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Kim YJ, Seo JY, Park JS, Kim SY, Aknazarov B, Atabekova N, Lee HI. Molecular Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens from Ticks Infesting Animal Hosts in Kyrgyzstan, 2021. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1046. [PMID: 38930428 PMCID: PMC11205634 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061046] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in 494 engorged ticks collected from various animal hosts, including cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats, in six regions of northern Kyrgyzstan. Ten tick species, belonging to two families and six genera, were identified based on CO1, 16S rRNA, and ITS2 genes: Argas persicus (26.5%), Haemaphysalis punctata (18.0%), Dermacentor spp. (16.0%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (11.8%), R. turanicus (10.9%), D. marginatus (7.7%), Hyalomma scupense (4.5%), Hy. marginatum (3.8%), R. sangineus complex (0.6%), and Ornithodoros lahorensis (0.2%). PCR analysis revealed a 15.0% (74/494) overall infection rate of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. Anaplasma species were found in six tick species and were identified as A. bovis (n = 44), Anaplasma spp. (n = 20), A. ovis (n = 5), and A. capra (n = 2). Ehrlichia species were found only in H. punctata (n = 5) and identified as E. chaffeensis (n = 1) and Ehrlichia spp. (n = 4). Additionally, two H. punctata were co-infected with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. This is the first study to investigate tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from animal hosts in Kyrgyzstan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and emergence of tick-borne infections in Kyrgyzstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Ji Ye Seo
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Jin Seo Park
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Seong Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
| | - Bekbolsun Aknazarov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Nurzina Atabekova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Hee Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 187 Osongsaenmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.K.); (J.Y.S.); (J.S.P.); (S.Y.K.)
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Buysse M, Koual R, Binetruy F, de Thoisy B, Baudrimont X, Garnier S, Douine M, Chevillon C, Delsuc F, Catzeflis F, Bouchon D, Duron O. Detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia bacteria in humans, wildlife, and ticks in the Amazon rainforest. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3988. [PMID: 38734682 PMCID: PMC11088697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48459-y] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne bacteria of the genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma cause several emerging human infectious diseases worldwide. In this study, we conduct an extensive survey for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in the rainforests of the Amazon biome of French Guiana. Through molecular genetics and metagenomics reconstruction, we observe a high indigenous biodiversity of infections circulating among humans, wildlife, and ticks inhabiting these ecosystems. Molecular typing identifies these infections as highly endemic, with a majority of new strains and putative species specific to French Guiana. They are detected in unusual rainforest wild animals, suggesting they have distinctive sylvatic transmission cycles. They also present potential health hazards, as revealed by the detection of Candidatus Anaplasma sparouinense in human red blood cells and that of a new close relative of the human pathogen Ehrlichia ewingii, Candidatus Ehrlichia cajennense, in the tick species that most frequently bite humans in South America. The genome assembly of three new putative species obtained from human, sloth, and tick metagenomes further reveals the presence of major homologs of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma virulence factors. These observations converge to classify health hazards associated with Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in the Amazon biome as distinct from those in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Buysse
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Rachid Koual
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Florian Binetruy
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de Guyane, Cayenne, France
- Association Kwata 'Study and Conservation of Guianan Wildlife', Cayenne, France
| | - Xavier Baudrimont
- Direction Générale des Territoires et de la Mer (DGTM) - Direction de l'environnement, de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation et de la forêt (DEAAF), Cayenne, France
| | - Stéphane Garnier
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 uB/CNRS/EPHE, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Maylis Douine
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, France
| | | | - Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - François Catzeflis
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Bouchon
- EBI, University of Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | - Olivier Duron
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France.
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Matos CA, Nomboro CF, Gonçalves LR, Cala AC, Sitoe CF, Vinte APR, Mondlane CM, André MR, do Carmo Carrilho M. Molecular diagnosis and characterization of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia ruminantium infecting beef cattle of Maputo Province, Mozambique. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:185. [PMID: 38730389 PMCID: PMC11084066 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04045-4] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the Anaplasmataceae family, such as the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species, cause economic losses and public health risks. However, the exact economic impact has not been comprehensively assessed in Mozambique due to limited data available on its basic epidemiology. Therefore, we investigated the molecular occurrence and identity of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. infecting beef cattle in Maputo province, Mozambique. METHODS A total of 200 whole blood samples were collected from apparently healthy beef cattle. Whole blood DNA was extracted and tested for presence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia ruminantium DNA through amplification of the 16S rRNA and map1 genes. Positive samples to Anaplasma spp. were subject to PCR assay targeting the A. marginale-msp5 gene. Amplicons obtained were purified, sequenced and subject to phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS Anaplasma spp., A. marginale and E. ruminantium were detected in 153 (76.5%), 142 (71%) and 19 (9.5%) of all the samples analyzed, respectively. On this same sample group, 19 (9.5%) were co-infected with A. marginale and E. ruminantium. The 16S rRNA sequences of Anaplasma spp. obtained were phylogenetically related to A. marginale, A. centrale and A. platys. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. marginale-msp5 nucleotide sequences were grouped with sequences from Asia, Africa and Latin America, whereas E. ruminantium-map1 DNA nucleotide sequences were positioned in multiple clusters. CONCLUSION Cattle in Maputo Province are reservoirs for multiple Anaplasma species. A high positivity rate of infection by A. marginale was observed, as well as high genetic diversity of E. ruminantium. Furthermore, five new genotypes of E. ruminantium-map1 were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos António Matos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique.
| | | | | | - Aida Cristina Cala
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique
| | - Carlos Francisco Sitoe
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique
| | - Ana Paula Rúpia Vinte
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique
| | - Cristovão Mario Mondlane
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria do Carmo Carrilho
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Direcção de Ciências Animais, Avenida de Moçambique, km 1.5, Bairro do Jardim, Cidade de Maputo, C.P. 1922 , Moçambique
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Obaid MK, Shehla S, Guan G, Rashid M, Shams S. Genotyping of ticks: first molecular report of Hyalomma asiaticum and molecular detection of tick-borne bacteria in ticks and blood from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1346595. [PMID: 38533383 PMCID: PMC10963394 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1346595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) carrying Rickettsiales bacteria have significant importance for both human and animal health. Thus, the purpose of this work was to genetically analyze tick species and their associated Rickettsiales bacteria in animal hosts. In order to achieve these objectives, various animals (including camels, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, and mice) were inspected in four districts (Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, and Karak) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to collect ticks, while blood samples were collected from all the symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle in all four districts. A total of 234 ticks were obtained from 86 out of 143 (60.14%) host animals, which were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, and Hyalomma asiaticum. Among these, their representative ticks (126/234, 53.85%) were processed for molecular confirmation using cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) gene. Obtained cox1 sequences of four different tick species showed 99.72%-100% maximum identity with their corresponding species reported from Pakistan, China, India, and Kazakhstan and clustered phylogenetically. This study presented the first genetic report of Hy. asiaticum ticks in Pakistan. Moreover, genetically confirmed tick species were molecularly analyzed by PCR for detection of Rickettsiales DNA using partial fragments of 16S rDNA, 190-kDa outer membrane protein A (ompA), and 120-kDa outer membrane protein B (ompB) genes. In addition, blood samples were analyzed to identify Rickettsiales bacteria using the aforementioned genes. Rickettsiales bacteria were found in 24/126 (19.05%) ticks and 4/16 (25.00%) in symptomatic cattle's blood. The obtained ompA and ompB sequences from Hy. asiaticum ticks showed 99.73%-99.87% with Candidatus Rickettsia shennongii and unidentified Rickettsia sp., whereas the obtained 16S rDNA sequences from cattle's blood and ticks (Hae. cornupunctata) showed 99.67% highest identity with Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The 16S rDNA sequence of Rickettsiales DNA from Rh. turanicus ticks showed 100% identity with Ehrlichia canis and unidentified Ehrlichia sp. Obtained sequences of Rickettsiales bacteria were grouped along with their respective species in phylogenetic trees, which were previously reported in Greece, Cuba, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, South Korea, and China (mainland and Taiwan). This extensive study explores the wide range of damaging ticks and their corresponding tick-borne bacteria in the area, suggesting a possible danger to both livestock and human communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Kashif Obaid
- 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shehla Shehla
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Muhammad Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sumaira Shams
