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Sullivan MD, Glose K, Sward D. Tick-Borne Illnesses in Emergency and Wilderness Medicine. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:597-611. [PMID: 38925777 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.02.018] [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: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the causative organisms, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the United States, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Powassan virus, and alpha-gal syndrome. Tick bite prevention strategies and some basic tick removal recommendations are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Sullivan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kyle Glose
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Douglas Sward
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 6th Floor, Suite 200, 110 South Paca Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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2
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Baumgarth N. Boosting immunity to protect from tickborne Lyme disease. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00412-2. [PMID: 39029480 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00412-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Baumgarth
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Lyme and Tickborne Diseases Research and Education Institute. Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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3
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Fellin E, Varin M, Millien V. Outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and Lyme disease in Québec. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38967431 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lyme disease is a well-known occupational risk across North America caused by exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi via blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). As the geographic range of B. burgdorferi advances with the increasing distribution of blacklegged ticks, more outdoor workers are at risk of contracting Lyme disease. In this study, we examined the demography and personal perceptions of outdoor workers within one framework to better determine the overall risk for those working outdoors. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed outdoor worker knowledge of ticks and of behaviours that can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease. We then compared these risk perceptions of individuals across age, sex, education, and industry, as well as time spent outdoors. We tested the hypothesis that the risk perception of an individual and their knowledge of Lyme disease transmission was dependent on their demographics, experience in their job, and the region in which they spend time outdoors. We estimated a knowledge-based risk score based on individuals' answers to a questionnaire on risk perception given to voluntary participants who work outdoors. Those who had higher risk scores were more at risk. We found that knowledge-based risk scores were correlated with geographic risk levels and with the number of hours per day spent outdoors. Those who work longer hours and who work in areas with mid-level risk had higher risk scores. Those who spend more time outdoors recreationally had lower risk scores. CONCLUSIONS Further examination and acknowledgment of the reasoning behind why these factors are affecting workers' risks must be considered to recognize that it is not necessarily demographics or geographically high-risk areas that affect an individual's risk. Workers' knowledge of these risks is affected by several variables that should be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures and awareness programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fellin
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Varin
- Centre d'enseignement et de Recherche en Foresterie (CERFO), Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Virginie Millien
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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4
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Koutantou M, Drancourt M, Angelakis E. Prevalence of Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever Borrelia spp. in Vectors, Animals, and Humans within a One Health Approach in Mediterranean Countries. Pathogens 2024; 13:512. [PMID: 38921809 PMCID: PMC11206712 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060512] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Borrelia has been divided into Borreliella spp., which can cause Lyme Disease (LD), and Borrelia spp., which can cause Relapsing Fever (RF). The distribution of genus Borrelia has broadened due to factors such as climate change, alterations in land use, and enhanced human and animal mobility. Consequently, there is an increasing necessity for a One Health strategy to identify the key components in the Borrelia transmission cycle by monitoring the human-animal-environment interactions. The aim of this study is to summarize all accessible data to increase our understanding and provide a comprehensive overview of Borrelia distribution in the Mediterranean region. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google were searched to determine the presence of Borreliella and Borrelia spp. in vectors, animals, and humans in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 3026 were identified and screened and after exclusion of papers that did not fulfill the including criteria, 429 were used. After examination of the available literature, it was revealed that various species associated with LD and RF are prevalent in vectors, animals, and humans in Mediterranean countries and should be monitored in order to effectively manage and prevent potential infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Koutantou
- Diagnostic Department and Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Emmanouil Angelakis
- Diagnostic Department and Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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5
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Yamasaki Y, Singh P, Vimonish R, Ueti M, Bankhead T. Development and Application of an In Vitro Tick Feeding System to Identify Ixodes Tick Environment-Induced Genes of the Lyme Disease Agent, Borrelia burgdorferi. Pathogens 2024; 13:487. [PMID: 38921785 PMCID: PMC11207009 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060487] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The bacterial agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, exists in an enzootic cycle by adapting to dissimilar mammalian and tick environments. The genetic elements necessary for host and vector adaptation are spread across a bacterial genome comprised of a linear chromosome and essential linear and circular plasmids. The promoter trap system, In Vivo Expression Technology (IVET), has been used to identify promoters of B. burgdorferi that are transcriptionally active specifically during infection of a murine host. However, an observed infection bottleneck effect in mice prevented the application of this system to study promoters induced in a tick environment. In this study, we adapted a membrane-based in vitro feeding system as a novel method to infect the Ixodes spp. vector with B. burgdorferi. Once adapted, we performed IVET screens as a proof of principle via an infected bloodmeal on the system. The screen yielded B. burgdorferi promoters that are induced during tick infection and verified relative expression levels using qRT-PCR. The results of our study demonstrate the potential of our developed in vitro tick feeding system and IVET systems to gain insight into the adaptive gene expression of the Lyme disease bacteria to the tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youki Yamasaki
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.Y.); (P.S.); (R.V.)
| | - Preeti Singh
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.Y.); (P.S.); (R.V.)
| | - Rubikah Vimonish
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.Y.); (P.S.); (R.V.)
| | - Massaro Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Troy Bankhead
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (Y.Y.); (P.S.); (R.V.)
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6
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Wu M, Mirkin S, McPhail MN, Wajeeh H, Nagy S, Florent-Carre M, Blavo C, Demory Beckler M, Amini K, Kesselman MM. A Comprehensive Review of Lyme Disease: A Focus on Cardiovascular Manifestations. Cureus 2024; 16:e60821. [PMID: 38910626 PMCID: PMC11190629 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60821] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness known for its ability to cause multi-systemic manifestations. It can affect several different systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, and dermatological systems. However, one of the most concerning biological systems affected is the cardiac system. Lyme carditis typically presents with varying degrees of atrioventricular (AV) block. Additionally, current literature also endorses atypical manifestations, including but not limited to atrial fibrillation and bundle branch blocks. These atypical manifestations are important as they can be the first presenting symptoms in patients with Lyme disease. Therefore, educating clinicians on various signs, symptoms, and manifestations of Lyme carditis remains paramount in reducing morbidity and mortality. We conducted a literature review using PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, collecting a total of 13 articles to gather information on atypical manifestations of Lyme carditis. This literature review serves to summarize the current research and studies describing these cardiac manifestations and the cardiac pathophysiology associated with Lyme disease. These findings aim to contribute to the expanding understanding of Lyme carditis, subsequently preventing long-term effects through prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wu
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Sophia Mirkin
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Marissa N McPhail
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Hassaan Wajeeh
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Stephanie Nagy
- Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Plantation, USA
| | - Marie Florent-Carre
- Public Health, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Cyril Blavo
- Public Health, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Michelle Demory Beckler
- Microbiology and Immunology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Kayvan Amini
- Cardiology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Marc M Kesselman
- Rheumatology, Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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7
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Kozisek F, Cenovic J, Armendariz S, Muthukrishnan S, Park Y, Thomas VC, Chaudhari SS. An optimized artificial blood feeding assay to study tick cuticle biology. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 168:104113. [PMID: 38527710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Ticks, ectoparasitic arachnids, are prominent disease vectors impacting both humans and animals. Their unique blood-feeding phase involves significant abdominal cuticle expansion, sharing certain similarities with insects. However, vital aspects, including the mechanisms of cuticle expansion, changes in cuticular protein composition, chitin synthesis, and cuticle function, remain poorly understood. Given that the cuticle expansion is crucial for complete engorgement of the ticks, addressing these knowledge gaps is essential. Traditional tick research involving live animal hosts has inherent limitations, such as ethical concerns and host response variability. Artificial membrane feeding systems provide an alternative approach, offering controlled experimental conditions and reduced ethical dilemmas. These systems enable precise monitoring of tick attachment, feeding parameters, and pathogen acquisition. Despite the existence of various methodologies for artificial tick-feeding systems, there is a pressing need to enhance their reproducibility and effectiveness. In this context, we introduce an improved tick-feeding system that incorporates adjustments related to factors like humidity, temperature, and blood-feeding duration. These refinements markedly boost tick engorgement rates, presenting a valuable tool for in-depth investigations into tick cuticle biology and facilitating studies on molting. This refined system allows for collecting feeding ticks at specific stages, supporting research on tick cuticle biology, and evaluating chemical agents' efficacy in the engorgement process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Kozisek
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, United States
| | - Jonathon Cenovic
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, United States
| | - Savannah Armendariz
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, United States
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Chalmers Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
| | - Vinai C Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, United States
| | - Sujata S Chaudhari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, United States.
