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Bransfield RC, Mao C, Greenberg R. Microbes and Mental Illness: Past, Present, and Future. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 38200989 PMCID: PMC10779437 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental illnesses, complex interactive infections, total load theory, pathophysiology, psychoimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, clinical presentations, early-life infections, clinical assessment, and treatment. Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases. Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. Specific microbes that have been associated or potentially associated with at least one of these conditions include Aspergillus, Babesia, Bartonella, Borna disease virus, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Candida, Chlamydia, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, human endogenous retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, influenza viruses, measles virus, Mycoplasma, Plasmodium, rubella virus, Group A Streptococcus (PANDAS), Taenia solium, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trypanosoma, and West Nile virus. Recognition of the microbe and mental illness association with the development of greater interdisciplinary research, education, and treatment options may prevent and reduce mental illness morbidity, disability, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Bransfield
- Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutey, NJ 07110, USA
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2
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Wisnieski L, Gruszynski K, Faulkner V, Shock B. Challenges and Opportunities in One Health: Google Trends Search Data. Pathogens 2023; 12:1332. [PMID: 38003796 PMCID: PMC10674417 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111332] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Google Trends data can be informative for zoonotic disease incidences, including Lyme disease. However, the use of Google Trends for predictive purposes is underutilized. In this study, we demonstrate the potential to use Google Trends for zoonotic disease prediction by predicting monthly state-level Lyme disease case counts in the United States. We requested Lyme disease data for the years 2010-2021. We downloaded Google Trends search data on terms for Lyme disease, symptoms of Lyme disease, and diseases with similar symptoms to Lyme disease. For each search term, we built an expanding window negative binomial model that adjusted for seasonal differences using a lag term. Performance was measured by Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSEs) and the visual associations between observed and predicted case counts. The highest performing model had excellent predictive ability in some states, but performance varied across states. The highest performing models were for Lyme disease search terms, which indicates the high specificity of search terms. We outline challenges of using Google Trends data, including data availability and a mismatch between geographic units. We discuss opportunities for Google Trends data for One Health research, including prediction of additional zoonotic diseases and incorporating environmental and companion animal data. Lastly, we recommend that Google Trends be explored as an option for predicting other zoonotic diseases and incorporate other data streams that may improve predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wisnieski
- Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (K.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Karen Gruszynski
- Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (K.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Vina Faulkner
- Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (K.G.); (V.F.)
| | - Barbara Shock
- School of Mathematics and Science, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA;
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3
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Strnad M, Rego ROM. The need to unravel the twisted nature of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex across Europe. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2021; 166:428-435. [PMID: 32125267 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne infection caused by bacteria under the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, both in Europe and North America. Differential gene expression at different times throughout its infectious cycle allows the spirochete to survive very diverse environments within different mammalian hosts as well as the tick vector. To date, the vast majority of data about spirochetal proteins and their functions are from genetic studies carried out on North American strains of a single species, i.e. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. The whole-genome sequences recently obtained for several European species/strains make it feasible to adapt and use genetic techniques to study inherent differences between them. This review highlights the crucial need to undertake independent studies of genospecies within Europe, given their varying genetic content and pathogenic potential, and differences in clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Strnad
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ryan O M Rego
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a tick-borne, zoonosis of adults and children caused by genospecies of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The ailment, widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, continues to increase globally due to multiple environmental factors, coupled with increased incursion of humans into habitats that harbor the spirochete. B. burgdorferi sensu lato is transmitted by ticks from the Ixodes ricinus complex. In North America, B. burgdorferi causes nearly all infections; in Europe, B. afzelii and B. garinii are most associated with human disease. The spirochete's unusual fragmented genome encodes a plethora of differentially expressed outer surface lipoproteins that play a seminal role in the bacterium's ability to sustain itself within its enzootic cycle and cause disease when transmitted to its incidental human host. Tissue damage and symptomatology (i.e., clinical manifestations) result from the inflammatory response elicited by the bacterium and its constituents. The deposition of spirochetes into human dermal tissue generates a local inflammatory response that manifests as erythema migrans (EM), the hallmark skin lesion. If treated appropriately and early, the prognosis is excellent. However, in untreated patients, the disease may present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, most commonly involving the central nervous system, joints, or heart. A small percentage (~10%) of patients may go on to develop a poorly defined fibromyalgia-like illness, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD) unresponsive to prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Below we integrate current knowledge regarding the ecologic, epidemiologic, microbiologic, and immunologic facets of Lyme disease into a conceptual framework that sheds light on the disorder that healthcare providers encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D. Radolf
