1
|
Carlströmer Berthén N, Tompa E, Olausson S, Nyberg C, Nyman D, Ringbom M, Perander L, Svärd J, Lindgren PE, Forsberg P, Wilhelmsson P, Sjöwall J, Nordberg M. The AxBioTick Study: Borrelia Species and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Ticks, and Clinical Responses in Tick-Bitten Individuals on the Aland Islands, Finland. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1100. [PMID: 37317075 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051100] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The AxBioTick study was initiated to investigate the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and their impact on antibody and clinical responses in tick-bitten individuals on the Aland Islands. This geographical area is hyperendemic for both Lyme borreliosis (LB) and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Blood samples and ticks were collected from 100 tick-bitten volunteers. A total of 425 ticks was collected, all determined to Ixodes ricinus using molecular tools. Of them 20% contained Borrelia species, of which B. garinii and B. afzelii were most common. None contained the TBE virus (TBEV). Blood samples were drawn in conjunction with the tick bite, and eight weeks later. Sera were analyzed for Borrelia- and TBEV-specific antibodies using an ELISA and a semiquantitative antibody assay. In total 14% seroconverted in Borrelia C6IgG1, 3% in TBEV IgG, and 2% in TBEV IgM. Five participants developed clinical manifestations of LB. The high seroprevalence of both Borrelia (57%) and TBEV (52%) antibodies are likely attributed to the endemic status of the corresponding infections as well as the TBE vaccination program. Despite the similar prevalence of Borrelia spp. detected in ticks in other parts of Europe, the infection rate in this population is high. The AxBioTick study is continuing to investigate more participants and ticks for co-infections, and to characterize the dermal immune response following a tick bite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nellie Carlströmer Berthén
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Eszter Tompa
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Susanne Olausson
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Clara Nyberg
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Dag Nyman
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Malin Ringbom
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Linda Perander
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| | - Joel Svärd
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden
| | - Pia Forsberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden
| | - Johanna Sjöwall
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vrinnevi Hospital, 603 79 Norrkoping, Sweden
| | - Marika Nordberg
- Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
- The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tokarevich NK, Blinova OV, Stoyanova NA, Baimova RR, Siuziumova EA, Lomonosova VI, Tronin AA, Buzinov RV, Sokolova OV, Gnativ BR, Buts LV, Bubnova LA, Safonova OS, Stankevich AI, Kalinina EL, Vikse R, Andreassen AK. Seroprevalence of tick-borne diseases in the Northwest Federal District of the Russian Federation. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2022. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-sot-1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Knowledge about tick-borne disease (TBD) distribution is necessary to improve prevention, whereas detection of human serum IgG antibodies against relevant pathogens is a method for monitoring TBD prevalence in local population. The study objective was to estimate seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis/E. muris in healthy residents from the five territories of the Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk Oblast, Leningrad Oblast, Pskov Oblast, the Republic of Komi and the Republic of Karelia). Materials and methods. In 20172019, a total of 1244 serum samples from healthy residents, not vaccinated against TBDs or other flavivirus-caused infections was studied by ELISA. Results. 21.7% of the sera samples contained IgG antibodies against a single TBD pathogen, whereas 2.1% showed signs of coinfection with two or more pathogens. The most common were IgG antibodies against TBEV (5 territories, 12.2%), followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (5 territories, 3.5%), C. burnetii (4 territories, 2.9%), Anaplasma phagoсytophilum (3 territories, 1.6%), E. chaffeensis/E. muris (5 territories, 1.5%). The IgG antibodies were more common in men (55.2%) than in women (44.8%), being found virtually evenly in age-independent manner (from juniors under 18 to seniors over 60). Conclusion. The results of this first comprehensive serosurveillance study in the Northwestern Federal District of the Russian Federation assessing serum IgG antibodies against tick-borne diseases indicate a wide distribution of such pathogens. Moreover, infections caused by C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis/E. muris might be highly underdiagnosed.
