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Fedorov D, Hornok S. Checklist of hosts, illustrated geographical range, and ecology of tick species from the genus Ixodes (Acari, Ixodidae) in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Zookeys 2024; 1201:255-343. [PMID: 38779584 PMCID: PMC11109513 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1201.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus Ixodes. For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of Ixodes species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Fedorov
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, HungaryHUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research GroupBudapestHungary
- Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ZIN-RAS), St. Petersburg, RussiaZoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ZIN-RAS)St. PetersburgRussia
| | - Sándor Hornok
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, HungaryHUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research GroupBudapestHungary
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, HungaryUniversity of Veterinary MedicineBudapestHungary
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McLennan G, Dale SE, Gillim L, Weinblatt V, Wallerstein R, Naides SJ. Developing a Prospective Gestational Lyme Disease Study. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2742:259-278. [PMID: 38165628 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3561-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Lyme disease in pregnancy is understudied. The few available reports of Borrelia infection during pregnancy collecting clinical outcomes, with or without confirmed fetal infection both in utero and neonatal, are limited to case reports and small series. Population-based studies are not available. We propose a prospective study of Borrelia infection during pregnancy based in obstetrical practices in both endemic and nonendemic areas, with long term follow-up of pregnancy outcomes and development assessment of offspring infected or exposed to Borrelia in utero using current serological, microscopic, culture, and molecular techniques. In addition to detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, additional Borrelia species and other pathogens known to be transmitted by ticks will be tested. Serial biospecimens including maternal and cord blood, maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells and urine, and, when clinically indicated, amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, intrauterine cord blood, will be collected with clinical data, imaging, and for infections treatment medications. Offspring will be followed until age 5 years with annual developmental assessments to assess pregnancy outcomes. The study will require parallel development of a biorepository with strategies for management, data security and data sharing. A public-private partnership will be required to support the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham McLennan
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne E Dale
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA
| | - Laura Gillim
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA
| | - Vivian Weinblatt
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA
| | - Robert Wallerstein
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA
| | - Stanley J Naides
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (Labcorp), Burlington, NC, USA.
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Bland J, McGowan C, Bush E, Lloyd V. Constructing an ELISA for Detection of Anti-Borrelia in Wildlife and Agricultural Animals. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2742:47-67. [PMID: 38165614 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3561-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases have major impacts on human and animal health, as well as being ecologically significant. Lyme Borreliosis or Lyme disease, caused by infection by pathogenic members of the Borrelia genus, is among these zoonotic diseases. Serology is one of the most accessible means for indirect surveillance of pathogen presence by monitoring the presence, abundance, and type of immune response to the pathogen or pathogen-associated epitopes. Serological surveillance of wild animals is important as wild animals are the primary reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. Similarly, serological surveillance of agricultural animals is important due to their economic importance, in addition to animal welfare concerns. However, serology in any non-model animal such as wildlife or agricultural animals is difficult because serology necessarily relies on blood samples from the animals being tested. While companion or laboratory animals are generally sufficiently accustomed to humans that blood samples can be obtained, obtaining blood samples from wild or agricultural animals is more challenging. This initial challenge is compounded by the absence of validated serological tools to evaluate antibody titres in the sera. In this chapter, we provide methods for constructing an ELISA for the detection of anti-Borrelia antibodies in non-model animals, using studies on horses and cows as a proof of principle. The methods focus on the problems specific to non-model animals including obtaining sera, options for determining positive and negative controls without the ability to perform controlled infections, and methods for test optimization and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bland
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Caitlin McGowan
- Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
- Nova Scotia, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Emma Bush
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Vett Lloyd
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada.
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Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Horak A, Grubhoffer L, Mongodin EF, Fraser CM, Qiu W, Luft BJ, Morgan RG, Casjens SR, Schutzer SE. Genomic Confirmation of Borrelia garinii, United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:64-69. [PMID: 36573553 PMCID: PMC9796223 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a multisystem disorder primarily caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. However, B. garinii, which has been identified on islands off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is a cause of Lyme disease in Eurasia. We report isolation and whole-genome nucleotide sequencing of a B. garinii isolate from a cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) in South Carolina, USA. We identified a second B. garinii isolate from the same repository. Phylogenetic analysis does not associate these isolates with the previously described isolates of B. garinii from Canada.
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Eisen L. Tick species infesting humans in the United States. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102025. [PMID: 35973261 PMCID: PMC10862467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The data for human tick encounters in the United States (US) presented in this paper were compiled with the goals of: (i) presenting quantitative data across the full range of native or recently established human biting ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) tick species with regards to their frequency of infesting humans, based on published records of ticks collected while biting humans or crawling on clothing or skin; and (ii) providing a guide to publications on human tick encounters. Summary data are presented in table format, and the detailed data these summaries were based on are included in a set of Supplementary Tables. To date, totals of 36 ixodid species (234,722 specimens) and 13 argasid species (230 specimens) have been recorded in the published literature to infest humans in the US. Nationally, the top five ixodid species recorded from humans were the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (n=158,008 specimens); the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (n=36,004); the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (n=26,624); the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus (n=4,158); and the Rocky Mountain wood tick, Dermacentor andersoni (n=3,518). Additional species with more than 250 ticks recorded from humans included Ixodes cookei (n=2,494); the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis (n=809); the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n=714); the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus (n=465); and the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum (n=335). The spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (n=69), and the pajaroello tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus (n=55) were the argasid species most commonly recorded from humans. Additional information presented for each of the 49 tick species include a breakdown of life stages recorded from humans, broad geographical distribution in the US, host preference, and associated human pathogens or medical conditions. The paper also provides a history of publications on human tick encounters in the US, with tables outlining publications containing quantitative data on human tick encounters as well as other notable publications on human-tick interactions. Data limitations are discussed. Researchers and public health professionals in possession of unpublished human tick encounter data are strongly encouraged to publish this information in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In future papers, it would be beneficial if data consistently were broken down by tick species and life stage as well as host species and ticks found biting versus crawling on clothing or skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
