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Choi KS, Hwang S, Kim MC, Cho HC, Park YJ, Ji MJ, Han SW, Chae JS. Molecular surveillance of zoonotic pathogens from wild rodents in the Republic of Korea. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012306. [PMID: 38976750 PMCID: PMC11257403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Seong Choi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Hwang
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Cheol Kim
- Department of Ecological Science, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Chul Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Ji
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Woo Han
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Centre, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kašpárková N, Bártová E, Žákovská A, Budíková M, Sedlák K. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Clinically Healthy and Sick Horses: First Report from the Czech Republic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1706. [PMID: 37512879 PMCID: PMC10386530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by some strains of bacterial spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), affects humans but also domestic animals including horses. The primary pathogens in horses in Europe are B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. To our knowledge, there are no data available on the seropositivity of B. burgdorferi s.l. in horses from the Czech Republic. In this country, horses are mainly used for sport, breeding, and recreational riding in areas where vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. are present, which is why they are frequently at risk of infection. The aim of the study was to detect anti-borrelia IgM and IgG antibodies in clinically healthy and sick horses from the Czech Republic and to evaluate the risk factors of infection. In total, sera of 262 horses (247 clinically healthy horses and 15 horses hospitalized due to symptoms of encephalitis/meningoencephalitis) were examined by an indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positivity of B. burgdorferi was 27% (66/247) in clinically healthy horses (21% IgM, 7% IgG and 3% IgM + IgG antibodies) and 20% (3/15) in horses with clinical signs (20% IgM, 7% IgG and 7% IgM + IgG). In the clinically healthy horses, positivity statistically differed (p ≤ 0.05) only in Pony and Warmblood breeds, being the most affected at 32% and 30%, respectively, while other characteristics (sex, age, usage and localities) had no effect on positivity. This is the first survey of antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. in Czech horses showing that horses are exposed to ticks infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. This should be taken into account when making differential diagnoses in patients with non-specific symptoms to start with adequate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Kašpárková
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Žákovská
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Poříčí 7/9, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Budíková
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Sedlák
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03 Prague, Czech Republic
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Gehlen H, Inerle K, Bartel A, Stöckle SD, Ulrich S, Briese B, Straubinger RK. Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infections in German Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1984. [PMID: 37370494 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on Lyme borreliosis (LB), a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in horses. Seropositivity is not necessarily associated with clinical disease. Data on seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in German horses are sparse. Therefore, serum samples from horses (n = 123) suspected of having Lyme borreliosis and clinically healthy horses (n = 113) from the same stables were tested for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The samples were screened for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (ELISA and an IgG line immunoblot assay). Furthermore, the samples were examined for antibodies against B. burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum with a validated rapid in-house test (SNAP® 4Dx Plus® ELISA). The clinical signs of suspect horses included lameness (n = 36), poor performance (n = 19), and apathy (n = 12). Twenty-three percent (n = 26) of suspect horses and 17% (n = 18) of clinically healthy horses were seropositive for having a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection (p = 0.371), showing that the detection of specific antibodies against B. burgdorferi alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of equine LB. Anaplasma phagocytophilum seropositivity and seropositivity against both pathogens was 20%/6% in suspect horses and 16%/2% in the clinically healthy population, showing only minor differences (p = 0.108). Unspecific testing for antibodies against B. burgdorferi without clinical suspicion of Lyme borreliosis is not recommended since the clinical relevance of seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Inerle
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Bartel
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabita Diana Stöckle
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulrich
- Chair of Bacteriology and Mycology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Beatrice Briese
- Equine Clinic: Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Chair of Bacteriology and Mycology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Lee SH, Chong ST, Kim HC, Klein TA, Park K, Lee J, Kim JA, Kim WK, Song JW. Surveillance and Molecular Identification of Borrelia Species in Ticks Collected at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea, 2018-2019. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:363-371. [PMID: 34642760 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens are contributing factors for the increased incidence of vector-borne diseases throughout the world, including Lyme borreliosis, one of the most prevalent spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. The present study focused on the detection of Borrelia species from hard ticks collected at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Republic of Korea (ROK), using molecular and genotypic analyses. Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted from January to December, 2018-2019. A total of 24,281 ticks (2 genera and 5 species) were collected from road-killed Korean Water deer (KWD) and by tick drag. Haemaphysalis longicornis (92.0%) was the most commonly collected species, followed by Haemaphysalis flava (4.9%), Ixodes nipponensis (3.1%), Haemaphysalis phasiana (0.07%), and Haemaphysalis japonica (<0.01%). The ospA gene sequences of Borrelia afzelii were detected in 12/529 pools of I. nipponensis. Three and one pools were positive for B. afzelii and Borrelia miyamotoi, respectively, using the 16s rRNA gene. None of the pools of Haemaphysalis ticks collected from KWD or by tick drag were positive for Borrelia species. I. nipponensis was collected throughout the year from KWD and from February to November by tick drag, suggesting that they were active throughout the year, and expanding the risk period for acquiring Lyme borreliosis and Borrelia relapsing fever in the ROK. This study assessed disease risk factors associated with the prevalence of Lyme disease in ticks collected from KWD and by tick drag using molecular analysis. These results provide an understanding and awareness into the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Borrelia species in the ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ho Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Chong
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281 (Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea), APO, AP, USA
| | - Heung-Chul Kim
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281 (Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea), APO, AP, USA
| | - Terry A Klein
- Force Health Protection and Preventive Medicine, Medical Department Activity-Korea/65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15281 (Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea), APO, AP, USA
| | - Kyungmin Park
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jingyeong Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ah Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of High-risk Pathogens, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Keun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Won Song
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Horses in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091069. [PMID: 34578102 PMCID: PMC8472514 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The horse industry has grown rapidly as a leisure industry in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in parallel with an increased demand for equestrian activities. As a result, there has been an increase in horse breeding and equestrian population and potential exposure to ticks and their associated pathogens. To provide a better understanding of the potential disease risks of veterinary and medical importance, a study was conducted to determine the geographical distribution and diversity of ticks collected from horses and vegetation associated with horse racetracks/ranches throughout the ROK. This included a survey of five associated common pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia spp., Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi. A total 9220 ticks were collected from horses and associated pastures. Ticks were identified to species, stage of development, and sex. Two species of ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis (99.9%) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%) were identified. Two of the target pathogens, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp., were detected in 5/1409 tick pools (0.35%) and 4/1409 pools (0.28%) of H. longicornis, respectively, both of which are zoonotic pathogens of medical importance. The results of 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis of A. phagocytophilum showed a close relationship to strains distributed in China, USA, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Poland. Borrelia spp. showed a close relationship, based on 16S rRNA gene, to the strains reported from the USA (B. burgdorferi and B. americana) and Japan (B. tanukii and B. garinii). These results provide information about the potential risks of veterinary and medical importance and the development of mitigation strategies for disease prevention.
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Subbiah M, Thirumalapura N, Thompson D, Kuchipudi SV, Jayarao B, Tewari D. Detection of Anaplasma Phagocytophilum in Horses With Suspected Tick-Borne Disease in Northeastern United States by Metagenomic Sequencing. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:673193. [PMID: 34179165 PMCID: PMC8219919 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.673193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomic sequencing of clinical diagnostic specimens has a potential for unbiased detection of infectious agents, diagnosis of polymicrobial infections and discovery of emerging pathogens. Herein, next generation sequencing (NGS)-based metagenomic approach was used to investigate the cause of illness in a subset of horses recruited for a tick-borne disease surveillance study during 2017–2019. Blood samples collected from 10 horses with suspected tick-borne infection and five apparently healthy horses were subjected to metagenomic analysis. Total genomic DNA extracted from the blood samples were enriched for microbial DNA and subjected to shotgun next generation sequencing using Nextera DNA Flex library preparation kit and V2 chemistry sequencing kit on the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. Overall, 0.4–0.6 million reads per sample were analyzed using Kraken metagenomic sequence classification program. The taxonomic classification of the reads indicated that bacterial genomes were overrepresented (0.5 to 1%) among the total microbial reads. Most of the bacterial reads (~91%) belonged to phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Tenericutes in both groups. Importantly, 10–42.5% of Alphaproteobacterial reads in 5 of 10 animals with suspected tick-borne infection were identified as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Of the 5 animals positive for A. phagocytophilum sequence reads, four animals tested A. phagocytophilum positive by PCR. Two animals with suspected tick-borne infection and A. phagocytophilum positive by PCR were found negative for any tick-borne microbial reads by metagenomic analysis. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of the NGS-based metagenomic analysis approach for the detection of blood-borne microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugan Subbiah
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | | | - David Thompson
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | - Suresh V Kuchipudi
