1
|
Bransfield RC, Goud Gadila SK, Kursawe LJ, Dwork AJ, Rosoklija G, Horn EJ, Cook MJ, Embers ME. Late-stage borreliosis and substance abuse. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31159. [PMID: 38779029 PMCID: PMC11108998 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious diseases can contribute to substance abuse. Here, a fatal case of borreliosis and substance abuse is reported. This patient had a history of multiple tick bites and increasing multisystem symptoms, yet diagnosis and treatment were delayed. He experimented with multiple substances including phencyclidine (PCP), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that opposes NMDA agonism caused by Borrelia infection. During PCP withdrawal, he committed one homicide, two assaults, and suicide. Methods Brain tissue was obtained from autopsy and stained for microglial activation and quinolinic acid (QA). Immunoflouresence (IFA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to identify the presence of pathogens in autopsy tissue. Results Autopsy tissue evaluation demonstrated Borrelia in the pancreas by IFA and heart by IFA and FISH. Activated microglia and QA were found in the brain, indicating neuroinflammation. It is postulated that PCP withdrawal may exacerbate symptoms produced by Borrelia-induced biochemical imbalances in the brain. This combination may have greatly increased his acute homicidal and suicidal risk. Patient databases also demonstrated the risk of homicide or suicide in patients diagnosed with borreliosis and confirmed multiple symptoms in these patients, including chronic pain, anxiety, and anhedonia. Conclusions Late-stage borreliosis is associated with multiple symptoms that may contribute to an increased risk of substance abuse and addictive disorders. More effective diagnosis and treatment of borreliosis, and attention to substance abuse potential may help reduce associated morbidity and mortality in patients with borreliosis, particularly in endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bransfield
- Rutgers-RWJ Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA. Hackensack Meridian Health-School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Shiva Kumar Goud Gadila
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Laura J. Kursawe
- Charité – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universitat Berlin and Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Dwork
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States. Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York, USA
- State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, Macedonia
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gorazd Rosoklija
- State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Monica E. Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brandt KS, Armstrong BA, Goodrich I, Gilmore RD. Borrelia miyamotoi BipA-like protein, BipM, is a candidate serodiagnostic antigen distinguishing between Lyme disease and relapsing fever Borrelia infections. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102324. [PMID: 38367587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A Borrelia miyamotoi gene with partial homology to bipA of relapsing fever spirochetes Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia turicatae was identified by a GenBank basic alignment search analysis. We hypothesized that this gene product may be an immunogenic antigen as described for other relapsing fever Borrelia (RFB) and could serve as a serological marker for B. miyamotoi infections. The B. miyamotoi gene was a truncated version about half the size of the B. hermsii and B. turicatae bipA with a coding sequence of 894 base pairs. The gene product had a calculated molecular size of 32.7 kDa (including the signal peptide). Amino acid alignments with B. hermsii and B. turicatae BipA proteins and with other B. miyamotoi isolates showed conservation at the carboxyl end. We cloned the B. miyamotoi bipA-like gene (herein named bipM) and generated recombinant protein for serological characterization and for antiserum production. Protease protection analysis demonstrated that BipM was surface exposed. Serologic analyses using anti-B. miyamotoi serum samples from tick bite-infected and needle inoculated mice showed 94 % positivity against BipM. The 4 BipM negative serum samples were blotted against another B. miyamotoi antigen, BmaA, and two of them were seropositive resulting in 97 % positivity with both antigens. Serum samples from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.)-infected mice were non-reactive against rBipM by immunoblot. Serum samples from Lyme disease patients were also serologically negative against BipM except for 1 sample which may have indicated a possible co-infection. A recently published study demonstrated that B. miyamotoi BipM was non-reactive against serum samples from B. hermsii, Borrelia parkeri, and B. turicatae infected animals. These results show that BipM has potential for a B. miyamotoi-infection specific and sensitive serodiagnostic to differentiate between Lyme disease and various RFB infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Brandt
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Brittany A Armstrong
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Irina Goodrich
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Robert D Gilmore
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gadila SKG, Embers ME. Direct Detection of Borrelia Species in Tissues. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2742:19-35. [PMID: 38165612 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3561-2_2] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Among the controversies in Lyme disease is the potential for Borrelia spirochetes to persist after guideline-directed antimicrobial therapy. Direct detection of the spirochetes has been essential to explore this phenomenon, given that the infection is often occult and infrequently observed in blood and other body fluids. In addition, the role of spirochetal infection has been examined in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases through detection in affected tissues. In this chapter, we describe methodology to specifically identify Borrelia DNA, RNA, and intact organism (via protein) in tissue for studies of Lyme Borreliosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Kumar Goud Gadila
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Monica E Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shah JS, Burrascano JJ, Ramasamy R. Recombinant protein immunoblots for differential diagnosis of tick-borne relapsing fever and Lyme disease. J Vector Borne Dis 2023; 60:353-364. [PMID: 38174512 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.383641] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is caused by a group of tick-borne bacteria of the genus Borrelia termed Lyme disease Borreliae (LDB). The detection of serum antibodies to specific LDB antigens is widely used to support diagnosis of LD. Recent findings highlight a need for serological tests that can differentiate LD from tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) caused by a separate group of Borrelia species termed relapsing fever Borreliae. This is because LD and TBRF share some clinical symptoms and can occur in overlapping locations. The development of serological tests for TBRF is at an early stage compared with LD. This article reviews the application of line immunoblots (IBs), where recombinant proteins applied as lines on nitrocellulose membrane strips are used to detect antibodies in patient sera, for the diagnosis and differentiation of LD and TBRF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna S Shah
- IGeneX Inc. Milpitas; ID-FISH Technology Inc., California, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kneubehl AR, Lopez JE. Comparative genomics analysis of three conserved plasmid families in the Western Hemisphere soft tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae provides insight into variation in genome structure and antigenic variation systems. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0089523. [PMID: 37737593 PMCID: PMC10580987 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00895-23] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Borrelia spirochetes, causative agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever (RF), have uniquely complex genomes, consisting of a linear chromosome and both circular and linear plasmids. The plasmids harbor genes important for the vector-host life cycle of these tick-borne bacteria. The role of plasmids from Lyme disease causing spirochetes is more refined compared to RF Borrelia because of limited plasmid-resolved genome assemblies for the latter. We recently addressed this limitation and found that three linear plasmid families (F6, F27, and F28) were syntenic across all the RF Borrelia species that we examined. Given this conservation, we further investigated the three plasmid families. The F6 family, also known as the megaplasmid, contained regions of repetitive DNA. The F27 was the smallest, encoding genes with unknown function. The F28 family encoded the putative expression locus for antigenic variation in all species except Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia anserina. Taken together, this work provides a foundation for future investigations to identify essential plasmid-localized genes that drive the vector-host life cycle of RF Borrelia. IMPORTANCE Borrelia spp. spirochetes