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Konopka JA, Sacks HA, Castañeda PG, Carter CW. Surgical (over) treatment of pediatric Lyme arthritis: a need for faster Borrelia testing. J Pediatr Orthop B 2023; 32:497-503. [PMID: 36445377 DOI: 10.1097/bpb.0000000000001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric Lyme arthritis is described but not well-characterized in urban populations. Similarities in clinical features between Lyme and septic arthritis also results in some patients with Lyme arthritis undergoing surgical treatment. The aims of this study are to (1) characterize Lyme arthritis in an urban population and (2) determine what factors predispose patients with Lyme arthritis to undergoing surgery. We performed a retrospective review of children with Lyme arthritis at a single academic institution in New York City from 2016 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were age ≤18 years, involvement of a major joint, and positive Lyme serology. Patients treated with irrigation and debridement were compared to those treated non-surgically using Chi-squared tests with a significance of P < 0.05. A total of 106 children with Lyme arthritis were included. Mean age was 9.5 years; 61.3% were male, and 71.7% were Caucasian. 46.2% lived in regions with an average household income >$100 000; 70.8% had private insurance. Ten patients (9.4%) underwent surgery for suspected septic arthritis. The operative group was more likely to have an elevated heart rate, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate level and synovial cell count ( P < 0.05). Patients were more likely to undergo surgery if they presented to the emergency department than to the clinic ( P = 0.03). The average time for a Lyme test to result was 43.5 h, averaging 8.7 h after the surgical start time. Lyme arthritis occurs commonly in an urban pediatric population. Surgery is performed in ~10% of Lyme arthritis patients. More efficient diagnostic tests may reduce this rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Konopka
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York, USA
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Heywood BR, Morgan CL, Berni TR, Summers DR, Jones BI, Jenkins-Jones S, Holden SE, Riddick LD, Fisher H, Bateman JD, Bannister CA, Threlfall J, Buxton A, Shepherd CP, Mathias ER, Thomason RK, Hubbuck E, Currie CJ. Real-world evidence from the first online healthcare analytics platform-Livingstone. Validation of its descriptive epidemiology module. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000310. [PMID: 37490430 PMCID: PMC10368254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Incidence and prevalence are key epidemiological determinants characterizing the quantum of a disease. We compared incidence and prevalence estimates derived automatically from the first ever online, essentially real-time, healthcare analytics platform-Livingstone-against findings from comparable peer-reviewed studies in order to validate the descriptive epidemiology module. The source of routine NHS data for Livingstone was the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). After applying a general search strategy looking for any disease or condition, 76 relevant studies were first retrieved, of which 10 met pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings reported in these studies were compared with estimates produced automatically by Livingstone. The published reports described elements of the epidemiology of 14 diseases or conditions. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to evaluate the concordance between findings from Livingstone and those detailed in the published studies. The concordance of incidence values in the final year reported by each study versus Livingstone was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.89-0.98), whilst for all annual incidence values the concordance was 0.93 (0.91-0.94). For prevalence, concordance for the final annual prevalence reported in each study versus Livingstone was 1.00 (0.99-1.00) and for all reported annual prevalence values, the concordance was 0.93 (0.90-0.95). The concordance between Livingstone and the latest published findings was near perfect for prevalence and substantial for incidence. For the first time, it is now possible to automatically generate reliable descriptive epidemiology from routine health records, and in near-real time. Livingstone provides the first mechanism to rapidly generate standardised, descriptive epidemiology for all clinical events from real world data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Heywood
- Human Data Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Threlfall
- Human Data Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Computing, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Aron Buxton
- Human Data Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elgan R Mathias
- Human Data Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Craig J Currie
- Human Data Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Hansford KM, Gandy SL, Gillingham EL, McGinley L, Cull B, Johnston C, Catton M, Medlock JM. Mapping and monitoring tick (Acari, Ixodida) distribution, seasonality, and host associations in the United Kingdom between 2017 and 2020. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:152-163. [PMID: 36309852 PMCID: PMC10092223 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne disease risk is intrinsically linked to the distribution of tick vector species. To assess risk and anticipate disease emergence, an understanding of tick distribution, host associations, and seasonality is needed. This can be achieved, to some extent, using passive surveillance supported by engagement with the public, animal health, and public health experts. The Tick Surveillance Scheme (TSS) collects data and maps tick distribution across the United Kingdom (UK). Between 2017 and 2020, 3720 tick records were received and 39 tick species were detected. Most records were acquired in the UK, with a subset associated with recent overseas travel. The dominant UK acquired species was Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Linnaeus), the main vector of Lyme borreliosis. Records peaked during May and June, highlighting a key risk period for tick bites. Other key UK species were detected, including Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius) and Haemaphysalis punctata (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Canestrini & Fanzago) as well as several rarer species that may present novel tick-borne disease risk to humans and other animals. Updated tick distribution maps highlight areas in the UK where tick exposure has occurred. There is evidence of increasing human tick exposure over time, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, but seasonal patterns remain unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara L. Gandy