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Aleman M, Vedavally U, Pusterla N, Wensley F, Berryhill E, Madigan JE. Common and atypical presentations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in equids with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:440-448. [PMID: 38038253 PMCID: PMC10800209 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16964] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive descriptions of equids with granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) with neurologic or muscle disease and other atypical presentations are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome of equids with EGA with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. ANIMALS Thirty-eight horses, 1 donkey. METHODS Retrospective study. Equids with EGA were included. The electronic data base was searched from January 2000 to December 2022 using the words anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, granulocytic, and rickettsia. Signalment and clinical data were reviewed. Data were evaluated for normality using Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used for normally and non-normally distributed data. RESULTS Common (41%) and other (59%) presentations were seen in horses ≥ 4 years of age (median, 14 years) with an overrepresentation of males (77%). Neurologic disease was common (41%), mainly presenting as diffuse symmetrical proprioceptive ataxia. Brain disease was less common manifesting as obtundation and cranial nerve deficits. Muscle disease was less common, with QH breeds with the variant causing myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) having severe disease. Cavitary effusion, cardiomyopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were uncommon. Clinical laboratory results varied depending on disease stage. Muscle enzyme activities were significantly higher in horses with muscle disease. Outcome was favorable with prompt tetracycline treatment. Death and long-term sequelae were not reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Common and atypical presentations of EGA have a favorable outcome with prompt tetracycline treatment. Quarter horse breeds with muscle disease should be genotyped for MYHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ujwala Vedavally
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Fiona Wensley
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Emily Berryhill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - John E. Madigan
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Sharma AK, Ismail N. Non-Canonical Inflammasome Pathway: The Role of Cell Death and Inflammation in Ehrlichiosis. Cells 2023; 12:2597. [PMID: 37998332 PMCID: PMC10670716 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating inflammatory caspases and releasing pro-inflammatory mediators are two essential functions of inflammasomes which are triggered in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The canonical inflammasome pathway involves the activation of inflammasome and its downstream pathway via the adaptor ASC protein, which causes caspase 1 activation and, eventually, the cleavage of pro-IL-1b and pro-IL-18. The non-canonical inflammasome pathway is induced upon detecting cytosolic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by NLRP3 inflammasome in Gram-negative bacteria. The activation of NLRP3 triggers the cleavage of murine caspase 11 (human caspase 4 or caspase 5), which results in the formation of pores (via gasdermin) to cause pyroptosis. Ehrlichia is an obligately intracellular bacterium which is responsible for causing human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a potentially lethal disease similar to toxic shock syndrome and septic shock syndrome. Several studies have indicated that canonical and non-canonical inflammasome activation is a crucial pathogenic mechanism that induces dysregulated inflammation and host cellular death in the pathophysiology of HME. Mechanistically, the activation of canonical and non-canonical inflammasome pathways affected by virulent Ehrlichia infection is due to a block in autophagy. This review aims to explore the significance of non-canonical inflammasomes in ehrlichiosis, and how the pathways involving caspases (with the exception of caspase 1) contribute to the pathophysiology of severe and fatal ehrlichiosis. Improving our understanding of the non-canonical inflammatory pathway that cause cell death and inflammation in ehrlichiosis will help the advancement of innovative therapeutic, preventative, and diagnostic approaches to the treatment of ehrlichiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nahed Ismail
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
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Li R, Ma Z, Zheng W, Xiao Y, Wang Z, Yi J, Wang Y, Chen C. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ats-1 enhances exosome secretion through Syntenin-1. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:271. [PMID: 37759206 PMCID: PMC10523776 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03023-4] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an intracellular obligate parasite that causes granulocytic anaplasmosis. Effector Ats-1 is an important virulence factor of A. phagocytophilum. Multiomics screening and validation has been used to determine that Ats-1 regulates host cell apoptosis and energy metabolism through the respiratory chain mPTP axis. In this study, a total of 19 potential binding proteins of Ats-1 in host cells were preliminarily screened using a yeast two-hybrid assay, and the interaction between syntenin-1 (SDCBP) and Ats-1 was identified through immunoprecipitation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that SDCBP interacted with SDC1, SDC2, and SDC4 and participated in the host exosome secretion pathway. Further studies confirmed that Ats-1 induced the expression of SDC1, SDC2, and SDC4 in HEK293T cells through SDCBP and increased the exosome secretion of these cells. This indicated that SDCBP played an important role in Ats-1 regulating the exosome secretion of the host cells. These findings expand our understanding of the intracellular regulatory mechanism of A. phagocytophilum, which may enhance its own infection and proliferation by regulating host exosome pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Li
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhongchen Ma
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yangyang Xiao
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jihai Yi
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yong Wang
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| | - Chuangfu Chen
- International Research Center for Animal Health Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of High Incidence Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Western China, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
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Cosiquien RJS, Stojiljkovic N, Nordstrom CW, Amadi E, Lutwick L, Dumic I. Anaplasma phagocytophilum Encephalitis: A Case Report and Literature Review of Neurologic Manifestations of Anaplasmosis. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:354-359. [PMID: 37489389 PMCID: PMC10366838 DOI: 10.3390/idr15040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen, causative agent of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA). HGA usually manifests as a non-specific febrile illness, accompanied by evidence of leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and an alteration in liver enzymes. Neurologic manifestations of anaplasmosis are rare and rarely reported. We describe a 62-year-old man who developed encephalitis due to an Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. The patient favorably responded to intravenous doxycycline and recovered without neurological sequela. In the tick endemic area, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for tick-borne diseases in patients presenting with neurological deficits. A prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to improvements in morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nenad Stojiljkovic
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY 10029, USA
| | - Charles W Nordstrom
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
- Mayo Clinic Alix College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Emeka Amadi
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
- Mayo Clinic Alix College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Larry Lutwick
- PROMED, 9 Babcock St, Unit 3, Brookline, MA 02446, USA
| | - Igor Dumic
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA
- Mayo Clinic Alix College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Zeb J, Song B, Khan MA, Senbill H, Aziz MU, Hussain S, Waris A, E-Tabor A, Sparagano OA. Genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in ixodid ticks infesting dogs from Pakistan with notes on Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia raoultii and Dirofilaria immitis detection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:214. [PMID: 37381006 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-/tick-borne pathogens (V/TBPs) pose a potential threat to human and animal health globally. Information regarding canine V/TBPs is scarce and no specific study has been conducted so far to explore the microbial diversity within ticks infesting dogs from Pakistan. Herein, this knowledge gap is addressed by assessing the genetic diversity and prevalence pattern of V/TBPs in ixodid ticks with special implications for public and canine health. METHODS A total of 1150 hard ticks were collected from 300 dogs across central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. After morpho-molecular identification, 120 tick samples were screened for the presence of V/TBPs by amplifying 16S rRNA/gltA (Rickettsia/Ehrlichia and Wolbachia sp.), 18S rRNA (Theileria sp.) and cox1 (Dirofilaria sp.) genes through PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic study. RESULTS In toto, 50 ixodid ticks (50/120, 41.7%) were found positive for V/TBPs DNA. The detected V/TBPs were categorized into five genera and eight species, viz. Ehrlichia (E. canis and Ehrlichia sp.), Rickettsia (R. massiliae, R. raoultii and Rickettsia sp.), Theileria (T. annulata), Dirofilaria (D. immitis) and Wolbachia (Wolbachia sp.). The pathogen prevalence patterns showed that R. massiliae was the most prevalent zoonotic V/TBP (19.5%), followed by E. canis (10.8%), Rickettsia sp. (7.5%), R. raoultii (6.7%), T. annulata (5.8%), D. immitis (5.8%), Wolbachia sp. (4.2%) and Ehrlichia sp. (3.3%), respectively. Among the screened tick species, most Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato samples were found positive for V/TBP DNA (20/20,100%) followed by Rh. turanicus sensu stricto (13/20, 65%), Hyalomma dromedarii (8/20, 40%), Rh. haemaphysaloides (6/20, 30%), Hy. excavatum (2/20, 10%) and Rh. microplus (1/20, 5%). Co-occurrence of V/TBP was also detected in tick specimens (single V/TBP infection: 32 ticks; double and triple: 13 and 5 tick samples). The detected pathogens shared a phylogenetic relationship with similar isolates published in NCBI GenBank from Old and New World countries. CONCLUSION Ixodid ticks infesting dogs harbor a diverse array of V/TBPs including zoonotic agents from Pakistan. Furthermore, the presence of D. immitis in ticks that infest dogs raises the possibility that this parasite has either attained its dead-end host (i.e. the tick) while feeding on dogs or has expanded its range of intermediate/paratenic hosts. Further research work is needed to investigate the epidemiology and confirm the vector competence of screened tick species for these pathogens from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| | - Baolin Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Vector-Borne Diseases Control Unit, District Health Office, Abbottabad, 22010, Pakistan
| | - Haytham Senbill
- Department of Applied Entomology and Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21545, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Umair Aziz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ala E-Tabor
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Olivier Andre Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 518057, 999077, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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10
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Laroche M, Weeks ENI. Vector-borne bacterial diseases: a neglected field of infectious diseases research. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:177-178. [PMID: 36789732 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Laroche
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Emma N I Weeks
- University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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11