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Socarras KM, Haslund-Gourley BS, Cramer NA, Comunale MA, Marconi RT, Ehrlich GD. Large-Scale Sequencing of Borreliaceae for the Construction of Pan-Genomic-Based Diagnostics. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1604. [PMID: 36140772 PMCID: PMC9498496 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The acceleration of climate change has been associated with an alarming increase in the prevalence and geographic range of tick-borne diseases (TBD), many of which have severe and long-lasting effects-particularly when treatment is delayed principally due to inadequate diagnostics and lack of physician suspicion. Moreover, there is a paucity of treatment options for many TBDs that are complicated by diagnostic limitations for correctly identifying the offending pathogens. This review will focus on the biology, disease pathology, and detection methodologies used for the Borreliaceae family which includes the Lyme disease agent Borreliella burgdorferi. Previous work revealed that Borreliaceae genomes differ from most bacteria in that they are composed of large numbers of replicons, both linear and circular, with the main chromosome being the linear with telomeric-like termini. While these findings are novel, additional gene-specific analyses of each class of these multiple replicons are needed to better understand their respective roles in metabolism and pathogenesis of these enigmatic spirochetes. Historically, such studies were challenging due to a dearth of both analytic tools and a sufficient number of high-fidelity genomes among the various taxa within this family as a whole to provide for discriminative and functional genomic studies. Recent advances in long-read whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and machine-learning have provided the tools to better understand the fundamental biology and phylogeny of these genomically-complex pathogens while also providing the data for the development of improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Socarras
- Center for Advanced Microbial Processing, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Center for Genomic Sciences, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Benjamin S. Haslund-Gourley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 1112 East Clay Street, Room 101 Health Sciences Research Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mary Ann Comunale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Richard T. Marconi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 1112 East Clay Street, Room 101 Health Sciences Research Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Garth D. Ehrlich
- Center for Advanced Microbial Processing, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Center for Genomic Sciences, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 1112 East Clay Street, Room 101 Health Sciences Research Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Center for Surgical Infections and Biofilms, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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Trevisan G, Cinco M, Trevisini S, di Meo N, Chersi K, Ruscio M, Forgione P, Bonin S. Borreliae Part 1: Borrelia Lyme Group and Echidna-Reptile Group. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101036. [PMID: 34681134 PMCID: PMC8533607 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Borreliae are spirochaetes, which represent a heterogeneous phylum within bacteria. Spirochaetes are indeed distinguished from other bacteria for their spiral shape, which also characterizes Borreliae. This review describes briefly the organization of the phylum Spirocheteales with a digression about its pathogenicity and historical information about bacteria isolation and characterization. Among spirochaetes, Borrelia genus is here divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Borreliae Part 1 deals with Lyme group and Echidna-Reptile group Borreliae, while the subject of Borreliae Part 2 is Relapsing Fever group and unclassified Borreliae. Lyme group Borreliae is organized here in sections describing ecology, namely tick vectors and animal hosts, epidemiology, microbiology, and Borrelia genome organization and antigen characterization. Furthermore, the main clinical manifestations in Lyme borreliosis are also described. Although included in the Lyme group due to their particular clinical features, Borrelia causing Baggio Yoshinari syndrome and Borrelia mayonii are described in dedicated paragraphs. The Borrelia Echidna-Reptile group has been recently characterized including spirochaetes that apparently are not pathogenic to humans, but infect reptiles and amphibians. The paragraph dedicated to this group of Borreliae describes their vectors, hosts, geographical distribution and their characteristics. Abstract Borreliae are divided into three groups, namely the Lyme group (LG), the Echidna-Reptile group (REPG) and the Relapsing Fever group (RFG). Currently, only Borrelia of the Lyme and RF groups (not all) cause infection in humans. Borreliae of the Echidna-Reptile group represent a new monophyletic group of spirochaetes, which infect amphibians and reptiles. In addition to a general description of the phylum Spirochaetales, including a brief historical digression on spirochaetosis, in the present review Borreliae of Lyme and Echidna-Reptile groups are described, discussing the ecology with vectors and hosts as well as microbiological features and molecular characterization. Furthermore, differences between LG and RFG are discussed with respect to the clinical manifestations. In humans, LG Borreliae are organotropic and cause erythema migrans in the early phase of the disease, while RFG Borreliae give high spirochaetemia with fever, without the development of erythema migrans. With respect of LG Borreliae, recently Borrelia mayonii, with intermediate characteristics between LG and RFG, has been identified. As part of the LG, it gives erythema migrans but also high spirochaetemia with fever. Hard ticks are vectors for both LG and REPG groups, but in LG they are mostly Ixodes sp. ticks, while in REPG vectors do not belong to that genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
| | - Marina Cinco
- DSV—Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sara Trevisini
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Nicola di Meo
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Karin Chersi
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- ASUGI—Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (S.T.); (K.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Patrizia Forgione
- UOSD Dermatologia, Centro Rif. Regionale Malattia di Hansen e Lyme, P.O. dei Pellegrini, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM—Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.T.); (N.d.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-3993266
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Monitoring Risk: Tick and Borrelia burgdorferi Public Participatory Surveillance in the Canadian Maritimes, 2012-2020. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101284. [PMID: 34684234 PMCID: PMC8538556 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors of many diseases, including Lyme disease (Ld). Lyme disease is an emerging disease in Canada caused by infection with the Lyme borreliosis (Lb) members of the Borrelia genus of spirochaete bacteria, of which Borrelia burgdorferi is regionally the most prevalent. The primary tick vector in central and eastern Canada, Ixodes scapularis, is increasing in numbers and in the geographical extent of established populations. This study documents the distribution of ticks recovered by passive surveillance, and their B. burgdorferi infection prevalence, in three Canadian Maritime provinces from 2012-2020. These regions represent areas in which tick populations are widely established, establishing, and considered non-established. Using a community science approach by partnering with veterinarians and members of the public, we collected over 7000 ticks from the 3 provinces. The three species found most often on companion animals and humans were I. scapularis (76.9%), Ixodes cookei (10.4%) and Dermacentor variabilis (8.9%). The most common hosts were dogs (60.5%), cats (16.8%) and humans (17.6%). As is typical of passive surveillance tick collections, the majority of ticks recovered were adult females; for I. scapularis 90.2%, 5.3%, 3.9% and 0.6% of the total of 5630 ticks recovered for this species were adult females, adult males, nymphs and larvae, respectively. The majority of B. burgdorferi-infected ticks were I. scapularis, as expected. Borrelia infection prevalence in I scapularis was higher in Nova Scotia (20.9%), the province with the most endemic regions, than New Brunswick (14.1%) and Prince Edward Island (9.1%), provinces thought to have established and non-established tick populations, respectively. The province-wide Borrelia infection prevalence generally increased in these latter tow provinces over the course of the study. The host did not have a significant effect on B. burgdorferi infection prevalence; I. scapularis ticks from dogs, cats, humans was, 13.3% (n = 3622), 15.6% (n = 817), 17.9% (n = 730), respectively. No I. scapularis larvae were found infected (n = 33) but B. burgdorferi was detected in 14.8% of both adults (n = 5140) and nymphs (n = 215). The incidence of B. burgdorferi infection also did not differ by engorgement status 15.0% (n = 367), 15.1% (n = 3101) and 14.4% (n = 1958) of non-engorged, engorged and highly engorged ticks, respectively, were infected. In New Brunswick, at the advancing front of tick population establishment, the province-wide infection percentages generally increased over the nine-year study period and all health district regions showed increased tick recoveries and a trend of increased percentages of Borrelia-infected ticks over the course of the study. Within New Brunswick, tick recoveries but not Borrelia infection prevalence were significantly different from endemic and non-endemic regions, suggesting cryptic endemic regions existed prior to their designation as a risk area. Over the 9 years of the study, tick recoveries increased in New Brunswick, the primary study region, and I. scapularis recoveries spread northwards and along the coast, most but not all new sites of recoveries were predicted by climate-based models, indicating that ongoing tick surveillance is necessary to accurately detect all areas of risk. Comparison of tick recoveries and public health risk areas indicates a lag in identification of risk areas. Accurate and timely information on tick distribution and the incidence of Borrelia and other infections are essential for keeping the public informed of risk and to support disease prevention behaviors.