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8
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Horowitz RI, Fallon J, Freeman PR. Combining Double-Dose and High-Dose Pulsed Dapsone Combination Therapy for Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Co-Infections, Including Bartonella: A Report of 3 Cases and a Literature Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:909. [PMID: 38792737 PMCID: PMC11124288 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050909] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Three patients with relapsing and remitting borreliosis, babesiosis, and bartonellosis, despite extended anti-infective therapy, were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT) for 8 weeks, followed by one or several two-week courses of pulsed high-dose dapsone combination therapy (HDDCT). We discuss these patients' cases to illustrate three important variables required for long-term remission. First, diagnosing and treating active co-infections, including Babesia and Bartonella were important. Babesia required rotations of multiple anti-malarial drug combinations and herbal therapies, and Bartonella required one or several 6-day HDDCT pulses to achieve clinical remission. Second, all prior oral, intramuscular (IM), and/or intravenous (IV) antibiotics used for chronic Lyme disease (CLD)/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), irrespective of the length of administration, were inferior in efficacy to short-term pulsed biofilm/persister drug combination therapy i.e., dapsone, rifampin, methylene blue, and pyrazinamide, which improved resistant fatigue, pain, headaches, insomnia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Lastly, addressing multiple factors on the 16-point multiple systemic infectious disease syndrome (MSIDS) model was important in achieving remission. In conclusion, DDDCT with one or several 6-7-day pulses of HDDCT, while addressing abnormalities on the 16-point MSIDS map, could represent a novel effective clinical and anti-infective strategy in CLD/PTLDS and associated co-infections including Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Horowitz
- New York State Department of Health Tick-Borne Working Group, Albany, NY 12224, USA
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - John Fallon
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Phyllis R. Freeman
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
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9
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Vance DJ, Basir S, Piazza CL, Willsey GG, Haque HME, Tremblay JM, Rudolph MJ, Muriuki B, Cavacini L, Weis DD, Shoemaker CB, Mantis NJ. Single-domain antibodies reveal unique borrelicidal epitopes on the Lyme disease vaccine antigen, outer surface protein A (OspA). Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0008424. [PMID: 38470113 PMCID: PMC11003225 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00084-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Camelid-derived, single-domain antibodies (VHHs) have proven to be extremely powerful tools in defining the antigenic landscape of immunologically heterogeneous surface proteins. In this report, we generated a phage-displayed VHH library directed against the candidate Lyme disease vaccine antigen, outer surface protein A (OspA). Two alpacas were immunized with recombinant OspA serotype 1 from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strain B31, in combination with the canine vaccine RECOMBITEK Lyme containing lipidated OspA. The phage library was subjected to two rounds of affinity enrichment ("panning") against recombinant OspA, yielding 21 unique VHHs within two epitope bins, as determined through competition enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with a panel of OspA-specific human monoclonal antibodies. Epitope refinement was conducted by hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry. Six of the monovalent VHHs were expressed as human IgG1-Fc fusion proteins and shown to have functional properties associated with protective human monoclonal antibodies, including B. burgdorferi agglutination, outer membrane damage, and complement-dependent borreliacidal activity. The VHHs displayed unique reactivity profiles with the seven OspA serotypes associated with B. burgdorferi genospecies in the United States and Europe consistent with there being unique epitopes across OspA serotypes that should be considered when designing and evaluating multivalent Lyme disease vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Vance
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Saiful Basir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Carol Lyn Piazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Graham G. Willsey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Jacque M. Tremblay
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Beatrice Muriuki
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa Cavacini
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David D. Weis
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Charles B. Shoemaker
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Mantis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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10
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Kouroupis D, Terzaki M, Moscha N, Sarvani A, Simoulidou E, Chatzimichailidou S, Giza E, Sapouridis G, Angelakis E, Petidis K, Pyrpasopoulou A. Aseptic Meningitis Linked to Borrelia afzelii Seroconversion in Northeastern Greece: An Emerging Infectious Disease Contested in the Region. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:25. [PMID: 38276636 PMCID: PMC10820939 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010025] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Borreliosis (Lyme disease) is a zoonosis, mediated to humans and small mammals through specific vectors (ticks), with increasing global incidence. It is associated with a variety of clinical manifestations and can, if not promptly recognized and left untreated, lead to significant disability. In Europe, the main Borrelia species causing disease in humans are Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia spielmanii. The Ixodes ricinus tick is their principal vector. Although Lyme disease is considered endemic in the Balkan region and Turkey, and all three main Lyme pathogens have been detected in ticks collected in these countries, autochthonous Lyme disease remains controversial in Greece. We report a case of aseptic meningitis associated with antibody seroconversion against Borrelia afzelii in a young female patient from the prefecture of Thasos without any relevant travel history. The patient presented with fever and severe headache, and the cerebrospinal fluid examination showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Serum analysis was positive for specific IgG antibodies against Borrelia afzelii. In the absence of typical erythema migrans, serological evidence of infection is required for diagnosis. Although atypical in terms of clinical presentation, the seasonality and geographical location of potential disease transmission in the reported patient should raise awareness among clinicians for a still controversial and potentially underreported emerging infectious disease in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kouroupis
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Maria Terzaki
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Nikoletta Moscha
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Anastasia Sarvani
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Elisavet Simoulidou
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Sofia Chatzimichailidou
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Evangelia Giza
- Neurology Department, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Petidis
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
| | - Athina Pyrpasopoulou
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.K.); (M.T.); (N.M.); (A.S.); (E.S.); (S.C.); (K.P.)
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11
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Jaenson TGT, Gray JS, Lindgren PE, Wilhelmsson P. Coinfection of Babesia and Borrelia in the Tick Ixodes ricinus-A Neglected Public Health Issue in Europe? Pathogens 2024; 13:81. [PMID: 38251388 PMCID: PMC10818971 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010081] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults removed from humans, and larvae and nymphs from birds, have been analysed for infection with Babesia species and Borrelia species previously in separately published studies. Here, we use the same data set to explore the coinfection pattern of Babesia and Borrelia species in the ticks. We also provide an overview of the ecology and potential public health importance in Sweden of I. ricinus infected both with zoonotic Babesia and Borrelia species. Among 1952 nymphs and adult ticks removed from humans, 3.1% were PCR-positive for Babesia spp. Of these Babesia-positive ticks, 43% were simultaneously Borrelia-positive. Among 1046 immatures of I. ricinus removed from birds, 2.5% were Babesia-positive, of which 38% were coinfected with Borrelia species. This study shows that in I. ricinus infesting humans or birds in Sweden, potentially zoonotic Babesia protozoa sometimes co-occur with human-pathogenic Borrelia spp. Diagnostic tests for Babesia spp. infection are rarely performed in Europe, and the medical significance of this pathogen in Europe could be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. T. Jaenson
- Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jeremy S. Gray
- UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Per-Eric Lindgren
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Wilhelmsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden
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12
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Fagen JL, Shelton JA, Luché-Thayer J. Medical Gaslighting and Lyme Disease: The Patient Experience. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:78. [PMID: 38200984 PMCID: PMC10778834 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010078] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though there are approximately half a million new cases of Lyme disease in the US annually, according to the CDC, it is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can result in a chronic, multisystemic condition. Lyme disease is a recognized public health threat and is a designated "notifiable disease". As such, Lyme disease is mandated to be reported by the CDC. Despite this, both acute and chronic Lyme disease (CLD) have been relegated to the category of "contested illnesses", which can lead to medical gaslighting. By analyzing results from an online survey of respondents with Lyme disease (n = 986), we elucidate the lived experiences of people who have been pushed to the margins of the medical system by having their symptoms attributed to mental illness, anxiety, stress, and aging. Further, respondents have had their blood tests and erythema migrans (EM) rashes discounted and were told that CLD simply does not exist. As a result, a series of fruitless consultations often result in the delay of a correct diagnosis, which has deleterious consequences. This is the first study that addresses an extensive range of gaslighting techniques experienced by this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Fagen
- Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, Lamar University, P.O. Box 10026, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Shelton
- Department of Psychology, Lamar University, P.O. Box 10036, Beaumont, TX 77710, USA;
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13