are arthropod-borne bacteria found globally that infect humans and other vertebrates. RF borreliae are understudied and misdiagnosed pathogens because of the vague clinical presentation of disease and the elusive feeding behavior of argasid ticks. Consequently, genomics resources for RF spirochetes have been limited. Analyses of Borrelia plasmids have been challenging because they are often highly fragmented and unassembled in most available genome assemblies. By utilizing Oxford Nanopore Technologies, we recently generated plasmid-resolved genome assemblies for seven Borrelia spp. found in the Western Hemisphere. This current study is an in-depth investigation into the linear plasmids that were conserved and syntenic across species. We identified differences in genome structure and, importantly, in antigenic variation systems between species. This work is an important step in identifying crucial plasmid-localized genetic elements essential for the life cycle of RF spirochetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parise CM, Bai Y, Brandt KS, Ford SL, Maes S, Replogle AJ, Kneubehl AR, Lopez JE, Eisen RJ, Hojgaard A. A serological assay to detect and differentiate rodent exposure to soft tick and hard tick relapsing fever infections in the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102167. [PMID: 36965260 PMCID: PMC10956445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102167] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Human cases of relapsing fever (RF) in North America are caused primarily by Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia turicatae, which are spread by argasid (soft) ticks, and by Borrelia miyamotoi, which is transmitted by ixodid (hard) ticks. In some regions of the United States, the ranges of the hard and soft tick RF species are known to overlap; in many areas, recorded ranges of RF spirochetes overlap with Lyme disease (LD) group Borrelia spirochetes. Identification of RF clusters or cases detected in unusual geographic localities might prompt public health agencies to investigate environmental exposures, enabling prevention of additional cases through locally targeted mitigation. However, exposure risks and mitigation strategies differ among hard and soft tick RF, prompting a need for additional diagnostic strategies that differentiate hard tick from soft tick RF. We evaluated the ability of new and previously described recombinant antigens in serological assays to differentiate among prior exposures in mice to LD, soft or hard tick RF spirochetes. We extracted whole-cell protein lysates from RF Borrelia cultures and synthesized six recombinant RF antigens (Borrelia immunogenic protein A (BipA) derived from four species of RF Borrelia, glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ), and Borrelia miyamotoi membrane antigen A (BmaA)) to detect reactivity in laboratory derived (Peromyscus sp. and Mus sp.) mouse serum infected with RF and LD Borrelia species. Among 44 Borrelia exposed mouse samples tested, all five mice exposed to LD spirochetes were correctly differentiated from the 39 mice exposed to RF Borrelia using the recombinant targets. Of the 39 mice exposed to RF spirochetes, 28 were accurately categorized to species of exposure (71%). Segregation among soft tick RF species (Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia parkeri and Borrelia turicatae) was inadequate (58%) owing to observed cross-reactivity among recombinant BipA protein targets. However, among the 28 samples accurately separated to species, all were accurately assigned to soft tick or hard tick RF type. Although not adequately specific to accurately categorize exposure to soft tick RF species, the recombinant BipA protein targets from soft and hard tick RF species show utility in accurately discriminating mouse exposures to LD or RF Borrelia, and accurately segregate hard tick from soft tick RF Borrelia exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Parise
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Ying Bai
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Kevin S Brandt
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Shelby L Ford
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Sarah Maes
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Adam J Replogle
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kneubehl AR, Lopez JE. Comparative genomics analysis of three conserved plasmid families in the Western Hemisphere soft tick-borne relapsing fever borreliae provides insight into variation in genome structure and antigenic variation systems. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.06.531354. [PMID: 36945547 PMCID: PMC10028826 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.06.531354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Borrelia spirochetes, causative agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever (RF), have a uniquely complex genome consisting of a linear chromosome and circular and linear plasmids. The plasmids harbor genes important for the vector-host life cycle of these tick-borne bacteria. The role of Lyme disease causing Borrelia plasmids is more refined compared to RF spirochetes because of limited plasmid-resolved genomes for RF spirochetes. We recently addressed this limitation and found that three linear plasmid families (F6, F27, and F28) were syntenic across all species. Given this conservation, we further investigated the three plasmid families. The F6 family, also known as the megaplasmid, contained regions of repetitive DNA. The F27 was the smallest, encoding genes with unknown function. The F28 family encoded the expression locus for antigenic variation in all species except Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia anserina. Taken together, this work provides a foundation for future investigations to identify essential plasmid-localized genes that drive the vector-host life cycle of RF Borrelia . IMPORTANCE Borrelia spp. spirochetes are arthropod-borne bacteria found globally and infect humans and other vertebrates. RF borreliae are understudied and misdiagnosed pathogens because of the vague clinical presentation of disease and the elusive feeding behavior of argasid ticks. Consequently, genomics resources for RF spirochetes have been limited. Analyses of Borrelia plasmids have been challenging because they are often highly fragmented and unassembled. By utilizing Oxford Nanopore Technologies, we recently generated plasmid-resolved genomes for seven Borrelia spp. found in the Western Hemisphere. This current study is a more in-depth investigation into the linear plasmids that were conserved and syntenic across species. This analysis determined differences in genome structure and, importantly, in antigenic variation systems between species. This work is an important step in identifying crucial plasmid-borne genetic elements essential for the life cycle of RF spirochetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jackson-Litteken CD, Curtis MW, Armstrong BA, Krishnavajhala A, Filatov S, Blevins JS, Lopez JE. Characterization of the arthropod associated lipoprotein (Alp) in the tick-mammalian transmission cycle of Borrelia turicatae. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102052. [PMID: 36223678 PMCID: PMC10292778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102052] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic species of Borrelia are etiological agents of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). Most species of TBRF Borrelia are transmitted by argasid ticks, and persistent colonization of the salivary glands is vital for spirochete transmission. This is due to the fast-feeding dynamics of the vector. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to vector colonization by the spirochete and their transmission to the vertebrate host remain vague. Previous work in Borrelia hermsii identified the arthropod associated lipoprotein (Alp) as being produced by spirochetes colonizing tick salivary glands. Upon transmission to mice, alp expression was down-regulated and the protein was undetectable in B. hermsii infecting mouse blood. Furthermore, Alp has homologs in multiple TBRF Borrelia species including Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia duttonii, and Borrelia recurrentis. To further evaluate the role of Alp in tick colonization and transmission, the gene was deleted in B. turicatae and the mutant's phenotype was evaluated. Our findings indicate that Alp is dispensable for colonization of the tick salivary glands and for the establishment of infection in laboratory mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clay D Jackson-Litteken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michael W Curtis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brittany A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Serhii Filatov
