1
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Taylor-Salmon E, Shapiro ED. Tick-borne infections in children in North America. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:156-163. [PMID: 38167816 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Because both incidence and awareness of tick-borne infections is increasing, review of major infections and recent advances related to their diagnosis and management is important. RECENT FINDINGS A new algorithm, termed modified two-tier testing, for testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi , the cause of Lyme disease, has been approved and may replace traditional two-tier testing. In addition, doxycycline is now acceptable to use for treatment of and/or prophylaxis for Lyme disease for up to 21 days in children of any age. Borrelia miyamotoi , a bacterium in the relapsing fever type of Borrelia, is the first of this type of Borrelia that is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks such as Ixodes scapularis. SUMMARY Awareness of these infections and advances in their diagnosis and treatment is important to assure the best outcomes for affected patients. Table 1 contains a summary of infections discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Taylor-Salmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eugene D Shapiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Vázquez-Guerrero E, Kneubehl AR, Pellegrini-Hernández P, González-Quiroz JL, Domínguez-López ML, Krishnavajhala A, Estrada-de Los Santos P, Ibarra JA, Lopez JE. Borrelia turicatae from Ticks in Peridomestic Setting, Camayeca, Mexico. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:380-383. [PMID: 38270112 PMCID: PMC10826751 DOI: 10.3201/eid3002.231053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted surveillance studies in Sinaloa, Mexico, to determine the circulation of tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes. We collected argasid ticks from a home in the village of Camayeca and isolated spirochetes. Genomic analysis indicated that Borrelia turicatae infection is a threat to those living in resource-limited settings.
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3
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Santodomingo A, Thomas R, Thompson M, Robbiano S, Espinoza P, Muñoz-Leal S. Experimental transmission of a novel relapsing fever group Borrelia harbored by Ornithodoros octodontus (Ixodida: Argasidae) in Chile. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:241-252. [PMID: 38321309 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes of genus Borrelia thrive in enzootic cycles involving Ornithodoros spp. (Argasidae) mainly, and rodents. The isolation of these spirochetes usually involves a murine model in which ticks are fed and the spirochetes detected in blood several days later. Such an experiment also demonstrates that a given species of tick is competent in the transmission of the bacteria. Here, soft ticks Ornithodoros octodontus were collected in Northern Chile with the objective to experimentally determine its capacity to transmit a Borrelia sp. detected in a previous study. Two Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were used to feed nymphs and adults of O. octodontus and the spirochetes in blood were inspected by dark-field microscopy and nested PCR. Although spirochetes were not seen in blood, DNA was detected in only one animal 11 days after the ticks were fed. Genetic sequences of Borrelia flaB, clpX, pepX, recG, rplB, and uvrA genes retrieved from DNA extraction of positive blood were employed to construct two phylogenetic analyses. On the one hand, the flaB tree showed the Borrelia sp. transmitted by O. octodontus clustering with Borrelia sp. Alcohuaz, which was previously detected in that same tick species. On the other hand, concatenated clpX-pepX-recG-rplB-uvrA demonstrated that the characterized spirochete branches together with "Candidatus Borrelia caatinga", a recently discovered species from Brazil. Based on the genetic profile presented in this study, the name "Candidatus Borrelia octodonta" is proposed for the species transmitted by O. octodontus. The fact that spirochetes were not observed in blood of guinea pigs, may reflect the occurrence of low spirochetemia, which could be explained because the susceptibility of infection varies depending on the rodent species that is used in experimental models. Although the vertebrate reservoir of "Ca. Borrelia octodonta" is still unknown, Octodon degus, a rodent species that is commonly parasitized by O. octodontus, should be a future target to elucidate this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Richard Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Michele Thompson
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Sofía Robbiano
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pablo Espinoza
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- ONG Dosel, San Fabián, Chile
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Zhang L, Hou XX, Hao Q. [Progress in research of epidemiology of relapsing fever and prevention and control measures]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2023; 44:2012-2018. [PMID: 38129162 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20230315-00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Relapsing fever, caused by Borreliae of the relapsing fever groups, is an infectious disease, which would cause spirochaetaemia and repeated fever in human. To comprehensively understand the classification and distribution of relapsing fever, as well as correlated factors, this paper summarizes the progress in research of epidemiology of relapsing fever in the world, and suggests prevention and control measures. The disease is heterogenous and can be divided into three groups according to vectors, i.e. tick-borne relapsing fever, louse-borne relapsing fever and the avian relapsing fever. Tick borne relapsing fever can be further divided into two types: soft tick transmission and hard tick transmission. Soft tick-borne relapsing fever generally has obvious geographical distribution characteristics, while hard tick-borne relapsing fever is widely distributed all over the world. Louse-borne relapsing fever, also known as epidemic forms of relapsing fever, is caused by body lice, and the incidence is usually associated with war, famine, refugees and poor sanitation. The prevention and control of relapsing fever should be based on local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Division of Spirochetosis Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - X X Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Division of Spirochetosis Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Q Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Division of Spirochetosis Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
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Chala TK, Abera EG, Tukeni KN, Didu GH, Abbagidi FA, Yesuf EA, Yilma D, Gudina EK. The Need to Establish and Sustain Public Health Emergency Operation Centers for Managing Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Lesson From Response to Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever Outbreak in Jimma, Ethiopia. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e535. [PMID: 37985925 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has provided a great lesson for the globe about the necessity and significance of pandemics-related preparedness in all settings. Public health emergency operation centers play critical roles in preparing for and responding to public health events and emergencies by coordinating and pooling resources. In this article, we aimed to share lessons learnt from the public health response to the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) outbreak coordinated by the emergency operation center established to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Jimma, Ethiopia.After the major waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in Ethiopia were over, Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) reported clusters of louse-borne relapsing fever cases from Jimma Main Prison. Accordingly, Jimma Emergency Operation Center (JEOC) established for the COVID-19 pandemic was immediately alerted and effectively coordinated the overall response.As a result, the outbreak was contained within the prison without spreading to the community and the outbreak ended within a shorter period compared to previous LBRF outbreaks in Ethiopia. This indicates the necessity of establishing and sustaining public health emergency operation centers to prepare for and combat potential future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temesgen K Chala
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Jimma Emergency Operation Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Eyob G Abera
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Kedir N Tukeni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Jimma Emergency Operation Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Gelaw H Didu
- Jimma Emergency Operation Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Fetiya A Abbagidi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Elias A Yesuf
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Jimma Emergency Operation Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Esayas K Gudina
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Oromia, Ethiopia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
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6
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Deng YP, Fu YT, Yao C, Shao R, Zhang XL, Duan DY, Liu GH. Emerging bacterial infectious diseases/pathogens vectored by human lice. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102630. [PMID: 37567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Human lice have always been a major public health concern due to their vector capacity for louse-borne infectious diseases, like trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever, and epidemic fever, which are caused by Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii, respectively. Those diseases are currently re-emerging in the regions of poor hygiene, social poverty, or wars with life-threatening consequences. These louse-borne diseases have also caused outbreaks among populations in jails and refugee camps. In addition, antibodies and DNAs to those pathogens have been steadily detected in homeless populations. Importantly, more bacterial pathogens have been detected in human lice, and some have been transmitted by human lice in laboratories. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and update on louse-borne infectious diseases/bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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7
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Vázquez-Guerrero E, González-Quiroz JL, Domínguez-López ML, Kneubehl AR, Krishnavajhala A, Curtis MW, Ponce-Mendoza A, Estrada-de Los Santos P, Lopez JE, Ibarra JA. New records of Ornithodoros turicata (Ixodida: Argasidae) in rural and urban sites in the Mexican states of Aguascalientes and Zacatecas indicate the potential for tick-borne relapsing fever. Exp Appl Acarol 2023; 91:99-110. [PMID: 37584844 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00830-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Soft ticks from the Ornithodoros genus are vectors of relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes around the world. In Mexico, they were originally described in the 19th century. However, few recent surveillance studies have been conducted in Mexico, and regions where RF spirochetes circulate remain vague. Here, the presence of soft ticks in populated areas was assessed in two sites from the Mexican states of Aguascalientes and Zacatecas. Argasidae ticks were collected, identified by morphology and mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene sequencing, and tested for RF borreliae. The specimens in both sites were identified as Ornithodoros turicata but no RF spirochetes were detected. These findings emphasize the need to update the distribution of these ticks in multiple regions of Mexico and to determine the circulation of RF borreliosis in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Vázquez-Guerrero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Luis González-Quiroz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Lilia Domínguez-López
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael W Curtis
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro Ponce-Mendoza
- Comisión Nacional para el conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad, CONABIO, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulina Estrada-de Los Santos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - J Antonio Ibarra
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México.