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Liz McGinley
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Colin Johnston
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Matthew Catton
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses EcologyUK Health Security AgencyPorton DownUK
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Hassenstein MJ, Janzen I, Krause G, Harries M, Melhorn V, Kerrinnes T, Kemmling Y, Castell S. Seroepidemiology of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. among German National Cohort (NAKO) Participants, Hanover. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2286. [PMID: 36422355 PMCID: PMC9694946 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the leading tick-related illness in Europe, caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi s.l. Lower Saxony, Germany, including its capital, Hanover, has a higher proportion of infected ticks than central European countries, justifying a research focus on the potential human consequences. The current knowledge gap on human incident infections, particularly in Western Germany, demands serological insights, especially regarding a potentially changing climate-related tick abundance and activity. We determined the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) serostatuses for 8009 German National Cohort (NAKO) participants from Hanover, examined in 2014-2018. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as the screening and a line immunoblot as confirmation for the Borrelia Burgdorferi s.l. antibodies. We weighted the seropositivity proportions to estimate general population seropositivity and estimated the force of infection (FOI). Using logistic regression, we investigated risk factors for seropositivity. Seropositivity was 3.0% (IgG) and 2.1% (IgM). The FOI varied with age, sharply increasing in participants aged ≥40 years. We confirmed advancing age and male sex as risk factors. We reported reduced odds for seropositivity with increasing body mass index and depressive symptomatology, respectively, pointing to an impact of lifestyle-related behaviors. The local proportion of seropositive individuals is comparable to previous estimates for northern Germany, indicating a steady seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J. Hassenstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- PhD Programme “Epidemiology” Braunschweig-Hannover, Germany
| | - Irina Janzen
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- Hanover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture of the Hannover Medical School and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Harries
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Vanessa Melhorn
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tobias Kerrinnes
- Department of RNA-Biology of Bacterial Infections, Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Research, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Kemmling
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Castell
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
- TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture of the Hannover Medical School and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in North America and Europe. The etiologic agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is transmitted to humans by certain species of Ixodes ticks, which are found widely in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. Clinical features are diverse but death is rare. The risk of human infection is determined by the distribution and abundance of vector ticks, ecologic factors influencing tick infection rates, and human behaviors that promote tick bite. Rates of infection are highest among children aged 5 to 15 years and adults aged more than 50 years. In the northeastern United States where disease is most common, exposure occurs primarily in areas immediately around the home. Knowledge of disease epidemiology is important for patient management and proper diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mead
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3156 Rampart Road, Ft Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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Regional seropositivity for Borrelia burgdorferi and associated risk factors: findings from the Rhineland Study, Germany. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:241. [PMID: 35786209 PMCID: PMC9252056 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05354-z] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in Europe, and numbers might increase due to climate change. However, borreliosis is not notifiable in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. Hence, little is known about the current human seroprevalence in NRW. However, the proportion of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-infected ticks has increased in a NRW nature reserve. The literature suggests increasing age and male sex as risk factors for seropositivity, whereas the influence of socioeconomic status is controversial. Thus, we aimed to determine regional seropositivity for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) and its risk factors in the Rhineland Study population in Bonn, NRW, and to compare it with previous surveys to evaluate potential effects of climate change. Methods We assessed seropositivity in 2865 Rhineland Study participants by determining immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies for B. burgdorferi s.l. using a two-step algorithm combining enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests and line immunoblots. We calculated the odds of being classified as IgG or IgM positive as a function of age, sex, and educational level using binomial logistic regression models. We applied varying seropositivity classifications and weights considering age, sex and education to compensate for differences between the sample and regional population characteristics. Results IgG antibodies for B. burgdorferi s.l. were present in 2.4% and IgM antibodies in 0.6% of the participants (weighted: 2.2% [IgG], 0.6% [IgM]). The likelihood of IgG seropositivity increased by 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–5.2%) per 1 year increase in age. Men had 1.65 times the odds for IgG seropositivity as women (95% CI 1.01–2.73), and highly educated participants had 1.83 times the odds (95% CI 1.10–3.14) as participants with an intermediate level of education. We found no statistically significant link between age, sex, or education and IgM seropositivity. Our weighted and age-standardized IgG seroprevalence was comparable to the preceding serosurvey German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS) for NRW. Conclusions We confirmed that increasing age and male sex are associated with increased odds for IgG seropositivity and provide evidence for increased seropositivity in the highly educated group. B. burgdorferi s.l. seropositivity remained constant over the past decade in this regional German population. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Johnson N, Phipps LP, Hansford KM, Folly AJ, Fooks AR, Medlock JM, Mansfield KL. One Health Approach to Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance in the United Kingdom. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105833. [PMID: 35627370 PMCID: PMC9142090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Where ticks are found, tick-borne diseases can present a threat to human and animal health. The aetiology of many of these important diseases, including Lyme disease, bovine babesiosis, tick-borne fever and louping ill, have been known for decades whilst others have only recently been documented in the United Kingdom (UK). Further threats such as the importation of exotic ticks through human activity or bird migration, combined with changes to either the habitat or climate could increase the risk of tick-borne disease persistence and transmission. Prevention of tick-borne diseases for the human population and animals (both livestock and companion) is dependent on a thorough understanding of where and when pathogen transmission occurs. This information can only be gained through surveillance that seeks to identify where tick populations are distributed, which pathogens are present within those populations, and the periods of the year when ticks are active. To achieve this, a variety of approaches can be applied to enhance knowledge utilising a diverse range of stakeholders (public health professionals and veterinarians through to citizen scientists). Without this information, the application of mitigation strategies to reduce pathogen transmission and impact is compromised and the ability to monitor the effects of climate change or landscape modification on the risk of tick-borne disease is more challenging. However, as with many public and animal health interventions, there needs to be a cost-benefit assessment on the most appropriate intervention applied. This review will assess the challenges of tick-borne diseases in the UK and argue for a cross-disciplinary approach to their surveillance and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Johnson
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (L.P.P.); (A.J.F.); (K.L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lawrence Paul Phipps
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (L.P.P.); (A.J.F.); (K.L.M.)
| | - Kayleigh M. Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down SP4 0JG, UK; (K.M.H.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Arran J. Folly
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (L.P.P.); (A.J.F.); (K.L.M.)
| | - Anthony R. Fooks
- International Development Team, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down SP4 0JG, UK; (K.M.H.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Karen L. Mansfield
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (L.P.P.); (A.J.F.); (K.L.M.)
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Kalmár Z, Briciu V, Coroian M, Flonta M, Rădulescu AL, Topan A, Mihalca AD, Lupșe M. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy blood donors in Romania: an update. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:596. [PMID: 34863277 PMCID: PMC8645117 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05099-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genogroup is the causative agent responsible for Lyme borreliosis, a common tick-borne infectious disease in some temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In humans, the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis vary from dermatological infection to severe systemic manifestations. In Romania, data on the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis and associated risk factors are scarce and outdated, as the only seroprevalence study with a large dataset was published more than 20 years ago. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in healthy blood donors from six Romanian counties and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS The study was conducted among 1200 healthy blood donors aged between 18 and 65 years during November 2019 and September 2020 from six counties in the northwestern and central parts of Romania. A two-tiered testing strategy was applied. Positive and equivocal immunoenzymatic test results for IgG and IgM antibodies were further confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS Serum samples from 20% of the blood donors had positive or equivocal IgG and IgM ELISA index values. In total, 2.3% of the serum samples for IgG and 1.8% for IgM were positive by Western blot. The seroprevalence for both antibodies varied between 1.5% (Satu-Mare) and 6.5% (Bistrița-Năsăud) in the six counties investigated. The highest seroprevalence was observed in men (4.7%), in blood donors performing their professional activities outdoors (4.2%), and in those aged ≥ 56 years (8%). CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the presence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. among healthy blood donors from Romania. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as gender, age, and behavior, associated with the presence of positive B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies among healthy blood donors were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Kalmár
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Violeta Briciu
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mircea Coroian
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Flonta
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Adriana Topan
