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Hadano Y, Kakuma T. Changing trends in Japanese spotted fever epidemiology in Shimane, Japan: A two-decade retrospective study with emphasis on the COVID-19 pandemic era. J Infect Chemother 2024:S1341-321X(24)00111-9. [PMID: 38574815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2024.04.003] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of Japanese Spotted Fever (JSF) cases reported through the National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Disease (NESID) system in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, from 2000 to 2022, encompassing the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on JSF cases reported to the NESID system in Shimane Prefecture between 2000 and 2022. Population data were obtained from the Statistical Information of Shimane. Poisson regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the annual prevalence rate of JSF and the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS A total of 301 JSF cases were analyzed during the study period. Even the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, a gradual and significant increase in the prevalence rate was observed (prevalence rate = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05; p = 0.01), and a rapid increase was noted since 2020 (prevalence rate = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.39-1.78; p < 0.01). The slope during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period was estimated to have significantly increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that while the prevalence rate of JSF had exhibited a slight increase in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrated a more significant increase following the pandemic in Shimane Prefecture. JSF has increased since 2020 and may be linked to COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on global health, underscoring the importance of investigating the prevalence of specific infectious diseases and other health-related indicators to accurately assess the pandemic's impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiro Hadano
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Japan.
| | - Tatsuyuki Kakuma
- Biostatistics Center, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan; I'cross Co., Ltd, Japan
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Fujisawa N, Fujita H, Fujita N, Sakai T, Kawase J, Ando S, Tabara K. Transmission Cycle of Shimokoshi-Type Orientia tsutsugamushi in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Jpn J Infect Dis 2024; 77:55-58. [PMID: 37648489 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2023.137] [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: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
To demonstrate the transmission cycle of Shimokoshi-type Orientia tsutsugamushi in Shimane Prefecture, field rodents were captured from areas where four human infections caused by the pathogen have been reported. The rodents were investigated for the transmission cycle of the pathogen based on the pathogen's genome, antibodies against the pathogen, and the vector of the pathogen (Leptotrombidium palpale). In addition, the vector was captured from the soil in the study area. A total of 44 rodents were captured. No O. tsutsugamushi DNA was detected in the blood or spleen samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. However, a specific antibody against the pathogen was detected in 2 out of 44 (4.5%) rodents using the indirect immunoperoxidase method, indicating the presence of the pathogen in the study area. Although 29 L. palpale were identified, DNA detection was not performed because of the insufficient number of vectors, based on the DNA detection rate in previous studies. However, the identification of the vector, as well as the specific antibody in rodents, suggests the presence of the transmission cycle of Shimokoshi-type O. tsutsugamushi in Shimane Prefecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Fujisawa
- Division of Virology, Shimane Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science, Japan
| | - Hiromi Fujita
- Mahara Institute of Medical Acarology, Japan
- Institute of Rickettsioses, Kita-Fukushima Medical Center, Japan
| | - Nobuko Fujita
- Mahara Institute of Medical Acarology, Japan
- Institute of Rickettsioses, Kita-Fukushima Medical Center, Japan
| | - Tomotake Sakai
- Shimane Prefectural Institute of Hamada Public Health Center, Japan
| | - Jun Kawase
- Division of Bacteriology, Shimane Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science, Japan
| | - Shuji Ando
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Kenji Tabara
- Department of Health and Welfare, Shimane Prefectural Governmental Office, Japan
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3
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Sato R, Yamada N, Kodani N, Makiishi T, Iwashita Y. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Japanese spotted fever: A report of three cases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23462. [PMID: 38173519 PMCID: PMC10761556 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23462] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Japanese Spotted Fever (JSF) is a Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia japonica. More than 300 cases are diagnosed annually in Japan, and the number of reported cases has been increasing. Correct diagnoses depend on the triad of symptoms and signs, including fever, rash, and eschar, which can be seen at the site of vector bites. JSF is not life-threatening if treated appropriately without diagnostic delay but there are some fatal cases every year. This negligence leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure (MOF), and poor prognoses, consequently. Prompt diagnosis of JSF is difficult when the aforementioned triad of signs and symptoms is not initially present. Case report This report describes three JSF cases: an 87-year-old woman with fever, shock, pancytopenia, DIC, and MOF; a 79-year-old man with fever and difficulty in movement; and a 78-year-old man with fever, general fatigue, and appetite loss. All patients had a rash and eschar, which led to prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment immediately. All patients were treated without any complications. Why should an emergency physician be aware of this? As mentioned above, JFS can be fatal with delayed diagnoses and treatment initiations. The key for a prompt diagnosis is to recognize the triad of symptoms and signs, which are not often present initially, and it makes JSF diagnosis challenging. Repeated comprehensive physical examinations are essential for prompt diagnosis and improve prognosis of JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Sato