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8
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McCormick DW, Brown CM, Bjork J, Cervantes K, Esponda-Morrison B, Garrett J, Kwit N, Mathewson A, McGinnis C, Notarangelo M, Osborn R, Schiffman E, Sohail H, Schwartz AM, Hinckley AF, Kugeler KJ. Characteristics of Hard Tick Relapsing Fever Caused by Borrelia miyamotoi, United States, 2013-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29. [PMID: 37610298 PMCID: PMC10461660 DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.221912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi, transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks, was recognized as an agent of hard tick relapsing fever in the United States in 2013. Nine state health departments in the Northeast and Midwest have conducted public health surveillance for this emerging condition by using a shared, working surveillance case definition. During 2013-2019, a total of 300 cases were identified through surveillance; 166 (55%) were classified as confirmed and 134 (45%) as possible. Median age of case-patients was 52 years (range 1-86 years); 52% were male. Most cases (70%) occurred during June-September, with a peak in August. Fever and headache were common symptoms; 28% of case-patients reported recurring fevers, 55% had arthralgia, and 16% had a rash. Thirteen percent of patients were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Ongoing surveillance will improve understanding of the incidence and clinical severity of this emerging disease.
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El Hadji Ibrahima N, Diatta G, Adama Zan D, Bassene H, Sokhna C, Parola P. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction from Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests to Detect Borrelia crocidurae, the Agent of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, in Febrile Patients in Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:968-976. [PMID: 36913922 PMCID: PMC10160891 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In endemic malaria areas, Plasmodium is currently diagnosed mainly through the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, in Senegal, many causes of fever remain unknown. Tick-borne relapsing fever, an often-neglected public health problem, is the main cause of consultation for acute febrile illness after malaria and flu in rural areas. Our objective was to test the feasibility of extracting and amplifying DNA fragments by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from malaria-negative RDTs for Plasmodium falciparum (malaria Neg RDTs P.f) to detect Borrelia spp. and other bacteria. Between January and December 2019, malaria Neg RDTs P.f were collected on a quarterly basis in 12 health facilities in four regions of Senegal. The DNA extracted from the malaria Neg RDTs P.f was tested using qPCR and the results were confirmed by standard PCR and sequencing. Only Borrelia crocidurae DNA was detected in 7.22% (159/2,202) of RDTs. The prevalence of B. crocidurae DNA was higher in July (16.47%, 43/261) and August (11.21%, 50/446). The annual prevalence was 9.2% (47/512) and 5.0% (12/241) in Ngayokhem and Nema-Nding, respectively, health facilities in the Fatick region. Our study confirms that B. crocidurae infection is a frequent cause of fever in Senegal, with a high prevalence of cases in health facilities in the regions of Fatick and Kaffrine. Malaria Neg RDTs P.f are potentially a good source of pathogen sampling for the molecular identification of other causes of fever of unknown origin, even in the most remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndiaye El Hadji Ibrahima
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), APHM, SSA, Vecteurs–Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, IRD UMR 257, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Georges Diatta
- VITROME, IRD UMR 257, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Diarra Adama Zan
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), APHM, SSA, Vecteurs–Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert Bassene
- VITROME, IRD UMR 257, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- VITROME, IRD UMR 257, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), APHM, SSA, Vecteurs–Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Arora G, Lynn GE, Tang X, Rosen CE, Hoornstra D, Sajid A, Hovius JW, Palm NW, Ring AM, Fikrig E. CD55 Facilitates Immune Evasion by Borrelia crocidurae, an Agent of Relapsing Fever. mBio 2022; 13:e0116122. [PMID: 36036625 PMCID: PMC9600505 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01161-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapsing fever, caused by diverse Borrelia spirochetes, is prevalent in many parts of the world and causes significant morbidity and mortality. To investigate the pathoetiology of relapsing fever, we performed a high-throughput screen of Borrelia-binding host factors using a library of human extracellular and secretory proteins and identified CD55 as a novel host binding partner of Borrelia crocidurae and Borrelia persica, two agents of relapsing fever in Africa and Eurasia. CD55 is present on the surface of erythrocytes, carries the Cromer blood group antigens, and protects cells from complement-mediated lysis. Using flow cytometry, we confirmed that both human and murine CD55 bound to B. crocidurae and B. persica. Given the expression of CD55 on erythrocytes, we investigated the role of CD55 in pathological B. crocidurae-induced erythrocyte aggregation (rosettes), which enables spirochete immune evasion. We showed that rosette formation was partially dependent on host cell CD55 expression. Pharmacologically, soluble recombinant CD55 inhibited erythrocyte rosette formation. Finally, CD55-deficient mice infected with B. crocidurae had a lower pathogen load and elevated proinflammatory cytokine and complement factor C5a levels. In summary, our results indicate that CD55 is a host factor that is manipulated by the causative agents of relapsing fever for immune evasion. IMPORTANCE Borrelia species are causative agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever infections in humans. B. crocidurae causes one of the most prevalent relapsing fever infections in parts of West Africa. In the endemic regions, B. crocidurae is present in ~17% of the ticks and ~11% of the rodents that serve as reservoirs. In Senegal, ~7% of patients with acute febrile illness were found to be infected with B. crocidurae. There is little information on host-pathogen interactions and how B. crocidurae manipulates host immunity. In this study, we used a high-throughput screen to identify host proteins that interact with relapsing fever-causing Borrelia species. We identified CD55 as one of the host proteins that bind to B. crocidurae and B. persica, the two causes of relapsing fever in Africa and Eurasia. We show that the interaction of B. crocidurae with CD55, present on the surface of erythrocytes, is key to immune evasion and successful infection in vivo. Our study further shows the role of CD55 in complement regulation, regulation of inflammatory cytokine levels, and innate immunity during relapsing fever infection. Overall, this study sheds light on host-pathogen interactions during relapsing fever infection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Geoffrey E. Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xiaotian Tang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Connor E. Rosen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dieuwertje Hoornstra
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joppe W. Hovius
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Noah W. Palm
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aaron M. Ring
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Universitygrid.47100.32 School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Lynn GE, Breuner NE, Hojgaard A, Oliver J, Eisen L, Eisen RJ. A comparison of horizontal and transovarial transmission efficiency of Borrelia miyamotoi by Ixodes scapularis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102003. [PMID: 35858517 PMCID: PMC10880489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete carried by Ixodes spp. ticks throughout the northern hemisphere. The pathogen is acquired either transovarially (vertically) or horizontally through blood-feeding and passed transtadially across life stages. Despite these complementary modes of transmission, infection prevalence of ticks with B. miyamotoi is typically low (<5%) in natural settings and the relative contributions of the two transmission modes have not been studied extensively. Horizontal transmission of B. miyamotoi (strain CT13-2396 or wild type strain) was initiated using infected Ixodes scapularis larvae or nymphs to expose rodents, which included both the immunocompetent CD-1 laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a natural reservoir host, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus. leucopus), to simulate natural enzootic transmission. Transovarial transmission was evaluated using I. scapularis exposed to B. miyamotoi as either larvae or nymphs feeding on immunocompromised SCID mice (M. musculus) and subsequently fed as females on New Zealand white rabbits. Larvae from infected females were qPCR-tested individually to assess transovarial transmission rates. Tissue tropism of B. miyamotoi in infected ticks was demonstrated using in situ hybridization. Between 1 and 12% of ticks were positive (post-molt) for B. miyamotoi after feeding on groups of CD-1 mice or P. leucopus with evidence of infection, indicating that horizontal transmission was inefficient, regardless of whether infected larvae or nymphs were used to challenge the mice. Transovarial transmission occurred in 7 of 10 egg clutches from infected females. Filial infection prevalence in larvae ranged from 3 to 100% (median 71%). Both larval infection prevalence and spirochete load were highly correlated with maternal spirochete load. Spirochetes were disseminated throughout the tissues of all three stages of unfed ticks, including the salivary glands and female ovarian tissue. The results indicate that while multiple transmission routes contribute to enzootic maintenance of B. miyamotoi, transovarial transmission is likely to be the primary source of infected ticks and therefore risk assessment and tick control strategies should target adult female ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey E Lynn
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; AgriLife Texas A&M University, 1619 Garner Field Road, Uvalde, TX 78801, United States.
