ticks compared with the R. sanguineus ticks of Taiwan were measured from 10.6 to 25.5%. Moreover, intra- and inter-species analysis based on the genetic distance (GD) values indicated a lower level (GD < 0.003) within tropical lineage group compared with temperate lineage group (GD > 0.055) of Rhipicephalus, as well as other (GD > 0.129) and outgroup (GD > 0.236) species. Our results provide the first genetic identification of R. sanguineus ticks collected from Taiwan and demonstrate that all these R. sanguineus of Taiwan affiliated to the tropical lineage group of R. sanguineus sensu lato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, ROC.
- M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Gorenflot A, Moubri K, Precigout E, Carcy B, Schetters TPM. Human babesiosis. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00034983.1998.11813307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Ord RL, Lobo CA. Human Babesiosis: Pathogens, Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 2:173-181. [PMID: 26594611 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-015-0025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Babesia genus, primarily in the Northeastern and Midwest United States due to B. microti, and Western Europe due to B. divergens. Parasites are transmitted by the bite of the ixodid tick when the vector takes a blood meal from the vertebrate host, and the economic importance of bovine babesiosis is well understood. The pathology of human disease is a direct result of the parasite's ability to invade host's red blood cells. The current understanding of human babesiosis epidemiology is that many infections remain asymptomatic, especially in younger or immune competent individuals, and the burden of severe pathology resides within older or immunocompromised individuals. However, transfusion-transmitted babesiosis is an emerging threat to public health as asymptomatic carriers donate blood and there are as yet no licensed or regulated tests to screen blood products for this pathogen. Reports of tick-borne cases within new geographical regions such as the Pacific Northwest of the US, through Eastern Europe, and into China are also on the rise. Further, new Babesia spp. have been identified globally as agents of severe human babesiosis, suggesting that the epidemiology of this disease is rapidly changing, and it is clear that human babesiosis is a serious public health concern that requires close monitoring and effective intervention measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalynn Louise Ord
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Cheryl A Lobo
- Department of Blood-Borne Parasites, Lindsley Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Suwannarong K, Chapman RS, Lantican C, Michaelides T, Zimicki S. Hunting, Food Preparation, and Consumption of Rodents in Lao PDR. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26196134 PMCID: PMC4511002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 29 villages of Khamkeuth District in Bolikhamxay Province in the Lao PDR during March to May 2013. The study aimed to determine the characteristics associated with rodent consumption and related behaviors among different ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Five-hundred-eighty-four (584) males and females from 18-50 years of age participated in this study. Half of them were Hmong (292, 50%) while 152 respondents were Lao-Tai (26%) or other ethnic groups (140, 24%). Most of the respondents (79.5%) had farming as their main occupation. Prevalences of the studied outcomes were high: 39.9 for hunting or capturing rodents in the previous year, 77.7% for preparing rodents as food, and 86.3% for rodent consumption. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that likelihood of these types of rodent contact was more consistently associated with behavioral factors (gathering things from the forest and elsewhere, cultivation-related activities, and taking measures to prevent rodent-borne disease) than with socio-demographic, environmental, or cultural factors. The strongest associations were observed for gathering things; these associations were consistently positive and statistically significant. Although this study did not directly assess rodent-borne zoonosis risk, we believe that study findings raise concern that such risk may be substantial in the study area and other similar areas. Further epidemiological studies on the association between rodent-borne disease infection and rodent hunting, preparation for food, and consumption are recommended. Moreover, further studies are needed on the association between these potential exposure factors (i.e., rodent hunting, preparation for food, and consumption) and rodent-borne infections, especially among ethnic groups like the Hmong in Lao PDR and those in neighboring countries with similar socio-demographic, environmental, behavioral and cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- FHI 360, Asia-Pacific Regional Office (APRO), Bangkok, Thailand
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert S. Chapman
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Tula Michaelides
- FHI 360, Washington DC Office, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Susan Zimicki
- FHI 360, Washington DC Office, Washington DC, United States of America