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jon S Blevins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Curtis MW, Krishnavajhala A, Kneubehl AR, Embers ME, Gettings JR, Yabsley MJ, Lopez JE. Characterization of Immunological Responses to Borrelia Immunogenic Protein A (BipA), a Species-Specific Antigen for North American Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0172221. [PMID: 35579456 PMCID: PMC9241729 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01722-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a neglected vector-borne bacterial disease distributed worldwide. Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia parkeri, and Borrelia hermsii are three argasid-borne TBRF species previously implicated in human disease in North America. TBRF is likely underdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms and poorly developed diagnostic tests. Studies suggest that the Borrelia immunogenic protein A (BipA) is specific to TBRF Borrelia but heterogenic between species. In this study, we hypothesized that antibody responses generated to BipA are specific to the North American TBRF species infecting a given animal. To test this, we characterized the expression and localization of native BipA in North American species of TBRF Borrelia. We also infected mice by needle inoculation or tick bite with B. turicatae, B. hermsii, or B. parkeri and evaluated serum sample reactivity to recombinant BipA (rBipA) that was produced from each species. Furthermore, serum samples from nonhuman primates and domestic dogs experimentally infected with B. turicatae were assessed. Lastly, we tested human Lyme disease (LD) serum samples to determine potential cross-reactivity to rBipA generated from B. turicatae, B. parkeri, and B. hermsii. Our findings indicate that rBipA has the potential to distinguish between infections of LD- and TBRF-causing spirochetes and that antibody responses were more robust toward the Borrelia species causing infection. This work further supports that rBipA can likely distinguish between B. turicatae, B. hermsii, and B. parkeri infections in mice, canines, and nonhuman primates. IMPORTANCEBorrelia species transmitted by soft or hard ticks cause tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). This is a debilitating disease distributed worldwide but is likely underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as Lyme disease due to poorly developed diagnostic tests. Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia parkeri, and Borrelia hermsii are three TBRF species previously implicated in human disease in North America. Commonly used diagnostic methods do not identify the species causing infection. In this study, we evaluated the potential of recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A (rBipA) as a diagnostic antigen capable of distinguishing between infections of TBRF Borrelia species. We show that serum from mice, canines, and nonhuman primates infected with B. turicatae, B. parkeri, or B. hermsii react more strongly to the rBipA from the species causing infection. Furthermore, sera from Lyme disease patients failed to cross-react with our rBipA proteins, indicating the potential to use rBipA as a species-specific diagnostic antigen for TBRF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Curtis
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander R. Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Monica E. Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jenna R. Gettings
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krishnavajhala A, Armstrong BA, Kneubehl AR, Gunter SM, Piccione J, Kim HJ, Ramirez R, Castro-Arellano I, Roachell W, Teel PD, Lopez JE. Diversity and distribution of the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009868. [PMID: 34813588 PMCID: PMC8651100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia turicatae is a causative agent of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in the subtropics and tropics of the United States and Latin America. Historically, B. turicatae was thought to be maintained in enzootic cycles in rural areas. However, there is growing evidence that suggests the pathogen has established endemic foci in densely populated regions of Texas. With the growth of homelessness in the state and human activity in city parks, it was important to implement field collection efforts to identify areas where B. turicatae and its vector circulate. Between 2017 and 2020 we collected Ornithodoros turicata ticks in suburban and urban areas including public and private parks and recreational spaces. Ticks were fed on naïve mice and spirochetes were isolated from the blood. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on eight newly obtained isolates and included previously reported sequences. The four chromosomal loci targeted for MLST were 16S ribosomal RNA (rrs), flagellin B (flaB), DNA gyrase B (gyrB), and the intergenic spacer (IGS). Given the complexity of Borrelia genomes, plasmid diversity was also evaluated. These studies indicate that the IGS locus segregates B. turicatae into four genomic types and plasmid diversity is extensive between isolates. Furthermore, B. turicatae and its vector have established endemic foci in parks and recreational areas in densely populated settings of Texas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brittany A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander R. Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Gunter
- Department of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julie Piccione
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hee J. Kim
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rosa Ramirez
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ivan Castro-Arellano
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
| | - Walter Roachell
- Public Health Command-Central, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Neuroborreliosis initially misdiagnosed as Lyme disease was discovered to be caused by the relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae. Tickborne relapsing fever spirochetes are an overlooked cause of disease around the globe. We report a case of tickborne relapsing fever in a patient in Texas, USA, who had a single febrile episode and gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. Immunoblot analysis using recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A implicated Borrelia turicatae as the causative agent.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bermúdez SE, Armstrong BA, Domínguez L, Krishnavajhala A, Kneubehl AR, Gunter SM, Replogle A, Petersen JM, Lopez JE. Isolation and genetic characterization of a relapsing fever spirochete isolated from Ornithodoros puertoricensis collected in central Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009642. [PMID: 34398885 PMCID: PMC8389842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) spirochetes are likely an overlooked cause of disease in Latin America. In Panama, the pathogens were first reported to cause human disease in the early 1900s. Recent collections of Ornithodoros puertoricensis from human dwellings in Panama prompted our interest to determine whether spirochetes still circulate in the country. Ornithodoros puertoricensis ticks were collected at field sites around the City of Panama. In the laboratory, the ticks were determined to be infected with TBRF spirochetes by transmission to mice, and we report the laboratory isolation and genetic characterization of a species of TBRF spirochete from Panama. Since this was the first isolation of a species of TBRF spirochete from Central America, we propose to designate the bacteria as Borrelia puertoricensis sp. nov. This is consistent with TBRF spirochete species nomenclature from North America that are designated after their tick vector. These findings warrant further investigations to assess the threat B. puertoricensis sp. nov. may impose on human health. Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is an often misdiagnosed neglected tropical disease primarily impacting those in resource limited settings. Most species are transmitted by argasid ticks, but ixodid ticks and the human body louse are also competent vectors. Infection of TBRF spirochetes is challenging to diagnose because argasid ticks are rapid feeders and rarely spotted on the patient. Moreover, given the nonspecific manifestation of disease and poor clinical awareness, TBRF is overlooked. In Central America, TBRF was studied in the Canal Zone of Panama until the 1930s. Over the last 10 years argasid ticks have been reported to colonize human dwellings in the country but it has remained vague if the disease persists. In this study, we demonstrate the transmission of TBRF spirochetes from field collected ticks and the laboratory isolation and genetic characterization of the species. These findings suggest that TBRF spirochetes continue to circulate in Panama and should prompt health care providers to consider this disease when patients present with a fever of unknown origin. Furthermore, with the laboratory isolation of this bacteria, molecular diagnostic tools can be developed to improve epidemiological studies of TBRF spirochetes in Central America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panama Panama
| | - Brittany A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, The National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lillian Domínguez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Commemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panama Panama
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, The National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics, The National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah M Gunter
- Department of Pediatrics, The National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam Replogle