| | - Nicole E Breuner
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States; Current address: College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 160 SW 26th St. Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Andrias Hojgaard
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
| | - Jonathan Oliver
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Lars Eisen
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States
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Jakab Á, Kahlig P, Kuenzli E, Neumayr A. Tick borne relapsing fever - a systematic review and analysis of the literature. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010212. [PMID: 35171908 PMCID: PMC8887751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonosis caused by various Borrelia species transmitted to humans by both soft-bodied and (more recently recognized) hard-bodied ticks. In recent years, molecular diagnostic techniques have allowed to extend our knowledge on the global epidemiological picture of this neglected disease. Nevertheless, due to the patchy occurrence of the disease and the lack of large clinical studies, the knowledge on several clinical aspects of the disease remains limited. In order to shed light on some of these aspects, we have systematically reviewed the literature on TBRF and summarized the existing data on epidemiology and clinical aspects of the disease. Publications were identified by using a predefined search strategy on electronic databases and a subsequent review of the reference lists of the obtained publications. All publications reporting patients with a confirmed diagnosis of TBRF published in English, French, Italian, German, and Hungarian were included. Maps showing the epidemiogeographic mosaic of the different TBRF Borrelia species were compiled and data on clinical aspects of TBRF were analysed. The epidemiogeographic mosaic of TBRF is complex and still continues to evolve. Ticks harbouring TBRF Borrelia have been reported worldwide, with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. Although only molecular diagnostic methods allow for species identification, microscopy remains the diagnostic gold standard in most clinical settings. The most suggestive symptom in TBRF is the eponymous relapsing fever (present in 100% of the cases). Thrombocytopenia is the most suggestive laboratory finding in TBRF. Neurological complications are frequent in TBRF. Treatment is with beta-lactams, tetracyclines or macrolids. The risk of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) appears to be lower in TBRF (19.3%) compared to louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) (55.8%). The overall case fatality rate of TBRF (6.5%) and LBRF (4-10.2%) appears to not differ. Unlike LBRF, where perinatal fatalities are primarily attributable to abortion, TBRF-related perinatal fatalities appear to primarily affect newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ákos Jakab
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Kahlig
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Esther Kuenzli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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Kejíková R, Rudolf I. Detection of Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Southern Moravia - risk for public health. Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol 2022; 71:57-59. [PMID: 35477271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging tick-borne pathogen. The vector is ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex, causing relapsing fever- like disease and widespread in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The present study documents the prevalence of B. miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus ticks at four sites of the South Moravian Region. The spirochete B. miyamotoi was detected in a total of 10 samples from all four sites and all instars. The occurrence of B. miyamotoi in ticks in the Czech Republic poses a potential risk to public health.
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Raffetin A, Patrat-Delon S, Cazorla C, Tattevin P, Eldin C. [Borreliosis and relapsing fever]. Rev Prat 2021; 71:1113-1117. [PMID: 35147372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BORRELIOSIS AND RELAPSING feverrelapsing fevers borreliosis (RFB) are caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, within the spirochete's family, transmitted to Humans by arthropods (lice Pediculus humanus, soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros, or hard ticks for one of them). The RFB transmitted by body lice is cosmopolitan and occurs during epidemics in the context of major crises (promiscuity, precarious hygiene conditions, food crises, etc.). RFB transmitted by ticks are distributed by region, according to the Borrelia species and the geographical repartition of the tick involved (sporadic transmission). The incubation period varies from 3 to 20 days. The first febrile phase lasts 3 days (1-14 days), followed by a phase of apyrexia with persistence of other clinical signs (skin rash, petechiae, headaches, agitation, polyarthromyalgia, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, etc.). The recurrence of fever occurs every 7 days on average. Bacteremia in the blood is abundant during fever allowing direct diagnosis by microscopy, Borrelia PCR or culture on a specific medium when available. The first-line treatment is doxycycline, except in case of neurological involvement (ceftriaxone). The mortality Rate varies from 2 to 5 % depending on the Borrelia Species involved. The outcome is usually good after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Raffetin
- Centre de Référence des maladies vectorielles à tiques (CRMVT), Paris et région Nord, CH Villeneuve-Saint- Georges, France
| | | | - Céline Cazorla
- CRMVT, Région Centre, CHU Saint-Etienne, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | - Pierre Tattevin
- CRMVT, Région Grand-Ouest, CHU Rennes Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Carole Eldin
- CRMVT, Région Sud, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
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Abstract
Neuroborreliosis initially misdiagnosed as Lyme disease was discovered to be caused by the relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae. Tickborne relapsing fever spirochetes are an overlooked cause of disease around the globe. We report a case of tickborne relapsing fever in a patient in Texas, USA, who had a single febrile episode and gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. Immunoblot analysis using recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A implicated Borrelia turicatae as the causative agent.
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Muñoz-Leal S, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Teixeira BM, Martins MM, Serpa MCA, Oliveira GM, Jorge FR, Pacheco RC, Costa FB, Luz HR, Labruna MB. Relapsing Fever Group Borreliae in Human-Biting Soft Ticks, Brazil. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:322-324. [PMID: 33350927 PMCID: PMC7774541 DOI: 10.3201/eid2701.200349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a molecular survey for Borrelia spp. in Ornithodoros ticks previously reported as biting humans. We collected specimens in natural ecosystems and inside human dwellings in 6 states in Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses unveiled the occurrence of 4 putatively new species of relapsing fever group borreliae.
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Abstract
To compare tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) in children and adults in Jerusalem, Israel, we collected data from the medical records of all 92 patients with TBRF during 2004–2018. The 30 children with TBRF had more episodes of fever and lower inflammatory markers than adult patients.
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Han HJ, Liu JW, Wen HL, Li ZM, Lei SC, Qin XR, Zhou CM, Yu H, Xiao X, Yu XJ. Pathogenic New World Relapsing Fever Borrelia in a Myotis Bat, Eastern China, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:3083-3085. [PMID: 33219789 PMCID: PMC7706935 DOI: 10.3201/eid2612.191450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified Candidatus Borrelia fainii, a human pathogenic bacterium causing New World relapsing fever in a Myotis bat in eastern China. This finding expands knowledge about the geographic distribution of Borrelia spp. and the potential for infection with New World relapsing fever in China.