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Zhou X, Xia S, Huang JL, Tambo E, Zhuge HX, Zhou XN. Human babesiosis, an emerging tick-borne disease in the People's Republic of China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:509. [PMID: 25403908 PMCID: PMC4254216 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a typical zoonotic, emerging disease caused by a tick-borne intraerythrocytic protozoan of Babesia spp. that also can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Babesiosis imposes an increasing public-health threat. We reviewed and mapped epidemiological studies on Babesia in vectors and/or rodents in the People’s Republic of China (P.R. China) and found that B. microti was the predominant species detected in the investigated regions such as Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, Fujian provinces and Taiwan island. We reviewed a series of sporadic human babesiosis cases collected from 1940’s to 2013, in Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Taiwan and Zhejiang and other regions including a main endemic area of malaria on the China-Myanmar border areas in P.R. China. Clinical manifestations of human babesiosis were also reviewed. Human babesiosis may have previously been overlooked in P.R. China due to a lack of medical awareness and the limitation of clinical diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, No.199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shang Xia
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ji-Lei Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, No.199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ernest Tambo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Biochemistry Department, Centers for Sustainable Malaria Control, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Hong-Xiang Zhuge
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, No.199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis; Key Laboratory of Parasite & Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Nakayima J, Hayashida K, Nakao R, Ishii A, Ogawa H, Nakamura I, Moonga L, Hang'ombe BM, Mweene AS, Thomas Y, Orba Y, Sawa H, Sugimoto C. Detection and characterization of zoonotic pathogens of free-ranging non-human primates from Zambia. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:490. [PMID: 25358853 PMCID: PMC4221724 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife may harbor infectious pathogens that are of zoonotic concern acting as a reservoir of diseases transmissible to humans and domestic animals. This is due to human-wildlife conflicts that have become more frequent and severe over recent decades, competition for the available natural habitats and resources leading to increased human encroachment on previously wild and uninhabited areas. Methods A total of 88 spleen DNA samples from baboons and vervet monkeys from Zambia were tested for zoonotic pathogens using genus or species-specific PCR. The amplified products were then subjected to sequencing analysis. Results We detected three different pathogenic agents, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 12 samples (13.6%), Rickettsia spp. in 35 samples (39.8%) and Babesia spp. in 2 samples (2.3%). Conclusion The continuously increasing contacts between humans and primate populations raise concerns about transmission of pathogens between these groups. Therefore, increased medical and public awareness and public health surveillance support will be required to detect and control infections caused by these agents at the interface between humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesca Nakayima
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan. .,National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P.O. Box 96, Tororo, Uganda.
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan.
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Unit of Risk Analysis and Management, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan.
| | - Akihiro Ishii
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Hirohito Ogawa
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Ichiro Nakamura
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan.
| | - Ladslav Moonga
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Bernard M Hang'ombe
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Aaron S Mweene
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Yuka Thomas
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, PO Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20, W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan.
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Emergence of human babesiosis along the border of China with Myanmar: detection by PCR and confirmation by sequencing. Emerg Microbes Infect 2014; 3:e55. [PMID: 26038750 PMCID: PMC4150284 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2014.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne, zoonotic disease caused by Babesia spp. Two cases of babesiosis were detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Yunnan province, China, and further confirmed by molecular assay. The blood smears showed intraerythrocytic ring form and tetrads typical of small B. microti. In both cases, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) ruled out the possibility of co-infections with malaria. Neither case was initially diagnosed because of the low Babesia parasitemia. These two cases of babesiosis in areas along the Myanmar–China border pose the question of the emergence of this under recognized infection in countries or areas where malaria is endemic.