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Haider S, Thayakaran R, Subramanian A, Toulis KA, Moore D, Price MJ, Nirantharakumar K. Disease burden of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and their future projections in the UK: cross-sectional analyses of a primary care database. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050058. [PMID: 34253675 PMCID: PMC8276304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the current disease burden, trends and future projections for diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD). PARTICIPANTS/DESIGN/SETTING We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged 12 and above to determine the prevalence of DM and DR from the IMRD database (primary care database) in January 2017, involving a total population of 1 80 824 patients with DM. We also carried out a series of cross-sectional studies to investigate prevalence trends, and then applied a double exponential smoothing model to forecast the future burden of DM and DR in the UK. RESULTS The crude DM prevalence in 2017 was 5.2%. The DR, sight-threatening retinopathy (STR) and diabetic maculopathy prevalence figures in 2017 were 33.78%, 12.28% and 7.86%, respectively, in our IMRD cross-sectional study. There were upward trends in the prevalence of DM, DR and STR, most marked and accelerating in STR in type 1 DM but slowing in type 2 DM, and in the overall prevalence of DR. CONCLUSION Our results suggest differential rising trends in the prevalence of DM and DR. Preventive strategies, as well as treatment services planning, can be based on these projected prevalence estimates. Improvements that are necessary for the optimisation of care pathways, and preparations to meet demand and capacity challenges, can also be based on this information. The limitations of the study can be overcome by a future collaborative study linking DR screening and hospital eye services data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Haider
- Institute Of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rasiah Thayakaran
- Institute Of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - David Moore
- Institute Of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Malcolm James Price
- Institute Of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Cull B. Potential for online crowdsourced biological recording data to complement surveillance for arthropod vectors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250382. [PMID: 33930066 PMCID: PMC8087023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Voluntary contributions by citizen scientists can gather large datasets covering wide geographical areas, and are increasingly utilized by researchers for multiple applications, including arthropod vector surveillance. Online platforms such as iNaturalist accumulate crowdsourced biological observations from around the world and these data could also be useful for monitoring vectors. The aim of this study was to explore the availability of observations of important vector taxa on the iNaturalist platform and examine the utility of these data to complement existing vector surveillance activities. Of ten vector taxa investigated, records were most numerous for mosquitoes (Culicidae; 23,018 records, 222 species) and ticks (Ixodida; 16,214 records, 87 species), with most data from 2019–2020. Case studies were performed to assess whether images associated with records were of sufficient quality to identify species and compare iNaturalist observations of vector species to the known situation at the state, national and regional level based on existing published data. Firstly, tick data collected at the national (United Kingdom) or state (Minnesota, USA) level were sufficient to determine seasonal occurrence and distribution patterns of important tick species, and were able to corroborate and complement known trends in tick distribution. Importantly, tick species with expanding distributions (Haemaphysalis punctata in the UK, and Amblyomma americanum in Minnesota) were also detected. Secondly, using iNaturalist data to monitor expanding tick species in Europe (Hyalomma spp.) and the USA (Haemaphysalis longicornis), and invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Europe, showed potential for tracking these species within their known range as well as identifying possible areas of expansion. Despite known limitations associated with crowdsourced data, this study shows that iNaturalist can be a valuable source of information on vector distribution and seasonality that could be used to supplement existing vector surveillance data, especially at a time when many surveillance programs may have been interrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cull
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Springer A, Glass A, Topp AK, Strube C. Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Temperate and Cold Regions of Europe-A Review on the Prevalence in Domestic Animals. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:604910. [PMID: 33363242 PMCID: PMC7758354 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.604910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens affecting both human and animal health. In temperate and cold regions of Europe (Western, Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe), the most relevant zoonotic tick-borne pathogens are tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. More rarely, Rickettsia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia spp. are identified as a cause of human disease. Domestic animals may also be clinically affected by these pathogens, and, furthermore, can be regarded as sentinel hosts for their occurrence in a certain area, or even play a role as reservoirs or amplifying hosts. For example, viraemic ruminants may transmit TBEV to humans via raw milk products. This review summarizes the role of domestic animals, including ruminants, horses, dogs, and cats, in the ecology of TBEV, Borrelia spp., A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., N. mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia species. It gives an overview on the (sero-)prevalence of these infectious agents in domestic animals in temperate/cold regions of Europe, based on 148 individual prevalence studies. Meta-analyses of seroprevalence in asymptomatic animals estimated an overall seroprevalence of 2.7% for TBEV, 12.9% for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), 16.2% for A. phagocytophilum and 7.4% for Babesia divergens, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses with regard to animal species, diagnostic test, geographical region and decade of sampling were mostly non-significant, with the exception of significantly lower B. burgdorferi s.l. seroprevalences in dogs than in horses and cattle. More surveillance studies employing highly sensitive and specific test methods and including hitherto non-investigated regions are needed to determine if and how global changes in terms of climate, land use, agricultural practices and human behavior impact the frequency of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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