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Ndiaye EHI, Diouf FS, Ndiaye M, Bassene H, Raoult D, Sokhna C, Parola P, Diatta G. Tick-borne relapsing fever Borreliosis, a major public health problem overlooked in Senegal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009184. [PMID: 33886571 PMCID: PMC8096072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is the most common vector-borne bacterial disease in humans in West Africa. It is frequently clinically confused with malaria. Our study aims to determine, on a micro-geographic scale, the conditions for the maintenance and spread of TBRF in the Niakhar district of Senegal. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We conducted clinical, entomological and animal reservoir investigations. Field surveys were carried out in order to investigate the presence of Ornithodoros sonrai vector ticks and to detect Borrelia spp. by qPCR using the 16S rRNA and glpQ genes, respectively. Micromammal trapping series were carried out inside homes and Borrelia infection was detected using brain tissue qPCR. Capillary blood samples from febrile patients were also tested for Borrelia using qPCR. More than 97% (40/41) of the villages surveyed were infested with O. sonrai ticks. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. infections in ticks was 13% (116/910), and over 73% (85/116) were positively confirmed as being Borrelia crocidurae. Borreliosis cases accounted for 12% (94/800) of episodes of fever and all age groups were infected, with children and young people between the ages of 8-14 and 22-28 being the most infected by the disease (16% and 18.4%). TBRF cases occurred in all seasons, with a peak in August. In two species of small rodents that were found to be infected (Arvicanthis niloticus, Mus musculus), the proportion of Borrelia infection was 17.5% (10/57), and the highest prevalence of infection (40.9%, 9/22) was observed in A. niloticus. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our study indicates that TBRF is an endemic disease in the Niakhar district, where children and young people are the most infected. Arvicanthis niloticus and O. sonrai ticks are massively present and appear to be the main epidemiological reservoirs causing its extensive spread to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Hadji Ibrahima Ndiaye
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Mady Ndiaye
- Laboratoire d’Entomologie, Bactériologie, Rickettsiologie, Virologie, Département de Biologie Animale, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Hubert Bassene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Georges Diatta
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
- VITROME, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail:
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20
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Kahlig P, Paris DH, Neumayr A. Louse-borne relapsing fever-A systematic review and analysis of the literature: Part 1-Epidemiology and diagnostic aspects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008564. [PMID: 33705384 PMCID: PMC7951878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a classical epidemic disease, which in the past was associated with war, famine, poverty, forced migration, and crowding under poor hygienic conditions around the world. The disease's causative pathogen, the spirochete bacterium Borrelia recurrentis, is confined to humans and transmitted by a single vector, the human body louse Pediculus humanus. Since the disease has had its heyday before the days of modern medicine, many of its aspects have never been formally studied and to date, remain incompletely understood. In order to shed light on some of these aspects, we have systematically reviewed the accessible literature on LBRF, since the recognition of its mode of transmission in 1907, and summarized the existing data on epidemiology and diagnostic aspects of the disease. Publications were identified by using a predefined search strategy on electronic databases and a subsequent review of the reference lists of the obtained publications. All publications reporting patients with a confirmed diagnosis of LBRF published in English, French, German, and Spanish since 1907 were included. Data extraction followed a predefined protocol and included a grading system to judge the certainty of the diagnosis of reported cases. Historically, Ethiopia is considered a stronghold of LBRF. The recognition of LBRF among East African migrants (originating from Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia) arriving to Europe in the course of the recent migration flow from this region suggests that this epidemiological focus ostensibly persists. Currently, there is neither evidence to support or refute active transmission foci of LBRF elsewhere on the African continent, in Latin America, or in Asia. Microscopy remains the most commonly used method to diagnose LBRF. Data are lacking on sensitivity and specificity of most diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kahlig
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
Relapsing fever (RF) is caused by several species of Borrelia; all, except two species, are transmitted to humans by soft (argasid) ticks. The species B. recurrentis is transmitted from one human to another by the body louse, while B. miyamotoi is vectored by hard-bodied ixodid tick species. RF Borrelia have several pathogenic features that facilitate invasion and dissemination in the infected host. In this article we discuss the dynamics of vector acquisition and subsequent transmission of RF Borrelia to their vertebrate hosts. We also review taxonomic challenges for RF Borrelia as new species have been isolated throughout the globe. Moreover, aspects of pathogenesis including symptomology, neurotropism, erythrocyte and platelet adhesion are discussed. We expound on RF Borrelia evasion strategies for innate and adaptive immunity, focusing on the most fundamental pathogenetic attributes, multiphasic antigenic variation. Lastly, we review new and emerging species of RF Borrelia and discuss future directions for this global disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston TX, USA
| | - Joppe W Hovius
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam Medical centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Bergström
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå Center for Microbial Research, Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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22
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Abstract
With one exception (epidemic relapsing fever), borreliae are obligately maintained in nature by ticks. Although some Borrelia spp. may be vertically transmitted to subsequent generations of ticks, most require amplification by a vertebrate host because inheritance is not stable. Enzootic cycles of borreliae have been found globally; those receiving the most attention from researchers are those whose vectors have some degree of anthropophily and, thus, cause zoonoses such as Lyme disease or relapsing fever. To some extent, our views on the synecology of the borreliae has been dominated by an applied focus, viz., analyses that seek to understand the elements of human risk for borreliosis. But, the elements of borrelial perpetuation do not necessarily bear upon risk, nor do our concepts of risk provide the best structure for analyzing perpetuation. We identify the major global themes for the perpetuation of borreliae, and summarize local variations on those themes, focusing on key literature to outline the factors that serve as the basis for the distribution and abundance of borreliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam R. Telford
- Dept of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Heidi K. Goethert
- Dept of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Colunga-Salas P, Sánchez-Montes S, Volkow P, Ruíz-Remigio A, Becker I. Lyme disease and relapsing fever in Mexico: An overview of human and wildlife infections. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238496. [PMID: 32941463 PMCID: PMC7497999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis and Relapsing fever are considered emerging and re-emerging diseases that cause major public health problems in endemic countries. Epidemiology and geographical distribution of these diseases are documented in the US and in Europe, yet in Mexico, studies are scarce and scattered. The aims of this study were (1) to present the first confirmatory evidence of an endemic case of Lyme disease in Mexico and (2) to analyze the epidemiological trend of these both diseases by compiling all the information published on Borrelia in Mexico. Two databases were compiled, one of human cases and another of wild and domestic animals in the country. The analysis included the evaluation of risk factors for the human population, the diversity of Borrelia species and their geographic distribution. Six Borrelia species were reported in a total of 1,347 reports, of which 398 were of humans. Women and children from rural communities were shown to be more susceptible for both Lyme borreliosis and Relapsing fever. The remaining reports were made in diverse mammalian species and ticks. A total of 17 mammalian species and 14 tick species were recorded as hosts for this bacterial genus. It is noteworthy that records of Borrelia were only made in 18 of the 32 states, mainly in northern and central Mexico. These results highlight the importance of performing further studies in areas where animal cases have been reported, yet no human studies have been done, in order to complete the epidemiological panorama for Lyme borreliosis and Relapsing fever. Finally, the search for Borrelia infections in other vertebrates, such as reptiles and amphibians is recommended to gain a more accurate view of Borrelia species and their distribution. The geographical approach presented herein justifies an intense sampling effort to improve epidemiological knowledge of these diseases to aid vector control and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Colunga-Salas
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patricia Volkow
- Departamento de Infectología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Adriana Ruíz-Remigio
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Abstract
Incidence of this disease increased over time; peak incidences were observed in 2011, 2014, and 2015. Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by spirochetes of Borrelia bacteria. We collected data on all TBRF cases in a TBRF-endemic area in southwest Spain during 1994–2016. We analyzed data from 98 patients in whom TBRF was diagnosed by light microscopy and analyzed the relationship between climatic data and TBRF incidence. Most cases occurred a rural environment during summer and autumn. We describe demographic, epidemiologic, clinical, and analytical characteristics, treatment, and occurrence of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Most patients had fever and headache, and laboratory test results included elevated C-reactive protein, thrombocytopenia, and neutrophilia. No patients died, but 10.1% had Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. B. hispanica was the infecting species in 12 cases with PCR results. Clinicians often do not suspect TBRF because clinical signs and symptoms vary; therefore, it is likely underdiagnosed, even in disease-endemic areas.