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Chen Z, Liu Q, Liu JQ, Xu BL, Lv S, Xia S, Zhou XN. Tick-borne pathogens and associated co-infections in ticks collected from domestic animals in central China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:237. [PMID: 24886497 PMCID: PMC4045914 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks can transmit a number of pathogens to humans and domestic animals. Tick borne diseases (TBDs), which may lead to organ failure and death have been recently reported in China. 98.75% of the total cases (>1000) in Henan provinces have been reported in Xinyang city. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the fauna of ticks and detect the potential pathogens in ticks in Xinyang, the region of central China. Methods Ticks were collected from 10 villages of Xinyang from April to December 2012, from domestic animals including sheep, cattle and dogs. Then identification of ticks and detection of tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Leishmania infantum, were undertaken by using polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) and sequence analysis. Moreover, the co-infection patterns of various pathogens were compared among locations where ticks were collected. Results A total of 308 ticks were collected. Two species of Ixodidae were found, namely Haemaphysalis longicornis (96.75%) and Rhipicephalus microplus (3.25%). Five genera of pathogens, namely Theileria spp. (3.25%), Anaplasma spp. (2.92%), Babesia spp. (1.95%), Ehrlichia spp. (2.92%) and Rickettsia spp. (0.65%), were detected in 7 villages. Co-infections by two pathogens were diagnosed in 11.11% of all infected ticks. Conclusions Both human and animal pathogens were abundant in ticks in the study areas. Humans and animals in these regions were at a high risk of exposure to piroplasmosis, since piroplasm had the highest rates of infection and co-infection in positive ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Bonnet S, Michelet L, Moutailler S, Cheval J, Hébert C, Vayssier-Taussat M, Eloit M. Identification of parasitic communities within European ticks using next-generation sequencing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2753. [PMID: 24675738 PMCID: PMC3967966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk assessment of tick-borne and zoonotic disease emergence necessitates sound knowledge of the particular microorganisms circulating within the communities of these major vectors. Assessment of pathogens carried by wild ticks must be performed without a priori, to allow for the detection of new or unexpected agents. Methodology/Principal Findings We evaluated the potential of Next-Generation Sequencing techniques (NGS) to produce an inventory of parasites carried by questing ticks. Sequences corresponding to parasites from two distinct genera were recovered in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Eastern France: Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Four Babesia species were identified, three of which were zoonotic: B. divergens, Babesia sp. EU1 and B. microti; and one which infects cattle, B. major. This is the first time that these last two species have been identified in France. This approach also identified new sequences corresponding to as-yet unknown organisms similar to tropical Theileria species. Conclusions/Significance Our findings demonstrate the capability of NGS to produce an inventory of live tick-borne parasites, which could potentially be transmitted by the ticks, and uncovers unexpected parasites in Western Europe. Diseases transmitted by ticks have diverse etiology (viral, bacterial, parasitic) and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates around the world, both in humans and animals. The emergence or re-emergence of tick-borne diseases is increasingly becoming a problem as the geographical distribution of several tick species is expanding, as well as the numbers of potential or known tick-borne pathogens are constantly evolving. It is thus necessary to know which microorganisms circulate within communities of this major vector to ensure adequate epidemiological surveillance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Next-Generation Sequencing techniques (NGS) to produce, without a priori, an inventory of both predicted and non-expected parasites carried by Ixodes ricinus, the most prevalent human biting tick in France. Our findings suggest that NGS strategies could be used to produce an inventory of live parasites residing in ticks from a selected area, thereby expanding our knowledge base of tick-associated parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bonnet
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Lorraine Michelet
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- USC INRA Bartonella-tiques, UMR BIPAR ENVA-ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | | | | | - Marc Eloit
- PathoQuest SAS, Paris, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR 1161 Virologie ENVA, INRA, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratory of Pathogen Discovery, Paris, France
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Yabsley MJ, Shock BC. Natural history of Zoonotic Babesia: Role of wildlife reservoirs. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2013; 2:18-31. [PMID: 24533312 PMCID: PMC3862492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease on all inhabited continents and various wildlife species are the principal reservoir hosts for zoonotic Babesia species. The primary vectors of Babesia are Ixodid ticks, with the majority of zoonotic species being transmitted by species in the genus Ixodes. Species of Babesia vary in their infectivity, virulence and pathogenicity for people. Various factors (e.g., increased interactions between people and the environment, increased immunosuppression, changes in landscape and climate, and shifts in host and vector species abundance and community structures) have led to an increase in tick-borne diseases in people, including babesiosis. Furthermore, because babesiosis is now a reportable disease in several states in the United States, and it is the most common blood transfusion-associated parasite, recognized infections are expected to increase. Because of the zoonotic nature of these parasites, it is essential that we understand the natural history (especially reservoirs and vectors) so that appropriate control and prevention measures can be implemented. Considerable work has been conducted on the ecology of Babesia microti and Babesia divergens, the two most common causes of babesiosis in the United States and Europe, respectively. However, unfortunately, for many of the zoonotic Babesia species, the reservoir(s) and/or tick vector(s) are unknown. We review the current knowledge regarding the ecology of Babesia among their reservoir and tick hosts with an emphasis of the role on wildlife as reservoirs. We hope to encourage the molecular characterization of Babesia from potential reservoirs and vectors as well from people. These data are necessary so that informed decisions can be made regarding potential vectors and the potential role of wildlife in the ecology of a novel Babesia when it is detected in a human patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Yabsley
- Corresponding author. Address: The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, 589 DW Brooks Drive, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Tel.: +1 706 542 1741; fax: +1 706 542 5865.