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jeannine M Petersen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, The National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Relapsing fever (RF) is caused by several species of Borrelia; all, except two species, are transmitted to humans by soft (argasid) ticks. The species B. recurrentis is transmitted from one human to another by the body louse, while B. miyamotoi is vectored by hard-bodied ixodid tick species. RF Borrelia have several pathogenic features that facilitate invasion and dissemination in the infected host. In this article we discuss the dynamics of vector acquisition and subsequent transmission of RF Borrelia to their vertebrate hosts. We also review taxonomic challenges for RF Borrelia as new species have been isolated throughout the globe. Moreover, aspects of pathogenesis including symptomology, neurotropism, erythrocyte and platelet adhesion are discussed. We expound on RF Borrelia evasion strategies for innate and adaptive immunity, focusing on the most fundamental pathogenetic attributes, multiphasic antigenic variation. Lastly, we review new and emerging species of RF Borrelia and discuss future directions for this global disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Job Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston TX, USA
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Medical centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Bergström
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Filatov S, Krishnavajhala A, Armstrong BA, Kneubehl AR, Nieto NC, Pérez De León AA, Lopez JE. Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Borrelia Infecting Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) verrucosus Ticks Collected in Ukraine. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:804-811. [PMID: 31573602 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a neglected zoonotic bacterial disease known to occur on 5 continents. We report a laboratory-acquired case of TBRF caused by Borrelia caucasica, which is endemic in Ukraine and transmitted by Ornithodoros verrucosus ticks. METHODS We isolated spirochetes and characterized them by partially sequencing the 16s ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rrs), flagellin (flaB), and deoxyribonucleic acid gyrase (gyrB) genes and conducting a phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS These analyses revealed a close relationship of Ukrainian spirochetes with the Asian TBRF species, Borrelia persica. The taxonomic and nomenclature problems related to insufficient knowledge on the spirochetes and their vectors in the region are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Although these findings enhance our understanding of species identities for TBRF Borrelia in Eurasia, further work is required to address the neglected status of TBRF in this part of the world. Public health practitioners should consider TBRF and include the disease into differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses with unknown etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serhii Filatov
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Brittany A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan C Nieto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Adalberto A Pérez De León
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, Texas, USA
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Harris EK, Brandt KS, Van Gundy TJ, Goodrich I, Wormser GP, Armstrong BA, Gilmore RD. Characterization of a Borrelia miyamotoi membrane antigen (BmaA) for serodiagnosis of Borrelia miyamotoi disease. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101476. [PMID: 32723629 PMCID: PMC10956739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is a tick-borne pathogen that causes Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD), an emerging infectious disease of increasing public health significance. B. miyamotoi is transmitted by the same tick vector (Ixodes spp.) as B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the causative agent of Lyme disease, therefore laboratory assays to differentiate BMD from Lyme disease are needed to avoid misdiagnoses and for disease confirmation. We previously performed a global immunoproteomic analysis of the murine host antibody response against B. miyamotoi infection to discover antigens that could serologically distinguish the two infections. An initial assessment identified a putative lipoprotein antigen, here termed BmaA, as a promising candidate to augment current research-based serological assays. In this study, we show that BmaA is an outer surface-associated protein by its susceptibility to protease digestion. Synthesis of BmaA in culture was independent of temperature at either 23 °C or 34 °C. The BmaA gene is present in two identical loci harbored on separate plasmids in North American strains LB-2001 and CT13-2396. bmaA-like sequences are present in other B. miyamotoi strains and relapsing fever borrelia as multicopy genes and as paralogous or orthologous gene families. IgM and IgG antibodies in pooled serum from BMD patients reacted with native BmaA fractionated by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by mass spectrometry. IgG against recombinant BmaA was detected in 4 of 5 BMD patient serum samples as compared with 1 of 23 serum samples collected from patients with various stages of Lyme disease. Human anti-B. turicatae serum did not seroreact with recombinant BmaA suggesting a role as a species-specific diagnostic antigen. These results demonstrated that BmaA elicits a human host antibody response during B. miyamotoi infection but not in a tested group of B. burgdorferi-infected Lyme disease patients, thereby providing a potentially useful addition for developing BMD serodiagnostic tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Harris
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kevin S Brandt
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Taylor J Van Gundy
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Irina Goodrich
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gary P Wormser
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Brittany A Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert D Gilmore
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim HJ, Krishnavajhala A, Armstrong BA, Pérez de León AA, Filatov S, Teel PD, Lopez JE. Humoral immune response of pigs, Sus scrofa domesticus, upon repeated exposure to blood-feeding by Ornithodoros turicata Duges (Ixodida: Argasidae). Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:66. [PMID: 32051021 PMCID: PMC7017561 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ornithodoros turicata is an important vector of both human and veterinary pathogens. One primary concern is the global spread of African swine fever virus and the risk of its re-emergence in the Americas through potential transmission by O. turicata to domestic pigs and feral swine. Moreover, in Texas, African warthogs were introduced into the state for hunting purposes and evidence exists that they are reproducing and have spread to three counties in the state. Consequently, it is imperative to develop strategies to evaluate exposure of feral pigs and African warthogs to O. turicata. RESULTS We report the development of an animal model to evaluate serological responses of pigs to O. turicata salivary proteins after three exposures to tick feeding. Serological responses were assessed for ~ 120 days by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting using salivary gland extracts from O. turicata. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that domestic pigs seroconverted to O. turicata salivary antigens that is foundational toward the development of a diagnostic assay to improve soft tick surveillance efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee J. Kim
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Brittany A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Adalberto A. Pérez de León
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Kerrville, TX USA
| | - Serhii Filatov
- Laboratory of Virology, National Scientific Center, “Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine”, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX USA
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Line Immunoblot Assay for Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever and Findings in Patient Sera from Australia, Ukraine and the USA. Healthcare (Basel) 2019; 7:healthcare7040121. [PMID: 31640151 PMCID: PMC6955669 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare7040121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Borrelia termed relapsing fever Borreliae (RFB). TBRF shares symptoms with Lyme disease (LD) caused by related Lyme disease Borreliae (LDB). TBRF and LD are transmitted by ticks and occur in overlapping localities worldwide. Serological detection of antibodies used for laboratory confirmation of LD is not established for TBRF. A line immunoblot assay using recombinant proteins from different RFB species, termed TBRF IB, was developed and its diagnostic utility investigated. The TBRF IBs were able to differentiate between antibodies to RFB and LDB and had estimated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 70.5%, 99.5%, 97.3%, and 93.4%, respectively, based on results with reference sera from patients known to be positive and negative for TBRF. The use of TBRF IBs and analogous immunoblots for LD to test sera of patients from Australia, Ukraine, and the USA with LD symptoms revealed infection with TBRF alone, LD alone, and both TBRF and LD. Diagnosis by clinical criteria alone can, therefore, underestimate the incidence of TBRF. TBRF IBs will be useful for laboratory confirmation of TBRF and understanding its epidemiology worldwide.