Collapse
|
3
|
Marvik Å, Tveten Y, Pedersen AB, Stiasny K, Andreassen ÅK, Grude N. Low prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies in Norwegian blood donors. Infect Dis (Lond) 2020; 53:44-51. [PMID: 32924695 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2020.1819561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) constitutes a public health concern in Europe. Certain coastal municipalities in southern Norway are considered TBE risk areas and in the last two years, there have been increasing numbers of TBE cases. Since the majority of infections are claimed to be asymptomatic, the aim of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) among unvaccinated adults living in a TBE endemic area in Norway. METHODS One thousand one hundred and twenty-three blood donors living in Vestfold and Telemark county were included and associated sera were analysed for TBEV IgG antibodies. Information regarding tick bites, previous flavivirus exposure and knowledge regarding TBE and TBE prevention were obtained through a questionnaire. RESULTS Fifty-eight samples were reactive by ELISA, of which 21 (36.2%) were confirmed by a TBEV-specific serum neutralization test. Of the 21 blood donors with neutralizing TBEV antibodies detected, 17 reported previous TBE vaccination. Thus, only four blood donors (0.4%) had TBEV neutralizing antibodies consistent with previously undergone TBEV infection. Regarding TBE awareness, half of the blood donors were familiar with TBE, but only 35% were aware of a preventive TBE vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates low prevalence of subclinical TBEV infections among blood donors living in Vestfold and Telemark county and there is a lack of awareness among general public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Åshild Marvik
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Yngvar Tveten
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway
| | | | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Åshild Kristine Andreassen
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Nils Grude
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.,The Antibiotic Centre of Primary Care, Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Quarsten H, Salte T, Lorentzen ÅR, Hansen IJW, Hamre R, Forselv KJN, Øines Ø, Wennerås C, Noraas S. Tick-Borne Pathogens Detected in the Blood of Immunosuppressed Norwegian Patients Living in a Tick-Endemic Area. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2364-e2371. [PMID: 32662513 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The knowledge regarding the occurrence and the clinical implications of tick-borne infections in immunosuppressed patients living in tick-endemic areas is limited. METHODS Adult patients with autoimmune conditions requiring immunosuppressive treatment such as infliximab and rituximab, were invited to participate in the study when they attended the hospital for treatment and/or control of the disease. Whole blood samples were analysed by real-time PCR for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Babesia spp. RESULTS The occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in the blood of patients (n=163) with autoimmune conditions requiring immunosuppressive treatment were evaluated. Pathogen DNA was detected in 8.6% (14/163) of the patients. The predominant pathogen was Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (12/14), which was carried in the blood of infected patients for 10-59 days until treatment with doxycycline. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. were detected in one patient each. The B. burgdorferi-infected patient presented with fever, whereas the remaining patients were judged to have subclinical infections. Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. were not detected in any patient. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated with biologicals and living in a tick-endemic area seem to have a high risk of contracting Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis infection which if left untreated could result in thromboembolic complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Quarsten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Tore Salte
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Åslaug R Lorentzen
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-Borne Diseases, Arendal, Norway
| | - Inger J W Hansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Runar Hamre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Kristine J N Forselv
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Øivind Øines
- Department of Food Safety, Animal Welfare, and Animal Health, Oslo Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine Wennerås
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sølvi Noraas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thortveit ET, Aase A, Petersen LB, Lorentzen ÅR, Mygland Å, Ljøstad U. Human seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne microbes in southern Norway. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101410. [PMID: 32156478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The tick Ixodes ricinus is widespread along the coastline of southern Norway, but data on human exposure to tick-borne microbes are scarce. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to various tick-borne microbes in the general adult population living in a Norwegian municipality where ticks are abundant. Søgne is a coastline municipality in the southernmost part of Norway, and has a high density of ticks. All individuals aged 18-69 years with residential address in Søgne municipality (n = 7424) were invited to give a blood sample and answer a questionnaire. Blood samples from 3568 individuals were available for analysis. All samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), and around 1500 samples for IgG antibodies to other tick-borne microbes. Serum IgG antibodies to Bbsl were present in 22.0% (785/3568) of the tested samples, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in 3.1% (45/1453), Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 11.0% (159/1452), Babesia microti in 2.1% (33/1537), Bartonella henselae/B. quintana in 0.1% (2/1451) and Rickettsia helvetica/R. conorii in 4.2% (60/1445). Serum IgG antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and R. helvetica/R. conorii were significantly more prevalent (p = 0.010 and p = 0.016, respectively) among individuals with serum IgG antibodies to Bbsl than among individuals without. In conclusion, our study showed a high exposure to Bbsl in the general adult population living in a coastline municipality in the southernmost part of Norway. The population is also exposed to A. phagocytophilum, R. helvetica/R. conorii, B. microti and TBEV, but very rarely B. henselae/B. quintana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Audun Aase
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lizette Balle Petersen
- Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Åslaug Rudjord Lorentzen
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway; The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-Borne Diseases, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Arendal, Norway.