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Kumaresan V, Ingle TM, Kilgore N, Zhang G, Hermann BP, Seshu J. Cellular and transcriptome signatures unveiled by single-cell RNA-Seq following ex vivo infection of murine splenocytes with Borrelia burgdorferi. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1296580. [PMID: 38149246 PMCID: PMC10749944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the US, is caused by a spirochetal pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Distinct host responses are observed in susceptible and resistant strains of inbred of mice following infection with Bb reflecting a subset of inflammatory responses observed in human Lyme disease. The advent of post-genomic methodologies and genomic data sets enables dissecting the host responses to advance therapeutic options for limiting the pathogen transmission and/or treatment of Lyme disease. Methods In this study, we used single-cell RNA-Seq analysis in conjunction with mouse genomics exploiting GFP-expressing Bb to sort GFP+ splenocytes and GFP- bystander cells to uncover novel molecular and cellular signatures that contribute to early stages of immune responses against Bb. Results These data decoded the heterogeneity of splenic neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, B cells, and T cells in C3H/HeN mice in response to Bb infection. Increased mRNA abundance of apoptosis-related genes was observed in neutrophils and macrophages clustered from GFP+ splenocytes. Moreover, complement-mediated phagocytosis-related genes such as C1q and Ficolin were elevated in an inflammatory macrophage subset, suggesting upregulation of these genes during the interaction of macrophages with Bb-infected neutrophils. In addition, the role of DUSP1 in regulating the expression of Casp3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Il1b, and Ccl5 in Bb-infected neutrophils were identified. Discussion These findings serve as a growing catalog of cell phenotypes/biomarkers among murine splenocytes that can be exploited for limiting spirochetal burden to limit the transmission of the agent of Lyme disease to humans via reservoir hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Kumaresan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Taylor MacMackin Ingle
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Nathan Kilgore
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Guoquan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Brian P. Hermann
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Janakiram Seshu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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14
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Strnad M, Rudenko N, Rego RO. Pathogenicity and virulence of Borrelia burgdorferi. Virulence 2023; 14:2265015. [PMID: 37814488 PMCID: PMC10566445 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2265015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi often triggers pathophysiologic perturbations that are further augmented by the inflammatory responses of the host, resulting in the severe clinical conditions of Lyme disease. While our apprehension of the spatial and temporal integration of the virulence determinants during the enzootic cycle of B. burgdorferi is constantly being improved, there is still much to be discovered. Many of the novel virulence strategies discussed in this review are undetermined. Lyme disease spirochaetes must surmount numerous molecular and mechanical obstacles in order to establish a disseminated infection in a vertebrate host. These barriers include borrelial relocation from the midgut of the feeding tick to its body cavity and further to the salivary glands, deposition to the skin, haematogenous dissemination, extravasation from blood circulation system, evasion of the host immune responses, localization to protective niches, and establishment of local as well as distal infection in multiple tissues and organs. Here, the various well-defined but also possible novel strategies and virulence mechanisms used by B. burgdorferi to evade obstacles laid out by the tick vector and usually the mammalian host during colonization and infection are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Strnad
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, Czech Republic
| | - Natalie Rudenko
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ryan O.M. Rego
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská, Czech Republic
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15
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Khatri VA, Paul S, Patel NJ, Thippani S, Sawant JY, Durkee KL, Murphy CL, Aleman GO, Valentino JA, Jathan J, Melillo A, Sapi E. Global transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer and normal mammary epithelial cells infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2023; 13:63-76. [PMID: 37856211 PMCID: PMC10668924 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2023.00031] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme Disease, can disseminate and colonize various tissues and organs, orchestrating severe clinical symptoms including arthritis, carditis, and neuroborreliosis. Previous research has demonstrated that breast cancer tissues could provide an ideal habitat for diverse populations of bacteria, including B. burgdorferi, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Recently, we demonstrated that infection with B. burgdorferi enhances the invasion and migration of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells which represent a type of breast tumor with more aggressive cancer traits. In this study, we hypothesized that infection by B. burgdorferi affects the expression of cancer-associated genes to effectuate breast cancer phenotypes. We applied the high-throughput technique of RNA-sequencing on B. burgdorferi-infected MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and normal-like MCF10A cells to determine the most differentially expressed genes (DEG) upon infection. Overall, 142 DEGs were identified between uninfected and infected samples in MDA-MB-231 while 95 DEGs were found in MCF10A cells. A major trend of the upregulation of C-X-C and C-C motif chemokine family members as well as genes and pathways was associated with infection, inflammation, and cancer. These genes could serve as potential biomarkers for pathogen-related tumorigenesis and cancer progression which could lead to new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwa A. Khatri
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Sambuddha Paul
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Niraj Jatin Patel
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Sahaja Thippani
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Janhavi Y. Sawant
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Katie L. Durkee
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Cassandra L. Murphy
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Geneve Ortiz Aleman
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Justine A. Valentino
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jasmine Jathan
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Anthony Melillo
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Eva Sapi
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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Alruwaili Y, Jacobs MB, Hasenkampf NR, Tardo AC, McDaniel CE, Embers ME. Superior efficacy of combination antibiotic therapy versus monotherapy in a mouse model of Lyme disease. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1293300. [PMID: 38075920 PMCID: PMC10703379 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1293300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) results from the most prevalent tick-borne infection in North America, with over 476,000 estimated cases annually. The disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato which transmits through the bite of Ixodid ticks. Most cases treated soon after infection are resolved by a short course of oral antibiotics. However, 10-20% of patients experience chronic symptoms because of delayed or incomplete treatment, a condition called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). Some Bb persists in PTLD patients after the initial course of antibiotics and an effective treatment to eradicate the persistent Bb is needed. Other organisms that cause persistent infections, such as M. tuberculosis, are cleared using a combination of therapies rather than monotherapy. A group of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs previously shown to be efficacious against Bb in vitro were used in monotherapy or in combination in mice infected with Bb. Different methods of detection were used to assess the efficacy of the treatments in the infected mice including culture, xenodiagnosis, and molecular techniques. None of the monotherapies eradicated persistent Bb. However, 4 dual combinations (doxycycline + ceftriaxone, dapsone + rifampicin, dapsone + clofazimine, doxycycline + cefotaxime) and 3 triple combinations (doxycycline + ceftriaxone+ carbomycin, doxycycline + cefotaxime+ loratadine, dapsone+ rifampicin+ clofazimine) eradicated persistent Bb infections. These results suggest that combination therapy should be investigated in preclinical studies for treating human Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Alruwaili
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mary B. Jacobs
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Nicole R. Hasenkampf
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Amanda C. Tardo
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Celine E. McDaniel
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Monica E. Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, United States
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Tian J, Liu J, Zhao H, Chen X, Geng X, Lu M, Li K. Molecular surveillance reveals a potential hotspot of tick-borne disease in Yakeshi City, Inner Mongolia. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:359. [PMID: 37986042 PMCID: PMC10662550 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases was performed in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. A total of 149 ticks including three species (Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor silvarum) were collected. As many as 11 tick-borne bacterial pathogens were identified in them. Some of them have high positive rates. For example, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae was detected with a high prevalence of 72.48%, while Candidatus Lariskella sp. was detected in 31.54% of ticks. For both Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, two distinct genotypes were identified based on their phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL sequences. Remarkable genetic diversity was also observed for 16S and flaB genes of Borreliella garinii, an agent of Lyme disease. Rickettsia heilongjiangensis causing Far-Eastern spotted fever (2.68%, 4/149), Ehrlichia muris causing human ehrlichiosis (4.70%, 7/149), Borrelia miyamotoi causing relapsing fever (2.01%, 3/149), and Borreliella afzelii causing Lyme disease (2.01%, 3/149) were also detected. Additionally, a previously uncharacterized Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma ovis was identified. Herein we name it "Candidatus Anaplasma mongolica". Based on these results, we propose that Yakeshi City might be a potential hotspot of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Tian
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Hongqing Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430024, China
| | - Xueqin Geng
- Caidian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 430100, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping District, Beijing City, 102206, China.