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de Mello VVC, Placa AJV, Lee DAB, Franco EO, Lima L, Teixeira MMG, Hemsley C, Titball RW, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular detection of blood-borne agents in vampire bats from Brazil, with the first molecular evidence of Neorickettsia sp. in Desmodus rotundus and Diphylla ecaudata. Acta Trop 2023; 244:106945. [PMID: 37207993 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) represent the second largest group of mammals. Due to their ability to fly and adapt and colonize different niches, bats act as reservoirs of several potentially zoonotic pathogens. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the occurrence of blood-borne agents (Anaplasmataceae, Coxiella burnetii, hemoplasmas, hemosporidians and piroplasmids) in 198 vampire bats sampled in different regions of Brazil and belonging to the species Desmodus rotundus (n=159), Diphylla ecaudata (n=31) and Diaemus youngii (n=8). All vampire bats liver samples were negative in PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, hemosporidians and Coxiella burnetii. However, Neorickettsia sp. was detected in liver samples of 1.51% (3/198) through nested PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene in D. rotundus and D. ecaudata. This is the first study to report Neorickettsia sp. in vampire bats. Hemoplasmas were detected in 6.06% (12/198) of the liver samples using a PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. The two 16S rRNA sequences obtained from hemoplasmas were closely related to sequences previously identified in vampire and non-hematophagous bats from Belize, Peru and Brazil. The genotypic analysis identified a high diversity of bat-associated hemoplasma genotypes from different regions of the world, emphasizing the need for studies on this subject, in order to better understand the mechanisms of co-evolution between this group of bacteria and their vertebrate hosts. The role of neotropical bat-associated Neorickettsia sp. and bats from Brazilian in the biological cycle of such agent warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Julia Vidal Placa
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliz Oliveira Franco
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Lima
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences II, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences II, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Hemsley
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Richard W Titball
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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12
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Maxwell SP, Brooks C, McNeely CL, Thomas KC. Neurological Pain, Psychological Symptoms, and Diagnostic Struggles among Patients with Tick-Borne Diseases. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071178. [PMID: 35885705 PMCID: PMC9323096 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Public health reports contain limited information regarding the psychological and neurological symptoms of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Employing a mixed-method approach, this analysis triangulates three sources of symptomology and provides a comparison of official public health information, case reports, medical literature, and the self-reported symptoms of patients with Lyme disease and other TBDs. Out of the fifteen neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in the medical literature for common TBDs, headaches and fatigue and/or malaise are the only two symptoms fully recognized by public health officials. Of TBDs, Lyme disease is the least recognized by public health officials for presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms; only headaches and fatigue are recognized as overlapping symptoms of Lyme disease. Comparisons from a patient symptoms survey indicate that self-reports of TBDs and the associated symptoms align with medical and case reports. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, and pain—ranging from headaches to neck stiffness and arthritis—are common among patients who report a TBD diagnosis. Given the multitude of non-specific patient symptoms, and the number and range of neuropsychiatric presentations that do not align with public health guidance, this study indicates the need for a revised approach to TBD diagnosis and for improved communication from official public health sources regarding the wide range of associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P. Maxwell
- School of Economic, Political & Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Chris Brooks
- Laboratory for Human Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (C.B.); (K.C.T.)
| | - Connie L. McNeely
- Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Kevin C. Thomas
- Laboratory for Human Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (C.B.); (K.C.T.)
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Gandy S, Hansford K, McGinley L, Cull B, Smith R, Semper A, Brooks T, Fonville M, Sprong H, Phipps P, Johnson N, Medlock JM. Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs across twenty recreational areas in England and Wales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101965. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Kandhi S, Ghazanfar H, Qureshi ZA, Kalangi H, Jyala A, Arguello Perez ES. An Atypical Presentation of a Severe Case of Anaplasma Phagocytophilum. Cureus 2022; 14:e23224. [PMID: 35449628 PMCID: PMC9012425 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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15
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Ismail N, Sharma A, Soong L, Walker DH. Review: Protective Immunity and Immunopathology of Ehrlichiosis. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2022; 2:10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0009. [PMID: 35876763 PMCID: PMC9300479 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis, a tick transmitted infection, ranges in severity from apparently subclinical to a fatal toxic shock-like fatal disease. Models in immunocompetent mice range from an abortive infection to uniformly lethal depending on the infecting Ehrlichia species, dose of inoculum, and route of inoculation. Effective immunity is mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes and gamma interferon. Lethal infection occurs with early overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and overproduction of TNF alpha and IL-10 by CD8+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, fatal ehrlichiosis is associated with signaling via TLR 9/MyD88 with upregulation of several inflammasome complexes and secretion of IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha, and IL-18 by hepatic mononuclear cells, suggesting activation of canonical and noncanonical inflammasome pathways, a deleterious role for IL-18, and the protective role for caspase 1. Autophagy promotes ehrlichial infection, and MyD88 signaling hinders ehrlichial infection by inhibiting autophagy induction and flux. Activation of caspase 11 during infection of hepatocytes by the lethal ehrlichial species after interferon alpha receptor signaling results in the production of inflammasome-dependent IL-1 beta, extracellular secretion of HMGB1, and pyroptosis. The high level of HMGB1 in lethal ehrlichiosis suggests a role in toxic shock. Studies of primary bone marrow-derived macrophages infected by highly avirulent or mildly avirulent ehrlichiae reveal divergent M1 and M2 macrophage polarization that links with generation of pathogenic CD8 T cells, neutrophils, and excessive inflammation or with strong expansion of protective Th1 and NKT cells, resolution of inflammation and clearance of infection, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Ismail
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospitals & Health Science System, Chicago, IL
| | - Aditya Sharma
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago-College of Medicine, University of Illinois Hospitals & Health Science System, Chicago, IL
| | - Lynn Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - David H. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
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16
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Khovand H, Nourollahi Fard SR, Khalili M, Jajarmi M, Hormozzaie HS. Detection of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks collected from stray dogs in Central and Southeastern Iran. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2020-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia is an etiologic agent of ehrlichiosis in humans and some animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the main vector of the Ehrlichia canis and dogs, red foxes and yellow jackals are reservoirs of the bacterium. This tick has a worldwide distribution and is regarded as one of the commonest species of ticks in Iran. This research aimed to detect Ehrlichia spp. in R. sanguineus isolated from stray dogs in Central and Southeast Iran (Isfahan and Zabol), by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to evaluate the prevalence of the microorganism in these two areas. Tick samples were collected from stray dogs in Isfahan and Zabol between April and June of 2018. The DNA extraction was performed with commercial kits. PCR was done to determine the 336 bp fragment related to Ehrlichia spp. Overall, 15.21% of pools in both areas were positive for Ehrlichia, 21.42% and 10% of pools were from Isfahan and Zabol respectively. The results confirmed the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in R. sanguineus in stray dogs revealing that dogs and their ticks may have a significant role in the epidemiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Khovand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - S. R. Nourollahi Fard
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - M. Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - M. Jajarmi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - H. S. Hormozzaie
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Masika SJ, Muchemi GM, Okumu TA, Mutura S, Zimmerman D, Kamau J. Molecular evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:385. [PMID: 34906141 PMCID: PMC8669034 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03095-2] [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: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play a significant role in zoonotic spill-overs, serving as either reservoirs, or amplifiers, of multiple neglected tropical diseases, including tick-borne infections. Anaplasma phagocytophilum are obligate intracellular bacteria of the family Anaplasmatacae, transmitted by Ixodid ticks and cause granulocytic anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE)) in a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and humans too. The aim of this study was to determine whether Anaplasma phagocytophilum was circulating in olive baboons and vervet monkeys in Laikipia County, Kenya. Results Some 146 blood samples collected from olive baboons and 18 from vervet monkeys from Mpala Research Center and Ol jogi Conservancy in Laikipia County were screened for the presence of Anaplasma species using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and then A. phagocytophilum was confirmed by sequencing using conventional PCR targeting 16S rRNA. This study found an overall prevalence of 18.3% for Anaplasma species. DNA sequences confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum in olive baboons for the first time in Kenya. Conclusion This study provides valuable information on the endemicity of A. phagocytophilum bacteria in olive baboons in Kenya. Future research is needed to establish the prevalence and public health implications of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum isolates and the role of nonhuman primates as reservoirs in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jerusa Masika
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Gerald Mwangi Muchemi
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tequiero Abuom Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samson Mutura
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dawn Zimmerman
- Global Health Program, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Kamau
- Molecular biology laboratory, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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Mowla SJ, Drexler NA, Cherry CC, Annambholta PD, Kracalik IT, Basavaraju SV. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis among Transfusion and Transplant Recipients in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2768-2775. [PMID: 34670661 PMCID: PMC8544963 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.211127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians should be aware that these infections are rare but can have severe outcomes. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are emerging tickborne diseases that can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Since 2000, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases in the United States have increased substantially, resulting in potential risk to transplant and transfusion recipients. We reviewed ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases among blood transfusion and solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from peer-reviewed literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigations. We identified 132 cases during 1997–2020, 12 transfusion-associated cases and 120 cases in transplant recipients; 8 cases were donor-derived, and in 13 cases illness occurred <1 year after transplant. Disease in the remaining 99 cases occurred ≥1 year after transplant, suggesting donor-derived disease was unlikely. Severe illness or death were reported among 15 transfusion and transplant recipients. Clinicians should be alert for these possible infections among transfusion and transplant recipients to prevent severe complications or death by quickly treating them.