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Tsao JI, Hamer SA, Han S, Sidge JL, Hickling GJ. The Contribution of Wildlife Hosts to the Rise of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1565-1587. [PMID: 33885784 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife vertebrate hosts are integral to enzootic cycles of tick-borne pathogens, and in some cases have played key roles in the recent rise of ticks and tick-borne diseases in North America. In this forum article, we highlight roles that wildlife hosts play in the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic, companion animal, livestock, and wildlife tick-borne pathogens. We begin by illustrating how wildlife contribute directly and indirectly to the increase and geographic expansion of ticks and their associated pathogens. Wildlife provide blood meals for tick growth and reproduction; serve as pathogen reservoirs; and can disperse ticks and pathogens-either through natural movement (e.g., avian migration) or through human-facilitated movement (e.g., wildlife translocations and trade). We then discuss opportunities to manage tick-borne disease through actions directed at wildlife hosts. To conclude, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of the ecology of tick-host interactions, emphasizing that wildlife host communities are themselves a very dynamic component of tick-pathogen-host systems and therefore complicate management of tick-borne diseases, and should be taken into account when considering host-targeted approaches. Effective management of wildlife to reduce tick-borne disease risk further requires consideration of the 'human dimensions' of wildlife management. This includes understanding the public's diverse views and values about wildlife and wildlife impacts-including the perceived role of wildlife in fostering tick-borne diseases. Public health agencies should capitalize on the expertise of wildlife agencies when developing strategies to reduce tick-borne disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean I Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, and Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Seungeun Han
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jennifer L Sidge
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Graham J Hickling
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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10
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Wolcott KA, Margos G, Fingerle V, Becker NS. Host association of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: A review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101766. [PMID: 34161868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) is a bacterial species complex that includes the etiological agents of the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis. It currently comprises > 20 named and proposed genospecies that use vertebrate hosts and tick vectors for transmission in the Americas and Eurasia. Host (and vector) associations influence geographic distribution and speciation in Bbsl, which is of particular relevance to human health. To target gaps in knowledge for future efforts to understand broad patterns of the Bbsl-tick-host system and how they relate to human health, the present review aims to give a comprehensive summary of the literature on host association in Bbsl. Of 465 papers consulted (404 after exclusion criteria were applied), 96 sought to experimentally establish reservoir competence of 143 vertebrate host species for Bbsl. We recognize xenodiagnosis as the strongest method used, however it is infrequent (20% of studies) probably due to difficulties in maintaining tick vectors and/or wild host species in the lab. Some well-established associations were not experimentally confirmed according to our definition (ex: Borrelia garinii, Ixodes uriae and sea birds). We conclude that our current knowledge on host association in Bbsl is mostly derived from a subset of host, vector and bacterial species involved, providing an incomplete knowledge of the physiology, ecology and evolutionary history of these interactions. More studies are needed on all host, vector and bacterial species globally involved with a focus on non-rodent hosts and Asian Bbsl complex species, especially with experimental research that uses xenodiagnosis and genomics to analyze existing host associations in different ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Wolcott
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20560, USA
| | - Gabriele Margos
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia at the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia at the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Veterinärstr. 2, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Noémie S Becker
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, LMU Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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Scott JD. Presentation of Acrodermatitis Chronica Atrophicans Rashes on Lyme Disease Patients in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E157. [PMID: 32512846 PMCID: PMC7349802 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a complex multisystem illness with varying clinical manifestations. This tick-borne zoonosis is caused by the spirochetal bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) and, worldwide, presents with at least 20 different types of rashes. Certain cutaneous rashes are inherently interconnected to various stages of Lyme disease. In this study, five Canadian Lyme disease patients from a multi-age range presented various phases of the acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) rash. In each case of ACA, the underlying etiological pathogen was the Lyme disease spirochete. Although ACA rashes are normally found on the lower extremities, this study illustrates that ACA rashes are not directly correlated with a tick bite, geographic area, age, Bbsl genospecies, exercise, or any given surface area of the body. Case 4 provides confirmation for an ACA rash and gestational Lyme disease. One patient (Case 5) puts forth a Bbsl and Bartonella sp. co-infection with a complex ACA rash. This study documents ACA rashes on Lyme disease patients for the first time in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7007, USA
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Eisen L. Vector competence studies with hard ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes: A review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101359. [PMID: 32067949 PMCID: PMC7127979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Use of emerging technology allowing for identification of genetic material from pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks collected from humans, domestic animals, wildlife, or the environment has resulted in an avalanche of new data on tick-microorganism associations. This rapidly growing stream of new information is a tremendous resource but also presents challenges, including how detection of pathogen genetic material in ticks should best be interpreted. There is a tendency in the more recent published literature to incorrectly use the term “vector” based on detection of pathogen genetic material from tick species not experimentally confirmed to serve as vectors of the pathogen in question. To serve as a vector of a horizontally maintained pathogen, such as a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) Lyme borreliosis spirochete, the tick species in question must be capable of acquiring the pathogen while feeding in the larval or nymphal stage on an infectious host, maintaining it transstadially through the molt, and then transmitting the pathogen to a naïve host while feeding in the subsequent nymphal or adult stage. This review examines the experimental evidence for and against species of hard (ixodid) ticks from different genera to serve as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. Of the 18 Ixodes species ticks evaluated to date, 13 were experimentally confirmed as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. These studies focused primarily on the three major Lyme borreliosis agents: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii. In striking contrast, none of 8 tick species from other genera (1 Amblyomma species, 5 Dermacentor species, and 2 Haemaphysalis species) evaluated to date were unequivocally experimentally confirmed as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes. The strength of the evidence for or against each tick species to serve as a vector of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes is discussed together with key knowledge gaps and research challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States.
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Lee SH, Goo YK, Geraldino PJL, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Borrelia garinii (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) in Ixodes nipponensis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Parasitizing a Dog in Korea. Pathogens 2019; 8:E289. [PMID: 31817729 PMCID: PMC6963618 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to detect and characterize Borrelia spp. in ticks attached to dogs in Korea. Overall, 562 ticks (276 pools) attached to dogs were collected and tested for Borrelia infection by PCR targeting the 5S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (rrf-rrl). One tick larva (pool level, 0.4%; individual level, 0.2%) was confirmed by sequencing Borrelia garinii, a zoonotic pathogen. For molecular characterization, the outer surface protein A (ospA) and flagellin genes were analyzed. Phylogenetic ospA analysis distinguished B. garinii from B. bavariensis, which has been recently identified as a novel Borrelia species. On the other hand, phylogenetic analysis showed that single gene analysis involving rrf-rrl or flagellin was not sufficient to differentiate B. garinii from B. bavariensis. In addition, the B. garinii-infected tick was identified as Ixodes nipponensis by sequencing according to mitochondrial 16S rRNA and the second transcribed spacer region. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the molecular detection of B. garinii in I. nipponensis parasitizing a dog in Korea. Continuous monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in ticks attached to animals is required to avoid disease distribution and possible transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
| | - Youn-Kyoung Goo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
| | - Paul John L. Geraldino
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Talamban Campus, Cebu 6000, Philippines;
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
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Munro HJ, Ogden NH, Mechai S, Lindsay LR, Robertson GJ, Whitney H, Lang AS. Genetic diversity of Borrelia garinii from Ixodes uriae collected in seabird colonies of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101255. [PMID: 31280947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of Borrelia garinii in seabird ticks, Ixodes uriae, associated with different species of colonial seabirds has been studied since the early 1990s. Research on the population structure of this bacterium in ticks from seabird colonies in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean has revealed admixture between marine and terrestrial tick populations. We studied B. garinii genetic diversity and population structure in I. uriae collected from seabird colonies in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We applied a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme to B. garinii found in ticks from four species of seabirds. The B. garinii strains found in this seabird colony ecosystem were diverse. Some were very similar to strains from Asia and Europe, including some obtained from human clinical samples, while others formed a divergent group specific to this region of the Atlantic Ocean. Our findings highlight the genetic complexity of B. garinii circulating in seabird ticks and their avian hosts but also demonstrate surprisingly close connections between B. garinii in this ecosystem and terrestrial sources in Eurasia. Genetic similarities among B. garinii from seabird ticks and humans indicate the possibility that B. garinii circulating within seabird tick-avian host transmission cycles could directly, or indirectly via connectivity with terrestrial transmission cycles, have consequences for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Munro
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Nicholas H Ogden
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada; Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - Samir Mechai
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada; Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 2M2, Canada.
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3R2, Canada.
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1N 4T3, Canada.
| | - Hugh Whitney
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Lewis J, Lloyd VK. Identification of Borrelia bissettii in Ixodes scapularis ticks from New Brunswick, Canada. Can J Microbiol 2018; 65:155-161. [PMID: 30395480 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2018-0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that is emerging in Canada. The disease is caused by spirochetes of the Lyme borreliosis group, which is expanding as new species are discovered. In Canada, Lyme disease risk has so far been assessed primarily by detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Of Ixodes scapularis ticks collected between 2014 and 2016 in New Brunswick, Canada, 7 were shown to be infected with Borrelia bissettii by nested PCR and sequencing of 5 B. bissettii genes. Since different Borrelia species are associated with different clinical manifestations and are not detected with the same diagnostic tests, the identification of a previously undocumented or underreported pathogenic Borrelia species has important implications for public and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lewis
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G7, Canada
| | - Vett K Lloyd
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G7, Canada.,Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G7, Canada
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16
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Foley JE, Bierman BC, Durden LA. Far-Reaching Dispersal of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato-Infected Blacklegged Ticks by Migratory Songbirds in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:E89. [PMID: 30044388 PMCID: PMC6164468 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6030089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease has been documented in northern areas of Canada, but the source of the etiological bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) has been in doubt. We collected 87 ticks from 44 songbirds during 2017, and 24 (39%) of 62 nymphs of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, were positive for Bbsl. We provide the first report of Bbsl-infected, songbird-transported I. scapularis in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Newfoundland and Labrador; north-central Manitoba, and Alberta. Notably, we report the northernmost account of Bbsl-infected ticks parasitizing a bird in Canada. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequencing reveal that these Bbsl amplicons belong to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss), which is pathogenic to humans. Based on our findings, health-care providers should be aware that migratory songbirds widely disperse B. burgdorferi-infected I. scapularis in Canada's North, and local residents do not have to visit an endemic area to contract Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, Bethesda, MD 20827, USA.