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Klemen Strle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NY Department of Health, Albany NY, 12208, USA
| | - Jacob E. Lemieux
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Sadilek A, Hswen Y, Bavadekar S, Shekel T, Brownstein JS, Gabrilovich E. Lymelight: forecasting Lyme disease risk using web search data. NPJ Digit Med 2020; 3:16. [PMID: 32047861 PMCID: PMC7000681 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-020-0222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Existing estimates of Lyme disease spread are delayed a year or more. We introduce Lymelight-a new method for monitoring the incidence of Lyme disease in real-time. We use a machine-learned classifier of web search sessions to estimate the number of individuals who search for possible Lyme disease symptoms in a given geographical area for two years, 2014 and 2015. We evaluate Lymelight using the official case count data from CDC and find a 92% correlation (p < 0.001) at county level. Importantly, using web search data allows us not only to assess the incidence of the disease, but also to examine the appropriateness of treatments subsequently searched for by the users. Public health implications of our work include monitoring the spread of vector-borne diseases in a timely and scalable manner, complementing existing approaches through real-time detection, which can enable more timely interventions. Our analysis of treatment searches may also help reduce misdiagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yulin Hswen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Computational Epidemiology Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | | | | | - John S. Brownstein
- Computational Epidemiology Lab, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Lin S, Shrestha S, Prusinski MA, White JL, Lukacik G, Smith M, Lu J, Backenson B. The effects of multiyear and seasonal weather factors on incidence of Lyme disease and its vector in New York State. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 665:1182-1188. [PMID: 30893749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More frequent extreme weather and warmer weather due to climate change might change the spatiotemporal distributions of vector-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. However, limited studies have examined the associations of Lyme disease and its vectors with weather factors, especially multi-year and multi-weather factors related to vector life cycle. OBJECTIVES We investigated the associations between multi-year, unique weather indicators (relevant to tick and host activities) and Lyme disease incidence or documented I. scapularis encounters in New York State (NYS). METHODS Using a generalized estimating equation model, we linked Lyme disease and tick (I. scapularis) data, obtained from the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Communicable Disease Surveillance and Tick Identification Service, with weather data. We used a season-specific exposure index by considering days in different seasons with certain temperature and precipitation ranges, summer Palmer Hydrological Drought Index, and fitted linear regression models using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Lyme disease and I. scapularis encounters were modestly correlated (Spearman correlation = 0.60, p-value <0.001). The results indicate that summer Lyme disease cases and tick encounters may increase by 4-10%, per one day in spring with a minimum temperature range between 40 and 50 °F in the year of diagnosis and previous year. A day increase in summer with maximum temperature > 75 °F in the previous year was associated with 2% increase in summer disease counts. Mild winter days were associated with an increase in summer tick encounters. CONCLUSIONS Extended spring and summer days and mild winter temperatures appear to increase Lyme disease cases and tick exposure risk in NYS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University at New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University at New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States of America.
| | - Srishti Shrestha
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University at New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States of America
| | - Melissa A Prusinski
- Investigations and Vector Surveillance Units, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L White
- Investigations and Vector Surveillance Units, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Gary Lukacik
- Investigations and Vector Surveillance Units, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Maggie Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University at New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States of America
| | - Jianhai Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bryon Backenson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University at New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States of America; Investigations and Vector Surveillance Units, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States of America
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7
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Brower JL. The Threat and Response to Infectious Diseases (Revised). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:19-36. [PMID: 27480226 PMCID: PMC7080028 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The threat from microorganisms is complex, and the approaches for reducing the challenges the world is facing are also multifaceted, but a combination approach including several simple steps can make a difference and reduce morbidity and mortality and the economic cost of fighting infectious diseases. This paper discusses the continually evolving infectious disease landscape, contributing factors in the rise of the threat, reasons for optimism, and the policies, technologies, actions, and institutions that might be harnessed to further reduce the dangers introduced by pathogens. It builds upon and updates the work of other authors that have recognized the dangers of emerging and re-emerging pathogens and have explored and documented potential solutions.