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Bhushan Jayarao
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Deepanker Tewari
- Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, Harrisburg, PA, United States
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Costa SCL, de Souza Freitas J, Carvalho FS, Pereira MJS, Cordeiro MD, da Fonseca AH, Gomes Jusi MM, Machado RZ, Munhoz AD. Frequency and factors associated of potential zoonotic pathogens (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Leishmania spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) in equids in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:275. [PMID: 34022939 PMCID: PMC8140576 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, various zoonotic diseases are classified as emerging or reemerging. Because equids have a direct relationship with various vectors, they are possibly more frequently exposed to zoonotic agents than are humans. The undeniable importance of diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, spotted fever, and leishmaniasis for both public and animal health, as well as the possibility of equids acting as sources, reservoirs, or even sentinels for these pathogens, justifies the detection of their frequency and factors associated with infection in equids from northeastern Brazil. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 569 equids (528 horses, 33 donkeys, and 8 mules), 516 from a rural area and 53 from an urban area. Pathogen detection was carried out as follows: Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp., serological analysis; Leishmania spp., serological analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); Anaplasma phagocytophilum, PCR. Determination of associated factors was carried out through generalized linear models. RESULTS The frequencies of positivity for the pathogens observed in equids were as follows: Borrelia spp., 13.9% (79/569); Leishmania spp., 3.5% (20/569); Rickettsia spp. 33.4% (190/569). Regarding factors associated with infection, male sex was associated with protection against Borrelia spp.; donkeys and mules were associated with protection against Rickettsia spp., while a younger age was a risk factor. The infection of A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the sampled population. Co-infection was detected in 5.1% (29/569) of the animals. CONCLUSIONS Most of the studied pathogenic agents are present in the prospected area, indicating a possible risk for both human and animal health. This demonstrates that equids can be considered important sentinels in the assessment of pathogens with zoonotic potential in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Jéssica de Souza Freitas
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Fábio Santos Carvalho
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Maria Julia Salim Pereira
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dias Cordeiro
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adivaldo Henrique da Fonseca
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro-UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcia Mariza Gomes Jusi
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Department of Animal Pathology, Julio Mesquita Filho State University, UNESP/Jaboticabal, Rod. Paulo Castelanne s/n, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, 4884-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz - UESC, Soane Nazaré de Andrade Campus, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
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Seroepidemiologic Survey of Lyme Disease among Forestry Workers in National Park Offices in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062933. [PMID: 33809327 PMCID: PMC7998755 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Limited data are available on the current status of Lyme disease in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Lyme disease infection among forestry workers in National Park Offices in South Korea. We enrolled National Park Office forestry workers (NPOFWs) who had worked for ≥1 year. Participants completed questionnaires that addressed various subjects including work types and work hygiene-related factors. Collected serum samples were tested using immunofluorescence assay to detect anti-Borrelia antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors of seroprevalence. Of 1,410 NPOFWs, 655 (46.5%) participated in this study, and an overall seroprevalence of Lyme disease antibodies was 8.1%. Analysis showed that always eating meals in woodland (odds ratio (OR), 5.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.08–12.52) and raising dogs outside homes (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.57–6.75) were significantly associated with Lyme disease infection. This seroprevalence study indicates that Lyme disease is an important disease among NPOFWs in South Korea. These identified modifiable risk factors should be considered while designing preventive strategies for reducing Lyme disease infection among NPOFWs.
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Geographical Distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ticks Collected from Wild Rodents in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110866. [PMID: 33105824 PMCID: PMC7690580 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.) via transmission cycles involving competent tick vectors and vertebrate reservoirs. Here, we determined the prevalence and distribution of Borrelia genospecies in 738 ticks of at least three species from wild rodents in nine regions of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Ticks were analyzed using nested PCR targeting partial flagellin B gene sequences, followed by sequence analysis. The prevalence of Borrelia infection was 33.6%, and the most common genospecies were B. afzelii (62.5%), B. valaisiana (31.9%), B. yangtzensis (2.4%), B. garinii (1.6%), and B. tanukii (1.6%). Borrelia afzelii was found in all regions except Jeju Island; this predominant genospecies was found in the northern and central sampling regions. Borrelia valaisiana, B. yangtzensis, and B. tanukii were found only in the southern regions with B. valaisiana being the most common, whereas B. yangtzensis and B. tanukii were only found on Jeju Island. Our study is the first to describe the nationwide prevalence of B. burgdorferi s. l. in ticks from wild rodents in the ROK. Continuous surveillance in ticks, animals, humans, and different regions is required to avoid disease distribution and possible transmission to humans in the ROK.