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Mafi N, Yaglom HD, Levy C, Taylor A, O'Grady C, Venkat H, Komatsu KK, Roller B, Seville MT, Kusne S, Po JL, Thorn S, Ampel NM. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in the White Mountains, Arizona, USA, 2013-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:649-653. [PMID: 30882304 PMCID: PMC6433026 DOI: 10.3201/eid2504.181369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites that occurs in several different parts of the world, including the western United States. We describe 6 cases of TBRF acquired in the White Mountains of Arizona, USA, and diagnosed during 2013-2018. All but 1 case-patient had recurrent fever, and some had marked laboratory abnormalities, including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated aminotransaminases. One patient had uveitis. Diagnosis was delayed in 5 of the cases; all case-patients responded to therapy with doxycycline. Two patients had Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions. The White Mountains of Arizona have not been previously considered a region of high incidence for TBRF. These 6 cases likely represent a larger number of cases that might have been undiagnosed. Clinicians should be aware of TBRF in patients who reside, recreate, or travel to this area and especially for those who sleep overnight in cabins there.
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Bissett JD, Ledet S, Krishnavajhala A, Armstrong BA, Klioueva A, Sexton C, Replogle A, Schriefer ME, Lopez JE. Detection of Tickborne Relapsing Fever Spirochete, Austin, Texas, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 24:2003-2009. [PMID: 30160650 PMCID: PMC6199987 DOI: 10.3201/eid2411.172033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2017, a patient became febrile within 4 days after visiting a rustic conference center in Austin, Texas, USA, where Austin Public Health suspected an outbreak of tickborne relapsing fever a month earlier. Evaluation of a patient blood smear and molecular diagnostic assays identified Borrelia turicatae as the causative agent. We could not gain access to the property to collect ticks. Thus, we focused efforts at a nearby public park, <1 mile from the suspected exposure site. We trapped Ornithodoros turicata ticks from 2 locations in the park, and laboratory evaluation resulted in cultivation of 3 B. turicatae isolates. Multilocus sequencing of 3 chromosomal loci (flaB, rrs, and gyrB) indicated that the isolates were identical to those of B. turicatae 91E135 (a tick isolate) and BTE5EL (a human isolate). We identified the endemicity of O. turicata ticks and likely emergence of B. turicatae in this city.
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Armstrong BA, Kneubehl A, Krishnavajhala A, Wilder HK, Boyle W, Wozniak E, Phillips C, Hollywood K, Murray KO, Donaldson TG, Teel PD, Waldrup K, Lopez JE. Seroprevalence for the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia turicatae among small and medium sized mammals of Texas. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006877. [PMID: 30372445 PMCID: PMC6224114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low elevation arid regions throughout the southern United States, Borrelia turicatae is the principal agent of tick-borne relapsing fever. However, endemic foci and the vertebrate hosts involved in the ecology of B. turicatae remain undefined. Experimental infection studies suggest that small and medium sized mammals likely maintain B. turicatae in nature, while the tick vector is a long-lived reservoir. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Serum samples from wild caught rodents, raccoons, and wild and domestic canids from 23 counties in Texas were screened for prior exposure to B. turicatae. Serological assays were performed using B. turicatae protein lysates and recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A (rBipA), a diagnostic protein that is unique to RF spirochetes and may be a species-specific antigen. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Serological responses to B. turicatae were detected from 24 coyotes, one gray fox, two raccoons, and one rodent from six counties in Texas. These studies indicate that wild canids and raccoons were exposed to B. turicatae and are likely involved in the pathogen's ecology. Additionally, more work should focus on evaluating rodent exposure to B. turicatae and the role of these small mammals in the pathogen's maintenance in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Armstrong
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Wilder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - William Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Edward Wozniak
- Texas State Guard, Medical Brigade, Uvalde, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carson Phillips
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristen Hollywood
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, Midland, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor G. Donaldson
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pete D. Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ken Waldrup
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Lafri I, El Hamzaoui B, Bitam I, Leulmi H, Lalout R, Mediannikov O, Chergui M, Karakellah M, Raoult D, Parola P. Detection of relapsing fever Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae bacteria in argasid ticks in Algeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006064. [PMID: 29145396 PMCID: PMC5708834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Argasid ticks (soft ticks) are blood-feeding arthropods that can parasitize rodents, birds, humans, livestock and companion animals. Ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are known to be vectors of relapsing fever borreliosis in humans. In Algeria, little is known about relapsing fever borreliosis and other bacterial pathogens transmitted by argasid ticks. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Between May 2013 and October 2015, we investigated the presence of soft ticks in 20 rodent burrows, 10 yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests and animal shelters in six locations in two different bioclimatic zones in Algeria. Six species of argasid ticks were identified morphologically and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae was assessed by qPCR template assays in each specimen. All qPCR-positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments. Two Borrelia species were identified: Borrelia hispanica in Ornithodoros occidentalis in Mostaganem, and Borrelia cf. turicatae in Carios capensis in Algiers. One new Bartonella genotype and one new Anaplasmataceae genotype were also identified in Argas persicus. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the presence of relapsing fever borreliosis agents, although this disease is rarely diagnosed in Algeria. Other bacteria of unknown pathogenicity detected in argasid ticks which may bite humans deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Lafri
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Basma El Hamzaoui
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Université de Bab Ezzouar, Laboratoire d’Ecologie et Environnement, Algiers, Algeria
- Ecole Supérieure en Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires (ESSAIA), El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, 23 chemin des capelles Toulouse, France
| | - Reda Lalout
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Mohamed Chergui
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Karakellah
- EPH de Sidi Ali. Mostaganem. Ministère de la santé, de la population et de la réforme hospitalière, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, AP-HM, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Furuno K, Lee K, Itoh Y, Suzuki K, Yonemitsu K, Kuwata R, Shimoda H, Watarai M, Maeda K, Takano A. Epidemiological study of relapsing fever borreliae detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and wild animals in the western part of Japan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174727. [PMID: 28362864 PMCID: PMC5375152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Borrelia comprises arthropod-borne bacteria, which are infectious agents in vertebrates. They are mainly transmitted by ixodid or argasid ticks. In Hokkaido, Japan, Borrelia spp. were found in deer and Haemaphysalis ticks between 2011 and 2013; however, the study was limited to a particular area. Therefore, in the present study, we conducted large-scale surveillance of ticks and wild animals in the western part of the main island of Japan. We collected 6,407 host-seeking ticks from two regions and 1,598 larvae obtained from 32 engorged female ticks and examined them to elucidate transovarial transmission. In addition, we examined whole blood samples from 190 wild boars and 276 sika deer, as well as sera from 120 wild raccoons. We detected Borrelia spp. in Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, Haemaphysalis kitaokai, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Haemaphysalis formosensis. In addition, we isolated a strain from H. megaspinosa using Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium. The minimum infection rate of ticks was less than 5%. Transovarial transmission was observed in H. kitaokai. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolated strain and DNA fragments amplified from ticks identified at least four bacterial genotypes, which corresponded to the tick species detected. Bacteria were detected in 8.4%, 15%, and 0.8% of wild boars, sika deer, and raccoons, respectively. In this study, we found seasonal differences in the prevalence of bacterial genotypes in sika deer during the winter and summer. The tick activity season corresponds to the season with a high prevalence of animals. The present study suggests that a particular bacterial genotype detected in this study are defined by a particular tick species in which they are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwa Furuno