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Noriaki Yamada
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Kodani
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Makiishi
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Iwashita
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
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Teng Z, Shi Y, Zhao N, Zhang X, Jin X, He J, Xu B, Qin T. Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial and Protozoan Pathogens in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks from Free-Ranging Domestic Sheep in Hebei Province, China. Pathogens 2023; 12:763. [PMID: 37375453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens significantly threaten human and animal health worldwide. Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the dominant tick species in East Asia, including China. In the present study, 646 Ha. longicornis ticks were collected from free-ranging domestic sheep in the southern region of Hebei Province, China. Tick-borne pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance (i.e., Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp.) were detected in the ticks using PCR assays and sequence analysis. The prevalence rates of these pathogens were 5.1% (33/646), 15.9% (103/646), 1.2% (8/646), 17.0% (110/646), 0.15% (1/646), and 0.15% (1/646), respectively. For Rickettsia spp., R. japonica (n = 13), R. raoultii (n = 6), and Candidatus R. jingxinensis (n = 14) were detected for the first time in the province, while several Anaplasma spp. were also detected in the ticks, including A. bovis (n = 52), A. ovis (n = 31), A. phagocytophilum (n = 10), and A. capra (n = 10). A putative novel Ehrlichia spp. was also found with a prevalence of 1.2% in the area. The present study provides important data for effectively controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the Hebei Province region of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Teng
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Na 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaojing Jin
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jia He
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Baohong Xu
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Tian Qin
- 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, Beijing 102206, China
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Wada T, Mori H, Kida K, Shindo K. Japanese spotted fever with post-infectious encephalitis. IDCases 2022; 31:e01658. [PMID: 36561293 PMCID: PMC9763843 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese spotted fever (JSF) is a rickettsial disease caused by Rickettsia japonica. To the best of our knowledge, there have only been five reported cases of JSF involving the central nervous system. A 74-year-old man was admitted after 1 week of fever and maculopapular rash. JSF was definitively diagnosed by PCR; however, the patient showed mental disturbance and abnormal behavior. After intravenous immunoglobulin, his mental state and behavior improved. The findings of cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electroencephalography, and 99 mTcHM-PAO single photon computed emission tomography suggested post-infectious encephalitis. JSF causes post-infectious encephalitis and early treatment is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Wada
- Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan, 1–1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710–8602 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Mori
- Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan, 1–1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710–8602 Japan
| | - Kouji Kida
- Virology Section, Department of Health Science, Okayama Prefectural Institute for Environmental Science and Public Health, Japan, 739–1 Uchio, Okayama Minami-ku, Okayama, 701–0298 Japan
| | - Katsuro Shindo
- Department of Neurology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan, 1–1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, Okayama, 710–8602 Japan,Corresponding author.
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6
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Sakabe S, Tanaka H, Nakanishi Y, Toyoshima H. The clinical course of 239 cases of Japanese spotted fever in Ise Red Cross Hospital, 2006-2019. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:211-216. [PMID: 34711506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the mortality rates associated with Japanese spotted fever (JSF) are unknown, advances in testing technology have led to an increase in JSF-induced mortality reported in clinical practice. Up-to-date clinical information is essential for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of JSF. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study included patients with JSF who were treated at the Ise Red Cross Hospital between 2006 and 2019. Diagnostic criteria included positive results of molecular-based tests during the acute phase and/or increased serum-specific antibody titers. This study was performed based on the clinical findings, clinical course, treatment, and prognosis in confirmed cases of JSF. RESULTS We investigated 239 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of JSF (48.1% men, mean age 69.2 years). Notably, 237 patients received tetracycline antibiotics, and eight patients died (one patient was misdiagnosed and died without adequate treatment). Four of the remaining patients had a multi-organ failure at the time of admission. However, among the 155 consecutive patients who received effective antibiotic therapy after 2012, we observed two deaths; one patient died of hemorrhage secondary to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced duodenal ulcer. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a case fatality rate of 3.3%, which indicates that JSF is a severe illness. Although a few cases of the fulminant disease are reported, early initiation of therapy was shown to improve JSF-induced mortality by approximately 1%. Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy (even in the absence of genetic test results) is warranted in cases of suspected JSF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakanishi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Japan