Collapse
|
18
|
Antibodies to Borrelia turicatae in Experimentally Infected Dogs Cross-React with Borrelia burgdorferi Serologic Assays. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00628-19. [PMID: 31270181 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00628-19] [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: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by several Borrelia spp. (including Borrelia turicatae), which are primarily transmitted by Ornithodoros ticks. Relapsing fever group species are found worldwide, except for Antarctica. Approximately 500 human cases were reported between 1990 and 2011 in the United States (likely an underestimate), while cases in domestic and wild dogs were reported from Florida, Texas, and Washington. TBRF spirochetes are related to Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme borreliosis. Dogs are routinely screened for B. burgdorferi, but it is unknown if infection with TBRF agents produces antibodies cross-reactive with B. burgdorferi assays. These data are critical for accurate surveillance of TBRF and Lyme borreliosis in dogs. In this study, B. burgdorferi-negative dogs were inoculated with B. turicatae, and seroconversion was confirmed by the rBipA (recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A) Western blot. Seropositive samples were tested with commercial and veterinary diagnostic laboratory B. burgdorferi-based tests. Borrelia turicatae-seroreactive samples cross-reacted with a whole-cell indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and two multiantigen tests, but not with single-antigen tests using C6. Cross-reactivity with TBRF can confound epidemiology and surveillance efforts and confuse recommendations made by veterinarians for prevention and control. These findings demonstrate the need to critically evaluate results from B. burgdorferi diagnostic tests in the context of the assay type and the animal's geographical location and history of travel, as well as highlighting the need for commercially available specific diagnostic tests for TBRF spirochetes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sanz-Aguilar A, Payo-Payo A, Rotger A, Yousfi L, Moutailler S, Beck C, Dumarest M, Igual JM, Miranda MÁ, Viñas Torres M, Picorelli V, Gamble A, Boulinier T. Infestation of small seabirds by Ornithodoros maritimus ticks: Effects on chick body condition, reproduction and associated infectious agents. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101281. [PMID: 31473099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ticks can negatively affect their host by direct effects as blood feeding causing anaemia or discomfort, or by pathogen transmission. Consequently, ticks can have an important role in the population dynamics of their hosts. However, specific studies on the demographic effects of tick infestation on seabirds are still scarce. Seabird ticks have also the potential to be responsible for the circulation of little known tick-borne agents, which could have implications for non-seabird species. Here, we report the results of investigations on potential associations between soft tick Ornithodoros maritimus load and reproductive parameters of storm petrels Hydrobates pelagicus breeding in a large colony in a cave of Espartar Island, in the Balearic archipelago. We also investigated by molecular analyses the potential viral and bacterial pathogens associated with O. maritimus ticks present at the colony. Lower nestling survival was recorded in the most infested area, deep in the cave, compared to the area near the entrance. The parasite load was negatively associated with the body condition of the nestlings. One pool of ticks tested positive for West Nile virus and 4 pools tested positive for a Borrelia species which was determined by targeted nested PCR to have a 99% sequence identity with B. turicatae, a relapsing fever Borrelia. Overall, these results show that further investigations are needed to better understand the ecology and epidemiology of the interactions between ticks, pathogens and Procellariiform species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanz-Aguilar
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain; Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra Valldemosa km 7.5, Palma, Spain.
| | - Ana Payo-Payo
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Andreu Rotger
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain
| | - Lena Yousfi
- UMR BIPAR, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cecile Beck
- UMR Virologie, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marine Dumarest
- UMR Virologie, ANSES, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José Manuel Igual
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Miguel Marques 21, Esporles, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of Balearic Islands, Ctra Valldemosa km 7.5, Palma, Spain
| | - Mariana Viñas Torres
- Servei de Planificació del Medi Natural, Conselleria de Medi Ambient, Gremi Corredors 10, Palma, Spain
| | - Virginia Picorelli
- RRNN es Vedrà, es Vedranell i els illots de Ponent, Carrer de Múrcia 6, Eivissa, Spain
| | - Amandine Gamble
- CEFE CNRS Université Montpellier, Campus CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
TickPath Layerplex: adaptation of a real-time PCR methodology for the simultaneous detection and molecular surveillance of tick-borne pathogens. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6950. [PMID: 31061487 PMCID: PMC6502835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43424-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) are common across the United States and can result in critical and chronic diseases in a variety of veterinary patients. Moreover, borreliosis, anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis are zoonotic and have been cited as the most common TBDs. Molecular diagnostic methodologies utilized for screening domestic dogs for these causative agents include real-time PCR (qPCR) assays in both singleplex and multiplex formats. However, current limitations of qPCR instruments restrict the number of fluorogenic labels that can be differentiated by the instrument for a given reaction. This study describes the development of the TickPath Layerplex, a diagnostic assay based on qPCR methodology that was adapted for the simultaneous detection and characterization of 11 pathogens responsible for causing 5 common TBDs in domestic dogs. The analytical and diagnostic performance of the layerplex assay was evaluated and shown to be compatible with common instruments utilized in molecular diagnostic laboratories. Test results revealed no inhibition or reduction in sensitivity during validation of the layerplex assay, and the limit of detection was determined to be near 16 genome copy equivalents per microliter. Overall, the high sensitivity, specificity, and screening capability of the assay demonstrate its utility for broadly screening dogs for common TBDs.