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Davidsson M. The Financial Implications of a Well-Hidden and Ignored Chronic Lyme Disease Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:E16. [PMID: 29438352 PMCID: PMC5872223 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
1 million people are predicted to get infected with Lyme disease in the USA in 2018. Given the same incidence rate of Lyme disease in Europe as in the USA, then 2.4 million people will get infected with Lyme disease in Europe in 2018. In the USA by 2050, 55.7 million people (12% of the population) will have been infected with Lyme disease. In Europe by 2050, 134.9 million people (17% of the population) will have been infected with Lyme disease. Most of these infections will, unfortunately, become chronic. The estimated treatment cost for acute and chronic Lyme disease for 2018 for the USA is somewhere between 4.8 billion USD and 9.6 billion USD and for Europe somewhere between 10.1 billion EUR and 20.1 billion EUR. If governments do not finance IV treatment with antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease, then the estimated government cost for chronic Lyme disease for 2018 for the USA is 10.1 billion USD and in Europe 20.1 billion EUR. If governments in the USA and Europe want to minimize future costs and maximize future revenues, then they should pay for IV antibiotic treatment up to a year even if the estimated cure rate is as low as 25%. The cost for governments of having chronic Lyme patients sick in perpetuity is very large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Davidsson
- Economist and Independent Researcher, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=895329.
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9
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Goc A, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M. Reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against typical and atypical forms of Borrelia sp. J Appl Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28644529 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Borrelia sp., a causative pathogenic factor of Lyme disease (LD), has become a major public health threat. Current treatments based on antibiotics often lead to relapse after their withdrawal. Naturally derived substances that could work synergistically to display higher efficacy compared with the individual components may serve as a resource for the development of novel approaches to combat both active and latent forms of Borrelia sp. METHODS AND RESULTS Using checkerboard assay, we investigated the anti-borreliae reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against two species of Borrelia selected as prevalent causes of LD in the United States and Europe. We tested 28 combinations of phytochemicals such as polyphenols (baicalein, luteolin, rosmarinic acids), fatty acids (monolaurin, cis-2-decenoic acid) and micronutrients (ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol and iodine). The results showed that the combinations of baicalein with luteolin as well as monolaurin with cis-2-decenoic acid expressed synergistic anti-spirochetal effects. Moreover, baicalein and luteolin, when combined with rosmarinic acid or iodine, produced additive bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against typical corkscrew motile spirochaetes and persistent knob/round-shaped forms, respectively. An additive anti-biofilm effect was noticed between baicalein with luteolin and monolaurin with cis-2-decenoic acid. Finally, application of the combination of baicalein with luteolin increased cytoplasmic permeability of Borrelia sp. but did not cause DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS These results show that a specific combination of flavones might play a supporting role in combating Borrelia sp. through either synergistic or additive anti-borreliae effects. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Presented here in vitro results might help advancing our knowledge and improving the approach to target Borrelia sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Goc
- Dr Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | | | - M Rath
- Dr Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, CA, USA
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10
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Goc A, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 119:1561-72. [PMID: 26457476 PMCID: PMC4738477 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Aims Little is known about the effects of phytochemicals against Borrelia sp. causing Lyme disease. Current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. This study examined the anti‐borreliae efficacy of several plant‐derived compounds and micronutrients. Methods and Results We tested the efficacy of 15 phytochemicals and micronutrients against three morphological forms of Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia garinii: spirochetes, latent rounded forms and biofilm. The results showed that the most potent substances against the spirochete and rounded forms of B. burgdorferi and B. garinii were cis‐2‐decenoic acid, baicalein, monolaurin and kelp (iodine); whereas, only baicalein and monolaurin revealed significant activity against the biofilm. Moreover, cis‐2‐decenoic acid, baicalein and monolaurin did not cause statistically significant cytotoxicity to human HepG2 cells up to 125 μg ml−1 and kelp up to 20 μg ml−1. Conclusions The most effective antimicrobial compounds against all morphological forms of the two tested Borrelia sp. were baicalein and monolaurin. This might indicate that the presence of fatty acid and phenyl groups is important for comprehensive antibacterial activity. Significance and Impact of the Study This study reveals the potential of phytochemicals as an important tool in the fight against the species of Borrelia causing Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Goc
- Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - A Niedzwiecki
- Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - M Rath
- Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, CA, USA
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Stricker RB, Johnson L. Lyme disease: the promise of Big Data, companion diagnostics and precision medicine. Infect Drug Resist 2016; 9:215-9. [PMID: 27672336 PMCID: PMC5024771 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s114770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi has become a major worldwide epidemic. Recent studies based on Big Data registries show that >300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the USA, and up to two-thirds of individuals infected with B. burgdorferi will fail conventional 30-year-old antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease. In addition, animal and human evidence suggests that sexual transmission of the Lyme spirochete may occur. Improved companion diagnostic tests for Lyme disease need to be implemented, and novel treatment approaches are urgently needed to combat the epidemic. In particular, therapies based on the principles of precision medicine could be modeled on successful "designer drug" treatment for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C virus infection featuring targeted protease inhibitors. The use of Big Data registries, companion diagnostics and precision medicine will revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.