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Cao R, Ren Q, Luo J, Tian Z, Liu W, Zhao B, Li J, Diao P, Tan Y, Qiu X, Zhang G, Wang Q, Guan G, Luo J, Yin H, Liu G. Analysis of Microorganism Diversity in Haemaphysalis longicornis From Shaanxi, China, Based on Metagenomic Sequencing. Front Genet 2021; 12:723773. [PMID: 34567077 PMCID: PMC8458759 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.723773] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are dangerous ectoparasites of humans and animals, as they are important disease vectors and serve as hosts for various microorganisms (including a variety of pathogenic microorganisms). Diverse microbial populations coexist within the tick body. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been suggested to be useful for rapidly and accurately obtaining microorganism abundance and diversity data. In this study, we performed mNGS to analyze the microbial diversity of Haemaphysalis longicornis from Baoji, Shaanxi, China, with the Illumina HiSeq platform. We identified 189 microbial genera (and 284 species) from ticks in the region; the identified taxa included Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and other important tick-borne pathogens at the genus level as well as symbiotic microorganisms such as Wolbachia spp., and Candidatus Entotheonella. The results of this study provide insights into possible tick-borne diseases and reveal new tick-borne pathogens in this region. Additionally, valuable information for the biological control of ticks is provided. In conclusion, this study provides reference data for guiding the development of prevention and control strategies targeting ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region, which can improve the effectiveness of tick and tick-borne disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runlai Cao
- 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, China
| | - Qiaoyun Ren
- 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, China
| | - Jin Luo
- 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, China
| | - Zhancheng Tian
- 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, China
| | - Wenge Liu
- 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, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Gansu Agriculture Technology College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Qinghai Province, Xining, China
| | - Peiwen Diao
- 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, China
| | - Yangchun Tan
- 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, China
| | - Xiaofei Qiu
- 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, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhang
- 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, China
| | - Qilin Wang
- 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, 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 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 Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Finnin D, Hanowitz C. A Traumatic Tick Bite: A Case Report. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2021; 5:210-213. [PMID: 34437007 PMCID: PMC8143818 DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2021.3.50514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease with an increasing incidence associated with morbidity and mortality. Uncertainty remains whether a prophylactic dose of doxycycline is effective in prevention. Case Report We present a case of an 80-year-old female with syncope, resultant facial trauma, and fever two weeks after a tick bite for which she received prophylaxis. Workup revealed anaplasmosis, and treatment led to symptomatic improvement. Conclusion We review the presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, and treatment of anaplasmosis, as well as give caution about the limitations in prescribing a prophylactic dose of doxycycline following a tick bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Finnin
- Albany Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Albany, New York
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Byaruhanga C, Akure PC, Lubembe DM, Sibeko-Matjila K, Troskie M, Oosthuizen MC, Stoltsz H. Molecular detection and characterisation of protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks from cattle in the pastoral area of Karamoja, Uganda. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101709. [PMID: 33743472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101709] [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] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) significantly affect cattle production and the livelihoods of communities in pastoralist areas. Data on protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in ticks infesting cattle in Uganda is scanty; while it is an indicator of the likelihood of disease transmission and occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst cattle in the Karamoja Region, northeastern Uganda, from July through September 2017, to determine the tick species diversity, identify protozoan and rickettsial pathogens in the ticks, and characterise pathogenic species by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. About 50 % of the ticks detected from each predilection site on each animal were collected from 100 purposively-selected cattle from 20 randomly-selected herds. Twelve tick species belonging to the genera Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were identified, the most abundant being Amblyomma lepidum (93.9 %), followed by Amblyomma variegatum (2.0 %) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (1.0 %). Tick species that have not been reported in recent studies amongst cattle in Uganda were found, namely Rhipicephalus pravus, Rhipicephalus praetextatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. The ticks were grouped into 40 pools, by species and location, and the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridisation assay was used to detect pathogens from the ticks. The most frequently detected tick-borne parasites were Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria parva, each observed in 25 % (10/40) of the tick pools. Tick-borne pathogens, namely Babesia rossi, Babesia microti and Theileria sp. (sable) that are not common to, or not known to infect, cattle were identified from ticks. The gene encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium pCS20 region, the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene, and T. parva p67 sporozoite antigen gene were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Seven novel E. ruminantium pCS20 variants were identified, and these grouped into two separate clusters with sequences from other parts of Africa and Asia. The T. parva p67 sequences were of the allele type 1, and parasites possessing this allele type are commonly associated with East Coast fever in eastern Africa. Analysis of the Ehrlichia and Anaplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that they were closely related to Rickettsia africae and to a new Ehrlichia species variant recently found in China. Our R. africae 16S rRNA sequences grouped with R. africae isolates from Nigeria, Egypt and Benin. The information on tick species diversity and pathogens in the various tick species provides an indicator of potential transmission amongst cattle populations, and to humans, and can be useful to estimate disease risk and in control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Byaruhanga
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; National Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Patience C Akure
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Donald M Lubembe
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Kgomotso Sibeko-Matjila
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Milana Troskie
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Marinda C Oosthuizen
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Hein Stoltsz
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
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22
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Katsogiannou EG, Katsoulos PD, Christodoulopoulos G, Polizopoulou ZS, Papadakis SM, Kokkinaki KC, Billinis C, Boutsini S, Stougiou D, Athanasiou LV. Quantitative and Morphological Blood Cell Findings Associated with the Presence of Antigen and/or Antibodies Against Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Sheep. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:321-329. [PMID: 33493073 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of a disease known as tick borne fever in sheep, although fever is not always present. Due to inconclusive clinical signs, diagnosis is based on the cytological or molecular detection of the microorganism in blood and/or the determination of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The aim of the study was to determine the alterations caused by the presence of antibodies and/or the antigen of A. phagocytophilum in the blood cell count and morphology in sheep. Cytology and indirect immunofluorescence assay were performed for detection of antibodies and the antigen of A. phagocytophilum, respectively. The samples were divided into four groups depending on the result of the antigen and antibody detection. The samples that were only positive for antigen detection had mild anemia, leukopenia (lymphopenia), and thrombocytopenia. The samples that were positive in both assays had anemia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and thrombocytopenia. Samples that were positive only for antibody detection had mild leukopenia. Morphological findings in infected sheep included band neutrophils, toxic neutrophils, reactive lymphocytes, and activated monocytes. The hematological findings along with cytological and serological tests can contribute to the assessment of the stage of the disease. A combination of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia raises a strong suspicion of the disease. When the microorganism and antibodies are simultaneously present, sheep are more susceptible to secondary complications. The first reported morphological findings and the quantitative hematological alterations are indicative of an inflammatory reaction, antigenic stimulation, and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni G Katsogiannou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dimitrios Katsoulos
- Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Christodoulopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Zoe S Polizopoulou
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros M Papadakis
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Kassiopi Christina Kokkinaki
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Directory of Veterinary Centre of Athens, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Stougiou
- National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Directory of Veterinary Centre of Athens, Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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23
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Inflammatory signals have emerged as critical regulators of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. Specifically, HSCs are highly responsive to acute changes in systemic inflammation and this influences not only their division rate but also their lineage fate. Identifying how inflammation regulates HSCs and shapes the blood system is crucial to understanding the mechanisms underpinning these processes, as well as potential links between them. Recent Findings A widening array of physiologic and pathologic processes involving heightened inflammation are now recognized to critically affect HSC biology and blood lineage production. Conditions documented to affect HSC function include not only acute and chronic infections but also autoinflammatory conditions, irradiation injury, and physiologic states such as aging and obesity. Summary Recognizing the contexts during which inflammation affects primitive hematopoiesis is essential to improving our understanding of HSC biology and informing new therapeutic interventions against maladaptive hematopoiesis that occurs during inflammatory diseases, infections, and cancer-related disorders.