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Janet E Foley
- Vector-borne Disease Epidemiology and Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Bradley C Bierman
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
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17
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Evidence for Borrelia bavariensis Infections of Ixodes uriae within Seabird Colonies of the North Atlantic Ocean. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01087-17. [PMID: 28802273 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01087-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The first report of members of the spirochete genus Borrelia in the seabird tick, Ixodes uriae, and seabird colonies occurred during the early 1990s. Since then, Borrelia spp. have been detected in these ticks and seabird colonies around the world. To date, the primary species detected has been Borrelia garinii, with rare occurrences of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Borrelia lusitaniae. During our research on Borrelia and I. uriae in seabird colonies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, we have identified Borrelia bavariensis in I. uriae To our knowledge, B. bavariensis has previously been found only in the Eurasian tick species Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes ricinus, and it was believed to be a rodent-specific Borrelia ecotype. We found B. bavariensis within I. uriae from three seabird colonies over three calendar years. We also reanalyzed B. garinii sequences collected from I. uriae from Eurasian seabird colonies and determined that sequences from two Russian seabird colonies likely also represent B. bavariensis The Canadian B. bavariensis sequences from I. uriae analyzed in this study cluster with previously described sequences from Asia. Overall, this is an important discovery that illustrates and expands the range of hosts and vectors for B. bavariensis, and it raises questions regarding the possible mechanisms of pathogen dispersal from Asia to North America.IMPORTANCE To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of B. bavariensis outside Eurasia. Additionally, the bacterium was found in a marine ecosystem involving the seabird tick I. uriae and its associated seabird hosts. This indicates that the epizootiology of B. bavariensis transmission is much different from what had been described, with this species previously believed to be a rodent-specific ecotype, and it indicates that this pathogen is established, or establishing, much more widely.
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Scott JD, Foley JE, Anderson JF, Clark KL, Durden LA. Detection of Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in Blacklegged Ticks Collected in the Grand River Valley, Ontario, Canada. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:150-158. [PMID: 28260991 PMCID: PMC5332844 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.17763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We document the presence of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in the Grand River valley, Centre Wellington, Ontario. Overall, 15 (36%) of 42 I. scapularis adults collected from 41 mammalian hosts (dogs, cats, humans) were positive for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Using real-time PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the flagellin (fla) gene, we determined that Borrelia amplicons extracted from I. scapularis adults belonged to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), which is pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. Based on the distribution of I. scapularis adults within the river basin, it appears likely that migratory birds provide an annual influx of I. scapularis immatures during northward spring migration. Health-care providers need to be aware that local residents can present with Lyme disease symptoms anytime during the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA 95616
| | - John F Anderson
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Ecology and Zoonotic Diseases. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA 06504
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, USA 32224
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458, USA
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19
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Chalada MJ, Stenos J, Bradbury RS. Is there a Lyme-like disease in Australia? Summary of the findings to date. One Health 2016; 2:42-54. [PMID: 28616477 PMCID: PMC5441348 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme Borreliosis is a common tick-borne disease of the northern hemisphere caused by the spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s. l.) complex. It results in multi-organ disease with arthritic, cardiac, neurological and dermatological manifestations. In the last twenty-five years there have been over 500 reports of an Australian Lyme-like syndrome in the scientific literature. However, the diagnoses of Lyme Borreliosis made in these cases have been primarily by clinical presentation and laboratory results of tentative reliability and the true cause of these illnesses remains unknown. A number of animals have been introduced to Australia that may act as B. burgdorferi s. l. reservoirs in Lyme-endemic countries, and there are some Australian Ixodes spp. and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks whose geographical distribution matches that of the Australian Lyme-like cases. Four published studies have searched for Borrelia in Australian ticks, with contradicting results. The cause of the potential Lyme-like disease in Australia remains to be defined. The evidence to date as to whether these illnesses are caused by a Borrelia species, another tick borne pathogen or are due to a novel or unrelated aetiology is summarised in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Judith Chalada
- School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Stewart Bradbury
- School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
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Scott JD, Clark KL, Foley JE, Anderson JF, Durden LA, Manord JM, Smith ML. Detection of Borrelia Genomospecies 2 in Ixodes spinipalpis Ticks Collected from a Rabbit in Canada. J Parasitol 2016; 103:38-46. [PMID: 27835071 DOI: 10.1645/16-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a serious health problem, with many patients requiring in-depth clinical assessment and extended treatment. In the present study, we provide the first records of the western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus , and Ixodes spinipalpis parasitizing eastern cottontails, Sylvilagus floridanus . We also documented a triple co-infestation of 3 tick species (Ixodes angustus, I. pacificus , I. spinipalpis) feeding on an eastern cottontail. Notably, we discovered a unique member of the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in Canada. Ixodes spinipalpis ticks, which were collected from an eastern cottontail on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC), were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. With the use of polymerase chain reaction amplification on the tick extracts and DNA sequencing on the borrelial amplicons, we detected Borrelia genomospecies 2, a novel subgroup of the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex. Based on 416 nucleotides of the flagellin B (flaB) gene, our amplicons are identical to the Borrelia genomospecies 2 type strain CA28. Borrelia genomospecies 2 is closely related genetically to other B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies, namely Borrelia americana, Borrelia andersonii, and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) that cause Lyme disease. Like some other borrelial strains, Borrelia genomospecies 2 can be missed by current Lyme disease serology. Health-care providers must be aware that Borrelia genomospecies 2 is present in I. pacificus and I. spinipalpis ticks in far-western North America, and patients with clinical symptoms of Lyme disease need to be assessed for potential infection with this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Janet E Foley
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - John F Anderson
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Lance A Durden
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Jodi M Manord
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Morgan L Smith
- Research Division, Lyme Ontario, 365 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
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PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF WELLFLEET BAY VIRUS EXPOSURE IN THE COMMON EIDER (SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA). J Wildl Dis 2016; 53:81-90. [PMID: 27763829 DOI: 10.7589/2016-01-019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Between 1998 and 2014, recurrent mortality events were reported in the Dresser's subspecies of the Common Eider ( Somateria mollissima dresseri) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, US near Wellfleet Harbor. The early die-offs were attributed to parasitism and emaciation, but beginning in 2006 a suite of distinct lesions was observed concomitant with the isolation of a previously unknown RNA virus. This novel pathogen was identified as an orthomyxovirus in the genus Quaranjavirus and was named Wellfleet Bay virus (WFBV). To assess evidence of exposure to this virus in Common Eiders, we conducted a longitudinal study of the prevalence of WFBV antibodies at multiple locations from 2004-14; we collected 2,258 serum samples from six locations and analyzed each using a microneutralization assay. Results corroborate the emergence of WFBV in 2006 based on the first detection of antibodies in that year. Significantly higher prevalence was detected in Common Eiders sampled in Massachusetts compared to those in Maine, Nova Scotia, and Québec. For birds breeding and wintering in Massachusetss, viral exposure varied by age, sex, and season of sampling, and prevalence by season and sex were highly interrelated with greater numbers of antibody-positive males in the autumn and females in the spring. No evidence of viral exposure was detected in the Northern subspecies ( Somateria mollissima borealis). Among the locations sampled, Massachusetts appears to be the epicenter of Common Eider exposure to WFBV. Further research is warranted to understand the factors controlling the epidemiology of WFBV in Massachussetts, including those that may be limiting geographic expansion of this virus.