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
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18
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Banović P, Rodríguez I, Jakimovski D. Current Status and Challenges Associated with Tick-Borne Pathogens and Diseases: Where Do We Stand? Pathogens 2023; 12:1271. [PMID: 37887787 PMCID: PMC10609814 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme Borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Banović
- Clinic for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Microbiology with Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Islay Rodríguez
- National Reference Laboratory of Treponemes and Special Pathogens, Tropical Medicine Institute “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 10400, Cuba;
| | - Dejan Jakimovski
- Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
- University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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19
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Groth M, Skrzydlewska E, Czupryna P, Biernacki M, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Lipid mediators of cerebrospinal fluid in response to TBE and bacterial co-infections. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 207:272-278. [PMID: 37499889 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases are caused by monoinfection or co-infection with different pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Tick-borne diseases are usually accompanied by oxidative stress which promotes the modifications of the host's lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to compare total antioxidant status and the level of lipid mediators in the cerebrospinal fluid in response to tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and bacterial co-infections that cause diseases such as that is Lyme borreliosis (LB) and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). In our study cerebrospinal fluid samples were obtained from 15 patients with TBE and 6 patients with TBE co-infection with LB and/or HGA at admission and after treatment. Control group consisted of 14 patients in whom meningitis was excluded. Total antioxidant status, levels of lipid peroxidation products, endocannabinoids and eicosanoids (determined by liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) were compared between the groups. It was found that in TBE patients, total antioxidant status was decreased and accompanied by increased levels of lipid peroxidation products (4-HNE, MDA, isoprostanes and neuroprostanes), major endocannabinoids (AEA and 2AG), and eicosanoids (both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory), which generally declined after treatment. On the other hand, in co-infections, significant changes in the levels of some lipid mediators were observed even after the treatment. TBE alone or along with bacterial co-infections promote redox balance disturbances in the cerebrospinal fluid leading to oxidative stress and increased metabolism of phospholipids in the brain tissue reflected in the level of lipid peroxidation products and lipid mediators. Changes in the level of lipid mediators in patients with co-infections after treatment suggest further intensification of metabolic disturbances rather than their resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Groth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Michał Biernacki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
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20
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Horowitz RI, Fallon J, Freeman PR. Comparison of the Efficacy of Longer versus Shorter Pulsed High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome with Bartonellosis and Associated Coinfections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2301. [PMID: 37764145 PMCID: PMC10537894 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092301] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-five patients with relapsing and remitting Borreliosis, Babesiosis, and bartonellosis despite extended anti-infective therapy were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT), followed by one or several courses of High Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy (HDDCT). A retrospective chart review of these 25 patients undergoing DDDCT therapy and HDDCT demonstrated that 100% improved their tick-borne symptoms, and patients completing 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT had superior levels of improvement versus 4-day pulses if Bartonella was present. At the completion of treatment, 7/23 (30.5%) who completed 8 weeks of DDDCT followed by a 5-7 day pulse of HDDCT remained in remission for 3-9 months, and 3/23 patients (13%) who recently finished treatment were 1 ½ months in full remission. In conclusion, DDDCT followed by 6-7 day pulses of HDDCT could represent a novel, effective anti-infective strategy in chronic Lyme disease/Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and associated co-infections, including Bartonella, especially in individuals who have failed standard antibiotic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Horowitz
- Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Working Group, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12224, USA
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - John Fallon
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Phyllis R. Freeman
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
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21
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Pine M, Arora G, Hart TM, Bettini E, Gaudette BT, Muramatsu H, Tombácz I, Kambayashi T, Tam YK, Brisson D, Allman D, Locci M, Weissman D, Fikrig E, Pardi N. Development of an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine against Lyme disease. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2702-2714. [PMID: 37533256 PMCID: PMC10492027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infectious disease in the United States, in part because a vaccine against it is not currently available for humans. We propose utilizing the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA (mRNA-LNP) platform to generate a Lyme disease vaccine like the successful clinical vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Of the antigens expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, outer surface protein A (OspA) is the most promising candidate for vaccine development. We have designed and synthesized an OspA-encoding mRNA-LNP vaccine and compared its immunogenicity and protective efficacy to an alum-adjuvanted OspA protein subunit vaccine. OspA mRNA-LNP induced superior humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in mice after a single immunization. These potent immune responses resulted in protection against bacterial infection. Our study demonstrates that highly efficient mRNA vaccines can be developed against bacterial targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pine
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas M Hart
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emily Bettini
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian T Gaudette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - István Tombácz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michela Locci
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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22
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Guérin M, Shawky M, Zedan A, Octave S, Avalle B, Maffucci I, Padiolleau-Lefèvre S. Lyme borreliosis diagnosis: state of the art of improvements and innovations. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:204. [PMID: 37528399 PMCID: PMC10392007 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02935-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
With almost 700 000 estimated cases each year in the United States and Europe, Lyme borreliosis (LB), also called Lyme disease, is the most common tick-borne illness in the world. Transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes and caused by bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, LB occurs with various symptoms, such as erythema migrans, which is characteristic, whereas others involve blurred clinical features such as fatigue, headaches, arthralgia, and myalgia. The diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, based on a standard two-tiered serology, is the subject of many debates and controversies, since it relies on an indirect approach which suffers from a low sensitivity depending on the stage of the disease. Above all, early detection of the disease raises some issues. Inappropriate diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis leads to therapeutic wandering, inducing potential chronic infection with a strong antibody response that fails to clear the infection. Early and proper detection of Lyme disease is essential to propose an adequate treatment to patients and avoid the persistence of the pathogen. This review presents the available tests, with an emphasis on the improvements of the current diagnosis, the innovative methods and ideas which, ultimately, will allow more precise detection of LB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Guérin
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique Et Cellulaire (GEC), CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France
| | - Marc Shawky
- Connaissance Organisation Et Systèmes TECHniques (COSTECH), EA 2223, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France
| | - Ahed Zedan
- Polyclinique Saint Côme, 7 Rue Jean Jacques Bernard, 60204, Compiègne, France
| | - Stéphane Octave
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique Et Cellulaire (GEC), CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France
| | - Bérangère Avalle
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique Et Cellulaire (GEC), CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France
| | - Irene Maffucci
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique Et Cellulaire (GEC), CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France
| | - Séverine Padiolleau-Lefèvre
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique Et Cellulaire (GEC), CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, 60203, Compiègne, France.
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23
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Bhadra S, Esteve-Gasent MD, Ellington AD. Analysis of macerated ticks using Boolean logic gating colorimetric isothermal nucleic acid assays for Lyme Borrelia and Ixodes scapularis ticks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11439. [PMID: 37454160 PMCID: PMC10349842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, one of the most common tickborne diseases, has been rapidly spreading in parallel with the expansion of the range of its tick vector. Better tick surveillance efforts are needed to accurately estimate disease risk and to guide public health and clinical management. We have developed two multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reactions coupled with oligonucleotide strand displacement (OSD) probes to identify the tick host, Ixodes scapularis, and the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, they carry. In each multiplex LAMP-OSD assay the co-presence of two target sequences is computed at the DNA level by linking the two corresponding amplicons and detecting the co-product on colorimetric lateral flow dipsticks. In tests with synthetic DNA, the co-presence of as few as four copies of input DNA could be detected, without producing spurious signals. Most importantly, though, the LAMP-OSD assay is amenable to being carried out directly with macerated tick samples, without any sample preparation. In such field conditions, assays performed robustly and demonstrated 97-100% sensitivity and 100% specificity with both field-collected and lab-raised artificially infected ticks. Such easy-to-use, arthropod and pathogen-specific assays would be well suited to field and near patient use without relying on complex instrumentation or infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Bhadra
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Maria D Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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24
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Lorquet JR, Pell R, Adams J, Tak M, Ganti L. A Non-Classical Presentation of Erythema Migrans in a 51-Year-Old Woman With Early Manifestation of Lyme Neuroborreliosis (Bannwarth Syndrome). Cureus 2023; 15:e39931. [PMID: 37416051 PMCID: PMC10319937 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39931] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors present a case of a 51-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with general malaise, headache, neck stiffness, and an expanding rash consistent with Lyme neuroborreliosis. In this case report, the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of Lyme neuroborreliosis and different presentations of erythema migrans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovans R Lorquet
- Emergency Medicine, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Kissimmee, USA
| | - Robert Pell
- Emergency Medicine, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Kissimmee, USA
| | - Jeffrey Adams
- Emergency Medicine, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Kissimmee, USA
| | - Mihir Tak
- Emergency Medicine, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Kissimmee, USA
| | - Latha Ganti
- Emergency Medicine, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, Kissimmee, USA
- Emergency Medicine, Envision Physician Services, Plantation, USA
- Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA
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25
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Early identification of Lyme disease complications. JAAPA 2023; 36:19-23. [PMID: 36573811 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000902892.41571.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Complications of Lyme disease including Lyme arthritis, Lyme carditis, and Lyme neuroborreliosis, typically occur during the early disseminated and late phases of the disease. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion so they can recognize and treat complications promptly. Early treatment with appropriate antibiotics often leads to improved clinical outcomes.
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26
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A Retrospective Study with a Commercial Vaccine against Lyme Borreliosis in Dogs Using Two Different Vaccination Schedules: Characterization of the Humoral Immune Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010043. [PMID: 36679888 PMCID: PMC9867253 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010043] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis, a multisystemic disease caused by spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Differently from human medicine, several vaccines are available for dogs. To provide the best protection possible, vaccination schemes should be adapted regularly to meet the needs resulting from an increased tick exposure risk due to an inescapable climate change. In this retrospective study, a total of 183 vaccinations were performed with a commercial, multivalent vaccine against Lyme borreliosis, and vaccinated dogs were monitored over an observation period of 13 months. Dogs were either vaccinated on days 0 and 21 and a booster on day 365 (standard vaccination schedule), or with an additional booster vaccination on day 180. Canine serum samples were then tested for their borrelia-specific antibody levels using a two-tiered test system consisting of a kinetic ELISA followed by a line immunoassay. Dogs vaccinated with the standard vaccination schedule displayed decreasing antibody levels between days 120 and 360, which is probably insufficient to prevent an infection with borreliae. In contrast, the additional booster vaccination received on day 180 intercepts this decline in antibody levels between days 225 and 360, providing a sufficient immunity to prevent infection. The results from this retrospective study allow us to recommend a basic vaccination schedule with an additional booster vaccination on day 180 to ensure the best possible protection for dogs against Lyme borreliosis.
