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Ichikawa T, Qiu Y, Ando S, Takeuchi Y, Nagasaka A. The case of Mediterranean spotted fever of the traveler returned from Zambia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102347. [PMID: 38714072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102347] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
We report the case of a traveler who returned from Zambia and was diagnosed with Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii. The patient presented to Sapporo City General Hospital with symptoms of fever, malaise, headache, and rash. The pathogen was identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction assays and subsequent analyses. The patient improved with 10-day treatment of oral doxycycline. Although some cases of MSF have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa, none have been reported in Zambia. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, the vector of the Rickettsia conorii conorii, has been found in various areas of Zambia. Our case report highlights the potential threat of Mediterranean spotted fever in urban areas of Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ichikawa
- Sapporo City General Hospital Department of Infectious Diseases, 13-1-1, Kita-11-jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8604, Japan.
| | - Yongjin Qiu
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo: Kita 8, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Shuji Ando
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Yuto Takeuchi
- Sapporo City General Hospital Department of Infectious Diseases, 13-1-1, Kita-11-jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8604, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nagasaka
- Sapporo City General Hospital Department of Infectious Diseases, 13-1-1, Kita-11-jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8604, Japan
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2
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Millotti G, Paliaga P, Iveša N, Cvek M. Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Europe: Threats to public health. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1261-1295. [PMID: 38676855 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04836-5] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne diseases, caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a growing threat to public health in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the historical context of the discovery of the most impactful pathogens transmitted by ticks, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Understanding the historical context of their discovery provides insight into the evolution of our understanding of these pathogens. METHODS AND RESULTS Systematic investigation of the prevalence and transmission dynamics of these bacterial pathogens is provided, highlighting the intricate relationships among ticks, host organisms, and the environment. Epidemiology is explored, providing an in-depth analysis of clinical features associated with infections. Diagnostic methodologies undergo critical examination, with a spotlight on technological advancements that enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the paper discusses available treatment options, addressing existing therapeutic strategies and considering future aspects. CONCLUSIONS By integrating various pieces of information on these bacterial species, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and healthcare professionals addressing the impact of bacterial tick-borne diseases in Europe. This review underscores the importance of understanding the complex details influencing bacterial prevalence and transmission dynamics to better combat these emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia.
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Gioconda Millotti
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Paolo Paliaga
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Neven Iveša
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, 52100, Pula, Croatia
| | - Maja Cvek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000, Rijeka, Croatia
- Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Region of Istria, Nazorova 23, 52100, Pula, Croatia
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3
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Binay UD, Barkay O, Karakeçili F, Gül Ö, Tanoğlu C, Sümer B. A Case of Mediterranean Spotted Fever with Cerebral Infarction. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:451-452. [PMID: 38608220 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Umut Devrim Binay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Orçun Barkay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Faruk Karakeçili
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Özlem Gül
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, İstanbul Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Sisli, Turkey
| | - Ceyda Tanoğlu
- Department of Neurology, İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Konak, Turkey
| | - Betül Sümer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
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4