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kyunglee Lee
- Cetacean research institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Nam-gu, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yukie Itoh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | | | - Kenzo Yonemitsu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ryusei Kuwata
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ai Takano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Alirol E, Horie NS, Barbé B, Lejon V, Verdonck K, Gillet P, Jacobs J, Büscher P, Kanal B, Bhattarai NR, El Safi S, Phe T, Lim K, Leng L, Lutumba P, Mukendi D, Bottieau E, Boelaert M, Rijal S, Chappuis F. Diagnosis of Persistent Fever in the Tropics: Set of Standard Operating Procedures Used in the NIDIAG Febrile Syndrome Study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004749. [PMID: 27812090 PMCID: PMC5094701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In resource-limited settings, the scarcity of skilled personnel and adequate laboratory facilities makes the differential diagnosis of fevers complex [1–5]. Febrile illnesses are diagnosed clinically in most rural centers, and both Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and clinical algorithms can be valuable aids to health workers and facilitate therapeutic decisions [6,7]. The persistent fever syndrome targeted by NIDIAG is defined as presence of fever for at least one week. The NIDIAG clinical research consortium focused on potentially severe and treatable infections and therefore targeted the following conditions as differential diagnosis of persistent fever: visceral leishmaniasis (VL), human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), enteric (typhoid and paratyphoid) fever, brucellosis, melioidosis, leptospirosis, malaria, tuberculosis, amoebic liver abscess, relapsing fever, HIV/AIDS, rickettsiosis, and other infectious diseases (e.g., pneumonia). From January 2013 to October 2014, a prospective clinical phase III diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in one site in Cambodia, two sites in Nepal, two sites in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and one site in Sudan (clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT01766830). The study objectives were to (1) determine the prevalence of the target diseases in patients presenting with persistent fever, (2) assess the predictive value of clinical and first-line laboratory features, and (3) assess the diagnostic accuracy of several RDTs for the diagnosis of the different target conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Alirol
- Clinical Research Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Ninon Seiko Horie
- Clinical Research Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva Switzerland
| | | | - Veerle Lejon
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Unité Mixte de Recherche IRD-CIRAD 177, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Jan Jacobs
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Basudha Kanal
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science, Dharan, Nepal
| | | | - Sayda El Safi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Thong Phe
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Kruy Lim
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Long Leng
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Pascal Lutumba
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Département de Médecine Tropicale, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Deby Mukendi
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Département de Médecine Tropicale, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | - Suman Rijal
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science, Dharan, Nepal
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva Switzerland
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Lucchini A, Lipani F, Costa C, Scarvaglieri M, Balbiano R, Carosella S, Calcagno A, Audagnotto S, Barbui AM, Brossa S, Ghisetti V, Dal Conte I, Caramello P, Di Perri G. Louseborne Relapsing Fever among East African Refugees, Italy, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:298-301. [PMID: 26812354 PMCID: PMC4734540 DOI: 10.3201/eid2202.151768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During June 9–September 30, 2015, five cases of louseborne relapsing fever were identified in Turin, Italy. All 5 cases were in young refugees from Somalia, 2 of whom had lived in Italy since 2011. Our report seems to confirm the possibility of local transmission of louse-borne relapsing fever.
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Diatta G, Mediannikov O, Boyer S, Sokhna C, Bassène H, Fenollar F, Chauvancy G, Ndiaye AA, Diene F, Parola P, Raoult D. An Alternative Strategy of Preventive Control of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Rural Areas of Sine-Saloum, Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:537-45. [PMID: 27430543 PMCID: PMC5014255 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In Senegal, tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a major cause of morbidity and a neglected public health problem. Borreliosis cases commonly detected in two villages led us to implement a borreliosis preventive control including cementing of floors in bedrooms and outbuildings attended by inhabitants to avoid human contacts with tick vectors. Epidemiological and medical monitoring of the TBRF incidence was carried out at Dielmo and Ndiop by testing the blood of febrile patients since 1990 and 1993, respectively. Intra-domiciliary habitat conditions were improved by cementing, coupled with accompanying measures, from March 2013 to September 2015. Application of this strategy was associated with a significant reduction of borreliosis incidence. This was more evident in Dielmo, dropping from 10.55 to 2.63 cases per 100 person-years (P < 0.001), than in Ndiop where it changed from 3.79 to 1.39 cases per 100 person-years (P < 0.001). Thirty-six cases of TBRF were estimated to be prevented at a cost of €526 per infection. The preventive control strategy was successful in Dielmo and Ndiop, being associated with decreased incidence by 89.8% and 81.5%, respectively, suggesting that TBRF may be widely decreased when the population is involved. Public health authorities or any development stakeholders should adopt this effective tool for promoting rural health through national prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Diatta
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (UMR 198 IRD), Campus International de Recherche IRD/UCAD de Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (UMR 198 IRD), Campus International de Recherche IRD/UCAD de Hann, Dakar, Senegal. Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (URMITE), Unité Mixte (UM63), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS 7278), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD 198), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM 1095), Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Sylvie Boyer
- Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESTIM/INSERM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (UMR 198 IRD), Campus International de Recherche IRD/UCAD de Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Hubert Bassène
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (UMR 198 IRD), Campus International de Recherche IRD/UCAD de Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (URMITE), Unité Mixte (UM63), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS 7278), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD 198), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM 1095), Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Chauvancy
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (UMR 198 IRD), Campus International de Recherche IRD/UCAD de Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdoul Aziz Ndiaye
- Département Santé Communautaire, Université Alioune Diop de Bambey, Bambey, Senegal. Service de Santé des Armées, Camp Dial Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (URMITE), Unité Mixte (UM63), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS 7278), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD 198), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM 1095), Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Émergentes (URMITE), Unité Mixte (UM63), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS 7278), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD 198), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM 1095), Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
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Gaither M, Schumacher M, Nieto N, Corrigan J, Murray H, Maurer M. Where Are the Ticks? Solving the Mystery of a Tickborne Relapsing Fever Outbreak at a Youth Camp. J Environ Health 2016; 78:8-11. [PMID: 27188066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
During the summer of 2014 an outbreak of tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) occurred in a group of high school students and staff at a youth camp, which was reported to Coconino County Public Health Services District. Six confirmed and five probable cases of TBRF occurred. During the environmental investigation two rodents tested positive for TBRF, but the vector, soft ticks, could not be found in their "normal" habitat. Ticks were finally located in areas not typical for soft ticks.