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24
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Rivera JE, Young K, Kwon TS, McKenzie PA, Grant MA, McBride DA. Anaplasmosis Presenting With Respiratory Symptoms and Pneumonitis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa265. [PMID: 32793764 PMCID: PMC7415301 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a now common tick-borne illness that is characterized by the presence of fever, myalgias, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver function tests. We report 4 cases with an atypical presentation with pulmonary symptoms and imaging findings, along with the characteristics of each patient, clinical course, and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose E Rivera
- Internal Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katelyn Young
- Internal Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tae Sung Kwon
- Infectious Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paula A McKenzie
- Infectious Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle A Grant
- Pathology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darrell A McBride
- Infectious Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is the most common vectorborne disease in the northern hemisphere. It usually begins with erythema migrans; early disseminated infection particularly causes multiple erythema migrans or neurologic disease, and late manifestations predominantly include arthritis in North America, and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) in Europe. Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on characteristic clinical signs and symptoms, complemented by serological confirmation of infection once an antibody response has been mounted. Manifestations usually respond to appropriate antibiotic regimens, but the disease can be followed by sequelae, such as immune arthritis or residual damage to affected tissues. A subset of individuals reports persistent symptoms, including fatigue, pain, arthralgia, and neurocognitive symptoms, which in some people are severe enough to fulfil the criteria for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The reported prevalence of such persistent symptoms following antimicrobial treatment varies considerably, and its pathophysiology is unclear. Persistent active infection in humans has not been identified as a cause of this syndrome, and randomized treatment trials have invariably failed to show any benefit of prolonged antibiotic treatment. For prevention of Lyme borreliosis, post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated in specific cases, and novel vaccine strategies are under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Jan Kullberg
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hedwig D Vrijmoeth
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Freek van de Schoor
- Department of Medicine and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, and Amsterdam Multidisciplinary Lyme borreliosis Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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26
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Viljoen S, O'Riain MJ, Penzhorn BL, Drouilly M, Serieys LEK, Cristescu B, Teichman KJ, Bishop JM. Molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in caracals (Caracal caracal) living in human-modified landscapes of South Africa. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:220. [PMID: 32354342 PMCID: PMC7191760 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Wild carnivores living alongside humans and domestic animals are vulnerable to changes in the infectious disease dynamics in their populations. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and diversity of selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of veterinary and/or zoonotic concern in wild populations of caracals (Caracal caracal) occurring in human-modified landscapes in South Africa. Using molecular techniques, we screened 57 caracal blood samples for infection by rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in three regions of South Africa: rangeland in the Central Karoo (n = 27) and Namaqualand (n = 14) as well as the urban edge of the Cape Peninsula (n = 16) of South Africa. To characterise pathogen identity, we sequenced the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from positive samples and analysed sequences within a phylogenetic framework. We also examine the diversity of potential tick vectors. Results All individuals tested were infected with at least one tick-borne pathogen. Pathogens included Hepatozoon felis, Babesia felis, Babesia leo and a potentially novel Babesia species. An Anaplasma species previously described in South African domestic dogs was also found in 88% of urban edge caracals. Higher rates of co-infection characterised urban edge caracals (81% vs 15% and 0% in the two rangeland populations), as well as a greater incidence of mixed infections. Host attached tick species include Haemaphysalis elliptica, an important pathogen vector among carnivore hosts. Conclusions This study confirms the occurrence of previously undocumented tick-borne pathogens infecting free-ranging caracals in human-modified landscapes. We identify clear differences in the pathogen profiles among our study populations and discuss the likely health costs to caracals living adjacent to urban areas.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Storme Viljoen
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barend L Penzhorn
- Vectors & Vector-borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marine Drouilly
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bogdan Cristescu
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristine J Teichman
- The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Jacqueline M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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27
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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Selmi R, Messadi L. Computational selection of minimum length groESL operon required for Anaplasma species attribution and strain diversity analysis. Mol Cell Probes 2019; 48:101467. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2019.101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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28
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Kočíková B, Majláth I, Víchová B, Maliničová L, Pristaš P, Connors VA, Majláthová V. Candidatus Cryptoplasma Associated with Green Lizards and Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Slovakia, 2004-2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2348-2351. [PMID: 30457527 PMCID: PMC6256375 DOI: 10.3201/eid2412.161958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During 2004–2011, we collected green lizards and Ixodes ricinus ticks in Slovak Karst National Park in Slovakia; 90% (36/40) of lizards and 37% of ticks removed from lizards were infected with family Anaplasmataceae bacteria. Only Candidatus Cryptoplasma sp. REP (reptile) was identified in these samples. Green lizards transmit this bacterium.