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Prevalencia de Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato en roedores sinantrópicos de dos comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México. BIOMEDICA 2016; 36:109-17. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v36i3.3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
<p><strong>Introducción.</strong> La enfermedad de Lyme es una zoonosis multisistémica causada por Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Esta espiroqueta circula en un ciclo enzoótico entre un reservorio vertebrado primario y las garrapatas. Diferentes especies de roedores están identificadas por ser eficientes reservorios naturales para B. burgdorferi s.l.</p><p><strong>Objetivo.</strong> Estimar la prevalencia de B. burgdorferi s.l. en roedores sinantrópicos empleando dos comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México.</p><p><strong>Materiales y métodos.</strong> Se capturaron 123 roedores (94 Mus musculus y 29 Rattus rattus) para obtener muestras de tejidos de oreja y vejiga. Para detectar la presencia de B. burgdorferi s.l. en la muestras, se amplificaron los genes de la flagelina B (fla B) y las lipoproteínas de membrana externa, ospC y p66, empleado la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Los amplicones obtenidos fueron secuenciados.</p><p><strong>Resultados.</strong> La frecuencia de infección de B. burgdorferi s.l. en roedores fue de 36,5% para flaB (45/123), 10,5% (13/123) para p66 y 3,2% (4/123) para ospC. R. rattus tuvo una frecuencia de infección de 17,2% y M. musculus de 42,5%. La frecuencia de infección de B. burgdorferi s.l. en los tejidos estudiados fue de 11,3% (14/123) en vejigas y 17,0% (21/123) en orejas. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (p > 0,05) en la frecuencia de infección entre las dos muestras de tejido utilizadas para el diagnóstico. El gen ospC presentó un 98% de homología con la especie Borrelia garinii, una de las especies heterogéneas del complejo B. burgdorferi s.l.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Conclusiones.</strong> Se concluye que los roedores presentan alta prevalencia de infección con B. burgdorferi s.l., y ambas especies, M. musculus y R. rattus, podrían estar jugando un papel importante en el mantenimiento de esta bacteria en comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México.</p><pre style="line-height: 200%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES">Introducción.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES"> La enfermedad de Lyme es una zoonosis multisistémica causada por <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> sensu lato. Esta espiroqueta circula en un ciclo enzoótico entre un reservorio vertebrado primario y las garrapatas. Diferentes especies de roedores están identificadas por ser eficientes reservorios naturales para <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l.</span></pre><pre style="line-height: 200%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES">Objetivo.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES"> Estimar la prevalencia de <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. en roedores sinantrópicos empleando dos comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México.</span></pre><pre style="line-height: 200%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES">Materiales y métodos.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES"> Se capturaron 123 roedores (94 <em>Mus musculus</em> y 29 <em>Rattus rattus</em>) para obtener muestras de tejidos de oreja y vejiga. Para detectar la presencia de<em> B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. en la muestras, se amplificaron los genes de la flagelina B (<em>fla B</em>) y las lipoproteínas de membrana externa, <em>ospC</em> y <em>p66</em>, empleado la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Los amplicones obtenidos fueron secuenciados.</span></pre><pre style="line-height: 200%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES">Resultados.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES"> La frecuencia de infección de <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. en roedores fue de 36,5% para <em>flaB</em> (45/123), 10,5% (13/123) para <em>p66 </em>y 3,2% (4/123) para <em>ospC</em>. <em>R. rattus</em> tuvo una frecuencia de infección de 17,2% y <em>M. musculus</em> de 42,5%. La frecuencia de infección de <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l. en los tejidos estudiados fue de 11,3% (14/123) en vejigas y 17,0% (21/123) en orejas. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (p > 0,05) en la frecuencia de infección entre las dos muestras de tejido utilizadas para el diagnóstico. El gen <em>ospC</em> presentó un 98% de homología con la especie <em>Borrelia garinii, </em>una de las especies heterogéneas del complejo<em> B. burgdorferi s.l</em>.</span></pre><pre style="line-height: 200%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES">Conclusiones.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;" lang="ES"> Se concluye que los roedores presentan alta prevalencia de infección con <em>B. burgdorferi</em> s.l., y ambas especies, <em>M. musculus</em> y <em>R. rattus, </em>podrían estar jugando un papel importante en el mantenimiento de esta bacteria en comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México.<strong></strong></span></pre>
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Scott JD, Foley JE, Clark KL, Anderson JF, Durden LA, Manord JM, Smith ML. Established Population of Blacklegged Ticks with High Infection Prevalence for the Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, on Corkscrew Island, Kenora District, Ontario. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:881-891. [PMID: 27877080 PMCID: PMC5118759 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.16922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We document an established population of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, on Corkscrew Island, Kenora District, Ontario, Canada. Primers of the outer surface protein A (OspA) gene, the flagellin (fla) gene, and the flagellin B (flaB) gene were used in the PCR assays to detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the Lyme disease bacterium. In all, 60 (73%) of 82 adult I. scapularis, were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. As well, 6 (43%) of 14 unfed I. scapularis nymphs were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. An I. scapularis larva was also collected from a deer mouse, and several unfed larvae were gathered by flagging leaf litter. Based on DNA sequencing of randomly selected Borrelia amplicons from six nymphal and adult I. scapularis ticks, primers for the flagellin (fla) and flagellin B (flaB) genes reveal the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), a genospecies pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. We collected all 3 host-feeding life stages of I. scapularis in a single year, and report the northernmost established population of I. scapularis in Ontario. Corkscrew Island is hyperendemic for Lyme disease and has the highest prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. for any established population in Canada. Because of this very high infection prevalence, this population of I. scapularis has likely been established for decades. Of epidemiological significance, cottage owners, island visitors, outdoors enthusiasts, and medical professionals must be vigilant that B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected I. scapularis on Corkscrew Island pose a serious public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- Lyme Ontario, Research Division, 365 St. David St. South, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - Janet E Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States of America
| | - Kerry L Clark
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, United States of America
| | - John F Anderson
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Ecology and Zoonotic Diseases. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, P.O. Box 1106, New Haven, Connecticut 06504-1106, United States of America
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Road, Statesboro, Georgia 30458, United States of America
| | - Jodi M Manord
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, United States of America
| | - Morgan L Smith
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, United States of America
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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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Scott JD, Anderson JF, Durden LA, Smith ML, Manord JM, Clark KL. Prevalence of the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in Blacklegged Ticks, Ixodes scapularis at Hamilton-Wentworth, Ontario. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:316-24. [PMID: 27226771 PMCID: PMC4879763 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.14552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease has emerged as a major health concern in Canada, where the etiological agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), a spirochetal bacterium, is typically spread by the bite of certain ticks. This study explores the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, collected at Dundas, Ontario (a locality within the region of Hamilton-Wentworth). Using passive surveillance, veterinarians and pet groomers were asked to collect blacklegged ticks from dogs and cats with no history of travel. Additionally, I. scapularis specimens were submitted from local residents and collected by flagging. Overall, 12 (41%) of 29 blacklegged ticks were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, two borrelial amplicons were characterized as B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), a genospecies pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. Notably, three different vertebrate hosts each had two engorged I. scapularis females removed on the same day and, likewise, one cat had three repeat occurrences of this tick species. These multiple infestations suggest that a population of I. scapularis may be established in this area. The local public health unit has been underreporting the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected I. scapularis in the area encompassing Dundas. Our findings raise concerns about the need to erect tick warning signs in parkland areas. Veterinarians, medical professionals, public health officials, and the general public must be vigilant that Lyme disease-carrying blacklegged ticks pose a public health risk in the Dundas area and the surrounding Hamilton-Wentworth region.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Scott
- 1. Research Division, Lyme Ontario, Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 2L7
| | - John F Anderson
- 2. Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Ecology and Zoonotic Diseases. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA 06511
| | - Lance A Durden
- 3. Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia, USA 30458
| | - Morgan L Smith
- 4. Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA 32224
| | - Jodi M Manord
- 4. Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA 32224
| | - Kerry L Clark
- 4. Environmental Epidemiology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA 32224
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Muñoz-Leal S, González-Acuña D. The tick Ixodes uriae (Acari: Ixodidae): Hosts, geographical distribution, and vector roles. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:843-68. [PMID: 26249749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The seabird tick Ixodes uriae White 1852, has the most extensive geographical distribution of all tick species, including Afrotropical, Australasian, Nearctic, Neotropical and Palearctic Zoogeographic Regions. Additionally, this tick species parasitizes a wide range of seabirds and constitutes a host for several viral and bacterial agents. Considering the current biological knowledge about this tick species, in this article we list localities, hosts, tick-borne microorganisms and viruses transmitted by I. uriae described in the literature and include new geographical records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brasil; Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, CP 3780000, Chillán (Biobío), Chile.
| | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, CP 3780000, Chillán (Biobío), Chile.