| | - Åse Mygland
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Habilitation, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Unn Ljøstad
- Department of Neurology, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Matei IA, Estrada-Peña A, Cutler SJ, Vayssier-Taussat M, Varela-Castro L, Potkonjak A, Zeller H, Mihalca AD. A review on the eco-epidemiology and clinical management of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and its agent in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:599. [PMID: 31864403 PMCID: PMC6925858 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the agent of tick-borne fever, equine, canine and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The common route of A. phagocytophilum transmission is through a tick bite, the main vector in Europe being Ixodes ricinus. Despite the apparently ubiquitous presence of the pathogen A. phagocytophilum in ticks and various wild and domestic animals from Europe, up to date published clinical cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) remain rare compared to the worldwide status. It is unclear if this reflects the epidemiological dynamics of the human infection in Europe or if the disease is underdiagnosed or underreported. Epidemiologic studies in Europe have suggested an increased occupational risk of infection for forestry workers, hunters, veterinarians, and farmers with a tick-bite history and living in endemic areas. Although the overall genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum in Europe is higher than in the USA, the strains responsible for the human infections are related on both continents. However, the study of the genetic variability and assessment of the difference of pathogenicity and infectivity between strains to various hosts has been insufficiently explored to date. Most of the European HGA cases presented as a mild infection, common clinical signs being pyrexia, headache, myalgia and arthralgia. The diagnosis of HGA in the USA was recommended to be based on clinical signs and the patient’s history and later confirmed using specialized laboratory tests. However, in Europe since the majority of cases are presenting as mild infection, laboratory tests may be performed before the treatment in order to avoid antibiotic overuse. The drug of choice for HGA is doxycycline and because of potential for serious complication the treatment should be instituted on clinical suspicion alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana A Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sally J Cutler
- School of Health, Sport & Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK.