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29
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Otrock ZK, Eby CS, Burnham CAD. Human ehrlichiosis at a tertiary-care academic medical center: Clinical associations and outcomes of transplant patients and patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2019; 77:17-22. [PMID: 30913447 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ehrlichiosis is an acute febrile tick-borne disease which can rarely be a trigger for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). METHODS We reviewed our experience with Ehrlichia infections at a tertiary-care academic medical center. RESULTS Over 10 years, 157 cases of ehrlichiosis were identified. Ten patients (6.4%) had infection with E. ewingii, 7(4.5%) of whom were transplant patients as compared to 3(1.9%) non-transplant patients (p = .035). Transplant patients were more likely to have leukopenia and elevated creatinine compared to immunocompetent patients; length of hospital stay and early mortality were not different between the two groups. Ten patients met the HLH-2004 diagnosis criteria, which could be an underestimation of HLH occurrence as most patients were not completely evaluated for these criteria. We calculated the H-Score to find the probability of HLH; 25 patients scored high making the occurrence rate of HLH at least 16%. Ehrlichia-induced HLH patients (N = 25) had more anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated creatinine and AST. Moreover, they had a significantly longer hospital stay (median 9 days) compared to patients without HLH (median 4 days) (p = .006). CONCLUSIONS Ehrlichia-induced HLH is a potential serious complication with relatively high occurrence rate; patients manifest severe disease with end-organ damage requiring longer hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaher K Otrock
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Charles S Eby
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carey-Ann D Burnham
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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30
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Yong JSE, Loh KS, Petersson BF, Thong M. Multinodular goiter: A study of malignancy risk in nondominant nodules. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2018; 96:336-342. [PMID: 28846789 DOI: 10.1177/014556131709600821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-standing belief that multinodular goiters are associated with a lower risk of developing into carcinoma has been challenged by the results of some recent studies. In addition, we have noticed in our practice that a sizable proportion of cancers have been arising from nondominant nodules. We performed a retrospective study of 223 cases to determine (1) the incidence of carcinoma in multinodular goiters that required surgical management in our local, predominantly Asian population and (2) the incidence of carcinoma arising from nondominant nodules. We reviewed the records of all patients with a multinodular goiter who had undergone a thyroidectomy over a period of more than 10 years in our Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. We examined the histopathology reports for (1) the presence of carcinoma, (2) whether the carcinoma was isolated/unifocal or multifocal, (3) the histologic type of cancer, and (4) whether the isolated/unifocal cancers arose from the dominant or nondominant nodule. Our study population was made up of 47 males and 176 females, aged 15 to 90 years (mean: 53). We found that the incidence of malignancy in surgically treated multinodular goiters was 14.3% (32 of 223 patients). Of the 32 malignancies, 18 (56.3%) were isolated/unifocal and 14 (43.8%) were multifocal. In the isolated/unifocal group, 9 malignancies (50.0%) arose from nondominant nodules and 8 (44.4%) from dominant nodules; in the remaining case, the nodule of origin could not be determined. Our findings corroborate those in the recent literature in that the risk of malignancy associated with multinodular goiters is comparable to that of single thyroid nodules. We recommend that physicians be equally vigilant when monitoring dominant and nondominant nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenica Su-Ern Yong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd., Singapore 119074.
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31
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Aktas M, Ozubek S. Molecular evidence for trans-stadial transmission of Anaplasma platys by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato under field conditions. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 32:78-83. [PMID: 28815682 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the transmission of Anaplasma platys by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae). Engorged nymphs (n = 404) removed from A. platys-infected dogs were incubated at 28 °C until moulting. Unfed adults were obtained and divided into 48 pools. Unfed ticks collected from the grounds of the dog shelter, comprising 1800 larvae (n = 18 pools), 3100 nymphs (n = 62 pools) and 85 adults (n = 10 pools, including three male and seven female pools) were sorted into 90 pools. All pools were screened by polymerase chain reaction for the 16S rRNA gene of A. platys. Of 48 pools of unfed adults obtained from engorged nymphs, 12 were positive for A. platys; the infection rate maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) was 3.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84-5.68]. Anaplasma platys was detected in five of 23 male pools (MLE 2.82, 95% CI 1.06-6.20) and seven of 25 female pools (MLE 3.83, 95% CI 1.72-7.57). Of seven pools of unfed adult females collected from the shelter grounds, one was positive for A. platys (MLE 1.74, 95% CI 0.11-8.22). Among 62 unfed nymph pools, eight were infected with A. platys (MLE 0.27, 95% CI 0.13-0.52). No A. platys DNA was detected in the larva pools. The present results reveal molecular evidence for the trans-stadial transmission of A. platys by R. sanguineus s.l.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
| | - S Ozubek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkey
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32
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Ipek NDS, Özübek S, Aktas M. Molecular Evidence for Transstadial Transmission of Ehrlichia canis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Under Field Conditions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:440-444. [PMID: 29272463 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated possible transstadial transmission of Ehrlichia canis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato collected from shelter dogs and the shelter grounds in Diyarbakır Province of south-eastern Turkey. Totally 225 engorged nymphs were collected from eight infected dogs with E. canis and incubated at 28°C for moulting. Unfed ticks from the shelter grounds comprising 1,800 larvae, 3,100 nymphs, and 85 adults were sorted according to sampling origin, life stage, and sex into 116 pools and screened by 16S rRNA PCR. Nine out of 26 pools of unfed adult ticks were positive for E. canis, with overall infection rate maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of 4.83 (CI 2.39-8.87). E. canis was detected in three of 12 male pools (MLE 3.22, CI 0.86-8.83) and six of 14 female pools (MLE 6.16, CI 2.59-12.90). No adult pools collected from the shelter grounds were positive. Among 62 unfed nymph pools collected from the shelter, six were infected with E. canis (MLE 0.20, CI 0.08-0.42). No E. canis DNA was detected in any of the larva pools. Our results revealed molecular evidence for transstadial transmission of E. canis by R. sanguineus s.l. both from larva to nymph and from nymph to adult. We found no evidence of transovarial transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neval Duygu Sayin Ipek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Sezayi Özübek
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Münir Aktas
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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33
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Koh FX, Kho KL, Kisomi MG, Wong LP, Bulgiba A, Tan PE, Lim YAL, Nizam QNH, Panchadcharam C, Tay ST. Ehrlichia and Anaplasma Infections: Serological Evidence and Tick Surveillance in Peninsular Malaysia. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:269-276. [PMID: 29202206 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Little information is available on human anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in Southeast Asia despite increasing reports of the detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in the ticks. We report herein the serological findings against the tick-borne pathogens in a group of animal farm workers (n = 87) and indigenous people (n = 102) in Peninsular Malaysia. IgG antibodies against Ehrlichia chaffeensis were detected from 29.9% and 34.3% of farm workers and indigenous people, respectively, using commercial indirect immunofluorescence assays. Comparatively, only 6.9% of the indigenous people but none of the animal farm workers were seropositive to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasmataceae was used to identify Anaplastamataceae in ticks collected from various locations adjacent to the areas where the serological survey was conducted. In this study, a total of 61.5% of ticks infesting farm animals, 37.5% of ticks infesting peri-domestic animals in rural villages, 27.3% of ticks collected from wildlife animals, and 29.1% of questing ticks collected from forest vegetation were positive for Anaplasmataceae DNA. Sequence analyses of 16S rRNA gene region (238 bp) provide the identification for Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma platys, A. phagocytophilum, and Anaplasma spp. closely related to Candidatus Cryptoplasma californiense in ticks. E. chaffeensis DNA was not detected from any ticks, instead, Ehrlichia sp. strain EBm52, Ehrlichia mineirensis and Candidatus Ehrlichia shimanensis are the only Ehrlichia sp. identified from cattle ticks in this study. Further investigation is required to ascertain the occurrence of zoonotic transmission of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections in Peninsular Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fui Xian Koh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kai Ling Kho
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Masoumeh Ghane Kisomi
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li Ping Wong
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Awang Bulgiba
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Poai Ean Tan
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Center, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Chandrawathani Panchadcharam
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Center, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Sun Tee Tay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Khanal S, Sultana H, Catravas JD, Carlyon JA, Neelakanta G. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection modulates expression of megakaryocyte cell cycle genes through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182898. [PMID: 28797056 PMCID: PMC5552339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis infects neutrophils and other cells from hematopoietic origin. Using human megakaryocytic cell line, MEG-01, we show that expression of cell cycle genes in these cells are altered upon A. phagocytophilum infection. Expression of several cell cycle genes in MEG-01 cells was significantly up regulated at early and then down regulated at later stages of A. phagocytophilum infection. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays revealed reduced cellular cytotoxicity in MEG-01 cells upon A. phagocytophilum infection. The levels of both PI3KCA (p110 alpha, catalytic subunit) and PI3KR1 (p85, regulatory subunit) of Class I PI3 kinases and phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and inhibitory kappa B (IκB) were elevated at both early and late stages of A. phagocytophilum infection. Inhibition of PI3 kinases with LY294002 treatment resulted in significant reduction in the expression of tested cell cycle genes, A. phagocytophilum burden and phosphorylated Akt levels in these MEG-01 cells. Collectively, these results suggest a role for PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway in the modulation of megakaryocyte cell cycle genes upon A. phagocytophilum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supreet Khanal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - John D. Catravas
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
- School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
| | - Jason A. Carlyon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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First report of Ehrlichia infection in goats, China. Microb Pathog 2017; 110:275-278. [PMID: 28705746 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichiosis is an emerging infectious disease of domestic animals which is transmitted by ticks. This disease has been reported earlier in most parts of China in dogs, cattle and humans, but there is no published data regarding this disease in goats. The present study provided the evidence of Ehrlichia infection in goats in Wuhan, China on the basis of clinical signs, gross lesions, serum-biochemical, histopathological and PCR. Twenty four goats were presented to the veterinary hospital of Huazhong Agricultural University during July, 2016. The goats were diagnosed for Ehrlichia in monocytic and granulocytic forms by blood smear examination. Further confirmation was done by PCR examination, while histopathological examination revealed degeneration and inflammation in different tissues. The biochemical criterion and blood samples analysis showed significant (P < 0.05) changes. The present study reported that goats are naturally exposed to Ehrlichia infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of Ehrlichia infection in goats infested with infected ticks.