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Goc A, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M. Cooperation of Doxycycline with Phytochemicals and Micronutrients Against Active and Persistent Forms of Borrelia sp. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:1093-103. [PMID: 27570483 PMCID: PMC4997053 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.16060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals and micronutrients represent a growing theme in antimicrobial defense; however, little is known about their anti-borreliae effects of reciprocal cooperation with antibiotics. A better understanding of this aspect could advance our knowledge and help improve the efficacy of current approaches towards Borrelia sp. In this study, phytochemicals and micronutrients such as baicalein, luteolin, 10-HAD, iodine, rosmarinic acid, and monolaurin, as well as, vitamins D3 and C were tested in a combinations with doxycycline for their in vitro effectiveness against vegetative (spirochetes) and latent (rounded bodies, biofilm) forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii. Anti-borreliae effects were evaluated according to checkerboard assays and supported by statistical analysis. The results showed that combination of doxycycline with flavones such as baicalein and luteolin exhibited additive effects against all morphological forms of studied Borrelia sp. Doxycycline combined with iodine demonstrated additive effects against spirochetes and biofilm, whereas with fatty acids such as monolaurin and 10-HAD it produced FICIs of indifference. Additive anti-spirochetal effects were also observed when doxycycline was used with rosmarinic acid and both vitamins D3 and C. Antagonism was not observed in any of the cases. This data revealed the intrinsic anti-borreliae activity of doxycycline with tested phytochemicals and micronutrients indicating that their addition may enhance efficacy of this antibiotic in combating Borrelia sp. Especially the addition of flavones balcalein and luteolin to a doxycycline regimen could be explored further in defining more effective treatments against these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goc
- Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, California 95050, USA
| | | | - Matthias Rath
- Dr. Rath Research Institute BV, Santa Clara, California 95050, USA
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13
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Goc A, Rath M. The anti-borreliae efficacy of phytochemicals and micronutrients: an update. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2016; 3:75-82. [PMID: 27536352 DOI: 10.1177/2049936116655502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring substances have been used for centuries to fight against various pathogens. They serve as a source for new chemical entities or provide options to already existing therapeutics. While there is an increasing interest in studying antimicrobial properties of naturally derived agents, little is known about their effects against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative pathogens of Lyme disease. A better understanding of this aspect could advance knowledge about pathophysiology of these bacteria and help improve the efficacy of current approaches against Lyme disease. Here, we review all naturally occurring substances scientifically evaluated to date, including plant extracts, their metabolites, and micronutrients, against vegetative (spirochetes) and latent (rounded bodies, biofilm) forms of Borrelia sp. This summary reveals the potent anti-borreliae activity of several of these natural compounds indicating their potential in enhancing the efficacy of current treatments for Lyme disease, and offering new options to already existing therapeutic regiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goc
- Dr. Rath Research Institute, 1260 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
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14
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Eliassen KE, Berild D, Reiso H, Grude N, Christophersen KS, Finckenhagen C, Lindbæk M. Incidence and antibiotic treatment of erythema migrans in Norway 2005-2009. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 8:1-8. [PMID: 27475874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The first stage of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is mainly the typical skin lesion, erythema migrans (EM), which is estimated to comprise 80-90% of all LB cases. However, the reporting of, and the actual incidence of LB varies throughout Europe. Studies from Sweden and Holland have found EM incidences varying from 53 to 464 EM/100,000 inhabitants/year. Under-reporting of LB is common and a coefficient of three to reach a realistic estimate is suggested. In Norway, it is mandatory to report only the second and third LB stages to the National Institute of Public Health. To find the Norwegian incidence of EM, we extracted data from the electronic medical records of regular general practitioners and out-of-hours services in the four counties with the highest rates of registered LB in the 5 years from 2005 to 2009. We found an EM incidence of 448 EM/100,000 inhabitants/year in these counties, which yields a national incidence of 148 EM/100,000 inhabitants/year. Our findings show that solitary EMs comprised almost 96% of the total LB incidence in Norway. Older females have the highest rates of EM. Phenoxymethylpenicillin is the most commonly used drug to treat EM in Norway, which complies with the national guidelines for antibiotic use. Antibody tests are performed in 15% of cases. Less than 1% of patients are referred to secondary care. The study also shows a high number of patients seeking care for tick bites without signs of infection and there is an overuse of antibiotics in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Eirik Eliassen
- Norwegian Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, PO box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Dag Berild
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, N-0460 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Harald Reiso
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne Diseases, Sorlandet Hospital, PO box 783 Stoa, N-4809 Arendal, Norway.