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Elati K, Daly N, Dhibi M, Laaribi H, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Ectoparasites in Sheep from Central Tunisia: Does Low Prevalence Indicate Good Hygiene or Resistance to Ectoparasites? Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:801. [PMID: 38473186 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050801] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sheep ectoparasites such as chewing lice, fleas and ticks are serious constraints to sheep productivity and are the cause of skin lesions in animals that decrease their market value. This study aims at investigating the ectoparasite fauna infesting small ruminants in the district of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia). A total of 1243 Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) sheep were examined every two months for one year. Of the total animals examined, 74 were infested by at least 1 parasite group (5.95%). Three ectoparasite groups were identified as Psoroptes ovis (0.48%; 6/1243), ticks (5.3%; n = 66/1243) and one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis (0.08%; n = 1/1243). The most abundant tick among the 358 specimens was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 337; 94.1%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. dromedarii (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. excavatum (n = 5/358; 1.4%) and only two specimens of H. scupense (n = 2/358; 0.55%). The sheep herds showed low infestation prevalence by ectoparasite over the year, with a significant difference according to the seasons (p < 0.05). A higher infestation prevalence was recorded in March (14.36%). Barbarine sheep breed showed significantly higher infestation prevalence (16.8%) compared to QFO (0.8%) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in infestation prevalence according to sex of the animal or age groups. Knowledge of the ectoparasite population harboured by sheep, its activity dynamics and risk factors is required to develop effective ectoparasite control options. The low prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in sheep reported here may be due to possible genetic resistance or simply to successful hygiene measures implemented by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Elati
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 8, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nesrine Daly
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Hela Laaribi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
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Hosseininasab A, MoradKasani S, Mostafavi E, Baseri N, Sadeghi M, Esmaeili S. Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis infection in a pediatric patient presenting skin rash and abdominal pain: a case report from Southeast Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:114. [PMID: 38254000 PMCID: PMC10804630 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09002-y] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The healthcare system in Iran appears to overlook Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) as an endemic disease, particularly in pediatric cases, indicating the need for greater attention and awareness. CASE PRESENTATION A six-year-old patient with fever, abdominal pain, headache, skin rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, and black eschar (tache noire) from southeast Iran was identified as a rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis through clinical and laboratory assessments, including IFA and real-time PCR. The patient was successfully treated with doxycycline. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms like rash, edema, eschar, and abdominal pain may indicate the possibility of MSF during the assessment of acute febrile illness, IFA and real-time PCR are the primary diagnostic methods for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hosseininasab
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Safoura MoradKasani
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Kabudar Ahang, Akanlu, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Kabudar Ahang, Akanlu, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Baseri
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Kabudar Ahang, Akanlu, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- , Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadeghi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Kabudar Ahang, Akanlu, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Cambrea SC, Badiu D, Ionescu C, Penciu R, Pazara L, Mihai CM, Cambrea MA, Mihai L. Boutonneuse Fever in Southeastern Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2734. [PMID: 38004746 PMCID: PMC10673018 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112734] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Boutonneuse fever (BF) is an eruptive disease and is classified as a spotted fever, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin (i.e., Marseille fever or Mediterranean spotted fever) and the Black Sea, caused by Rickettsia conorii, with dog ticks being a vector (i.e., Rhipicephalus sanguineus). In Romania, although the first reported outbreak of BF occurred during the summer of 1931 in Constanta, the disease was discovered in 1910. Although the disease has occurred most frequently in the two counties of the Dobruja region (Constanta and Tulcea), a region of the Balkan Peninsula, during the last few years, other counties in southeastern Romania have started to report BF cases. In a period of 9 years, 533 cases were registered in Constanta county, while in a period of 11 years, 339 cases were registered in Bucharest county. In this review, we describe the bacterial tick-borne disease caused by R. conorii in southeastern Romania, focusing on its history and epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures in the context of climate changes. Although R. conorii is the principal etiologic agent of BF in southeastern Romania, we should take into consideration that other Rickettsia spp. could be present and involved in disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Claudia Cambrea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 900178 Constanta, Romania
| | - Diana Badiu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Constantin Ionescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Roxana Penciu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Pazara
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Cristina Maria Mihai
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Mara Andreea Cambrea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
| | - Larisia Mihai
- Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University from Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania; (S.C.C.); (R.P.); (L.P.); (C.M.M.); (M.A.C.); (L.M.)