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Abstract
Human ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are acute febrile tick-borne infectious diseases caused by various members from the genera Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. Ehrlichia chaffeensis is the major etiologic agent of human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME), while Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the major cause of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). The clinical manifestations of HME and HGA ranges from subclinical to potentially life-threatening diseases associated with multi-organ failure. Macrophages and neutrophils are the major target cells for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma, respectively. The threat to public health is increasing with newly emerging ehrlichial and anaplasma agents, yet vaccines for human ehrlichioses and anaplasmosis are not available, and therapeutic options are limited. This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of HME and HGA.
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Bouza-Mora L, Dolz G, Solórzano-Morales A, Romero-Zuñiga JJ, Salazar-Sánchez L, Labruna MB, Aguiar DM. Novel genotype of Ehrlichia canis detected in samples of human blood bank donors in Costa Rica. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:36-40. [PMID: 27682202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on the detection and identification of DNA and antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. in samples of blood bank donors in Costa Rica using molecular and serological techniques. Presence of Ehrlichia canis was determined in 10 (3.6%) out of 280 blood samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ehrlichial dsb conserved gene. Analysis of the ehrlichial trp36 polymorphic gene in these 10 samples revealed substantial polymorphism among the E. canis genotypes, including divergent tandem repeat sequences. Nucleotide sequences of dsb and trp36 amplicons revealed a novel genotype of E. canis in blood bank donors from Costa Rica. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) detected antibodies in 35 (35%) of 100 serum samples evaluated. Thirty samples showed low endpoint titers (64-256) to E. canis, whereas five sera yielded high endpoint titers (1024-8192); these five samples were also E. canis-PCR positive. These findings represent the first report of the presence of E. canis in humans in Central America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bouza-Mora
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Antony Solórzano-Morales
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Juan José Romero-Zuñiga
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Campus Benjamín Nuñez, Barreal de Heredia, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | | | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Daniel M Aguiar
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Mato Grosso, Brazil.
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Ehrlichioses: An Important One Health Opportunity. Vet Sci 2016; 3:vetsci3030020. [PMID: 29056728 PMCID: PMC5606584 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci3030020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichioses are caused by obligately intracellular bacteria that are maintained subclinically in a persistently infected vertebrate host and a tick vector. The most severe life-threatening illnesses, such as human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis and heartwater, occur in incidental hosts. Ehrlichia have a developmental cycle involving an infectious, nonreplicating, dense core cell and a noninfectious, replicating reticulate cell. Ehrlichiae secrete proteins that bind to host cytoplasmic proteins and nuclear chromatin, manipulating the host cell environment to their advantage. Severe disease in immunocompetent hosts is mediated in large part by immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms, including overproduction of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), which is produced by CD8 T lymphocytes, and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Immune components that contribute to control of ehrlichial infection include CD4 and CD8 T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-12, and antibodies. Some immune components, such as TNF-α, perforin, and CD8 T cells, play both pathogenic and protective roles. In contrast with the immunocompetent host, which may die with few detectable organisms owing to the overly strong immune response, immunodeficient hosts die with overwhelming infection and large quantities of organisms in the tissues. Vaccine development is challenging because of antigenic diversity of E. ruminantium, the necessity of avoiding an immunopathologic response, and incomplete knowledge of the protective antigens.
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Smith JNP, Kanwar VS, MacNamara KC. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Regulation by Type I and II Interferons in the Pathogenesis of Acquired Aplastic Anemia. Front Immunol 2016; 7:330. [PMID: 27621733 PMCID: PMC5002897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aplastic anemia (AA) occurs when the bone marrow fails to support production of all three lineages of blood cells, which are necessary for tissue oxygenation, infection control, and hemostasis. The etiology of acquired AA is elusive in the vast majority of cases but involves exhaustion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which are usually present in the bone marrow in a dormant state, and are responsible for lifelong production of all cells within the hematopoietic system. This destruction is immune mediated and the role of interferons remains incompletely characterized. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) has been associated with AA and type I IFNs (alpha and beta) are well documented to cause bone marrow aplasia during viral infection. In models of infection and inflammation, IFNγ activates HSCs to differentiate and impairs their ability to self-renew, ultimately leading to HSC exhaustion. Recent evidence demonstrating that IFNγ also impacts the HSC microenvironment or niche, raises new questions regarding how IFNγ impairs HSC function in AA. Immune activation can also elicit type I interferons, which may exert effects both distinct from and overlapping with IFNγ on HSCs. IFNα/β increase HSC proliferation in models of sterile inflammation induced by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid and lead to BM aplasia during viral infection. Moreover, patients being treated with IFNα exhibit cytopenias, in part due to BM suppression. Herein, we review the current understanding of how interferons contribute to the pathogenesis of acquired AA, and we explore additional potential mechanisms by which interferons directly and indirectly impair HSCs. A comprehensive understanding of how interferons impact hematopoiesis is necessary in order to identify novel therapeutic approaches for treating AA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne N P Smith
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College , Albany, NY , USA
| | - Vikramjit S Kanwar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Albany Medical Center , Albany, NY , USA
| | - Katherine C MacNamara
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College , Albany, NY , USA
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Khatri-Chhetri R, Wang HC, Chen CC, Shih HC, Liao HC, Sun CM, Khatri-Chhetri N, Wu HY, Pei KJC. Surveillance of ticks and associated pathogens in free-ranging Formosan pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:1238-1244. [PMID: 27426438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chinese pangolins are critically endangered insectivorous mammals distributed in several South and Southeast Asian countries. In recent years, there has been an increase in spread of tick-borne diseases in both humans and animals worldwide. Currently, limited information is available on ticks and associated pathogens infesting pangolins. The objective of the present study was to survey ticks and associated pathogens in the Formosan pangolin population in Southeastern Taiwan. Free-ranging Formosan pangolins captured during ecological survey were examined for the presence of ticks. DNA extracted from these ticks was used to identify the tick species and also to detect the tick-borne pathogens, by molecular methods. In the present study, we found 25% (13/52) of pangolins captured during 2012-2014 infested with ixodid ticks. A total of 21 ticks were collected and 3 species were identified: Haemaphysalis hystricis (14/21), Haemaphysalis formosensis (2/21) and Amblyomma testudinarium (5/21). We detected four different tick-borne pathogens, where one was identical to Anaplasma sp. strain An.H1446 while others showed close resemblance to Rickettsia conorii subsp. caspia A-167, Ehrlichia sp. TC251-2 and Cytauxzoon spp., respectively. The present study is the first survey of ticks infesting the free-ranging Chinese pangolins and pathogens harboured by these ticks. This information is important to know the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, and its conservation significance to pangolins and other sympatric wildlife. Important future step should be regular surveillance of ticks and tick-borne diseases at human-domestic animals-wildlife interface, which can provide a useful insight into the dynamics of these pathogens and can help control and prevent outbreak of zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupak Khatri-Chhetri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chih Chen
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chun Shih
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chun Liao
- Diagnostic and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Min Sun
- Institute of Bioresources, College of Agriculture, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Nabin Khatri-Chhetri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
| | - Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei
- Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan; Pingtung Rescue Center for Endangered Wild Animals, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
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Koh FX, Panchadcharam C, Tay ST. Vector-Borne Diseases in Stray Dogs in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. from Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:183-187. [PMID: 26494821 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Little data are available on the prevalence and transmission of vector-borne diseases in stray dogs in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was designed to determine the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in Malaysian stray dogs using serological and molecular approaches. In total, 48 dog blood samples were subjected to serological analysis using SNAP 4Dx kit (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME). The presence of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma DNA in the dog blood samples and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) ticks was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction assays. Positive serological findings against Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were obtained in 17 (39.5%) and four (9.3%) of 43 dog samples, respectively. None of the dog blood samples were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis. DNA of E. canis and A. phagocytophilum was detected in 12 (25.5%) and two (4.3%) of 47 dog blood samples, and 17 (51.5%) and one (3.0%) of 33 R. sanguineus ticks, respectively. Additionally, DNA of Ehrlichia spp. closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis was detected in two (6.1%) R. sanguineus ticks. This study highlights the prevalence of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in dogs in Malaysia. Due to the zoonotic potential of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp., appropriate measures should be instituted for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fui Xian Koh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (; )
| | | | - Sun Tee Tay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (; ),
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From the Deep Sea to Everywhere: Environmental Antigens for iNKT Cells. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2015; 64:291-8. [PMID: 26703211 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique subset of innate T cells that share features with innate NK cells and adaptive memory T cells. The first iNKT cell antigen described was found 1993 in a marine sponge and it took over 10 years for other, bacterial antigens to be described. Given the paucity of known bacterial iNKT cell antigens, it appeared as if iNKT cells play a very specialist role in the protection against few, rare and unusual pathogenic bacteria. However, in the last few years several publications painted a very different picture, suggesting that antigens for iNKT cells are found almost ubiquitous in the environment. These environmental iNKT cell antigens can shape the distribution, phenotype and function of iNKT cells. Here, these recent findings will be reviewed and their implications for the field will be outlined.