Collapse
|
21
|
Vázquez-Guerrero E, Adan-Bante NP, Mercado-Uribe MC, Hernández-Rodríguez C, Villa-Tanaca L, Lopez JE, Ibarra JA. Case report: A retrospective serological analysis indicating human exposure to tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes in Sonora, Mexico. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007215. [PMID: 30973877 PMCID: PMC6459496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Vázquez-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Norma P. Adan-Bante
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Zoonosis y Enfermedades Tropicales, Unidad Regional Sur, Universidad de Sonora, Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Mónica C. Mercado-Uribe
- Departamento de Infectología Pediátrica del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Fray Antonio Alcalde,” Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - César Hernández-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular de Procariotes y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular de Procariotes y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - J. Antonio Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Immunological Responses to the Relapsing Fever Spirochete Borrelia turicatae in Infected Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Pathogenesis and Diagnosis. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00900-18. [PMID: 30642902 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00900-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The global public health impact of relapsing fever (RF) spirochetosis is significant, since the pathogens exist on five of seven continents. The hallmark sign of infection is episodic fever and the greatest threat is to the unborn. With the goal of better understanding the specificity of B-cell responses and the role of immune responses in pathogenicity, we infected rhesus macaques with Borrelia turicatae (a new world RF spirochete species) by tick bite and monitored the immune responses generated in response to the pathogen. Specifically, we evaluated inflammatory mediator induction by the pathogen, host antibody responses to specific antigens, and peripheral lymphocyte population dynamics. Our results indicate that B. turicatae elicits from peripheral blood cells key inflammatory response mediators (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha), which are associated with preterm abortion. Moreover, a global decline in peripheral B-cell populations was observed in all animals at 14 days postinfection. Serological responses were also evaluated to assess the antigenicity of three surface proteins: BipA, BrpA, and Bta112. Interestingly, a distinction was observed between antibodies generated in nonhuman primates and mice. Our results provide support for the nonhuman primate model not only in studies of prenatal pathogenesis but also for diagnostic and vaccine antigen identification and testing.
Collapse
|
23
|
Bissett JD, Ledet S, Krishnavajhala A, Armstrong BA, Klioueva A, Sexton C, Replogle A, Schriefer ME, Lopez JE. Detection of Tickborne Relapsing Fever Spirochete, Austin, Texas, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 24:2003-2009. [PMID: 30160650 PMCID: PMC6199987 DOI: 10.3201/eid2411.172033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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
In March 2017, a patient became febrile within 4 days after visiting a rustic conference center in Austin, Texas, USA, where Austin Public Health suspected an outbreak of tickborne relapsing fever a month earlier. Evaluation of a patient blood smear and molecular diagnostic assays identified Borrelia turicatae as the causative agent. We could not gain access to the property to collect ticks. Thus, we focused efforts at a nearby public park, <1 mile from the suspected exposure site. We trapped Ornithodoros turicata ticks from 2 locations in the park, and laboratory evaluation resulted in cultivation of 3 B. turicatae isolates. Multilocus sequencing of 3 chromosomal loci (flaB, rrs, and gyrB) indicated that the isolates were identical to those of B. turicatae 91E135 (a tick isolate) and BTE5EL (a human isolate). We identified the endemicity of O. turicata ticks and likely emergence of B. turicatae in this city.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) caused by the bacteria Borrelia, is poorly documented in veterinary medicine. Given the widespread presence of the soft tick vectors - Ornithodoros and the recently discovered hard tick vectors, as well as their close association with animal hosts, it is highly likely that infection occurs, but is rarely reported to be of veterinary importance. Sporadic reports of canine infection, some being fatal through to probable cause of abortion in horses have been published. Some of these pathogens exist in regions where there are limited diagnostic facilities, hence, they are likely to be missed and their impact on productivity may be unquantified. Here we review available literatures on cases of TBRF in domestic and wild animals in order to show their potential veterinary medical impact. Future efforts using field and laboratory surveys are needed to determine pathogenesis, vector competence and distribution in animals, their impact on animal health and productivity as well as to prevent further spill to the human population, where it is already a public health problem in some parts of the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nusirat Elelu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive MedicineUniversity of IlorinIlorinKwara StateNigeria
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vector Competence of Geographical Populations of Ornithodoros turicata for the Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochete Borrelia turicatae. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.01505-18. [PMID: 30143510 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01505-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector competence refers to the ability of an arthropod to acquire, maintain, and successfully transmit a microbial pathogen. Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) spirochetes are globally distributed pathogens, and most species are transmitted by argasid ticks of the genus Ornithodoros. A defining characteristic in vector competence is an apparent specificity of a species of TBRF spirochete to a given tick species. In arid regions of the southern United States, Borrelia turicatae is the primary cause of TBRF. Interestingly, there are two populations of the tick vector distributed throughout this region. Ornithodoros turicata is a western population that ranges from California to Texas. There is a gap through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama where the tick has not been identified. An isolated eastern population exists in Florida and was designated a subspecies, O. turicata americanus. A knowledge gap that exists is the poor understanding of vector competence between western and eastern populations of ticks for B. turicatae. In this study, we generated uninfected colonies of O. turicata that originated in Texas and Kansas and of O. turicata americanus. B. turicatae acquisition, maintenance through the molt, and subsequent transmission were evaluated. Our findings revealed significant differences in murine infection after feeding infected O. turicata and O. turicata americanus ticks on the animals. Interestingly, the salivary glands of both tick populations were colonized with B. turicatae to similar densities. Our results suggest that the salivary glands of the tick colonies assessed in this study impact vector competence of the evaluated B. turicatae isolates.IMPORTANCE Several knowledge gaps exist in the vector competence of various geographical populations of O. turicata that transmit B. turicatae A western population of this tick is distributed from California to Texas, and an eastern population exists in Florida. Utilizing western and eastern populations of the vector, we studied acquisition and transmission of two B. turicatae isolates. Regardless of the isolate used, infection frequencies were poor in mice after the eastern population feeding on them. Since salivary gland colonization is essential for B. turicatae transmission, these tissues were further evaluated. Interestingly, the salivary glands from the two populations were similarly colonized with B. turicatae. These findings suggest the role of tick saliva in the establishment of infection and that the salivary glands may be a bottleneck for successful transmission.