| | - Nils Grude
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Halfdan Wilhelmsens allè 17, N-3116 Tonsberg, Norway.
| | | | - Cecilie Finckenhagen
- Asker and Baerum Primary Care Out-of-hours Service, Sogneprest Munthe-kaas vei 100, N-1346 Gjettum, Norway.
| | - Morten Lindbæk
- Norwegian Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, PO box 1130 Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway.
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Vourc'h G, Abrial D, Bord S, Jacquot M, Masséglia S, Poux V, Pisanu B, Bailly X, Chapuis JL. Mapping human risk of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the agent of Lyme borreliosis, in a periurban forest in France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:644-652. [PMID: 26897396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is a major zoonosis in Europe, with estimates of over 26,000 cases per year in France alone. The etiological agents are spirochete bacteria that belong to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.) complex and are transmitted by hard ticks among a large range of vertebrate hosts. In Europe, the tick Ixodes ricinus is the main vector. In the absence of a vaccine and given the current difficulties to diagnose and treat chronic Lyme syndromes, there is urgent need for prevention. In this context, accurate information on the spatial patterns of risk of exposure to ticks is of prime importance for public health. The objective of our study was to provide a snapshot map of the risk of human infection with B. burgdorferi s. l. pathogens in a periurban forest at a high resolution, and to analyze the factors that contribute to variation in this risk. Field monitoring took place over three weeks in May 2011 in the suburban Sénart forest (3,200ha; southeast of Paris), which receives over 3 million people annually. We sampled ticks over the entire forest area (from 220 forest stands with a total area of 35,200m(2)) and quantified the density of questing nymphs (DON), the prevalence of infection among nymphs (NIP), and the density of infected nymphs (DIN), which is the most important predictor of the human risk of Lyme borreliosis. For each of these response variables, we explored the relative roles of weather (saturation deficit), hosts (abundance indices of ungulates and Tamias sibiricus, an introduced rodent species), vegetation and forest cover, superficial soil composition, and the distance to forest roads. In total, 19,546 questing nymphs were collected and the presence of B. burgdorferi s. l. was tested in 3,903 nymphs by qPCR. The mean DON was 5.6 nymphs per 10m(2) (standard deviation=10.4) with an average NIP of 10.1% (standard deviation=0.11). The highest DIN was 8.9 infected nymphs per 10m(2), with a mean of 0.59 (standard deviation=0.6). Our mapping and modeling revealed a strong heterogeneity of risk within the forest. The highest risk was found in the eastern part of the forest and localized patches in the northwestern part. Lyme borreliosis risk was positively associated with stands of deciduous trees (mainly oaks) and roe deer abundance. Contrary to expectations, DIN actually increased with distance from the point of introduction of T. sibiricus (i.e., DIN was higher in areas with potentially lower abundances of T. sibiricus). Thus, despite the fact that T. sibiricus is an important reservoir host for B. burgdorferi s. l., our study found that other explanatory factors played a more important role in determining the density of infected ticks. Precise mapping of the risk of exposure to Lyme borreliosis in a highly visited forest represents an important tool for targeting prevention and control measures, as well as making the general public and local health officials aware of the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Vourc'h
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France.