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27
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Che TL, Jiang BG, Xu Q, Zhang YQ, Lv CL, Chen JJ, Tian YJ, Yang Y, Hay SI, Liu W, Fang LQ. Mapping the risk distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in China from 1986 to 2020: a geospatial modelling analysis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1215-1226. [PMID: 35411829 PMCID: PMC9067995 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2065930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis, recognized as one of the most important tick-borne diseases worldwide, has been increasing in incidence and spatial extent. Currently, there are few geographic studies about the distribution of Lyme borreliosis risk across China. Here we established a nationwide database that involved Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi) detected in humans, vectors, and animals in China. The eco-environmental factors that shaped the spatial pattern of B. burgdorferi were identified by using a two-stage boosted regression tree model and the model-predicted risks were mapped. During 1986−2020, a total of 2,584 human confirmed cases were reported in 25 provinces. Borrelia burgdorferi was detected from 35 tick species with the highest positive rates in Ixodes granulatus, Hyalomma asiaticum, Ixodes persulcatus, and Haemaphysalis concinna ranging 20.1%−24.0%. Thirteen factors including woodland, NDVI, rainfed cropland, and livestock density were determined as important drivers for the probability of B. burgdorferi occurrence based on the stage 1 model. The stage 2 model identified ten factors including temperature seasonality, NDVI, and grasslands that were the main determinants used to distinguish areas at high or low-medium risk of B. burgdorferi, interpreted as potential occurrence areas within the area projected by the stage 1 model. The projected high-risk areas were not only concentrated in high latitude areas, but also were distributed in middle and low latitude areas. These high-resolution evidence-based risk maps of B. burgdorferi was first created in China and can help as a guide to future surveillance and control and help inform disease burden and infection risk estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Le Che
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qi Zhang
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Research Center on Fictitious Economy and Data Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Long Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jie Tian
- Research Center on Fictitious Economy and Data Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,School of Economics and Management, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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28
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Guo Z, Zhao N, Chung TD, Singh A, Pandey I, Wang L, Gu X, Ademola A, Linville RM, Pal U, Dumler JS, Searson PC. Visualization of the Dynamics of Invasion and Intravasation of the Bacterium That Causes Lyme Disease in a Tissue Engineered Dermal Microvessel Model. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2204395. [PMID: 36156464 PMCID: PMC9762293 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease prevalent in North America, Europe, and Asia. Despite the accumulated knowledge from epidemiological, in vitro, and in animal studies, the understanding of dissemination of vector-borne pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), remains incomplete with several important knowledge gaps, especially related to invasion and intravasation into circulation. To elucidate the mechanistic details of these processes a tissue-engineered human dermal microvessel model is developed. Fluorescently labeled Bb are injected into the extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic tick inoculation. High resolution, confocal imaging is performed to visualize the sub-acute phase of infection. From analysis of migration paths no evidence to support adhesin-mediated interactions between Bb and ECM components is found, suggesting that collagen fibers serve as inert obstacles to migration. Intravasation occurs at cell-cell junctions and is relatively fast, consistent with Bb swimming in ECM. In addition, it is found that Bb alone can induce endothelium activation, resulting in increased immune cell adhesion but no changes in global or local permeability. Together these results provide new insight into the minimum requirements for Bb dissemination and highlight how tissue-engineered models are complementary to animal models in visualizing dynamic processes associated with vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Nan Zhao
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Tracy D. Chung
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Anjan Singh
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Ikshu Pandey
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Linus Wang
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Xinyue Gu
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and StatisticsJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Aisha Ademola
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of South Florida4202 E Fowler AveTampaFL33620USA
| | - Raleigh M. Linville
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary MedicineThe University of Maryland, College Park8075 Greenmead DrCollege ParkMD20740USA
| | - J. Stephen Dumler
- Joint Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences4301 Jones Bridge RdBethesdaMD20814USA
| | - Peter C. Searson
- Institute for NanobiotechnologyJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringJohns Hopkins University3400 N Charles StBaltimoreMD21218USA
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29
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Hayman J, Finsterer J. Diagnoses for Charles Darwin’s Illness: A Wealth of Inaccurate Differential Diagnoses. Cureus 2022; 14:e32065. [PMCID: PMC9711051 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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30
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Qiao X, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Guo L, Wu W, Ma S, Zhang X, Montell C, Huang J. An insecticide target in mechanoreceptor neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq3132. [PMID: 36417522 PMCID: PMC9683716 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq3132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of neurotoxic insecticides are currently in use. However, only a few direct targets have been identified. Here, using Drosophila and the insecticide flonicamid, we identified nicotinamidase (Naam) as a previous unidentified molecular target for an insecticide. Naam is expressed in chordotonal stretch-receptor neurons, and inhibition of Naam by a metabolite of flonicamid, TFNA-AM (4-trifluoromethylnicotinamide), induces accumulation of substrate nicotinamide and greatly inhibits negative geotaxis. Engineered flies harboring a point mutation in the active site show insecticide resistance and defects in gravity sensing. Bees are resistant to flonicamid because of a gene duplication, resulting in the generation of a TFNA-AM-insensitive Naam. Our results, in combination with the absence of genes encoding Naam in vertebrate genomes, suggest that TFNA-AM and potential species-specific Naam inhibitors could be developed as novel insecticides, anthelmintics, and antimicrobials for agriculture and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomu Qiao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhendong Zhou
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiping Wu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Suhan Ma
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinzhong Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Jia Huang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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31
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Clarke DJB, Rebman AW, Fan J, Soloski MJ, Aucott JN, Ma'ayan A. Gene set predictor for post-treatment Lyme disease. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100816. [PMID: 36384094 PMCID: PMC9729821 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is tick-borne disease whose post-treatment sequelae are not well understood. For this study, we enrolled 152 individuals with symptoms of post-treatment LD (PTLD) to profile their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Combined with RNA-seq data from 72 individuals with acute LD and 44 uninfected controls, we investigated differences in differential gene expression. We observe that most individuals with PTLD have an inflammatory signature that is distinguished from the acute LD group. By distilling gene sets from this study with gene sets from other sources, we identify a subset of genes that are highly expressed in the cohorts but are not already established as biomarkers for inflammatory response or other viral or bacterial infections. We further reduce this gene set by feature importance to establish an mRNA biomarker set capable of distinguishing healthy individuals from those with acute LD or PTLD as a candidate for translation into an LD diagnostic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J B Clarke
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alison W Rebman
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jinshui Fan
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark J Soloski
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John N Aucott
- Lyme Disease Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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32
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Barbosa AD, Long M, Lee W, Austen JM, Cunneen M, Ratchford A, Burns B, Kumarasinghe P, Ben-Othman R, Kollmann TR, Stewart CR, Beaman M, Parry R, Hall R, Tabor A, O’Donovan J, Faddy HM, Collins M, Cheng AC, Stenos J, Graves S, Oskam CL, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. The Troublesome Ticks Research Protocol: Developing a Comprehensive, Multidiscipline Research Plan for Investigating Human Tick-Associated Disease in Australia. Pathogens 2022; 11:1290. [PMID: 36365042 PMCID: PMC9694322 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Australia, there is a paucity of data about the extent and impact of zoonotic tick-related illnesses. Even less is understood about a multifaceted illness referred to as Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks (DSCATT). Here, we describe a research plan for investigating the aetiology, pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes of human tick-associated disease in Australia. Our approach focuses on the transmission of potential pathogens and the immunological responses of the patient after a tick bite. The protocol is strengthened by prospective data collection, the recruitment of two external matched control groups, and sophisticated integrative data analysis which, collectively, will allow the robust demonstration of associations between a tick bite and the development of clinical and pathological abnormalities. Various laboratory analyses are performed including metagenomics to investigate the potential transmission of bacteria, protozoa and/or viruses during tick bite. In addition, multi-omics technology is applied to investigate links between host immune responses and potential infectious and non-infectious disease causations. Psychometric profiling is also used to investigate whether psychological attributes influence symptom development. This research will fill important knowledge gaps about tick-borne diseases. Ultimately, we hope the results will promote improved diagnostic outcomes, and inform the safe management and treatment of patients bitten by ticks in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D. Barbosa
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia 70040-020, DF, Brazil
| | - Michelle Long
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Wenna Lee
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Mike Cunneen
- The App Workshop Pty Ltd., Perth, WA 6000, Australia
| | - Andrew Ratchford
- Emergency Department, Northern Beaches Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2086, Australia
- School of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Brian Burns
- Emergency Department, Northern Beaches Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2086, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Sydney University, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Prasad Kumarasinghe
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Western Dermatology, Hollywood Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | | | - Cameron R. Stewart
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Miles Beaman
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Rhys Parry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Roy Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ala Tabor
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre of Animal Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justine O’Donovan
- Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, NSW 2015, Australia
| | - Helen M. Faddy