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Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against Anaplasma Phagocytophilum and Borrelia Burgdorferi in Horses (Equus Caballus) from Northern Algeria. J Vet Res 2020; 64:413-419. [PMID: 32984632 PMCID: PMC7497754 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2020-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Horses (Equus caballus) are susceptible to tick-borne diseases. Two of them, Lyme borreliosis due to Borrelia burgdorferi and granulocytic anaplasmosis due to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were investigated in Algerian horses. The diseases have been less extensively studied in horses and results pertinent to Algeria have not been published. Material and Methods Blood samples were obtained from 128 horses. IgG antibodies directed against Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA. The potential effects of age, gender, breed, and health status on seropositivity were also evaluated. Results Using IFAT, 28 (21.8%) and 25 (19.5%) animals were positive for B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. Using ELISA, 19 (14.8%) and 33 (25.9%) animals were positive for these bacteria. Conclusion The study shows that horses in Algeria are exposed or co-exposed to tick-transmitted zoonotic bacterial species.
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Seo MG, Kwon OD, Kwak D. Molecular Identification of Borrelia afzelii from Ticks Parasitizing Domestic and Wild Animals in South Korea. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050649. [PMID: 32365723 PMCID: PMC7284850 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is one of the most prevalent tick-borne infectious zoonotic diseases caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. The present study assessed the risk factors and prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in ticks parasitizing domestic and wild animals. A total of 589 ticks (329 tick pools) collected from animals were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis, (85.7%), H. flava (10.0%), and Ixodes nipponensis (4.3%) using morphological and molecular methods in South Korea. In this study, the 5S–23S gene sequences of B. afzelii (6/329, 1.8%) were detected in ticks taken from mammals, including ticks from horses (2/147 pools, 1.4%), wild boar (1/19 pools, 5.3%), native Korean goats (NKG, 2/34 pools, 5.9%), and Korean water deer (1/129 pools, 0.8%). Unfortunately, ospA, pyrG, and flagellin genes were not able to be amplified in the present study. To our knowledge, our results are the first inclusive data available for B. afzelii circulation in several tick species taken from NKG, horses, and wild boar in South Korea. We believe that the current findings extend our knowledge of the distribution and possible vector spectrum of Borrelia spp. We recommend continuous evaluation of the potential public health threat posed by Borrelia infected ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Goo Seo
- Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk 39660, Korea;
| | - Oh-Deog Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea;
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea
- Correspondence:
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12
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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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Chae JB, Cho YS, Cho YK, Kang JG, Shin NS, Chae JS. Epidemiological Investigation of Tick Species from Near Domestic Animal Farms and Cattle, Goat, and Wild Boar in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:319-324. [PMID: 31284358 PMCID: PMC6616163 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.3.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the tick species and give background for tick-borne investigations in Korea. Ticks were collected from the area within 2 km radius of the 4 domestic animal farms, where they were located in mountainous areas and raising animals on pasture, and from animal bodies in 2014 and 2015. In total, 7,973 nymphal and adult ticks were collected from the farms - 7,758 Haemaphysalis longicornis, 198 Haemaphysalis flava, and 17 Ixodes nipponensis, and 1,763 were collected from animals - 729 H. longicornis from cattle; 569 H. longicornis from goats; and 297 H. longicornis, 118 H. flava, 1 I. nipponensis, and 49 Amblyomma testudinarium from wild boars. As more species of ticks were collected from wild boars than domesticated animals and their habitats, various animal hosts should be considered while investigating tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Young-Sun Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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14
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Bae JM. Horses as a Potential Reservoir of Lyme Borreliosis in Jeju-do, Korea. J Prev Med Public Health 2018; 51:213-214. [PMID: 30071709 PMCID: PMC6078911 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.18.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in North America, and it was designated as a national notifiable infectious disease in Korea in December 2010. While no cases in Jeju-do were recorded from 2012 to 2016, a recent survey reported that the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in horses in Jeju-do was 19.0% (95% confidence interval, 12.0 to 28.3%). This fact suggests that horses may be a potential reservoir of LB in Jeju-do and that individuals in close contact with horses may be a high-risk group. Thus, a serological study in this high-risk group is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Myon Bae
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
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15