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Cyclic avian mass mortality in the northeastern United States is associated with a novel orthomyxovirus. J Virol 2014; 89:1389-403. [PMID: 25392223 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02019-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since 1998, cyclic mortality events in common eiders (Somateria mollissima), numbering in the hundreds to thousands of dead birds, have been documented along the coast of Cape Cod, MA, USA. Although longitudinal disease investigations have uncovered potential contributing factors responsible for these outbreaks, detecting a primary etiological agent has proven enigmatic. Here, we identify a novel orthomyxovirus, tentatively named Wellfleet Bay virus (WFBV), as a potential causative agent of these outbreaks. Genomic analysis of WFBV revealed that it is most closely related to members of the Quaranjavirus genus within the family Orthomyxoviridae. Similar to other members of the genus, WFBV contains an alphabaculovirus gp64-like glycoprotein that was demonstrated to have fusion activity; this also tentatively suggests that ticks (and/or insects) may vector the virus in nature. However, in addition to the six RNA segments encoding the prototypical structural proteins identified in other quaranjaviruses, a previously unknown RNA segment (segment 7) encoding a novel protein designated VP7 was discovered in WFBV. Although WFBV shows low to moderate levels of sequence similarity to Quaranfil virus and Johnston Atoll virus, the original members of the Quaranjavirus genus, additional antigenic and genetic analyses demonstrated that it is closely related to the recently identified Cygnet River virus (CyRV) from South Australia, suggesting that WFBV and CyRV may be geographic variants of the same virus. Although the identification of WFBV in part may resolve the enigma of these mass mortality events, the details of the ecology and epidemiology of the virus remain to be determined. IMPORTANCE The emergence or reemergence of viral pathogens resulting in large-scale outbreaks of disease in humans and/or animals is one of the most important challenges facing biomedicine. For example, understanding how orthomyxoviruses such as novel influenza A virus reassortants and/or mutants emerge to cause epidemic or pandemic disease is at the forefront of current global health concerns. Here, we describe the emergence of a novel orthomyxovirus, Wellfleet Bay virus (WFBV), which has been associated with cyclic large-scale bird die-offs in the northeastern United States. This initial characterization study provides a foundation for further research into the evolution, epidemiology, and ecology of newly emerging orthomyxoviruses, such as WFBV, and their potential impacts on animal and/or human health.
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Padgett K, Bonilla D, Kjemtrup A, Vilcins IM, Yoshimizu MH, Hui L, Sola M, Quintana M, Kramer V. Large scale spatial risk and comparative prevalence of Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes pacificus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110853. [PMID: 25333277 PMCID: PMC4205013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is a newly described emerging pathogen transmitted to people by Ixodes species ticks and found in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. There is limited understanding of large scale entomological risk patterns of B. miyamotoi and of Borreila burgdorferi sensu stricto (ss), the agent of Lyme disease, in western North America. In this study, B. miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete, was detected in adult (n=70) and nymphal (n=36) Ixodes pacificus ticks collected from 24 of 48 California counties that were surveyed over a 13 year period. Statewide prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato (sl), which includes B. burgdorferi ss, and B. miyamotoi were similar in adult I. pacificus (0.6% and 0.8%, respectively). In contrast, the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sl was almost 2.5 times higher than B. miyamotoi in nymphal I. pacificus (3.2% versus 1.4%). These results suggest similar risk of exposure to B. burgdorferi sl and B. miyamotoi from adult I. pacificus tick bites in California, but a higher risk of contracting B. burgdorferi sl than B. miyamotoi from nymphal tick bites. While regional risk of exposure to these two spirochetes varies, the highest risk for both species is found in north and central coastal California and the Sierra Nevada foothill region, and the lowest risk is in southern California; nevertheless, tick-bite avoidance measures should be implemented in all regions of California. This is the first study to comprehensively evaluate entomologic risk for B. miyamotoi and B. burgdorferi for both adult and nymphal I. pacificus, an important human biting tick in western North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Padgett
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Denise Bonilla
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Anne Kjemtrup
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Inger-Marie Vilcins
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa Hardstone Yoshimizu
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Lucia Hui
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Milagros Sola
- Public Health Command Region-West, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, United States of America
| | - Miguel Quintana
- Public Health Command Region-West, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, United States of America
| | - Vicki Kramer
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Richmond, California, United States of America
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Schramm F, Gauthier-Clerc M, Fournier JC, McCoy KD, Barthel C, Postic D, Handrich Y, Le Maho Y, Jaulhac B. First detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus halli). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:939-42. [PMID: 25150726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The hard tick Ixodes uriae parasitises a wide range of seabird species in the circumpolar areas of both Northern and Southern hemispheres and has been shown to be infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the bacterial agents of Lyme borreliosis. Although it is assumed that seabirds represent viable reservoir hosts, direct demonstrations of infection are limited to a single study from the Northern hemisphere. Here, the blood of 50 tick-infested adult king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus halli) breeding in the Crozet Archipelago (Southern Indian Ocean) was examined for B. burgdorferi sl exposure by serology and for spirochetemia by in vitro DNA amplification. Four birds were found positive by serology, whereas B. burgdorferi sl DNA was detected in two other birds. Our data therefore provide the first direct proof of Borrelia burgdorferi sl spirochetes in seabirds of the Southern hemisphere and indicate a possible reservoir role for king penguins in the natural maintenance of this bacterium. Although the bacterial genetic diversity present in these hosts and the infectious period for tick vectors remain to be elucidated, our results add to a growing body of knowledge on the contribution of seabirds to the complex epizootiology of Lyme disease and the global dissemination of B. burgdorferi sl spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Schramm
- Université de Strasbourg, EA 7290, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Michel Gauthier-Clerc
- Centre de Recherche de la Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, Arles, France; Université de Franche-Comté, Département Chrono-Environnement, UMR UFC/CNRS 6249 USC INRA, Besançon, France
| | - Jean-Charles Fournier
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC (Maladies infectieuses et vecteurs: écologie, génétique, évolution et contrôle), UMR 5290 CNRS/IRD, UR 244 IRD UM1 UM2, Montpellier, France
| | - Cathy Barthel
- Université de Strasbourg, EA 7290, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Danièle Postic
- Institut Pasteur, Laboratoire des Spirochètes, Paris, France
| | - Yves Handrich
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yvon Le Maho
- Université de Strasbourg, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France; CNRS, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benoît Jaulhac
- Université de Strasbourg, EA 7290, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France
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Wilkinson DA, Dietrich M, Lebarbenchon C, Jaeger A, Le Rouzic C, Bastien M, Lagadec E, McCoy KD, Pascalis H, Le Corre M, Dellagi K, Tortosa P. Massive infection of seabird ticks with bacterial species related to Coxiella burnetii. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:3327-33. [PMID: 24657860 PMCID: PMC4018846 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00477-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Seabird ticks are known reservoirs of bacterial pathogens of medical importance; however, ticks parasitizing tropical seabirds have received less attention than their counterparts from temperate and subpolar regions. Recently, Rickettsia africae was described to infect seabird ticks of the western Indian Ocean and New Caledonia, constituting the only available data on bacterial pathogens associated with tropical seabird tick species. Here, we combined a pyrosequencing-based approach with a classical molecular analysis targeting bacteria of potential medical importance in order to describe the bacterial community in two tropical seabird ticks, Amblyomma loculosum and Carios (Ornithodoros) capensis. We also investigated the patterns of prevalence and host specificity within the biogeographical context of the western Indian Ocean islands. The bacterial community of the two tick species was characterized by a strong dominance of Coxiella and Rickettsia. Our data support a strict Coxiella-host tick specificity, a pattern resembling the one found for Rickettsia spp. in the same two seabird tick species. Both the high prevalence and stringent host tick specificity suggest that these bacteria may be tick symbionts with probable vertical transmission. Detailed studies of the pathogenicity of these bacteria will now be required to determine whether horizontal transmission can occur and to clarify their status as potential human pathogens. More generally, our results show that the combination of next generation sequencing with targeted detection/genotyping approaches proves to be efficient in poorly investigated fields where research can be considered to be starting from scratch.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Wilkinson
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- Laboratoire ECOMAR, FRE3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Céline Le Rouzic
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Laboratoire ECOMAR, FRE3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Matthieu Bastien
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Laboratoire ECOMAR, FRE3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Karen D. McCoy
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 5290 CNRS IRD UM1 UM2, Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle, Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Pascalis
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- Laboratoire ECOMAR, FRE3560 INEE-CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien (CRVOI), GIP CYROI, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Université de La Réunion, Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Institut Écologie et Environnement, CNRS, Paris, France
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31
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Assessment of new culture method for detection of Borrelia species from serum of lyme disease patients. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 52:721-4. [PMID: 23946519 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01674-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel method of culturing spirochetes from the serum of U.S. Lyme disease patients was recently reported by Sapi and colleagues to have 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity for Borrelia species as assessed by microscopy and DNA sequence analysis of the pyrG gene (E. Sapi, N. Pabbati, A. Datar, E. M. Davies, A. Rattelle, and B. A. Kuo, Int. J. Med. Sci. 10:362-376, 2013). The majority of the spirochetes described were related by pyrG sequences to species of Borrelia previously undetected in North American patients without a reported history of travel to Europe or Asia. To better understand these unexpected findings, we determined pyrG sequences of the laboratory reference strains used by the investigators for method development and testing of culture medium. Eighty percent (41/51) of the reported patient-derived pyrG sequences were identical to one of the laboratory strains, and an additional 12% (6/51) differed by only a single nucleotide across a 603-bp region of the pyrG gene. Thus, false positivity due to laboratory contamination of patient samples cannot be ruled out, and further validation of the proposed novel culture method is required.