- Clinical Services and Research, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Sydney, NSW 2015, Australia
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, QLD 4502, Australia
| | - Marjorie Collins
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Allen C. Cheng
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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33
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Leavey K, MacKenzie RK, Faber S, Lloyd VK, Mao C, Wills MKB, Boucoiran I, Cates EC, Omar A, Marquez O, Darling EK. Lyme borreliosis in pregnancy and associations with parent and offspring health outcomes: An international cross-sectional survey. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1022766. [PMID: 36405612 PMCID: PMC9669415 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1022766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lyme disease (LD) is a complex tick-borne pathology caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria. Currently, there are limited data regarding the health outcomes of people infected during pregnancy, the potential for perinatal transmission to their fetus, and the long-term effects on these children. Therefore, the primary objective of this survey study was to investigate the impact of LD in pregnancy on both the parent and their offspring. Methods A seven-section survey was developed and administered in REDCap. Although recruitment was primarily through LD-focused organizations, participation was open to anyone over the age of 18 who had been pregnant. Participant health/symptoms were compared across those with “Diagnosed LD,” “Suspected LD,” or “No LD” at any time in their lives. The timing of LD events in the participants’ histories (tick bite, diagnosis, treatment start, etc.) were then utilized to classify the participants’ pregnancies into one of five groups: “Probable Treated LD,” “Probable Untreated LD,” “Possible Untreated LD,” “No Evidence of LD,” and “Unclear.” Results A total of 691 eligible people participated in the survey, of whom 65% had Diagnosed LD, 6% had Suspected LD, and 29% had No LD ever. Both the Diagnosed LD and Suspected LD groups indicated a high symptom burden (p < 0.01). Unfortunately, direct testing of fetal/newborn tissues for Borrelia burgdorferi only occurred following 3% of pregnancies at risk of transmission; positive/equivocal results were obtained in 14% of these cases. Pregnancies with No Evidence of LD experienced the fewest complications (p < 0.01) and were most likely to result in a live birth (p = 0.01) and limited short- and long-term offspring pathologies (p < 0.01). Within the LD-affected pregnancy groups, obtaining treatment did not decrease complications for the parent themselves but did ameliorate neonatal health status, with reduced rates of rashes, hypotonia, and respiratory distress (all p < 0.01). The impact of parent LD treatment on longer-term child outcomes was less clear. Conclusion Overall, this pioneering survey represents significant progress toward understanding the effects of LD on pregnancy and child health. A large prospective study of pregnant people with LD, combining consistent diagnostic testing, exhaustive assessment of fetal/newborn samples, and long-term offspring follow-up, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Leavey
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel K. MacKenzie
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Vett K. Lloyd
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - Charlotte Mao
- Dean Center for Tick Borne Illness, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Invisible International, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Melanie K. B. Wills
- G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth C. Cates
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Abeer Omar
- Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Marquez
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth K. Darling
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth K. Darling,
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The Impact of Telemedicine in the Diagnosis of Erythema Migrans during the COVID Pandemic: A Comparison with In-Person Diagnosis in the Pre-COVID Era. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101122. [PMID: 36297179 PMCID: PMC9607313 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Erythema migrans (EM) is the hallmark manifestation of the Lyme borreliosis (LB), and therefore its presence and recognition are sufficient to make a diagnosis and to start proper antibiotic treatment to attempt to eradicate the infection. Methods: In this study we compared the clinical data of 439 patients who presented an EM either according to the diagnostic modality through physical assessment or through telemedicine. Conclusions: Our data clearly show that telemedicine for EM diagnosis is useful as it enables prompt administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy, which is critical to avoid complications, especially for neurologic and articular entities. Therefore, telemedicine is a tool that could be adopted for the diagnosis of Lyme disease both by specialized centers but also by general practitioners.
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Access to Care in Lyme Disease: Clinician Barriers to Providing Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101882. [PMID: 36292329 PMCID: PMC9601439 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with persistent Lyme disease/chronic Lyme disease (PLD/CLD) encounter significant barriers to accessing medical care. Although this health inequity has been explored from the patient perspective, the obstacles clinicians encounter when providing care to this group of patients have not been examined. The primary goal of this study was to identify the challenges faced by clinicians who provide care for patients with PLD/CLD. Clinicians who treat PLD/CLD were surveyed regarding their professional backgrounds, general challenges to providing care, supply and demand constraints, insurance restrictions, and regulatory and legal challenges. Clinicians treating patients with PLD/CLD have developed substantial clinical expertise but encounter multiple clinical, regulatory and financial impediments to providing care. Clinician-encountered barriers may be powerful disincentives for providing care patients with PLD/CLD and make it difficult to retain and recruit clinicians who will care for the rapidly expanding PLD/CLD populations. Understanding these barriers and identifying potential solutions is essential to resolving the current supply/demand imbalance that makes it difficult for patients to receive the care they need to become well.
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Haslund-Gourley BS, Grauzam S, Mehta AS, Wigdahl B, Comunale MA. Acute lyme disease IgG N-linked glycans contrast the canonical inflammatory signature. Front Immunol 2022; 13:949118. [PMID: 35990620 PMCID: PMC9389449 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.949118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) infection is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb). Due to the limited presence of this pathogen in the bloodstream in humans, diagnosis of LD relies on seroconversion. Immunoglobulins produced in response to infection are differentially glycosylated to promote or inhibit downstream inflammatory responses by the immune system. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycan responses to LD have not been characterized. In this study, we analyzed IgG N-glycans from cohorts of healthy controls, acute LD patient serum, and serum collected after acute LD patients completed a 2- to 3-week course of antibiotics and convalesced for 70-90 days. Results indicate that during the acute phase of Bb infection, IgG shifts its glycosylation profile to include structures that are not associated with the classic proinflammatory IgG N-glycan signature. This unexpected result is in direct contrast to what is reported for other inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, IgG N-glycans detected during acute LD infection discriminated between control, acute, and treated cohorts with a sensitivity of 75-100% and specificity of 94.7-100%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Samuel Haslund-Gourley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stéphane Grauzam
- GlycoPath, LLC Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Anand S. Mehta
- GlycoPath, LLC Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mary Ann Comunale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mary Ann Comunale,
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Immunoinformatics-Based Proteome Mining to Develop a Next-Generation Vaccine Design against Borrelia burgdorferi: The Cause of Lyme Borreliosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081239. [PMID: 36016127 PMCID: PMC9414436 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The tick-borne bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi has been implicated in Lyme disease-a deadly infection, formerly confined to North America, but currently widespread across Europe and Asia. Despite the severity of this disease, there is still no human Lyme disease vaccine available. A reliable immunoinformatic approach is urgently needed for designing a therapeutic vaccine against this Gram-negative pathogen. Through this research, we explored the immunodominant proteins of B. burgdorferi and developed a novel and reliable vaccine design with great immunological predictability as well as low contamination and autoimmunity risks. Our initial analysis involved proteome-wide analysis to filter out proteins on the basis of their redundancy, homology to humans, virulence, immunogenicity, and size. Following the selection of proteins, immunoinformatic tools were employed to identify MHC class I & II epitopes and B-cell epitopes, which were subsequently subjected to a rigorous screening procedure. In the final formulation, ten common MHC-I and II epitopes were used together with a suitable adjuvant. We predicted that the final chimeric multi-epitope vaccine could invoke B-cell responses and IFN-gamma-mediated immunity as well as being stable and non-allergenic. The dynamics simulations predicted the stable folding of the designed molecule, after which the molecular docking predicted the stability of the interaction between the potential antigenic epitopes and human immune receptors. Our studies have shown that the designed next-generation vaccine stimulates desirable immune responses, thus potentially providing a viable way to prevent Lyme disease. Nevertheless, further experimental studies in a wet lab are needed in order to validate the results.
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Serological Analysis Identifies Consequential B Cell Epitopes on the Flexible Linker and C-Terminus of Decorin Binding Protein A (DbpA) from Borrelia burgdorferi. mSphere 2022; 7:e0025222. [PMID: 35876530 PMCID: PMC9429923 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00252-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decorin binding protein A (DbpA) is a surface adhesin of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. While DbpA is one of the most immunogenic of B. burgdorferi’s nearly 100 lipoproteins, the B cell epitopes on DbpA recognized by humans following B. burgdorferi infection have not been fully elucidated. In this report we profiled ~270 B. burgdorferi-seropositive human serum samples for IgM and IgG reactivity with a tiled DbpA 18-mer peptide array derived from B. burgdorferisensu stricto strains B31 and 297. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and multiplex immunoassays (MIA), we identified 12 DbpA-derived peptides whose antibody reactivities were significantly elevated (generally <10-fold) in B. burgdorferi-seropositive sera, compared to those measured in a healthy cohort. The most reactive peptide (>80-fold IgG, 10-fold IgM) corresponded to residues 64 to 81, which map to an exposed flexible loop between DbpA’s α-helix 1 and α-helix 2. This loop, whose sequence is identical between strains B31 and 297, overhangs DbpA’s substrate binding pocket. A second strongly reactive antibody target (>80-fold IgG, 3 to 5-fold IgM) mapped to DbpA’s C-terminus, a lysine rich tail implicated in attachment to glycosaminoglycans. We postulate that antibody responses against these two targets on DbpA could limit B.burgdorferi’s ability to attach to and colonize distal tissues during the early stages of infection. IMPORTANCE The bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the most reported tick-borne illness in the United States. In humans, clinical manifestations of Lyme disease are complex and can persist for months, even in the face of a robust antibody response directed against numerous B. burgdorferi surface proteins, including decorin binding protein A (DbpA), which is involved in the early stages of infection. In this study we employed ~270 serum samples from B. burgdorferi-seropositive individuals to better understand human antibody reactivity to specific regions (called epitopes) of DbpA and how such antibodies may function in limiting B. burgdorferi dissemination and tissue colonization.