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- Department of Animal Health, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lucía Varela-Castro
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Herve Zeller
- Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases Programme, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tsai KH, Chung LH, Chien CH, Tung YJ, Wei HY, Yen TY, Shu PY, Wang HC. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Kinmen, an offshore island of Taiwan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007728. [PMID: 31539395 PMCID: PMC6774531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a tick-borne infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, has received scant attention, while scrub typhus, a mite-transmitted disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is the most common rickettsiosis in Taiwan. The clinical presentations of both diseases are characterized by undifferentiated fever, headache and malaise. Moreover, both pathogens have been detected in small mammals that serve as hosts for chiggers and ticks in the wild. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether human granulocytic anaplasmosis occurs in Taiwan. Methodology/Principal findings Blood samples from 274 patients suspected of having scrub typhus in Kinmen, an offshore island of Taiwan, in 2011 and 2012 were retrospectively examined by immunofluorescence assays. IgG antibodies reactive with Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 31.8% (87/274) of the patients. Paired serology identified 3 patients with human granulocytic anaplasmosis and 8 patients with coinfection with O. tsutsugamushi and A. phagocytophilum. Laboratory tests showed that elevated serum ALT/AST, creatinine, and BUN levels were observed in patients with anaplasmosis and coinfection, but elevated serum CRP levels, thrombocytopenia, and anemia were only observed in coinfected patients. PCR detected A. phagocytophilum 16S rDNA and p44/msp2 in 2 patients. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the replicons of the 16S rDNA shared high sequence similarity with the reference sequences in the Korea, USA, Japan, and China. The amplicons of p44/msp2 were close to those of the human variants identified in the USA and Japan. Conclusions Our findings indicated that A. phagocytophilum infection was prevalent but unrecognized in Taiwan. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Although most cases resolve readily, life-threatening complications can occur without prompt antibiotic treatment. The major difficulty in diagnosing human granulocytic anaplasmosis is due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms. Given that scrub typhus is the most frequently reported rickettsial disease in Taiwan and shares similar early clinical signs with anaplasmosis, we retrospectively examined blood samples from patients with suspected diagnoses of scrub typhus in 2011 and 2012. While serological evidence of potential past exposure was found in as many as 31.8% (87/274) of the patients, current or recent anaplasmosis was supported by seroconversion in 11 patients, including 8 patients coinfected with scrub typhus. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in acute phase samples, and the amplified fragments were phylogenetically close to those of variants in the Korea, the USA, Japan, and China. Herein, for the first time, we confirmed the presence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Taiwan. By reporting coinfections with anaplasmosis and scrub typhus, the study further highlighted the health risk of increasing contact with wild rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lo-Hsuan Chung
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Chien
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jung Tung
- Kinmen Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kinmen, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Wei
- Taipei Regional Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Shu
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (PYS); (HCW)
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (PYS); (HCW)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Razanske I, Rosef O, Radzijevskaja J, Bratchikov M, Griciuviene L, Paulauskas A. Prevalence and co-infection with tick-borne Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in red deer ( Cervus elaphus) and roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus) in Southern Norway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 8:127-134. [PMID: 30766793 PMCID: PMC6360459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. are causative agents of tick-borne infections that are increasingly considered as a threat to animal and public health. To assess the role of cervids in the maintenance of zoonotic pathogens in Norway, we investigated the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in free-ranging roe deer and red deer. Initial screening of spleen samples of 104 animals by multiplex real-time PCR targeting the major surface protein (msp2) gene and 18S rRNA revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum infection in 81.1% red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 88.1% roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and Babesia spp. parasites in 64.9% red deer and 83.6% roe deer, respectively. Co-infections were found in 62.2% red deer and 79.9% roe deer. Nested PCR and sequence analysis of partial msp4 and 18S rRNA genes were performed for molecular characterization of A. phagocytophilum strains and Babesia species. A total of eleven A. phagocytophilum msp4 gene sequence variants were identified: five different variants were 100% identical to corresponding A. phagocytophilum sequences deposited in the GenBank database, while other six sequence variants had unique nucleotide polymorphisms. Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene demonstrated the presence of multiple Babesia species, including Babesia capreoli, Babesia divergens, Babesia venatorum and Babesia odocoilei/Babesia cf. odocoilei. This study is the first report demonstrating the prevalence and molecular characterization of A. phagocytophilum strains and Babesia species in roe deer and red deer in Norway. The high infection and co-infection rates with A. phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in red deer and roe deer suggest that these cervids may play an important role in the transmission of single and multiple pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irma Razanske