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Sperling J, Middelveen M, Klein D, Sperling F. Evolving perspectives on lyme borreliosis in Canada. Open Neurol J 2012; 6:94-103. [PMID: 23091570 PMCID: PMC3474999 DOI: 10.2174/1874205x01206010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With cases now documented in every province, Lyme borreliosis (LB) is emerging as a serious public health risk in Canada. Controversy over the contribution of LB to the burden of chronic disease is maintained by difficulty in capturing accurate Canadian statistics, especially early clinical cases of LB. The use of dogs as sentinel species demon-strates that potential contact with Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, as detected by C6 peptide, extends across the country. Dissemination of infected ticks by migratory birds and rapid establishment of significant levels of infection have been well described. Canadian public health response has focused on identification of established populations of the tick vectors, Ixodes scapularis and I. pacificus, on the assumption that these are the only important vectors of the disease across Canada. Strains of B. burgdorferi circulating in Canada and the full range of their reservoir species and coinfections remain to be explored. Ongoing surveys and historical records demonstrate that Borrelia-positive Ixodes species are regu-larly present in regions of Canada that have previously been considered to be outside of the ranges of these species in re-cent modeling efforts. We present data demonstrating that human cases of LB are found across the nation. Consequently, physician education and better early diagnoses are needed to prevent long term sequelae. An international perspective will be paramount for developing improved Canadian guidelines that recognize the complexity and diversity of Lyme borreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jlh Sperling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada ; Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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33
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Exploring gaps in our knowledge on Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes--updates on complex heterogeneity, ecology, and pathogenicity. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 4:11-25. [PMID: 23246041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Lyme borreliosis complex is a heterogeneous group of tick-borne spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) that are distributed all over the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Due to the usage of new methods for phylogenetic analysis, this group has expanded rapidly during the past 5 years. Along with this development, the number of Borrelia spp. regarded as pathogenic to humans also increased. Distribution areas as well as host and vector ranges of Lyme borreliosis agents turned out to be much wider than previously thought. Furthermore, there is evidence that ticks, reservoir hosts, and patients can be coinfected with multiple Borrelia spp. or other tick-borne pathogens, which indicates a need to establish new and well-defined diagnostic and therapeutic standards for Lyme borreliosis. This review gives a broad overview on the occurrence of Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes worldwide with particular emphasis on their vectors and vertebrate hosts as well as their pathogenic potential and resultant problems in diagnosis and treatment. Against the background that many issues regarding distribution, species identity, ecology, pathogenicity, and coinfections are still unsolved, the purpose of this article is to reveal directions for future research on the Lyme borreliosis complex.
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34
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Phylogeography of Lyme borreliosis-group spirochetes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Parasitology 2012; 139:1952-65. [PMID: 22617338 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012000741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) have revolutionized understanding the global epidemiology of many medically relevant bacteria utilizing a number, mostly seven, of housekeeping genes. A more recent introduction, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), constitutes an even more powerful tool for bacterial typing, population genetic studies and phylogeography. The introduction of massive parallel sequencing has made genome re-sequencing and SNP discovery more economical for investigations of microbial organisms. In this paper we review phylogeographic studies on Lyme borreliosis (LB)-group spirochetes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Members of the LB-group spirochetes are tick-transmitted zoonotic bacteria that have many hosts and differ in their degree of host specialism, constituting a highly complex system. MRSA is a directly transmitted pathogen that may be acquired by contact with infected people, animals or MRSA-contaminated objects. For the LB-group spirochetes, MLSA has proved a powerful tool for species assignment and phylogeographic investigations while for S. aureus, genome-wide SNP data have been used to study the very short-term evolution of two important MRSA lineages, ST239 and ST225. These data are detailed in this review.
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35
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Comstedt P, Jakobsson T, Bergström S. Global ecology and epidemiology of Borrelia garinii spirochetes. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2011; 1:IEE-1-9545. [PMID: 22957111 PMCID: PMC3426327 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v1i0.9545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-transmitted infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.). In Europe, three different Borrelia species are the main causative agents of LB: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii. The latter depends heavily on birds as its main reservoir hosts. In fact, birds can act both as biological carriers of Borrelia and transporters of infected ticks. The seasonal migration of many bird species not only aid in the spread of B. garinii to new foci but also influence the high level of diversity found within this species. B. garinii have been isolated not only from terrestrial birds in Europe, but also from seabirds worldwide, and homology between isolates in these two different infection cycles suggests an overlap and exchange of strains. In addition, it has been shown that birds can maintain and spread B. garinii genotypes associated with LB in humans. This review article discusses the importance of birds in the ecology and epidemiology of B. garinii spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pär Comstedt
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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36
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Lobato E, Pearce-Duvet J, Staszewski V, Gómez-Díaz E, González-Solís J, Kitaysky A, McCoy KD, Boulinier T. Seabirds and the circulation of Lyme borreliosis bacteria in the North Pacific. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:1521-7. [PMID: 21919724 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seabirds act as natural reservoirs to Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and may play a significant role in the global circulation of these pathogens. While Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) has been shown to occur in ticks collected from certain locations in the North Pacific, little is known about interspecific differences in exposure within the seabird communities of this region. We examined the prevalence of anti-Bbsl antibodies in 805 individuals of nine seabird species breeding across the North Pacific. Seroprevalence varied strongly among species and locations. Murres (Uria spp.) showed the highest antibody prevalence and may play a major role in facilitating Bbsl circulation at a worldwide scale. Other species showed little or no signs of exposure, despite being present in multispecific colonies with seropositive birds. Complex dynamics may be operating in this wide scale, natural host-parasite system, possibly mediated by the host immune system and host specialization of the tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Lobato
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS UMR 5175, Montpellier, France.