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Kinoshita H, Arima Y, Shigematsu M, Sunagawa T, Saijo M, Oishi K, Ando S. Descriptive epidemiology of rickettsial infections in Japan: Scrub typhus and Japanese spotted fever, 2007-2016. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:560-566. [PMID: 33610785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of endemics of two rickettsial diseases, scrub typhus (ST) and Japanese spotted fever (JSF), in Japan. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, descriptive epidemiological assessment of cases notified via national surveillance from 2007-2016. RESULTS Over the 10-year period, 4185 ST and 1765 JSF cases were notified; of these, 20 (0.48%) cases of ST and 16 (0.91%) cases of JSF were fatal at the time of reporting. The elderly had higher notification rates and fatalities. While the annual number of ST notifications was stable and cases were reported from a broad geographic range, the number of JSF reports increased three-fold, expanding from the southwest to the east. The seasonality of ST varied by region and was more common during spring/summer in the north and autumn/winter in the south; 78% of cases occurred during autumn/winter, mainly in the southern region. Most of the fatal ST cases occurred in the spring/summer and occurred in the northern region. CONCLUSION Our analysis identified seasonal and regional variations in the distribution of rickettsiosis. These variations were most likely to be related to the ecology of the vectors and etiological agents. Knowing the recent epidemiological and clinical features of ST and JSF can support clinical diagnosis and guide preventative activities against these vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuzo Arima
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Shuji Ando
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
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Banerjee A, Kulkarni S. Orientia tsutsugamushi: The dangerous yet neglected foe from the East. Int J Med Microbiol 2020; 311:151467. [PMID: 33338890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2020.151467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), the causative agent of the vector-borne Scrub typhus zoonotic disease in humans, is a unique microorganism that exists in the Asia-Pacific region since a long time. In spite of its occurrence, the organism had been neglected until recent years. Humans are the accidental dead-end hosts of O. tsutsugamushi and display manifestations which are both severe and misleading. The vast antigenic diversity of OT and non-pathognomic symptoms of Scrub typhus, create hurdles in the clinical management of the disease and impede the OT-research. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have reported the resurgence of OT- infections and have raised concerns for its expanding distribution. This has triggered the development of advanced techniques for diagnosis and research on exploring a successful vaccine candidate to reduce the burden of the disease. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an update on the recent advances in the OT-research and highlight the key areas that have remained obscure and demand attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India.
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Seto J, Tanaka S, Kawabata H, Ito Y, Ikeda T, Mizuta K. Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks from Dogs and Cats in the Yamagata Prefecture of Japan in 2018. Jpn J Infect Dis 2020; 74:122-128. [PMID: 32863354 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2020.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Companion animals can become infected with tick-borne diseases (TBDs) becoming a reservoir for human transfer, thereby damaging human health. To evaluate whether companion animals are infested with ticks harboring human TBD pathogens, we detected TBD pathogens in ticks collected from dogs and cats brought to animal hospitals in the Yamagata prefecture of Japan. An investigation of 164 adult ticks collected from 88 dogs and 41 cats between March and July 2018 revealed that this region was dominated by three tick species, Ixodes ovatus (n = 95, 57.9%), Ixodes nipponensis (n = 37, 22.6%) and Haemaphysalis flava (n = 10, 6.1%). To evaluate their pathogenic potential, we went on to test each tick for spotted fever group rickettsiae, Lyme disease borreliae, relapsing fever borreliae, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Huaiyangshan banyangvirus (formerly SFTS virus). Our results identified two I. ovatus ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi, which causes emerging relapsing fever; several I. nipponensis ticks infected with Rickettsia monacensis, which cause rickettsiosis; and several Ixodes persulcatus ticks infected with Rickettsia helvetica, which can also cause rickettsiosis. These results suggest that dogs and cats, and veterinary professionals and pet owners, in the Yamagata prefecture have some risk of exposure to several TBDs. This means that there should be continuous monitoring and reporting of TBDs, even those known to be uncommon in Japan, in both companion animals and humans to ensure the health and safety of both humans and animals in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Seto
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Japan
| | - Shizuka Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Ikeda
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Japan
| | - Katsumi Mizuta
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Japan
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Akagi K, Miyazaki T, Oshima K, Umemura A, Shimada S, Morita K, Senju H, Tashiro M, Takazono T, Saijo T, Kurihara S, Sekino M, Yamamoto K, Imamura Y, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Uda A, Morikawa S, Yoshikawa T, Kurosu T, Shimojima M, Saijo M, Mukae H. Detection of viral RNA in diverse body fluids in an SFTS patient with encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding and pneumonia: a case report and literature review. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:281. [PMID: 32295538 PMCID: PMC7160946 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease that commonly has a lethal course caused by the tick-borne Huaiyangshan banyang virus [former SFTS virus (SFTSV)]. The viral load in various body fluids in SFTS patients and the best infection control measure for SFTS patients have not been fully established. CASE PRESENTATION A 79-year-old man was bitten by a tick while working in the bamboo grove in Nagasaki Prefecture in the southwest part of Japan. Due to the occurrence of impaired consciousness, he was referred to Nagasaki University Hospital for treatment. The serum sample tested positive for SFTSV-RNA in the genome amplification assay, and he was diagnosed with SFTS. Furthermore, SFTSV-RNA was detected from the tick that had bitten the patient. He was treated with multimodal therapy, including platelet transfusion, antimicrobials, antifungals, steroids, and continuous hemodiafiltration. His respiration was assisted with mechanical ventilation. On day 5, taking the day on which he was hospitalized as day 0, serum SFTSV-RNA levels reached a peak and then decreased. However, the cerebrospinal fluid collected on day 13 was positive for SFTSV-RNA. In addition, although serum SFTSV-RNA levels decreased below the detectable level on day 16, he was diagnosed with pneumonia with computed tomography. SFTSV-RNA was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on day 21. By day 31, he recovered consciousness completely. The pneumonia improved by day 51, but SFTSV-RNA in the sputum remained positive for approximately 4 months after disease onset. Strict countermeasures against droplet/contact infection were continuously conducted. CONCLUSIONS Even when SFTSV genome levels become undetectable in the serum of SFTS patients in the convalescent phase, the virus genome remains in body fluids and tissues. It may be possible that body fluids such as respiratory excretions become a source of infection to others; thus, careful infection control management is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasa Akagi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.,Present Address: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki Prefecture Shimabara Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taiga Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Oshima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.,Present Address: Department of Internal Medicine, Goto Central Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Asuka Umemura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.,Present Address: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sasebo City General Hospital, Sasebo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shimada
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kouichi Morita
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Senju
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Nagasaki University Infection Control and Education Centre, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomomi Saijo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kurihara
- Nagasaki University Infection Control and Education Centre, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Motohiro Sekino
- Division of Intensive Care, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yamamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Imamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Nagasaki University Infection Control and Education Centre, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morikawa
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Yoshikawa
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kurosu
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimojima
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saijo
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Seto J, Tanaka S, Murakata T, Sato H, Monma N, Arai R, Ikeda T, Mizuta K. Scrub typhus caused by Shimokoshi type Orientia tsutsugamushi showing variant 56-kDa type-specific antigen gene sequence in Tohoku region, Japan. Microbiol Immunol 2019; 63:280-284. [PMID: 31087695 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2018, a patient was diagnosed with Shimokoshi type scrub typhus in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. The causative pathogen was likely a variant type because 43 (8.3%) of 521 deduced amino acid sequences of the 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) were different from those of the Shimokoshi prototype strain. The patient's paired sera showed low antibody titers against the Shimokoshi prototype strain. Two cases of scrub typhus reported in the Tohoku region during 2011-2012 also involved the same 56-kDa TSA gene sequence. These findings suggest the presence of diversity in Shimokoshi type Orientia tsutsugamushi, which may impede the laboratory diagnosis of scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Seto
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shizuka Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Murakata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asahi Town Hospital, Asahi Town, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroko Sato
- Department of Health and Hygiene, Akita Prefectural Research Center for Public Health and Environment, Akita City, Akita, Japan
| | - Naota Monma
- Department of Microbiology, Fukushima Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Fukushima City, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Reiko Arai
- Division of Virology, Niigata Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ikeda
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Katsumi Mizuta
- Department of Microbiology, Yamagata Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan
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Effect of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and tertiary butyl alcohol on the performance of convection polymerase chain reaction. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 46:639-645. [PMID: 30484105 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4519-7] [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: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and on-site DNA-based molecular detection has become increasingly important for sensitive, specific, and timely detection and treatment of various diseases. To prepare and store biomolecule-containing reagents stably, reducing agents are used during protein preparation, and freeze-drying technology has been applied to the protein reagents. Some of the additives used during these processes may affect subsequent processes such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, we evaluated the impact of TCEP, a reducing agent, and TBA, a freeze-drying medium, on the performance of convection PCR (cPCR) using a battery-operable PCR device. Singleplex cPCR detection of a 249 bp amplicon from human genomic DNA suggested that approximately 82% of performance was achieved in the presence of 0.1 mM TCEP and 1% TBA. The limit of detection and the minimum number of cycles at which amplicons began to appear was a little lower (~ 82% efficiency) or higher (20 vs 15 cycles), respectively, in the chemical-treated group than in the control group. With larger amplicons of 500 bp, the chemical-treated group revealed approximately 78% of performance and amplicons started to appear at 20 cycles of cPCR in both groups. Similar results were obtained with multiplex cPCR amplification.
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