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Brown WC, Barbet AF. Persistent Infections and Immunity in Ruminants to Arthropod-Borne Bacteria in the Family Anaplasmataceae. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2015; 4:177-97. [PMID: 26734888 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022513-114206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Tick-transmitted gram-negative bacteria in the family Anaplasmataceae in the order Rickettsiales cause persistent infection and morbidity and mortality in ruminants. Whereas Anaplasma marginale infection is restricted to ruminants, Anaplasma phagocytophilum is promiscuous and, in addition to causing disease in sheep and cattle, notably causes disease in humans, horses, and dogs. Although the two pathogens invade and replicate in distinct blood cells (erythrocytes and neutrophils, respectively), they have evolved similar mechanisms of antigenic variation in immunodominant major surface protein 2 (MSP2) and MSP2(P44) that result in immune evasion and persistent infection. Furthermore, these bacteria have evolved distinct strategies to cause immune dysfunction, characterized as an antigen-specific CD4 T-cell exhaustion for A. marginale and a generalized immune suppression for A. phagocytophilum, that also facilitate persistence. This indicates highly adapted strategies of Anaplasma spp. to both suppress protective immune responses and evade those that do develop. However, conserved subdominant antigens are potential targets for immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy C Brown
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164;
| | - Anthony F Barbet
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611;
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Prevalence and Diversity among Anaplasma phagocytophilum Strains Originating from Ixodes ricinus Ticks from Northwest Norway. J Pathog 2014; 2014:824897. [PMID: 25215241 PMCID: PMC4158564 DOI: 10.1155/2014/824897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes great concern for livestock farmers. Tick-borne fever is a widespread disease in Norway, and antibodies have been produced amongst sheep, roe deer, red deer, and moose. The main vector Ixodes ricinus is found along the Norwegian coastline as far north as the Arctic Circle. A total number of 1804 I. ricinus ticks were collected and the prevalence of the pathogen was determined by species-specific qPCR. The overall infection rate varied from 2.83% to 3.32%, but there were no significant differences (p = 0.01) in the overall infection rate in 2010, 2011, or 2012. A multilocus sequencing analysis was performed to further characterise the isolates. The genotyping of 27 strains resulted in classification into 19 different sequences types (ST), none of which was found in the MLST database. The nucleotide diversity was for every locus <0.01, and the number of SNPs was between 1 and 2.8 per 100 bp. The majority of SNPs were synonymous. A goeBURST analysis demonstrated that the strains from northwest Norway cluster together with other Norwegian strains in the MLST database and the strains that are included in this study constitute clonal complexes (CC) 9, 10, and 11 in addition to the singleton.
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45
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Aktas M. A survey of ixodid tick species and molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens. Vet Parasitol 2014; 200:276-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mohammed JP, Mattner J. Autoimmune disease triggered by infection with alphaproteobacteria. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 5:369-379. [PMID: 20161124 DOI: 10.1586/eci.09.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite having long been postulated, compelling evidence for the theory that microbial triggers drive autoimmunity has only recently been reported. A specific association between Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, an ubiquitous alphaproteobacterium, and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been uncovered in patients with PBC. Notably, the association between Novosphingobium infection and PBC has been confirmed in a mouse model in which infection leads to the development of liver lesions resembling PBC concomitant with the production of anti-PDC-E2 antibodies that cross-react with conserved PDC-E2 epitopes shared by Novosphingobium. The discovery of infectious triggers of autoimmunity is likely to change our current concepts about the etiology of various autoimmune syndromes and may suggest new and simpler ways to diagnose and treat these debilitating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javid P Mohammed
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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47
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Ben Said M, Belkahia H, Sayahi L, Aloui M, Jemli MH, Hadj Mohamed B, Sassi L, Darghouth MA, Djaïem AA, Bayoudh M, Messadi L. Première étude sérologique de la prévalence d’Anaplasma phagocytophilum chez le dromadaire (Camelus dromedarius) en Tunisie. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 107:1-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s13149-013-0323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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48
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Brennan LJ, Haukedal JA, Earle JC, Keddie B, Harris HL. Disruption of redox homeostasis leads to oxidative DNA damage in spermatocytes of Wolbachia-infected Drosophila simulans. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 21:510-520. [PMID: 22831171 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2012.01155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular interactions between symbiotic bacteria and their animal hosts are, as yet, poorly understood. The most widespread bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis, occurs in high density in testes of infected Drosophila simulans and causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), a form of male-derived zygotic lethality. Wolbachia grow and divide within host vacuoles that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn stimulate the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes appear to protect the host from ROS-mediated damage, as there is no obvious fitness cost to Drosophila carrying Wolbachia infections. We have now determined that DNA from Wolbachia-infected mosquito Aedes albopictus (Aa23) cells shows a higher amount of the base 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, than DNA from uninfected cells, and that Wolbachia infection in D. simulans is associated with an increase in DNA strand breaks in meiotic spermatocytes. Feeding exogenous antioxidants to male and female D. simulans dramatically increased Wolbachia numbers with no obvious effects on host fitness. These results suggest that ROS-induced DNA damage in sperm nuclei may contribute to the modification characteristic of CI expression in Wolbachia-infected males and that Wolbachia density is sensitive to redox balance in these flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Brennan
- Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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49
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Ehrlichia Myocarditis in an Adolescent. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0b013e318248f168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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50
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Human anaplasmosis in Belgium: a 10-year seroepidemiological study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2011; 2:156-9. [PMID: 21890069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne rickettsial infection of neutrophils caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Although the pathogen was known as a veterinary agent as early as 1932, the link with human disease was first established in 1990. In the past decennium, the involvement of HGA as an important and frequent cause of fever with a history of tick bite was increasingly recognized in many regions of Europe. This paper presents a 10-year A. phagocytophilum serosurveillance (2000-2009), wherein 1672 serum samples were tested and 418 were found positive. A total of 111 patients had a history of tick bite, fever, and at least a 4-fold rise in titre and are thus considered to be confirmed cases. These findings suggest that Belgium is a hot spot for HGA infections.
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