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7
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Eneku W, Erima B, Byaruhanga AM, Atim G, Tugume T, Ukuli QA, Kibuuka H, Mworozi E, Douglas C, Koehler JW, Cleary NG, von Fricken ME, Tweyongyere R, Wabwire-Mangen F, Byarugaba DK. Wide distribution of Mediterranean and African spotted fever agents and the first identification of Israeli spotted fever agent in ticks in Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011273. [PMID: 37498943 PMCID: PMC10409254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011273] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia microorganisms are causative agents of several neglected emerging infectious diseases in humans transmitted by arthropods including ticks. In this study, ticks were collected from four geographical regions of Uganda and pooled in sizes of 1-179 ticks based on location, tick species, life stage, host, and time of collection. Then, they were tested by real-time PCR for Rickettsia species with primers targeting gltA, 17kDa and ompA genes, followed by Sanger sequencing of the 17kDa and ompA genes. Of the 471 tick pools tested, 116 (24.6%) were positive for Rickettsia spp. by the gltA primers. The prevalence of Rickettsia varied by district with Gulu recording the highest (30.1%) followed by Luwero (28.1%) and Kasese had the lowest (14%). Tick pools from livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs) had the highest positivity rate, 26.9%, followed by vegetation, 23.1%, and pets (dogs and cats), 19.7%. Of 116 gltA-positive tick pools, 86 pools were positive using 17kDa primers of which 48 purified PCR products were successfully sequenced. The predominant Rickettsia spp. identified was R. africae (n = 15) in four tick species, followed by R. conorii (n = 5) in three tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, and Rh. decoloratus). Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis was detected in one tick pool. These findings indicate that multiple Rickettsia spp. capable of causing human illness are circulating in the four diverse geographical regions of Uganda including new strains previously known to occur in the Mediterranean region. Physicians should be informed about Rickettsia spp. as potential causes of acute febrile illnesses in these regions. Continued and expanded surveillance is essential to further identify and locate potential hotspots with Rickettsia spp. of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Eneku
- Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bernard Erima
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Gladys Atim
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Titus Tugume
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Hannah Kibuuka
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edison Mworozi
- Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christina Douglas
- Diagnostic Systems Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey W. Koehler
- Diagnostic Systems Division, USAMRIID, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nora G. Cleary
- Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - Fred Wabwire-Mangen
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Karuhize Byarugaba
- Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
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Trevisan G, Ruscio M, Cinco M, Nan K, Forgione P, Di Meo N, Tranchini P, Nacca M, Trincone S, Rimoldi SG, Giacomet V, Ricci M, Melandri D, Artioli S, Monteforte P, Stinco G, Bonin S. The history of Lyme disease in Italy and its spread in the Italian territory. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1128142. [PMID: 37397497 PMCID: PMC10312113 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1128142] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common vector-borne zoonotic inflammatory disease in the Northern Hemisphere. In Italy, the first case was diagnosed in 1985 in a woman in Liguria, while the second, in 1986 in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, documenting the infection in northern Italy. Both diagnoses were confirmed by serological assessment by an indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) technique. Borrelia cultivation from both Ixodes ricinus ticks and human lesions in Trieste (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) identified Borrelia afzelii as the prevalent genospecies; nevertheless, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu stricto), and Borrelia valaisiana (VS116 Group) were also detected, although less frequently. LB was also documented in other Italian regions: in Tuscany (1991), Trentino-Alto Adige (1995-1996), Emilia-Romagna (1998), Abruzzo (1998), and more recently, Lombardy. Nevertheless, data on LB in other Italian regions, especially in southern Italy and islands, are poor. The aim of this study is to document the spread of LB in Italy through the collection of data from LB patients in eight Italian hospitals located in different Italian regions. Diagnostic criteria for LB diagnosis are as follows: i) the presence of erythema migrans (EM) or ii) a clinical picture suggestive of LB, confirmed by serological tests and/or PCR positivity for Borrelia detection. In addition, data also included the place of residence (town and region) and the place where patients became infected. During the observation period, 1,260 cases were gathered from the participating centers. Although different in extent from northern Italy to central/southern Italy, this study shows that LB is widespread throughout Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia Lyme Disease Regional Center, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Cinco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Nan
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia Lyme Disease Regional Center, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Di Meo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata Giuliano Isontina, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia Lyme Disease Regional Center, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Tranchini
- Dermatology Unit, Lyme Disease Regional Center, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Nacca
- Department Dermatology and Venereology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilevanza Nazionale Sant’Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Silvana Trincone