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Olav Rosef
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Rosef Field Research Station, Frolandsveien 2667, 4828, Mjåvatn, Norway
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Maksim Bratchikov
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M.K. Čiurlionio 21, LT-03101, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Loreta Griciuviene
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, LT -444404, Kaunas, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wass L, Grankvist A, Mattsson M, Gustafsson H, Krogfelt K, Olsen B, Nilsson K, Mårtensson A, Quarsten H, Henningsson AJ, Wennerås C. Serological reactivity to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in neoehrlichiosis patients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 37:1673-1678. [PMID: 29948363 PMCID: PMC6133046 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The tick-borne bacterium Candidatus (Ca.) Neoehrlichia (N.) mikurensis is a cause of “fever of unknown origin” because this strict intracellular pathogen escapes detection by routine blood cultures. Case reports suggest that neoehrlichiosis patients may display serological reactivity to Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum. Since Anaplasma serology is part of the diagnostic work-up of undetermined fever in European tick-exposed patients, we wanted to investigate (1) the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum seropositivity among neoehrlichiosis patients, (2) the frequency of misdiagnosed neoehrlichiosis patients among A. phagocytophilum seropositive patients, and (3) the frequency of A. phagocytophilum and Ca. N. mikurensis co-infections. Neoehrlichiosis patients (n = 18) were analyzed for A. phagocytophilum IgM and IgG serum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Serum samples from suspected anaplasmosis patients (n = 101) were analyzed for bacterial DNA contents by singleplex PCR specific for A. phagocytophilum and Ca. N. mikurensis, respectively. One fifth of the neoehrlichiosis patients (4/18) were seropositive for IgM and/or IgG to A. phagocytophilum at the time of diagnosis. Among the patients with suspected anaplasmosis, 2% (2/101) were positive for Ca. N. mikurensis by PCR whereas none (0/101) had detectable A. phagocytophilum DNA in the serum. To conclude, patients with suspected anaplasmosis may in fact have neoehrlichiosis. We found no evidence of A. phagocytophilum and Ca. N. mikurensis co-infections in humans with suspected anaplasmosis or confirmed neoehrlichiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Wass
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Anna Grankvist
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Mattsson
- Department of Hematology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Karen Krogfelt
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Björn Olsen
- Section of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Nilsson
- Section of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanne Quarsten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Anna J Henningsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Christine Wennerås
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Guldhedsgatan 10, 413 46, Göteborg, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kjelland V, Paulsen KM, Rollum R, Jenkins A, Stuen S, Soleng A, Edgar KS, Lindstedt HH, Vaino K, Gibory M, Andreassen ÅK. Tick-borne encephalitis virus, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from recreational islands in southern Norway. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1098-1102. [PMID: 29678403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens of medical importance in questing ticks collected from five recreationally used islands along the Norwegian coastline. Furthermore, since coinfection may affect the disease severity, this study aimed to determine the extent of coinfection in individual ticks or co-localization of tick-borne pathogens. In all, 4158 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were analyzed. For detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), nymphs (3690) were analyzed in pools of ten. To detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, 468 nymphs were analyzed individually. A total of five nymph pools was infected with TBEV, giving an overall prevalence of 0.14%. In the individually analyzed ticks, B. burgdorferi s. l. (15.6%), Candidatus N. mikurensis (11%), A. phagocytophilum (1.4%) and B. miyamotoi (0.9%) were detected. Coinfection was found in 3.3% of the ticks, and the only dual infection observed was with B. afzelii and Candidatus N. mikurensis. This association was significantly higher than what would occur by random chance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Kjelland
- University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Natural Sciences, Gimlemoen 25, NO-4630 Kristiansand, Norway; Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Research Unit, P. O. Box 416, NO-4604 Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Katrine M Paulsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway; University College of Southeast Norway, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Gullbringveien 38, NO-3800 Boe, Norway
| | - Rikke Rollum
- University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Natural Sciences, Gimlemoen 25, NO-4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- University College of Southeast Norway, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Gullbringveien 38, NO-3800 Boe, Norway
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Small Ruminant Research and Herd Health, Kyrkjeveien 332/334, NO-4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - Arnulf Soleng
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin S Edgar
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi H Lindstedt
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Pest Control, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsti Vaino
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Moustafa Gibory