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Fingerle V, Pritsch M, Wächtler M, Margos G, Ruske S, Jung J, Löscher T, Wendtner C, Wieser A. "Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica" Detected from a Febrile Traveller Returning to Germany from Vacation in Southern Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004559. [PMID: 27031729 PMCID: PMC4816561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A 26 year-old female patient presented to the Tropical Medicine outpatient unit of the Ludwig Maximilians-University in Munich with febrile illness after returning from Southern Africa, where she contracted a bite by a large mite-like arthropod, most likely a soft-tick. Spirochetes were detected in Giemsa stained blood smears and treatment was started with doxycycline for suspected tick-borne relapsing fever. The patient eventually recovered after developing a slight Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction during therapy. PCR reactions performed from EDTA-blood revealed a 16S rRNA sequence with 99.4% similarity to both, Borrelia duttonii, and B. parkeri. Further sequences obtained from the flagellin gene (flaB) demonstrated genetic distances of 0.066 and 0.097 to B. parkeri and B. duttonii, respectively. Fragments of the uvrA gene revealed genetic distance of 0.086 to B. hermsii in genetic analysis and only distant relations with classic Old World relapsing fever species. This revealed the presence of a novel species of tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes that we propose to name “Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica”, as it was contracted from an arthropod bite in the Kalahari Desert belonging to both, Botswana and Namibia, a region where to our knowledge no relapsing fever has been described so far. Interestingly, the novel species shows more homology to New World relapsing fever Borrelia such as B. parkeri or B. hermsii than to known Old World species such as B. duttonii or B. crocidurae. A patient reported an arthropod bite on her dorsal metatarsal region 2/3 of her anterior foot during a trip to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. Eventually, a rash developed at the site of the bite and high-grade fever started 8 days later. Spirochetes were detected in the blood smear and the patient was treated with the suspected diagnosis of tick-borne relapsing fever. The presence of Borrelia spp. in fresh patient blood could be confirmed using DNA amplification and sequencing techniques. Homology searches of the obtained sequences from 16S rRNA, flaB, and uvrA revealed surprisingly distant relationships to known Borrelia species. It is concluded that the infection was caused by a new species of tick-borne relapsing fever Borrelia capable of infecting humans that we propose to name “Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica”, which is described within this manuscript. The blood sample was discarded after initial analysis; therefore, no successful culture could be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Fingerle
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), Dienststelle Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Wächtler
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Immunology, Palliative Care, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinikum Schwabing, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität und Technischen Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Margos
- National Reference Centre for Borrelia, Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), Dienststelle Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Sabine Ruske
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Jette Jung
- Department of Bacteriology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Löscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens Wendtner
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Immunology, Palliative Care, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinikum Schwabing, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität und Technischen Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Wieser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the LMU, Munich, Germany
- Department of Bacteriology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute LMU Munich, Germany
- College of Public Health and Medical Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
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Mediannikov O, Socolovschi C, Bassene H, Diatta G, Ratmanov P, Fenollar F, Sokhna C, Raoult D. Borrelia crocidurae infection in acutely febrile patients, Senegal. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 20:1335-8. [PMID: 25062495 PMCID: PMC4111166 DOI: 10.3201/eid2008.130550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As malaria cases in Africa decline, other causes of acute febrile illness are being explored. To determine incidence of Borrelia crocidurae infection during June 2010–October 2011, we collected 1,566 blood specimens from febrile patients in Senegal. Incidence was high (7.3%). New treatment strategies, possibly doxycycline, might be indicated for febrile patients.
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Abstract
In July 2013, a resident of the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana, USA, contracted tickborne relapsing fever caused by an infection with the spirochete Borrelia hermsii. The patient's travel history and activities before onset of illness indicated a possible exposure on his residential property on the eastern side of the valley. An onsite investigation of the potential exposure site found the vector, Ornithodoros hermsi ticks, and 1 chipmunk infected with spirochetes, which on the basis of multilocus sequence typing were identical to the spirochete isolated from the patient. Field studies in other locations found additional serologic evidence and an infected tick that demonstrated a wider distribution of spirochetes circulating among the small mammal populations. Our study demonstrates that this area of Montana represents a previously unrecognized focus of relapsing fever and poses a risk for persons of acquiring this tickborne disease.
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Abstract
Wild rodent reservoir host species were surveyed prospectively for infection with Borrelia hermsii, the causative agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in the western United States. Trapping occurred during the summer of 2009-2012 at field sites surrounding Big Bear Lake, CA, a region where human infection has been reported for many years. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we tested 207 rodents from 11 species and found chipmunks (Tamias spp.) and a woodrat (Neotoma macrotis) infected. Chipmunks represented the majority of captures at these sites. Sixteen of the 207 (7.7%; CI = 4.6-12.4) animals were qPCR-positive for Borrelia spp. associated with relapsing fever, and of those, we obtained bacterial DNA sequences from eight. The phylogram made from these sequences depict a clear association with B. hermsii genomic group I. In addition, we identified an infection with Borrelia coriaceae in a Tamias merriami, a potentially nonpathogenic member of the tick-borne relapsing fever group. Our findings support the hypothesis that chipmunk species play an important role in the maintenance of Borrelia species that cause tick-borne relapsing fever in the western United States, and therefore the risk of infection to people.
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Trape JF, Diatta G, Arnathau C, Bitam I, Sarih M, Belghyti D, Bouattour A, Elguero E, Vial L, Mané Y, Baldé C, Pugnolle F, Chauvancy G, Mahé G, Granjon L, Duplantier JM, Durand P, Renaud F. The epidemiology and geographic distribution of relapsing fever borreliosis in West and North Africa, with a review of the Ornithodoros erraticus complex (Acari: Ixodida). PLoS One 2013; 8:e78473. [PMID: 24223812 PMCID: PMC3817255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapsing fever is the most frequent bacterial disease in Africa. Four main vector / pathogen complexes are classically recognized, with the louse Pediculus humanus acting as vector for B. recurrentis and the soft ticks Ornithodoros sonrai, O. erraticus and O. moubata acting as vectors for Borrelia crocidurae, B. hispanica and B. duttonii, respectively. Our aim was to investigate the epidemiology of the disease in West, North and Central Africa. METHODS AND FINDINGS From 2002 to 2012, we conducted field surveys in 17 African countries and in Spain. We investigated the occurrence of Ornithodoros ticks in rodent burrows in 282 study sites. We collected 1,629 small mammals that may act as reservoir for Borrelia infections. Using molecular methods we studied genetic diversity among Ornithodoros ticks and Borrelia infections in ticks and small mammals. Of 9,870 burrows investigated, 1,196 (12.1%) were inhabited by Ornithodoros ticks. In West Africa, the southern and eastern limits of the vectors and Borrelia infections in ticks and small mammals were 13°N and 01°E, respectively. Molecular studies revealed the occurrence of nine different Ornithodoros species, including five species new for science, with six of them harboring Borrelia infections. Only B. crocidurae was found in West Africa and three Borrelia species were identified in North Africa: B. crocidurae, B. hispanica, and B. merionesi. CONCLUSIONS Borrelia Spirochetes responsible for relapsing fever in humans are highly prevalent both in Ornithodoros ticks and small mammals in North and West Africa but Ornithodoros ticks seem absent south of 13°N and small mammals are not infected in these regions. The number of Ornithodoros species acting as vector of relapsing fever is much higher than previously known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Trape
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire de Paludologie Et Zoologie Médicale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Georges Diatta
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire de Paludologie Et Zoologie Médicale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Céline Arnathau
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Laboratoire d’Écologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Algiers, Algeria
| | - M’hammed Sarih
- Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Laboratoire des Maladies Vectorielles, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Driss Belghyti
- Université Ibn Tofail, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Kénitra, Morocco
| | - Ali Bouattour
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Service d’Entomologie Médicale, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Eric Elguero
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurence Vial
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire de Paludologie Et Zoologie Médicale, Dakar, Senegal
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Youssouph Mané
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire de Paludologie Et Zoologie Médicale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cellou Baldé
- Institut Pasteur de Guinée, Laboratoire d’Entomologie Médicale et de Vénimologie, Kindia, Guinea
| | - Franck Pugnolle
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Chauvancy
- Institut de recherche pour le développement, Laboratoire de Paludologie Et Zoologie Médicale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gil Mahé
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR Hydrosciences, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Granjon
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Jean-Marc Duplantier
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Patrick Durand
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
| | - François Renaud
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR (CNRS IRD) MIVEGEC, Montpellier, France
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Fritz CL, Payne JR, Schwan TG. Serologic evidence for Borrelia hermsii infection in rodents on federally owned recreational areas in California. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:376-81. [PMID: 23488454 PMCID: PMC3669604 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is endemic in mountainous regions of the western United States. In California, the principal agent is the spirochete Borrelia hermsii, which is transmitted by the argasid tick Ornithodoros hermsi. Humans are at risk of TBRF when infected ticks leave an abandoned rodent nest in quest of a blood meal. Rodents are the primary vertebrate hosts for B. hermsii. Sciurid rodents were collected from 23 sites in California between August, 2006, and September, 2008, and tested for serum antibodies to B. hermsii by immunoblot using a whole-cell sonicate and a specific antigen, glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GlpQ). Antibodies were detected in 20% of rodents; seroprevalence was highest (36%) in chipmunks (Tamias spp). Seroprevalence in chipmunks was highest in the Sierra Nevada (41%) and Mono (43%) ecoregions and between 1900 and 2300 meters elevation (43%). The serological studies described here are effective in implicating the primary vertebrate hosts involved in the maintenance of the ticks and spirochetes in regions endemic for TBRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis L Fritz
- Infectious Diseases Branch, Division of Communicable Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California, USA.