- Dermatology and Venereology Operating Unit—Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Giordana Rimoldi
- Microbiology, Virology, and Bioemergency Unit, Azienda Socio Territoriale Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Vania Giacomet
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Ricci
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Melandri
- Dermatology and Venereology Operating Unit—Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Stefania Artioli
- Infectious Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Stinco
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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9
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Farrokhnia M, Shafieipour S, Nakhaie M, Rukerd MRZ. Mediterranean spotted fever as a non-endemic disease in the southeast of Iran: Diagnosis and treatment based on specific skin lesion. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7577. [PMID: 37334342 PMCID: PMC10276244 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7577] [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] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Rickettsia spp. should be investigated if Tache Noire, as a dark plaque covering a superficial ulcer surrounded by scale, edema, and erythema, are observed, even in non-endemic areas of Rickettsia spp. Abstract A 31-year-old man with fever, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and jaundice has been admitted to the hospital in the southeast of Iran. Due to the presence of a pathognomonic skin lesion (Tache noire), the patient was diagnosed with Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and was treated with doxycycline, without waiting for PCR and IFA findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Farrokhnia
- Infectious and Tropical Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Sara Shafieipour
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology SciencesKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Mohsen Nakhaie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology SciencesKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology SciencesKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
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10
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Munson E, Carroll KC. Update on Accepted Novel Bacterial Isolates Derived from Human Clinical Specimens and Taxonomic Revisions Published in 2020 and 2021. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0028222. [PMID: 36533910 PMCID: PMC9879126 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00282-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of factors, including microbiome analyses and the increased utilization of whole-genome sequencing in the clinical microbiology laboratory, has contributed to the explosion of novel prokaryotic species discovery, as well as bacterial taxonomy revision. This review attempts to summarize such changes relative to human clinical specimens that occurred in 2020 and 2021, per primary publication in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology or acceptance on Validation Lists published by the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Of particular significance among valid and effectively published taxa within the past 2 years were novel Corynebacterium spp., coagulase-positive staphylococci, Pandoraea spp., and members of family Yersiniaceae. Noteworthy taxonomic revisions include those within the Bacillus and Lactobacillus genera, family Staphylococcaceae (including unifications of subspecies designations to species level taxa), Elizabethkingia spp., and former members of Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp. Revisions within the Brucella genus have the potential to cause deleterious effects unless the relevance of such changes is properly communicated by microbiologists to stakeholders in clinical practice, infection prevention, and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Munson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Karen C. Carroll
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Davis K, Ahmado A, Warrell CE, Downs LO, Furneaux J, Sithamparanathan K. Mediterranean spotted fever with multiorgan involvement. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/12/e249426. [PMID: 36543366 PMCID: PMC9772677 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249426] [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: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A previously well man in his 50s returned to the UK after a trip to the Mediterranean. The day after returning he developed malaise, fevers, rigors and severe headache. He was hospitalised with sepsis, multiorgan involvement, a maculopapular rash and an eschar on each hip. Serology was positive for Rickettsia spp (spotted fever group) with a rise in titre from 1:64 to 1:1024 eight days later. Blood and tissue PCR were also positive for Rickettsia spp. He had cardiac, pulmonary, renal, ocular and neurological involvement. He completed a 14-day course of doxycycline and recovered well. This is a case of likely Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) caused by Rickettsia conorii, which is endemic to the Mediterranean basin. We highlight the need for awareness and early treatment to prevent severe complications. This case is also the first to describe Purtscher-like retinopathy in the context of likely MSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Davis
- Microbiology/Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Headington, UK
| | - Ahmad Ahmado
- Ophthalmology, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Clare E Warrell
- Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), UK Health Security Agency, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Wiltshire
| | - Louise O Downs
- Microbiology/Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Headington, UK
| | - Jenna Furneaux
- Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL), UK Health Security Agency, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Wiltshire
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12