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Efficacy of Short-Term High Dose Pulsed Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-Infections: A Report of Three Cases and Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070912. [PMID: 35884166 PMCID: PMC9311795 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease and associated co-infections are increasing worldwide and approximately 20% of individuals develop chronic Lyme disease (CLD)/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) despite early antibiotics. A seven- to eight-week protocol of double dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT) for CLD/PTLDS results in symptom remission in approximately 50% of patients for one year or longer, with published culture studies indicating higher doses of dapsone demonstrate efficacy against resistant biofilm forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate higher doses of dapsone in the treatment of resistant CLD/PTLDS and associated co-infections. A total of 25 patients with a history of Lyme and associated co-infections, most of whom had ongoing symptoms despite several courses of DDDCT, took one or more courses of high dose pulsed dapsone combination therapy (200 mg dapsone × 3–4 days and/or 200 mg BID × 4 days), depending on persistent symptoms. The majority of patients noticed sustained improvement in eight major Lyme symptoms, including fatigue, pain, headaches, neuropathy, insomnia, cognition, and sweating, where dapsone dosage, not just the treatment length, positively affected outcomes. High dose pulsed dapsone combination therapy may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of resistant CLD/PTLDS, and should be confirmed in randomized, controlled clinical trials.
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40
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Maxwell SP, Brooks C, McNeely CL, Thomas KC. Neurological Pain, Psychological Symptoms, and Diagnostic Struggles among Patients with Tick-Borne Diseases. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071178. [PMID: 35885705 PMCID: PMC9323096 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Public health reports contain limited information regarding the psychological and neurological symptoms of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Employing a mixed-method approach, this analysis triangulates three sources of symptomology and provides a comparison of official public health information, case reports, medical literature, and the self-reported symptoms of patients with Lyme disease and other TBDs. Out of the fifteen neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in the medical literature for common TBDs, headaches and fatigue and/or malaise are the only two symptoms fully recognized by public health officials. Of TBDs, Lyme disease is the least recognized by public health officials for presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms; only headaches and fatigue are recognized as overlapping symptoms of Lyme disease. Comparisons from a patient symptoms survey indicate that self-reports of TBDs and the associated symptoms align with medical and case reports. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, hallucinations, delusions, and pain—ranging from headaches to neck stiffness and arthritis—are common among patients who report a TBD diagnosis. Given the multitude of non-specific patient symptoms, and the number and range of neuropsychiatric presentations that do not align with public health guidance, this study indicates the need for a revised approach to TBD diagnosis and for improved communication from official public health sources regarding the wide range of associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P. Maxwell
- School of Economic, Political & Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Chris Brooks
- Laboratory for Human Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (C.B.); (K.C.T.)
| | - Connie L. McNeely
- Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Kevin C. Thomas
- Laboratory for Human Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (C.B.); (K.C.T.)
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Groth M, Łuczaj W, Dunaj-Małyszko J, Skrzydlewska E, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Differences in the plasma phospholipid profile of patients infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and co-infected with bacteria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9538. [PMID: 35680957 PMCID: PMC9184562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13765-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infectious viral disease, the pathogenesis of which is still not fully understood. Additionally, TBE can be complicated by co-infections with various bacteria that are also transmitted by ticks, which can affect the proper diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the plasma phospholipid (PL) and ceramide (CER) profile of patients with TBE and patients with bacterial co-infection (B. burgdorferi or A. phagocytophilum) in relation to healthy subjects. For this purpose, a high-resolution LC-QTOF-MS/MS platform as well as univariate and multivariate statistics were used. The results of this study showed that the levels of phosphatidylcholines (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC) species were increased in the plasma of patients with TBE and patients with TBE co-infected with bacteria. On the other hand, observed differences in the content of phosphoethanolamines (PE) and sphingomyelins (SM) make it possible to distinguish TBE patients from patients with co-infections. The opposite direction of changes was also observed in the CER content. This study showed significant modifications to the metabolic pathways of linoleic (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), as confirmed by the quantitative analysis of these fatty acids. The obtained results allow to distinguish the pathomechanism of TBE from TBE with bacterial co-infection, and consequently may improve the diagnostic process and enable more efficient pharmacotherapy against both pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Groth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Łuczaj
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2d, 15-222, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Justyna Dunaj-Małyszko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Skrzydlewska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2d, 15-222, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Żurawia 14, 15-540, Białystok, Poland
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42
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Thompson C, George S, White ML, Eswara PJ, Ouyang Z. BB0761, a MepM homolog, contributes to Borrelia burgdorferi cell division and mammalian infectivity. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:1405-1418. [PMID: 35510701 PMCID: PMC9794411 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14916] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
M23 family endopeptidases play important roles in cell division and separation in a wide variety of bacteria. Recent studies have suggested that these proteins also contribute to bacterial virulence. However, the biological function of M23 peptidases in pathogenic spirochetes remains unexplored. Here, we describe Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial pathogen causing Lyme disease, requires a putative M23 family homolog, BB0761, for spirochete morphology and cell division. Indeed, the inactivation of bb0761 led to an aberrant filamentous phenotype as well as the impairment of B. burgdorferi growth in vitro. These phenotypes were complemented not only with B. burgdorferi bb0761, but also with the mepM gene from E. coli. Moreover, the bb0761 mutant showed a complete loss of infectivity in a murine model of Lyme borreliosis. Resistance of the mutant to osmotic and oxidative stresses was markedly reduced. Our combined results indicate that BB0761 contributes to B. burgdorferi cell division and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Thompson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sierra George
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Maria L. White
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Prahathees J. Eswara
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zhiming Ouyang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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He Z, Jiang B, Huang L, Shao Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Pu E, Duan X, Jiang H, Wang J, Yao M, Wang F, Bie S, von Fricken ME, Sun Y, Dong Y, Jiang J, Du C. High Diversity and Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Wildlife Hosts, Domestic Animals, and Ticks in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:876079. [PMID: 35602075 PMCID: PMC9114702 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.876079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL), the causative agent of Lyme disease, is commonly found in wild and domestic mammals and ticks worldwide. In China, human cases of Borrelia burgdorferi infections have been identified across a wide geographic range including Yunnan Province, but few studies have examined BBSL in reservoirs and vectors in southwestern China. Here we conducted a thorough and broad-range investigation of BBSL in small mammals, domestic mammals, and ticks collected from 159 sample sites across 42 counties in Yunnan Province. DNA was extracted from spleen tissue of small mammals, blood from domestic mammals, and homogenized ticks. Nested PCR targeting the 5S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer gene of BBSL was used for screening, with amplicons sequenced directly and analyzed using a BLAST algorithm. A total of 8,478 samples were collected, which were composed of 5,044 mammals belonging to 68 species, 1,927 livestock belonging to five species, and 1, 507 ticks belonging to 14 species. BBSL was detected in 147 mammals (2.9%) from 30 different species, 20 of which represent the first reported detection in that species. A total of 52 (2.7%) livestock samples were positive for BBSL, with dogs having the highest detection rate (6.3%, 43/687), and 103 ticks (6.8%) tested positive with high prevalence in Ixodes granulatus (44.2%, 23/52), Haemaphysalis nepalensi (33.3%, 3/9) and Haemaphysalis kolonini (19.0%, 31/163). Sequence analysis revealed six genospecies of BBSL including B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. japonica, B. garinii, B. sinica, and B. valaisiana. Significant differences in prevalence rates of BBSL were observed by species, landscape types, altitude, and season. Our findings indicate a wide distribution of multiple endemic BBSL genospecies based on a large-scale survey within Yunnan, which underline the need to expand surveillance efforts for human in southwestern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihai He
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China.,Longgang Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Baogui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongti Shao
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuqiong Li
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Ennian Pu
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Xingde Duan
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Hang Jiang
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingguo Yao
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuangshuang Bie
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Michael E von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiafu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunhong Du
- Yunnan Institute of Endemic Diseases Control and Prevention, Yunnan, China
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44
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Lyme Carditis: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Management. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050582. [PMID: 35631104 PMCID: PMC9145515 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac involvement is a rare but relevant manifestation of Lyme disease that frequently presents as atrioventricular block (AVB). Immune-mediated injury has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Lyme carditis due to possible cross-reaction between Borrelia burgdorferi antigens and cardiac epitopes. The degree of the AVB can fluctuate rapidly, with two-thirds of patients progressing to complete AVB. Thus, continuous heart rhythm monitoring is essential, and a temporary pacemaker may be necessary. Routinely permanent pacemaker implantation, however, is contraindicated because of the frequent transient nature of the condition. Antibiotic therapy should be initiated as soon as the clinical suspicion of Lyme carditis arises to reduce the duration of the disease and minimize the risk of complications. Diagnosis is challenging and is based on geographical epidemiology, clinical history, signs and symptoms, serological testing, ECG and echocardiographic findings, and exclusion of other pathologies. This paper aims to explain the pathophysiological basis of Lyme carditis, describe its clinical features, and delineate the treatment principles.