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37
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Margos G, Vollmer SA, Ogden NH, Fish D. Population genetics, taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1545-63. [PMID: 21843658 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the population structure and dynamics of bacterial microorganisms, typing systems that accurately reflect the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationship of the agents are required. Over the past 15 years multilocus sequence typing schemes have replaced single locus approaches, giving novel insights into phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of many bacterial species and facilitating taxonomy. Since 2004, several schemes using multiple loci have been developed to better understand the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and in this paper we have reviewed and summarized the progress that has been made for this important group of vector-borne zoonotic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Margos
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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38
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Baggs EM, Stack SH, Finney-Crawley JR, Simon NPP. Peromyscus maniculatus, a possible reservoir host of Borrelia garinii from the Gannet Islands off Newfoundland and Labrador. J Parasitol 2011; 97:792-4. [PMID: 21506809 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2548.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, were trapped on Gannet Cluster 2 (GC-2), one of a group of islands numbered by convention in the Gannet Island Archipelago, and examined for ectoparasites. One species each of Acari (Ixodes uriae) and Siphonaptera (Orchopeas leucopus) were recovered. Samples of mice favored males to females (3.4∶1). Twenty-nine percent (10) of the mice were free of ectoparasites. Males were more heavily parasitized than females when both parasites were considered. No ticks were recovered from the female mice, while the males that were parasitized carried adult Ixodes uriae. These 2 ectoparasites parasitizing P. maniculatus, which is a known reservoir host for Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), may carry B. garinii and their presence would have serious implications for the spread of this human pathogen northward in continental North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Baggs
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
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39
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Chausov EV, Ternovoi VA, Protopopova EV, Konovalova SN, Kononova YV, Pershikova NL, Moskvitina NS, Romanenko VN, Ivanova NV, Bolshakova NP, Moskvitin SS, Korobitsin IG, Gashkov SI, Tiutenkov OY, Kuranova VN, Kravchenko LB, Suchkova NG, Agulova LP, Loktev VB. Genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogenes in Tomsk and environs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s0013873810020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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40
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Comstedt P, Asokliene L, Eliasson I, Olsen B, Wallensten A, Bunikis J, Bergström S. Complex population structure of Lyme borreliosis group spirochete Borrelia garinii in subarctic Eurasia. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5841. [PMID: 19513109 PMCID: PMC2688082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia garinii, a causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in Europe and Asia, is naturally maintained in marine and terrestrial enzootic cycles, which primarily involve birds, including seabirds and migratory passerines. These bird groups associate with, correspondingly, Ixodes uriae and Ixodes ricinus ticks, of which the latter species may bite and transmit the infection to humans. Studies of the overlap between these two natural cycles of B. garinii have been limited, in part due to the absence of representative collections of this spirochete's samples, as well as of the lack of reliable measure of the genetic heterogeneity of its strains. As a prerequisite for understanding the epidemiological correlates of the complex maintenance of B. garinii, the present study sought to assess the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of this species' strains from its natural hosts and patients with Lyme borreliosis from subarctic Eurasia. We used sequence typing of the partial rrs-rrl intergenic spacer (IGS) of archived and prospective samples of B. garinii from I. uriae ticks collected predominantly on Commander Islands in North Pacific, as well as on the islands in northern Sweden and arctic Norway. We also typed B. garinii samples from patients with Lyme borreliosis and I. ricinus ticks infesting migratory birds in southern Sweden, or found questing in selected sites on the islands in the Baltic Sea and Lithuania. Fifty-two (68%) of 77 B. garinii samples representing wide geographical range and associated with I. ricinus and infection of humans contributed 12 (60%) of total 20 identified IGS variants. In contrast, the remaining 25 (32%) samples recovered from I. uriae ticks from a few islands accounted for as many as 10 (50%) IGS types, suggesting greater local diversity of B. garinii maintained by seabirds and their ticks. Two IGS variants of the spirochete in common for both tick species were found in I. ricinus larvae from migratory birds, an indication that B. garinii strains are exchanged between different ecological niches. Notably, B. garinii variants associated with I. uriae ticks were found in each of the six clusters, representing two phylogenetic lineages of this species identified among the studied samples. Our findings suggest that B. garinii in subarctic Eurasia comprises two partially overlapping populations with different levels of genetic heterogeneity, presumably, due to distinctive selective pressures on the spirochete in its marine and terrestrial enzootic cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pär Comstedt
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Loreta Asokliene
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Microbiology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ingvar Eliasson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Olsen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Wallensten
- Section for Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology, School of Pure and Applied Natural Sciences, University of Kalmar, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bunikis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Dermatovenerology and Microbiology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sven Bergström
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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41
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Tsao JI. Reviewing molecular adaptations of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes in the context of reproductive fitness in natural transmission cycles. Vet Res 2009; 40:36. [PMID: 19368764 PMCID: PMC2701186 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2009019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is caused by a group of pathogenic spirochetes – most often Borrelia burgdorferi, B. afzelii, and B. garinii – that are vectored by hard ticks in the Ixodes ricinus-persulcatus complex, which feed on a variety of mammals, birds, and lizards. Although LB is one of the best-studied vector-borne zoonoses, the annual incidence in North America and Europe leads other vector-borne diseases and continues to increase. What factors make the LB system so successful, and how can researchers hope to reduce disease risk – either through vaccinating humans or reducing the risk of contacting infected ticks in nature? Discoveries of molecular interactions involved in the transmission of LB spirochetes have accelerated recently, revealing complex interactions among the spirochete-tick-vertebrate triad. These interactions involve multiple, and often redundant, pathways that reflect the evolution of general and specific mechanisms by which the spirochetes survive and reproduce. Previous reviews have focused on the molecular interactions or population biology of the system. Here molecular interactions among the LB spirochete, its vector, and vertebrate hosts are reviewed in the context of natural maintenance cycles, which represent the ecological and evolutionary contexts that shape these interactions. This holistic system approach may help researchers develop additional testable hypotheses about transmission processes, interpret laboratory results, and guide development of future LB control measures and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean I Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48864, USA.
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42
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Staszewski V, McCoy KD, Boulinier T. Variable exposure and immunological response to Lyme disease Borrelia among North Atlantic seabird species. Proc Biol Sci 2008; 275:2101-9. [PMID: 18577503 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonial seabirds often breed in large aggregations. These individuals can be exposed to parasitism by the tick Ixodes uriae, but little is known about the circulation of pathogens carried by this ectoparasite, including Lyme disease Borrelia. Here we investigated the prevalence of antibodies (Ab) against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in seabird species sampled at eight locations across the North Atlantic. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests, we found that the prevalence of anti-Borrelia Ab in adult seabirds was 39.6% on average (over 444 individuals), but that it varied among colonies and species. Common guillemots showed higher seroprevalence (77.1%+/-5.9) than black-legged kittiwakes (18.6%+/-6.7) and Atlantic puffins (22.6%+/-6.3). Immunoblot-banding patterns of positive individuals, reflecting the variability of Borrelia antigens against which Ab were produced, also differed among locations and species, and did not tightly match the prevalence of Borrelia phylogroups previously identified in ticks collected from the same host individuals. These results represent the first report of the widespread prevalence of Ab against Borrelia within an assemblage of seabird species and demonstrate that Borrelia is an integrated aspect in the interaction between seabirds and ticks. More detailed studies on the dynamics of Borrelia within and among seabird species at different spatial scales will now be required to better understand the implications of this interaction for seabird ecology and the epidemiology of Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Staszewski
- Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Research, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
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43
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Larsson C, Comstedt P, Olsen B, Bergström S. First Record of Lyme DiseaseBorreliain the Arctic. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2007; 7:453-6. [PMID: 17767412 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2006.0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology and ecology of Lyme disease is very complex, and its reported geographical distribution is constantly increasing. Furthermore, the involvement of birds in long distance dispersal and their role as reservoir hosts is now well established. In this study, we have shown that sea birds in the Arctic region of Norway carry Ixodes uriae ticks infected with Lyme disease Borrelia garinii spirochetes. Interestingly, DNA sequencing showed that these isolates are closely related to B. garinii previously isolated from birds, as well as from clinical specimens in northern Europe.
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44
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Muzaffar SB, Jones IL. Activity periods and questing behavior of the seabird tick Ixodes uriae (Acari: Ixodidae) on Gull Island, Newfoundland: the role of puffin chicks. J Parasitol 2007; 93:258-64. [PMID: 17539407 DOI: 10.1645/ge-877r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Questing behavior of Ixodes uriae and their associated seasonal, host-feeding patterns are crucial to our understanding of tick life history strategies and the ecology of diseases that they transmit. Consequently, we quantified questing behavior of nymphs and adult female I. uriae ticks at Gull Island, a seabird colony in Newfoundland, Canada, to examine seasonal variation of off-host and on-host tick activity. We sampled a total of 133 adult Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica), 152 puffin chicks, and 145 herring gull (Larus argentatus) chicks for ticks during the breeding seasons of 2004 and 2005. Questing ticks were sampled by dragging a white flannel cloth across the grassy breeding areas during the mo of May, June, July, and August. Nymph questing activity reached a peak during mid-July (79 and 110 individuals/hr in 2004 and 2005, respectively). The prevalence of nymphs and adult female ticks on different seabird hosts varied between years and during the seasons. Puffin chicks had the highest prevalence (above 70% in July) of nymphs in both years and this was correlated with questing activity. Female ticks rarely fed on puffin chicks, but were prevalent on adult puffins and gulls, although prevalence and questing of ticks were not correlated in these hosts. These patterns of off-host and on-host tick activity suggests that I. uriae ticks likely use a combination of questing and passive waiting, e.g., in puffin burrows, to detect hosts, depending on the tick stage and the host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir B Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
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