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Diakou A, Sofroniou D, Paoletti B, Tamvakis A, Kolencik S, Dimzas D, Morelli S, Grillini M, Traversa D. Ticks, Fleas, and Harboured Pathogens from Dogs and Cats in Cyprus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121403. [PMID: 36558737 PMCID: PMC9786688 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites that cause irritation and anaemia to their hosts and act as vectors of pathogens (vector-borne pathogens, VBPs) of relevance for animal and human health. In the present study, tick and flea species in dogs and cats from Cyprus were recorded and VBPs were detected in the collected specimens. Ectoparasites were collected from 220 animals (161 dogs and 59 cats), and a questionnaire including demographic, clinical, and other information was filled out for each animal. The ectoparasites were morphologically identified and the detection of VBPs was performed by PCR-coupled sequencing. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was found on 108 dogs and 13 cats, and Ixodes gibbosus on 2 dogs. Ctenocephalides felis was the predominant flea species (on 62 dogs and 45 cats), while one dog and one cat were infested by Ctenocephalides canis and Echidnophaga gallinacea, respectively. The VBPs in ticks were Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Hepatozoon felis and Hepatozoon canis, while Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia sp., Bartonella koehlerae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella henselae were recorded in fleas. Statistical analysis (chi-square test and multiple univariate generalized linear model) showed that animals up to 6 months of age were less likely to be infested with ticks than older animals, but more likely to be infested with fleas. Ticks were more prevalent in sheltered than in owned animals, while the odds ratio of flea presence was higher in owned animals than those living in shelters. The present study is the first investigation on the occurrence of ticks and fleas in dogs and cats from Cyprus, showing the presence of different VBPs in these important ectoparasites. The results point out the importance of systematic ectoparasite control in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Barbara Paoletti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Androniki Tamvakis
- Laboratory of Ecology and System Dynamics, Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
| | | | - Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marika Grillini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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13
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Moerbeck L, Domingos A, Antunes S. Tick-Borne Rickettsioses in the Iberian Peninsula. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111377. [PMID: 36422628 PMCID: PMC9695430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111377] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBR) are caused by obligate, intracellular bacteria of the spotted-fever group (SFG) of the genus Rickettsia (Order Rickettsiales), transmitted by hard ticks. TBR are one of the oldest known vector-borne zoonoses and pose a threat to both human and animal health, as over the years, new SFG Rickettsia spp. have been reported worldwide with the potential to be human pathogens. In Portugal and Spain, the countries that constitute the Iberian Peninsula, reported TB rickettsiae causing human disease include Rickettsia conorii conorii, Rickettsia conorii israelensis, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, Candidatus Rickettsia rioja, Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae, and Rickettsia monacensis. An allochthonous case of TBR caused by Rickettsia massiliae, described in Spain, points to the need to monitor disease epidemiology, to predict risks of exposure and spread of disease, and taking into account globalization and climate changes. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on the status of TBR in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as to show the importance of a national and international collaborative epidemiology surveillance network, towards monitoring Rickettsia spp. circulation in both Portugal and Spain.
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14
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Matos AL, Curto P, Simões I. Moonlighting in Rickettsiales: Expanding Virulence Landscape. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:32. [PMID: 35202227 PMCID: PMC8877226 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The order Rickettsiales includes species that cause a range of human diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), human monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis), scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi), epidemic typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii), murine typhus (R. typhi), Mediterranean spotted fever (R. conorii), or Rocky Mountain spotted fever (R. rickettsii). These diseases are gaining a new momentum given their resurgence patterns and geographical expansion due to the overall rise in temperature and other human-induced pressure, thereby remaining a major public health concern. As obligate intracellular bacteria, Rickettsiales are characterized by their small genome sizes due to reductive evolution. Many pathogens employ moonlighting/multitasking proteins as virulence factors to interfere with multiple cellular processes, in different compartments, at different times during infection, augmenting their virulence. The utilization of this multitasking phenomenon by Rickettsiales as a strategy to maximize the use of their reduced protein repertoire is an emerging theme. Here, we provide an overview of the role of various moonlighting proteins in the pathogenicity of these species. Despite the challenges that lie ahead to determine the multiple potential faces of every single protein in Rickettsiales, the available examples anticipate this multifunctionality as an essential and intrinsic feature of these obligates and should be integrated into available moonlighting repositories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Matos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Pedro Curto
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.L.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Isaura Simões
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.L.M.); (P.C.)
- IIIUC—Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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