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Åshild K Andreassen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, P. O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway; University College of Southeast Norway, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Gullbringveien 38, NO-3800 Boe, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Elhamiani Khatat S, Sahibi H, Hing M, Alaoui Moustain I, El Amri H, Benajiba M, Kachani M, Duchateau L, Daminet S. Human Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Two Cities of Northwestern Morocco. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160880. [PMID: 27532208 PMCID: PMC4988626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis with extensive increased interest. Epidemiological data are available in several regions of the USA, Europe and Asia in contrast to other parts of the world such as North Africa. Blood samples of 261 healthy individuals divided in two groups i.e., dog handlers and blood donors were analysed. Indirect immunofluorescent assay using a commercial kit was performed to detect specific A. phagocytophilum IgG. Two dilutions were used to assess the prevalence of seroreactive samples. Demographic variables were assessed as potential risk factors using exact logistic regression. Seropositivity rates reached 37% and 27% in dog handlers and 36% and 22% in blood donors. No statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence rates between the two groups. Analysis of risk factors such as gender, age groups, outdoor activities, self-reported previous exposure to ticks, or contact with domestic animals (dogs, cats, ruminants and horses) did not shown any significant difference. A. phagocytophilum exposure was common in both high-risk population and blood donors in Morocco.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elhamiani Khatat
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Heath, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
- Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Hamid Sahibi
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Heath, Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mony Hing
- National Reference Laboratory for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Malika Kachani
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Department of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Henningsson AJ, Hvidsten D, Kristiansen BE, Matussek A, Stuen S, Jenkins A. Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Norway using a realtime PCR assay targeting the Anaplasma citrate synthase gene gltA. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:153. [PMID: 26231851 PMCID: PMC4521461 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A TaqMan real-time PCR assay targeting the Anaplasma citrate synthase gene, gltA, was developed and used for detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 765 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from dogs and cats in northern Norway (n = 669) and Telemark county in southern Norway (n = 96). Results Among the ticks from northern Norway the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was 3.0 %, while the prevalence in southern Norway was 2.1 % (p = 0.63). The gltA PCR assay showed a high analytical sensitivity (30 genomic units) and efficiency (98.5 %), and its utility in clinical diagnostics should be evaluated in future studies. Conclusion This is the first report of A. phagocytophilum occurrence in ticks collected north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. The prevalence is comparable to that found in Telemark county in southern Norway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Henningsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Medical Services, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Dag Hvidsten
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bjørn-Erik Kristiansen
- Research group of host-microbe interactions, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Andreas Matussek
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Medical Services, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Andrew Jenkins
- Department of Environmental and Health Studies, Telemark University College, Bø, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hjetland R, Reiso H, Ihlebæk C, Nilsen RM, Grude N, Ulvestad E. Subjective health complaints are not associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors in western Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:657. [PMID: 26169496 PMCID: PMC4499943 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is controversy about chronic health consequences of tick-borne infections, especially Lyme borreliosis. This study aims to assess whether general function, physical fitness and subjective health complaints are associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors. Methods Sera from 1,213 blood donors at four different blood banks in Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway were obtained during January to June 2010, and analysed for specific IgG and IgM antibodies. A questionnaire including questions on tick bites, subjective health complaints, general function and physical fitness was completed. Results Tick bites had been experienced by 65.7 % of the study population. 78 (6.4 %) were positive for IgG (9.7 % in men, 2.4 % in women), and 69 (5.7 %) for IgM (6.1 % in men, 5.1 % in women), verified by immunoblot. No association between number of experienced tick bites or seropositivity for Borrelia antibodies and subjective health complaints, reduced general function or reduced physical fitness was found. Conclusion The results do not support any association between tick bites or Borrelia antibodies and subjective health complaints in blood donors in an endemic area for Lyme borreliosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2026-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reidar Hjetland
- Department of Microbiology, Førde General Hospital, Helse Førde Hospital Trust, PO Box 1000, NO-6807, Førde, Norway.
| | - Harald Reiso
- Institute of Health and Society, Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Camilla Ihlebæk
- Section of public health, ILP, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Aas, Norway.
| | - Roy M Nilsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Nils Grude
- Department of Microbiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Elling Ulvestad
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|