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45
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Evangelista JE, Clarke DJB, Xie Z, Lachmann A, Jeon M, Chen K, Jagodnik KM, Jenkins SL, Kuleshov MV, Wojciechowicz ML, Schürer SC, Medvedovic M, Ma'ayan A. SigCom LINCS: data and metadata search engine for a million gene expression signatures. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W697-W709. [PMID: 35524556 PMCID: PMC9252724 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of transcriptome samples were generated by the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) program. When these data are processed into searchable signatures along with signatures extracted from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), connections between drugs, genes, pathways and diseases can be illuminated. SigCom LINCS is a webserver that serves over a million gene expression signatures processed, analyzed, and visualized from LINCS, GTEx, and GEO. SigCom LINCS is built with Signature Commons, a cloud-agnostic skeleton Data Commons with a focus on serving searchable signatures. SigCom LINCS provides a rapid signature similarity search for mimickers and reversers given sets of up and down genes, a gene set, a single gene, or any search term. Additionally, users of SigCom LINCS can perform a metadata search to find and analyze subsets of signatures and find information about genes and drugs. SigCom LINCS is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) with metadata linked to standard ontologies and vocabularies. In addition, all the data and signatures within SigCom LINCS are available via a well-documented API. In summary, SigCom LINCS, available at https://maayanlab.cloud/sigcom-lincs, is a rich webserver resource for accelerating drug and target discovery in systems pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Erol Evangelista
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Daniel J B Clarke
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhuorui Xie
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alexander Lachmann
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Minji Jeon
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kerwin Chen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kathleen M Jagodnik
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sherry L Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Maxim V Kuleshov
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Megan L Wojciechowicz
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Stephan C Schürer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1603, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Predictive Model of Lyme Disease Epidemic Process Using Machine Learning Approach. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Eastern Europe. This study focuses on the development of a machine learning model based on a neural network for predicting the dynamics of the Lyme disease epidemic process. A retrospective analysis of the Lyme disease cases reported in the Kharkiv region, East Ukraine, between 2010 and 2017 was performed. To develop the neural network model of the Lyme disease epidemic process, a multilayered neural network was used, and the backpropagation algorithm or the generalized delta rule was used for its learning. The adequacy of the constructed forecast was tested on real statistical data on the incidence of Lyme disease. The learning of the model took 22.14 s, and the mean absolute percentage error is 3.79%. A software package for prediction of the Lyme disease incidence on the basis of machine learning has been developed. Results of the simulation have shown an unstable epidemiological situation of Lyme disease, which requires preventive measures at both the population level and individual protection. Forecasting is of particular importance in the conditions of hostilities that are currently taking place in Ukraine, including endemic territories.
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Assessing Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Surveillance: Toward a Multi-Modal Approach to Diagnostic Positioning and Prediction. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040832. [PMID: 35456881 PMCID: PMC9032041 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The true extent of tick-borne disease (TBD) incidence and risk among humans is largely unknown, posing significant public health challenges. This study offers an exploratory analysis of a multimodal dataset and is part of a larger ongoing project to determine if entomological data, canine serological reports, self-reported human tick bite encounters (TBEs), and/or associated TBD diagnoses can serve as proxies for human disease risk. Focusing on the United States (U.S.), it characterizes self-reported TBD diagnoses (specifically, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease), co-infections, and their frequency and distribution across U.S. counties in relation to the presence of other factors related to TBD risk. Survey data was used to construct a list of TBEs localizable to individual U.S. counties. National data regarding these counties—namely the presence of official Lyme Disease (LD) case reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the tick vectors I. scapularis and I. pacificus within a given county—were then linked with survey-reported TBEs, tabulated by diagnosis (including co-infections), to determine the distribution of county-level endpoints across diagnostic categories. In addition, data on the presence of positive serological diagnostic tests conducted in canines were considered due to their potential utility as a proxy for TBD and TBE risk. The final dataset contained 249 TBEs localized to a total of 144 counties across 30 states. Diagnostic categories included respondents with LD (n = 70) and those with anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis diagnoses and co-infections (n < 20 per diagnostic category). TBEs also were indicated by respondents who did not report TBD diagnoses, with some indicating uncertainty. The distribution of respondent-reported TBEs varied between canine TBDs, with LD-positive respondents reporting noticeably larger proportions of TBEs in counties with canine LD and smaller proportions in counties with canine anaplasmosis, compared to respondents without an LD diagnosis; a notional logistic regression suggests these differences may be significant (canine LD: Odds Ratio [OR] = 6.04, p = 0.026) (canine anaplasmosis: OR = 0.50, p = 0.095). These results suggest that certain widely available diagnostic TBD data in animals (in this case, domesticated dogs) may be sensitive to differences in human TBD risk factors and thus may have utility as proxies in future research. In the absence of an available standardized, unified, and national TBD database, such proxies, along with relevant surveys and reports, may provide a much-needed working solution for scientists and clinicians studying TBDs.
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Gęgotek A, Moniuszko-Malinowska A, Groth M, Pancewicz S, Czupryna P, Dunaj J, Atalay S, Radziwon P, Skrzydlewska E. Plasma Proteomic Profile of Patients with Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Co-Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084374. [PMID: 35457192 PMCID: PMC9031133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of patients suffering from tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), Lyme disease, and their co-infection, the mechanisms of the development of these diseases and their effects on the human body are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the proteomic profile of human plasma induced by the development of TBE and to compare it with changes in TBE patients co-infected with other tick-borne pathogens. The results obtained by proteomic analysis using a nanoLC-Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer showed that the most highly elevated groups of proteins in the plasma of TBE patients with co-infection were involved in the pro-inflammatory response and protein degradation, while the antioxidant proteins and factors responsible for protein biosynthesis were mainly downregulated. These results were accompanied by enhanced GSH- and 4-HNE-protein adducts formation, observed in TBE and co-infected patients at a higher level than in the case of patients with only TBE. In conclusion, the differences in the proteomic profiles between patients with TBE and co-infected patients indicate that these diseases are significantly diverse and, consequently, require different treatment, which is particularly important for further research, including the development of novel diagnostics tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Gęgotek
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (S.A.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-857485883
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14, 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (P.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Monika Groth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14, 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (P.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14, 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (P.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Piotr Czupryna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14, 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (P.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Justyna Dunaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Zurawia 14, 15-540 Bialystok, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (P.C.); (J.D.)
| | - Sinemyiz Atalay
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Piotr Radziwon
- Regional Centre for Transfusion Medicine, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 23, 15-950 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Skrzydlewska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2D, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (S.A.); (E.S.)
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49
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Szamosvári D, Bae M, Bang S, Tusi BK, Cassilly CD, Park SM, Graham DB, Xavier RJ, Clardy J. Lyme Disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Lipid Immunogens. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:2474-2478. [PMID: 35129341 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The human immune system detects potentially pathogenic microbes with receptors that respond to microbial metabolites. While the overall immune signaling pathway is known in considerable detail, the initial molecular signals, the microbially produced immunogens, for important diseases like Lyme disease (LD) are often not well-defined. The immunogens for LD are produced by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, and a galactoglycerolipid (1) has been identified as a key trigger for the inflammatory immune response that characterizes LD. This report corrects the original structural assignment of 1 to 3, a change of an α-galactopyranose to an α-galactofuranose headgroup. The seemingly small change has important implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Szamosvári
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Blavatnik Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Munhyung Bae
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Blavatnik Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sunghee Bang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Blavatnik Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Betsabeh Khoramian Tusi
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Chelsi D Cassilly
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Blavatnik Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sung-Moo Park
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Daniel B Graham
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Ramnik J Xavier
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.,Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Jon Clardy
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School and Blavatnik Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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