| | - D Abrial
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - S Bord
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - M Jacquot
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - S Masséglia
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - V Poux
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - B Pisanu
- MNHN, Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, CP51, 61 rue Buffon, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - X Bailly
- INRA, UR0346 Unité d'Epidémiologie Animale, 63122 Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - J-L Chapuis
- MNHN, Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (UMR7204), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, CP51, 61 rue Buffon, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
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Scott JD, Foley JE. Detection of <i>Borrelia americana</i> in the Avian Coastal Tick, <i>Ixodes auritulus</i> (Acari: Ixodidae), Collected from a Bird Captured in Canada. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2016.63027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stricker RB, Middelveen MJ. Sexual transmission of Lyme disease: challenging the tickborne disease paradigm. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 13:1303-6. [PMID: 26489537 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lyme disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi has become a major worldwide epidemic. In this article, we explore the clinical, epidemiological and experimental evidence for sexual transmission of Lyme disease in animal models and humans. Although the likelihood of sexual transmission of the Lyme spirochete remains speculative, the possibility of Lyme disease transmission via intimate human contact merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael B Stricker
- a International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, P.O. Box 341461, Bethesda, MD 20827-1461, USA
| | - Marianne J Middelveen
- a International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, P.O. Box 341461, Bethesda, MD 20827-1461, USA
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Kolb P, Vorreiter J, Habicht J, Bentrop D, Wallich R, Nassal M. Soluble cysteine-rich tick saliva proteins Salp15 and Iric-1 from E. coli. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 5:42-55. [PMID: 25628987 PMCID: PMC4305620 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick saliva proteins Salp15 and Iric-1 promote tick feeding and pathogen transmission. We established the first bacterial expression system for soluble Salp15 and Iric-1. Using this system we mapped monoclonal antibody epitopes on Salp15 and Iric-1. We defined the interaction sites with Borrelia outer surface protein C (OspC). We elucidated first secondary structure features in Iric-1 by NMR.
Ticks transmit numerous pathogens, including borreliae, which cause Lyme disease. Tick saliva contains a complex mix of anti-host defense factors, including the immunosuppressive cysteine-rich secretory glycoprotein Salp15 from Ixodes scapularis ticks and orthologs like Iric-1 from Ixodesricinus. All tick-borne microbes benefit from the immunosuppression at the tick bite site; in addition, borreliae exploit the binding of Salp15 to their outer surface protein C (OspC) for enhanced transmission. Hence, Salp15 proteins are attractive targets for anti-tick vaccines that also target borreliae. However, recombinant Salp proteins are not accessible in sufficient quantity for either vaccine manufacturing or for structural characterization. As an alternative to low-yield eukaryotic systems, we investigated cytoplasmic expression in Escherichia coli, even though this would not result in glycosylation. His-tagged Salp15 was efficiently expressed but insoluble. Among the various solubility-enhancing protein tags tested, DsbA was superior, yielding milligram amounts of soluble, monomeric Salp15 and Iric-1 fusions. Easily accessible mutants enabled epitope mapping of two monoclonal antibodies that, importantly, cross-react with glycosylated Salp15, and revealed interaction sites with OspC. Free Salp15 and Iric-1 from protease-cleavable fusions, despite limited solubility, allowed the recording of 1H–15N 2D NMR spectra, suggesting partial folding of the wild-type proteins but not of Cys-free variants. Fusion to the NMR-compatible GB1 domain sufficiently enhanced solubility to reveal first secondary structure elements in 13C/15N double-labeled Iric-1. Together, E. coli expression of appropriately fused Salp15 proteins may be highly valuable for the molecular characterization of the function and eventually the 3D structure of these medically relevant tick proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kolb
- University Hospital Freiburg, Internal Medicine 2/Molecular Biology, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany ; University of Freiburg, Biological Faculty, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jolanta Vorreiter
- University Hospital Freiburg, Internal Medicine 2/Molecular Biology, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jüri Habicht
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Immunology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Detlef Bentrop
- University of Freiburg, Institute of Physiology, Hermann-Herder-Str. 7, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wallich
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Immunology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Internal Medicine 2/Molecular Biology, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Middelveen MJ, Burke J, Sapi E, Bandoski C, Filush KR, Wang Y, Franco A, Timmaraju A, Schlinger HA, Mayne PJ, Stricker RB. Culture and identification of Borrelia spirochetes in human vaginal and seminal secretions. F1000Res 2014; 3:309. [PMID: 28690828 PMCID: PMC5482345 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.5778.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent reports indicate that more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed yearly in the USA. Preliminary clinical, epidemiological and immunological studies suggest that infection with the Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) could be transferred from person to person via intimate human contact without a tick vector. Failure to detect viable