Collapse
|
26
|
Armstrong BA, Kneubehl A, Krishnavajhala A, Wilder HK, Boyle W, Wozniak E, Phillips C, Hollywood K, Murray KO, Donaldson TG, Teel PD, Waldrup K, Lopez JE. Seroprevalence for the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae among small and medium sized mammals of Texas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006877. [PMID: 30372445 PMCID: PMC6224114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low elevation arid regions throughout the southern United States, Borrelia turicatae is the principal agent of tick-borne relapsing fever. However, endemic foci and the vertebrate hosts involved in the ecology of B. turicatae remain undefined. Experimental infection studies suggest that small and medium sized mammals likely maintain B. turicatae in nature, while the tick vector is a long-lived reservoir. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Serum samples from wild caught rodents, raccoons, and wild and domestic canids from 23 counties in Texas were screened for prior exposure to B. turicatae. Serological assays were performed using B. turicatae protein lysates and recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A (rBipA), a diagnostic protein that is unique to RF spirochetes and may be a species-specific antigen. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Serological responses to B. turicatae were detected from 24 coyotes, one gray fox, two raccoons, and one rodent from six counties in Texas. These studies indicate that wild canids and raccoons were exposed to B. turicatae and are likely involved in the pathogen's ecology. Additionally, more work should focus on evaluating rodent exposure to B. turicatae and the role of these small mammals in the pathogen's maintenance in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - William Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Edward Wozniak
- Texas State Guard, Medical Brigade, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carson Phillips
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristen Hollywood
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, Midland, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor G. Donaldson
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ken Waldrup
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Serological detection of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Texan domestic dogs. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189786. [PMID: 29232415 PMCID: PMC5726638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) is caused by spirochetes in the genus Borrelia. Very limited information exists on the incidence of this disease in humans and domestic dogs in the United States. The main objective of this study is to evaluate exposure of dogs to Borrelia turicatae, a causative agent of TBRF, in Texas. To this end, 878 canine serum samples were submitted to Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory from October 2011 to September 2012 for suspected tick-borne illnesses. The recombinant Borrelial antigen glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ) was expressed, purified, and used as a diagnostic antigen in both ELISA assays and Immunoblot analysis. Unfortunately, due to significant background reaction, the use of GlpQ as a diagnostic marker in the ELISA assay was not effective in discriminating dogs exposed to B. turicatae. Nevertheless, immunoblot assays showed that 17 out of 853 samples tested were considered to be seropositive, which constitutes 1.99% of all Texas samples tested in this study. The majority of positive samples were from central and southern Texas. Exposure to TBRF spirochetes may be seasonal, with 70.59% (12 out of 17) of the cases detected between June and December. In addition, 2 out of the 17 sero-reactive cases (11.76%) showed reactivity to both B. burgdorferi (causative agent of Lyme disease) and B. turicatae (a causative agent of TBRF). This is the first report of TBRF sero-prevalence in companion animals in an endemic area. Our findings further indicate that B. turicatae is maintained in domestic canids in Texas in regions where human disease also occurs, suggesting that domestic dogs could serve as sentinels for this disease.
Collapse
|
28
|
Neelakanta G, Sultana H, Sonenshine DE, Marconi RT. An In Vitro Blood-Feeding Method Revealed Differential Borrelia turicatae (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) Gene Expression After Spirochete Acquisition and Colonization in the Soft Tick Ornithodoros turicata (Acari: Argasidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:441-449. [PMID: 28399292 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the Midwestern, Southwestern, and Southern part of the United States, the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata transmits the spirochete Borrelia turicatae, the causative agent of relapsing fever in humans. In this study, we report a simplified and an efficient method of in vitro feeding to evaluate O. turicata-B. turicatae interactions. Both nymphal and adult female ticks successfully acquired spirochetes upon in vitro feeding on the B. turicatae-infected blood. We also noted transstadial transmission of spirochetes to adult ticks that were molted from nymphs fed on B. turicatae-infected blood. A differential expression pattern for some of the B. turicatae genes was evident after acquisition and colonization of the vector. The levels of arthropod-associated lipoprotein Alp-mRNA were significantly upregulated and the mRNA levels of factor H binding protein FhbA and immunogenic protein BipA were significantly downregulated in the spirochetes after acquisition into ticks in comparison with spirochetes grown in culture medium. In addition, genes such as bta124 and bta116 were significantly upregulated in spirochetes in unfed ticks in comparison with the levels noted in spirochetes after acquisition. These findings represent an efficient in vitro blood-feeding method to study B. turicatae gene expression after acquisition and colonization in these ticks. In summary, we report that B. turicatae survive and develop in the tick host when acquired by in vitro feeding. We also report that B. turicatae genes are differentially expressed in ticks in comparison with the in vitro-grown cultures, indicating influence of tick environment on spirochete gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Girish Neelakanta
- Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 (; )
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529 (; )
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
| | - Daniel E Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529
| | - Richard T Marconi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bermúdez SE, Gottdenker N, Krishnvajhala A, Fox A, Wilder HK, González K, Smith D, López M, Perea M, Rigg C, Montilla S, Calzada JE, Saldaña A, Caballero CM, Lopez JE. Synanthropic Mammals as Potential Hosts of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Panama. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169047. [PMID: 28060928 PMCID: PMC5218486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synanthropic wild mammals can be important hosts for many vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was determine the exposure of synanthropic mammals to two types of tick-borne pathogens in Panama, spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and Borrelia relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes. One hundred and thirty-one wild mammals were evaluated, including two gray foxes, two crab-eating foxes (from zoos), four coyotes, 62 opossum and 63 spiny rats captured close to rural towns. To evaluate exposure to SFGR, serum samples from the animals were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Rickettsia rickettsii and Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii antigen. Immunoblotting was performed using Borrelia turicatae protein lysates and rGlpQ, to assess infection caused by RF spirochetes. One coyote (25%) and 27 (43%) opossums showed seroreactivity to SFGR. Of these opossums, 11 were seroreactive to C. R. amblyommii. Serological reactivity was not detected to B. turicatae in mammal samples. These findings may reflect a potential role of both mammals in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens in Panama.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E. Bermúdez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aparna Krishnvajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amy Fox
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kadir González
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | | | - Milixa Perea
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Chystrie Rigg
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Santiago Montilla
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - José E. Calzada
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Departamento de Investigación en Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
| | | | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Relapsing fever spirochetes are tick- and louse-borne pathogens that primarily afflict those in impoverished countries. Historically the pathogens have had a significant impact on public health, yet currently they are often overlooked because of the nonspecific display of disease. In this review, we discuss aspects of relapsing fever (RF) spirochete pathogenesis including the: (1) clinical manifestation of disease; (2) ability to diagnose pathogen exposure; (3) the pathogen’s life cycle in the tick and mammal; and (4) ecological factors contributing to the maintenance of RF spirochetes in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030 TX, USA; (A.K.); (M.N.G.)