| | - Barbara C. Shock
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- The Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Saito-Ito A, Kasahara M, Kasai M, Dantrakool A, Kawai A, Fujita H, Yano Y, Kawabata H, Takada N. Survey ofBabesia microtiInfection in Field Rodents in Japan: Records of the Kobe-Type in New Foci and Findings of a New Type Related to the Otsu-Type. Microbiol Immunol 2013; 51:15-24. [PMID: 17237595 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2007.tb03886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Of 247 rodents comprising 5 genera and 7 species collected at 17 sites throughout Japan from 2003 to 2005, Babesia microti was detected microscopically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 36 rodents comprising 2 genera and 3 species from 12 sites. Based on the analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSUrDNA) sequences, the Kobe-type, the etiological type of the first Japanese case of human infection was found in Apodemus speciosus and Apodemus argenteus in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of the Japanese mainland, while the U.S.-type was found on Hokkaido Island and the Otsu-type was widely distributed. In addition, a new Otsu-related type was detected exclusively in Eothenomys andersoni in Nagano, a prefecture in central Japan. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer 1 to 2 (ITS1/2) of the present Kobe- and Otsu-types were almost identical to those of the same types previously identified. The ITS1/2 sequence of the U.S.-type identified in Hokkaido in this survey was somewhat different from that of the U.S.-type strain originating from the U.S.A., with approximately 95% identity. This value was similar to the 94% identity found between the ITS1/2 sequences of the Otsu-type and the new Otsu-related type. The new Otsu-related type of B. microti was isolated as the Nagano strain, which was serologically differentiated from the other type strains of B. microti. The divergence and distribution of genotypes are important factors in investigating the epidemiology of human B. microti infection in Japan.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Babesia microti/classification
- Babesia microti/genetics
- Babesia microti/isolation & purification
- Babesiosis/epidemiology
- Babesiosis/parasitology
- Babesiosis/veterinary
- Cricetinae
- DNA, Intergenic/analysis
- DNA, Intergenic/chemistry
- DNA, Intergenic/genetics
- DNA, Protozoan/analysis
- DNA, Protozoan/chemistry
- DNA, Protozoan/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- Japan/epidemiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rodent Diseases/epidemiology
- Rodent Diseases/parasitology
- Rodentia
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Saito-Ito
- Section of Parasitology, Division of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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Human babesiosis in Europe: what clinicians need to know. Infection 2013; 41:1057-72. [PMID: 24104943 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-013-0526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although best known as an animal disease, human babesiosis is attracting increasing attention as a worldwide emerging zoonosis. Humans are commonly infected by the bite of ixodid ticks. Rare ways of transmission are transplacental, perinatal and transfusion-associated. Infection of the human host can cause a very severe host-mediated pathology including fever, and hemolysis leading to anemia, hyperbilirubinuria, hemoglobinuria and possible organ failure. In recent years, apparently owing to increased medical awareness and better diagnostic methods, the number of reported cases in humans is rising steadily worldwide. Hitherto unknown zoonotic Babesia spp. are now being reported from geographic areas where babesiosis was not previously known to occur and the growing numbers of travelers and immunocompromised individuals suggest that the frequency of cases in Europe will also continue to rise. Our review is intended to provide clinicians with practical information on the clinical management of this rare, but potentially life-threatening zoonotic disease. It covers epidemiology, phylogeny, diagnostics and treatment of human babesiosis and the potential risk of transfusion-transmitted disease with a special focus on the European situation.
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Co-infections with Babesia microti and Plasmodium parasites along the China-Myanmar border. Infect Dis Poverty 2013; 2:24. [PMID: 24090043 PMCID: PMC3819642 DOI: 10.1186/2049-9957-2-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Babesiosis is an emerging health risk in several parts of the world. However, little is known about the prevalence of Babesia in malaria-endemic countries. The area along the China-Myanmar border in Yunnan is a main endemic area of malaria in P.R. China, however, human infection with Babesia microti (B. microti) is not recognized in this region, and its profile of co-infection is not yet clear. Methods To understand its profile of co-infections with B. microti, our investigation was undertaken in the malaria-endemic area along the China-Myanmar border in Yunnan between April 2012 and June 2013. Four parasite species, including B. microti, Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), P. vivax, and P. malariae, were identified among 449 suspected febrile persons detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes of B. microti and Plasmodium spp. Results Of all the collected samples from febrile patients, mono-infection with B. microti, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. malariae accounted for 1.8% (8/449), 9.8% (44/449), 2.9% (13/449), and 0.2% (1/449), respectively. The rate of mixed infections of B. microti with P. falciparum or P. vivax are both 0.2% (1/449), and mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax accounted for 1.1% (5/449). Conclusions This report supports the hypothesis that babesiosis caused by B. microti is emerging along the China-Myanmar border in the Yunnan province, P.R. China, but it was ignored because of low parasitemia or mixed infection with Plasmodium spp. More sensitive and specific diagnosis methods are needed to find the rapid response mechanism of emergency for babesiosis and malaria co-prevalence areas.