Borrelia spirochetes in vaginal and seminal secretions would argue against this hypothesis. Methods: Patients with and without a history of Lyme disease were selected for the study after informed consent was obtained. Serological testing for Bb was performed on all subjects. Semen or vaginal secretions were inoculated into BSK-H medium and cultured for four weeks. Examination of genital cultures and culture concentrates for the presence of spirochetes was performed using light and darkfield microscopy, and spirochete concentrates were subjected to Dieterle silver staining, anti-Bb immunohistochemical staining, molecular hybridization and PCR analysis for further characterization. Immunohistochemical and molecular testing was performed in three independent laboratories in a blinded fashion. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: Control subjects who were asymptomatic and seronegative for Bb had no detectable spirochetes in genital secretions by PCR analysis. In contrast, spirochetes were observed in cultures of genital secretions from 11 of 13 subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease, and motile spirochetes were detected in genital culture concentrates from 12 of 13 Lyme disease patients using light and darkfield microscopy. Morphological features of spirochetes were confirmed by Dieterle silver staining and immunohistochemical staining of culture concentrates. Molecular hybridization and PCR testing confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from semen and vaginal secretions were strains of
Borrelia, and all cultures were negative for treponemal spirochetes. PCR sequencing of cultured spirochetes from three couples having unprotected sex indicated that two couples had identical strains of Bb
sensu stricto in their semen and vaginal secretions, while the third couple had identical strains of
B. hermsii detected in their genital secretions. Conclusions: The culture of viable
Borrelia spirochetes in genital secretions suggests that Lyme disease could be transmitted by intimate contact from person to person. Further studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennie Burke
- Australian Biologics, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Eva Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Cheryl Bandoski
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Katherine R Filush
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Yean Wang
- Australian Biologics, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | | | - Arun Timmaraju
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Hilary A Schlinger
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
| | - Peter J Mayne
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
| | - Raphael B Stricker
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
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20
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Middelveen MJ, Burke J, Sapi E, Bandoski C, Filush KR, Wang Y, Franco A, Timmaraju A, Schlinger HA, Mayne PJ, Stricker RB. Culture and identification of Borrelia spirochetes in human vaginal and seminal secretions. F1000Res 2014; 3:309. [PMID: 28690828 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.5778.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent reports indicate that more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed yearly in the USA. Preliminary clinical, epidemiological and immunological studies suggest that infection with the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) could be transferred from person to person via intimate human contact without a tick vector. Failure to detect viable Borrelia spirochetes in vaginal and seminal secretions would argue against this hypothesis. Methods: Patients with and without a history of Lyme disease were selected for the study after informed consent was obtained. Serological testing for Bb was performed on all subjects. Semen or vaginal secretions were inoculated into BSK-H medium and cultured for four weeks. Examination of genital cultures and culture concentrates for the presence of spirochetes was performed using light and darkfield microscopy, and spirochete concentrates were subjected to Dieterle silver staining, anti-Bb immunohistochemical staining, molecular hybridization and PCR analysis for further characterization. Immunohistochemical and molecular testing was performed in three independent laboratories in a blinded fashion. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: Control subjects who were asymptomatic and seronegative for Bb had no detectable spirochetes in genital secretions by PCR analysis. In contrast, spirochetes were observed in cultures of genital secretions from 11 of 13 subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease, and motile spirochetes were detected in genital culture concentrates from 12 of 13 Lyme disease patients using light and darkfield microscopy. Morphological features of spirochetes were confirmed by Dieterle silver staining and immunohistochemical staining of culture concentrates. Molecular hybridization and PCR testing confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from semen and vaginal secretions were strains of Borrelia, and all cultures were negative for treponemal spirochetes. PCR sequencing of cultured spirochetes from three couples having unprotected sex indicated that two couples had identical strains of Bb sensu stricto in their semen and vaginal secretions, while the third couple had identical strains of B. hermsii detected in their genital secretions. Conclusions: The culture of viable Borrelia spirochetes in genital secretions suggests that Lyme disease could be transmitted by intimate contact from person to person. Further studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennie Burke
- Australian Biologics, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Eva Sapi
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Cheryl Bandoski
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Katherine R Filush
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Yean Wang
- Australian Biologics, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | | | - Arun Timmaraju
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Hilary A Schlinger
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
| | - Peter J Mayne
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
| | - Raphael B Stricker
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD, 20827-1461, USA
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Perronne C. Lyme and associated tick-borne diseases: global challenges in the context of a public health threat. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2014; 4:74. [PMID: 24918091 PMCID: PMC4042490 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Perronne
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Ile de France-Ouest, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, University of Versailles - Saint Quentin en Yvelines Garches, France
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