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030 TX, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-832-824-0557
| | - Aparna Krishnavahjala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030 TX, USA; (A.K.); (M.N.G.)
| | - Melissa N. Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030 TX, USA; (A.K.); (M.N.G.)
| | - Sergio Bermudez
- Departamento de Investigación en Entomología Médica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, P.O. Box 816-02593, City of Panama, Panama;
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Piccione J, Levine GJ, Duff CA, Kuhlman GM, Scott KD, Esteve-Gassent MD. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:1222-8. [PMID: 27353196 PMCID: PMC5094544 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in dogs is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia hermsii, transmitted by Ornithodoros spp. ticks. The hallmark diagnostic feature of this infection is the visualization of numerous spirochetes during standard blood smear examination. Although the course of spirochetemia has not been fully characterized in dogs, in humans infected with TBRF the episodes of spirochetemia and fever are intermittent. OBJECTIVES To describe TBRF in dogs by providing additional case reports and reviewing the disease in veterinary and human medicine. ANIMALS Five cases of privately-owned dogs naturally infected with TBRF in Texas are reviewed. METHODS Case series and literature review. RESULTS All dogs were examined because of lethargy, inappetence, and pyrexia. Two dogs also had signs of neurologic disease. All dogs had thrombocytopenia and spirochetemia. All cases were administered tetracyclines orally. Platelet numbers improved and spirochetemia and pyrexia resolved in 4 out of 5 dogs, where follow-up information was available. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE TBRF is likely underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. In areas endemic to Ornithodoros spp. ticks, TBRF should be considered in dogs with thrombocytopenia. Examination of standard blood smears can provide a rapid and specific diagnosis of TBRF when spirochetes are observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Piccione
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - G J Levine
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - C A Duff
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences , College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - G M Kuhlman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences , College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - K D Scott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences , College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - M D Esteve-Gassent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wilder HK, Wozniak E, Huddleston E, Tata SR, Fitzkee NC, Lopez JE. Case report: A retrospective serological analysis indicating human exposure to tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes in Texas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003617. [PMID: 25856342 PMCID: PMC4391787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Edward Wozniak
- Texas State Guard, Medical Brigade, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Huddleston
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Sri Ramya Tata
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Nicholas C. Fitzkee
- Department of Chemistry, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Boyle WK, Wilder HK, Lawrence AM, Lopez JE. Transmission dynamics of Borrelia turicatae from the arthropod vector. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2767. [PMID: 24699275 PMCID: PMC3974661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the global distribution, morbidity, and mortality associated with tick and louse-borne relapsing fever spirochetes, it is important to understand the dynamics of vector colonization by the bacteria and transmission to the host. Tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes are blood-borne pathogens transmitted through the saliva of soft ticks, yet little is known about the transmission capability of these pathogens during the relatively short bloodmeal. This study was therefore initiated to understand the transmission dynamics of the relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae from the vector Ornithodoros turicata, and the subsequent dissemination of the bacteria upon entry into murine blood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To determine the minimum number of ticks required to transmit spirochetes, one to three infected O. turicata were allowed to feed to repletion on individual mice. Murine infection and dissemination of the spirochetes was evaluated by dark field microscopy of blood, quantitative PCR, and immunoblotting against B. turicatae protein lysates and a recombinant antigen, the Borrelia immunogenic protein A. Transmission frequencies were also determined by interrupting the bloodmeal 15 seconds after tick attachment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on infected salivary glands to detect spirochetes within acini lumen and excretory ducts. Furthermore, spirochete colonization and dissemination from the bite site was investigated by feeding infected O. turicata on the ears of mice, removing the attachment site after engorment, and evaluating murine infection. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrated that three ticks provided a sufficient infectious dose to infect nearly all animals, and B. turicatae was transmitted within seconds of tick attachment. Spirochetes were also detected in acini lumen of salivary glands by SEM. Upon host entry, B. turicatae did not require colonization of the bite site to establish murine infection. These results suggest that once B. turicatae colonizes the salivary glands the spirochetes are preadapted for rapid entry into the mammal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William K. Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Amanda M. Lawrence
- Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fibronectin-binding protein of Borrelia hermsii expressed in the blood of mice with relapsing fever. Infect Immun 2014; 82:2520-31. [PMID: 24686059 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01582-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify and characterize surface proteins expressed by the relapsing fever (RF) agent Borrelia hermsii in the blood of infected mice, we used a cell-free filtrate of their blood to immunize congenic naive mice. The resultant antiserum was used for Western blotting of cell lysates, and gel slices corresponding to reactive bands were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, followed by a search of the proteome database with the peptides. One of the immunogens was identified as the BHA007 protein, which is encoded by a 174-kb linear plasmid. BHA007 had sequence features of lipoproteins, was surface exposed by the criteria of in situ protease susceptibility and agglutination of Vtp(-) cells by anti-BHA007 antibodies, and was not essential for in vitro growth. BHA007 elicited antibodies during experimental infection of mice, but immunization with recombinant protein did not confer protection against needle-delivered infection. Open reading frames (ORFs) orthologous to BHA007 were found on large plasmids of other RF species, including the coding sequences for the CihC proteins of Borrelia duttonii and B. recurrentis, but not in Lyme disease Borrelia species. Recombinant BHA007 bound both human and bovine fibronectin with Kd (dissociation constant) values of 22 and 33 nM, respectively, and bound to C4-binding protein with less affinity. The distant homology of BHA007 and its orthologs to BBK32 proteins of Lyme disease species, as well as to previously described BBK32-like proteins in relapsing fever species, indicates that BHA007 is a member of a large family of multifunctional proteins in Borrelia species that bind to fibronectin as well as other host proteins.
Collapse
|