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Cao S, Luo Y, Aboge GO, Terkawi MA, Masatani T, Suzuki H, Igarashi I, Nishikawa Y, Xuan X. Identification and characterization of an interspersed repeat antigen of Babesia microti (BmIRA). Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:346-52. [PMID: 23291346 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this report, a novel gene encoding an interspersed repeat antigen from Babesia microti (BmIRA) was identified and described. The full-length cDNA containing an open reading frame of 1,947 bp was obtained by immunoscreening a B. microti cDNA expression library. The full-length of BmIRA gene was expressed as a GST fusion recombinant BmIRA (rBmIRA) in Escherichia coli. Sera of mice immunized with the rBmIRA detected a native parasite protein with a molecular mass of 76 kDa on Western blot analysis. The same protein was detected in the parasites by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using rBmIRA detected specific antibodies as early as 11 days post-infection in sera from a hamster experimentally infected with B. microti Gray stain (US type). Furthermore, a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) using rBmIRA detected specific antibodies in a hamster experimentally infected with B. microti from day 11 to at least day 180 post-infection. The results indicate the antibody response against the rBmIRA was maintained during the chronic stage of infection. On the other hand, an immunoprotective property of rBmIRA as a subunit vaccine was evaluated in hamsters against B. microti challenge, but no significant protection was observed. Our data suggest that the immunodominant antigen BmIRA could be a useful serodiagnostic antigen for screening of B. microti infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinuo Cao
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Chao LL, Liu LL, Shih CM. Prevalence and molecular identification of Borrelia spirochetes in Ixodes granulatus ticks collected from Rattus losea on Kinmen Island of Taiwan. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:167. [PMID: 22882955 PMCID: PMC3425317 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes granulatus is widely distributed in various countries of Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Although this tick species is presumed to be the vector for the enzoonotic transmission of Borrelia spirochetes in the Taiwan area, the prevalence of infection and genetic diversity of Borrelia spirochetes harbored by this tick species need to be further determined. METHODS DNA extraction was performed from individual tick specimens collected from Rattus losea on Kinmen Island of Taiwan. Borrelia infection in I. granulatus ticks was detected by performing a specific PCR assay based on the 5S-23S intergenic spacer amplicon gene of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. The genetic identities of detected spirochetes were identified by gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Borrelia infection was detected in nymph, male, and female stages of Ixodes granulatus ticks with an infection rate of 42.9%, 36%, and 52.7%, respectively. Genospecies identification reveals that B. valaisiana is the main genotype (70.7%) as compared to the genotype of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (15.4%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these detected spirochetes were genetically affiliated to the genospecies B. valaisiana and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, with a high sequence homology within the genospecies of B. valaisiana (95.8 to 100%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (97.2 to 100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the significance of high prevalence and genetic diversity of Borrelia spirochetes in I. granulatus ticks collected from Rattus losea on Kinmen Island of Taiwan. Intraspecific analysis also revealed that B. valaisiana species detected in Kinmen Island can be easily distinguished from the European group of B. valaisiana and other genospecies of Borrelia spirochetes. This may imply an enzoonotic cycle between I. granulatus ticks and rodent hosts that maintains Borrelia spirochetes in Kinmen Island as well as Southeast Asia.
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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, Republic of China
| | - Li-Ling Liu
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chien-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Pathology and Parasitology, Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Research Center for Biotechnology and Medicine Policy, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Vannier
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
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50
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Chao LL, Shih CM. First report of human biting activity of Ixodes acutitarsus (Acari: Ixodidae) collected in Taiwan. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 56:159-164. [PMID: 22160832 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-011-9504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes acutitarsus is said to be the largest Ixodes tick in the world. Human biting activity of I. acutitarsus was reported for the first time in Taiwan. Ticks were observed from April to December and collected from infested humans during trips to the mountainous areas of northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan. Host range, seasonal prevalence, and the vectorial capacity of I. acutitarsus ticks for various human pathogens need to be further identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Chao
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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