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El-Bahnsawy MM, Labib NA, Abdel-Fattah MAH, Ibrahim AMA, Morsy TA. Louse and tick borne relapsing fevers. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 2012; 42:625-638. [PMID: 23469636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Relapsing fever, caused by spirochaetes belonging to the genus Borrelia, was once the cause of worldwide epidemic zoonotic disease. This was largely through infection with the louse-borne form of the disease, caused by Borrelia recurrentis [(louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF)]. Another form of replasing fever is caused by Borrelia duttonii [(tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF)]. The introduction and the wide use of DDT in the last century, which is forbidden now, the incidence and prevalence of both LBRF and TBRF markedly decreased. However, with the increase of rapid transportation, crowdedness and poverty, as well as abundance of lice and ticks, replasing fever is still endemic to some countries. Besides, with the appearance of others closely related Borrelia species that begins to emerge, the threat or the burden of these arthropod-borne zoonotic may be unpredicted or underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdouh M El-Bahnsawy
- The Military Institute of Health and Epidemiology, Military Medical Academy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 115664, Egypt
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Schwan TG, Anderson JM, Lopez JE, Fischer RJ, Raffel SJ, McCoy BN, Safronetz D, Sogoba N, Maïga O, Traoré SF. Endemic foci of the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia crocidurae in Mali, West Africa, and the potential for human infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1924. [PMID: 23209863 PMCID: PMC3510061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes are maintained in endemic foci that involve a diversity of small mammals and argasid ticks in the genus Ornithodoros. Most epidemiological studies of tick-borne relapsing fever in West Africa caused by Borrelia crocidurae have been conducted in Senegal. The risk for humans to acquire relapsing fever in Mali is uncertain, as only a few human cases have been identified. Given the high incidence of malaria in Mali, and the potential to confuse the clinical diagnosis of these two diseases, we initiated studies to determine if there were endemic foci of relapsing fever spirochetes that could pose a risk for human infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We investigated 20 villages across southern Mali for the presence of relapsing fever spirochetes. Small mammals were captured, thin blood smears were examined microscopically for spirochetes, and serum samples were tested for antibodies to relapsing fever spirochetes. Ornithodoros sonrai ticks were collected and examined for spirochetal infection. In total, 11.0% of the 663 rodents and 14.3% of the 63 shrews tested were seropositive and 2.2% of the animals had active spirochete infections when captured. In the Bandiagara region, the prevalence of infection was higher with 35% of the animals seropositive and 10% infected. Here also Ornithodoros sonrai were abundant and 17.3% of 278 individual ticks tested were infected with Borrelia crocidurae. Fifteen isolates of B. crocidurae were established and characterized by multi-locus sequence typing. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The potential for human tick-borne relapsing fever exists in many areas of southern Mali.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom G. Schwan
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jennifer M. Anderson
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Twinbrook, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Job E. Lopez
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Robert J. Fischer
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Sandra J. Raffel
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Brandi N. McCoy
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - David Safronetz
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Nafomon Sogoba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ousmane Maïga
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sékou F. Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Yabsley MJ, Parsons NJ, Horne EC, Shock BC, Purdee M. Novel relapsing fever Borrelia detected in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) admitted to two rehabilitation centers in South Africa. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1125-30. [PMID: 21870246 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The African penguin, Spheniscus demersus, the only penguin species that breeds in Africa, is endangered, and several diseases including avian malaria, babesiosis, and aspergillosis are common in some populations. From 2002 to 2010, spirochetes morphologically consistent with Borrelia were observed on thin blood smears from 115 of 8,343 (1.4%) African penguins admitted to rehabilitation centers in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Prevalence rates were significantly higher among chicks and juveniles compared with adults and for birds sampled during the summer months of October to February compared with winter months. The majority of infected birds were ultimately released, despite lack of antibiotic treatment; however, at least one bird is believed to have died of borreliosis based on characteristic gross and microscopic lesions. Analysis of partial flaB gene sequences indicated this was a relapsing fever Borrelia most similar to a Borrelia sp. detected in soft ticks from a seabird colony in Japan. This represents the fourth report of a relapsing fever Borrelia sp. in an avian species and highlights the need for additional studies of potentially pathogenic organisms infecting the African penguin in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Yabsley
- Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Lopez JE, Mccoy BN, Krajacich BJ, Schwan TG. Acquisition and subsequent transmission of Borrelia hermsii by the soft tick Ornithodoros hermsi. J Med Entomol 2011; 48:891-895. [PMID: 21845950 DOI: 10.1603/me10283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne relapsing fever is caused by spirochetes within the genus Borrelia. The hallmark of this disease is recurrent febrile episodes and high spirochete densities in mammalian blood resulting from immune evasion. Between episodes of spirochetemia when bacterial densities are low, it is unknown whether ticks can acquire the spirochetes, become colonized by the bacteria, and subsequently transmit the bacteria once they feed again. We addressed these questions by feeding ticks, Omnithodoros hermsi Wheeler (Acari: Argasidae),daily on an infected mouse during low andhigh levels of spirochete infections. This study demonstrates that spirochete acquisition by the tick vector can occur during low levels of mammalian infection and that once a spirochetemic threshold is attained within the blood, nearly 100% of ticks become colonized by Borrelia hermsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job E Lopez
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA.
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Abstract
Detecting spirochetes remains challenging in cases of African tick-borne relapsing fever. Using real-time PCR specific for the 16S rRNA Borrelia gene, we found 27 (13%) of 206 samples from febrile patients in rural Senegal to be positive, whereas thick blood smear examinations conducted at dispensaries identified only 4 (2%) as positive.
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Takano A, Muto M, Sakata A, Ogasawara Y, Ando S, Hanaoka N, Tsurumi M, Sato F, Nakamura N, Fujita H, Watanabe H, Kawabata H. Relapsing fever spirochete in seabird tick, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis 2010; 15:1528-30. [PMID: 19788834 PMCID: PMC2819885 DOI: 10.3201/eid1509.090459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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49
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Platonov AE, Maleev VV, Karan' LS. [Relapsing borrelioses fevers: forgotten and new ones]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2010; 82:74-80. [PMID: 21381356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Relapsing fever borrelioses are widely spread in the endemic regions of Eurasia, Africa, and America as before and account for significant morbidity and mortality; however, these infections have been recently underestimated. The pathogens of the fevers are the Borrelia species transmitted by ticks of the Ornithodoros genus; they genetically differ from the pathogens of Lyme borreliosis--Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato transmitted by Ixodes ticks. The species Borrelia miyamotoi belongs to the genetic species of Borrelia, the causative agents of relapsing fevers. The authors found Borrelia of this species in the Ixodes ticks of Russia and first showed that B. miyamotoi were able to induce multiple cases in man, which had been earlier diagnosed as erythema-free Ixodes tick-borne borreliosis. The review considers the pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of "old" relapsing fever borrelioses versus the available data on the "new" infection caused by B. miyamotoi. This must assist Russian physicians and scientists both to treat "old" and new tick-borne relapsing borrelioses and to schedule studies of the "new" B. myamotoi infection.
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Mahram M, Ghavami MB. Congenital tick-borne relapsing fever: report of a case with transplacental transmission in the Islamic Republic of Iran. East Mediterr Health J 2009; 15:761-764. [PMID: 19731794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Mahram
- Department of Paediatrics, Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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