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Kang JG, Chae JB, Cho YK, Jo YS, Shin NS, Lee H, Choi KS, Yu DH, Park J, Park BK, Chae JS. Molecular Detection of Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Borrelia theileri in Raccoon Dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Korea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1061-1068. [PMID: 29436346 PMCID: PMC5928811 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, cat-scratch disease, and Lyme disease are emerging vector-borne infectious diseases in Korea. Although the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in domestic animals and vector arthropods has been documented, there is limited information on the presence of VBPs in wild animals. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), a wild canid found in East Asia and Europe, represents a potential wildlife reservoir for zoonotic diseases. To investigate the prevalence of VBPs in raccoon dogs, 142 carcasses and 51 blood samples from captured raccoon dogs were collected from 2003 to 2010 and from 2008 to 2009, respectively, in Korea. In addition, 105 Haemaphysalis flava (14 larvae, 43 nymphs, 32 males, and 16 females) and nine Haemaphysalis longicornis (all female) were collected from three raccoon dogs. Samples of the spleen and blood were tested for the presence of VBPs by using nested polymerase chain reaction. Among the samples collected from 193 raccoon dogs and 114 ticks, two samples were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, four for Anaplasma bovis, two for Borrelia theileri, and two for Bartonella henselae. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the largest survey of raccoon dogs aimed at the analysis of VBPs in this species. Moreover, the present study represents the first identification of A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae, and B. theileri in raccoon dogs in their native habitat (East Asia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Gu Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Byoung Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoung Cho
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Sun Jo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Shik Shin
- Laboratory of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Research Institute and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Korea
| | - Do-Hyeon Yu
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Research Institute BK21 Program for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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16
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VanBik D, Lee SH, Seo MG, Jeon BR, Goo YK, Park SJ, Rhee MH, Kwon OD, Kim TH, Geraldino PJL, Kwak D. Borrelia Species Detected in Ticks Feeding on Wild Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis) Using Molecular and Genotypic Analyses. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1397-1402. [PMID: 28549151 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease transmitted through the bite of ticks infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii. The goal of the present study was to detect Borrelia species in ticks infesting wild Korean water deer (KWD; Hydropotes inermis Swinhoe), using molecular and genotypic analyses. In total, 48 ticks were collected from KWD, all of which were morphologically identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann that is dominant in Korea. Nested PCR was performed to detect the Borrelia-specific 5S (rrf)-23S (rrl) intergenic spacer region and the outer surface protein A (ospA) genes in ticks. Both rrf-rrl and ospA were amplified from one of the 48 ticks (2.1%) and were identified as B. afzelii. To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first molecular detection of B. afzelii in Haemaphysalis ticks in Korea. Because B. afzelii is a zoonotic tick-borne pathogen, understanding the molecular characteristics of this bacterium is important for preventing the transmission of Borrelia from ticks to other animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D VanBik
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - S H Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - M G Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - B R Jeon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Y K Goo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - S J Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - M H Rhee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - O D Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - T H Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - P J L Geraldino
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Philippines
| | - D Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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17
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Izac JR, Oliver LD, Earnhart CG, Marconi RT. Identification of a defined linear epitope in the OspA protein of the Lyme disease spirochetes that elicits bactericidal antibody responses: Implications for vaccine development. Vaccine 2017; 35:3178-3185. [PMID: 28479174 PMCID: PMC8203411 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The lipoprotein OspA is produced by the Lyme disease spirochetes primarily in unfed ticks. OspA production is down-regulated by the blood meal and it is not produced in mammals except for possible transient production during late stage infection in patients with Lyme arthritis. Vaccination with OspA elicits antibody (Ab) that can target spirochetes in the tick midgut during feeding and inhibit transmission to mammals. OspA was the primary component of the human LYMErix™ vaccine. LYMErix™ was available from 1998 to 2002 but then pulled from the market due to declining sales as a result of unsubstantiated concerns about vaccination induced adverse events and poor efficacy. It was postulated that a segment of OspA that shares sequence similarity with a region in human LFA-1 and may trigger putative autoimmune events. While evidence supporting such a link has not been demonstrated, most efforts to move forward with OspA as a vaccine component have sought to eliminate this region of concern. Here we identify an OspA linear epitope localized within OspA amino acid residues 221–240 (OspA221–240) that lacks the OspA region suggested to elicit autoimmunity. A peptide consisting of residues 221–240 was immunogenic in mice. Ab raised against OspA221–240 peptide surface labeled B. burgdorferi in IFAs and displayed potent Ab mediated-complement dependent bactericidal activity. BLAST analyses identified several variants of OspA221–240 and a closely related sequence in OspB. It is our hypothesis that integration of the OspA221–240 epitope into a multivalent-OspC based chimeric epitope based vaccine antigen (chimeritope) could result in a subunit vaccine that protects against Lyme disease through synergistic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerilyn R Izac
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Lee D Oliver
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Christopher G Earnhart
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Richard T Marconi
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States.
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