1
|
Garcia-Vozmediano A, Giglio G, Ramassa E, Nobili F, Rossi L, Tomassone L. Low Risk Perception about Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in an Area Recently Invaded by Ticks in Northwestern Italy. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8070131. [PMID: 34357923 PMCID: PMC8310202 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8070131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perception, together with the adoption of measures to prevent tick bites, may strongly influence human exposure to ticks and transmitted pathogens. We created a questionnaire to evaluate how people perceive the health risk posed by ticks in an area recently invaded by these arthropods, in the western Italian Alps. Moreover, through a collaborative effort with park rangers and physicians, we investigated which tick species bite humans and their infection with pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and spotted-fever group Rickettsiae). Apart from two Dermacentor marginatus bites, we identified Ixodes ricinus (n = 124) as the main species responsible for tick bites. The investigated pathogens infected 25.4% of tested I. ricinus. The evaluation of the engorgement rate of biting I. ricinus revealed that they had been likely feeding on humans for 24 h or more, suggesting a high probability of pathogen transmission. Indeed, the questionnaires revealed that people infrequently adopt preventive measures, such as inspecting the body for ticks, although most respondents claimed that ticks are a threat to human health. Having suffered from previous tick bites was positively associated with the adoption of personal protection measures. Given the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases in the region, the public should be better informed about the possibility of being bitten by infected ticks in order to mitigate the risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.G.-V.); (G.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Giorgia Giglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.G.-V.); (G.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Elisa Ramassa
- Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette delle Alpi Cozie, Via Fransuà Fontan, 1, 10050 Salbertrand, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Nobili
- Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette del Po Torinese, Corso Trieste 98, 10024 Moncalieri, Italy;
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.G.-V.); (G.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L.go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (A.G.-V.); (G.G.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-9195
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elmhalli F, Garboui SS, Karlson AKB, Mozūraitis R, Baldauf SL, Grandi G. Acaricidal activity against Ixodes ricinus nymphs of essential oils from the Libyan plants Artemisia herba alba, Origanum majorana and Juniperus phoenicea. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 24:100575. [PMID: 34024391 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ixodes ricinus (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) is a major vector for the transmission of several important human pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of essential oils (Eos) on I. ricinus tick nymphs. Oils were obtained from the leaves of three plants native to Libya: white wormwood (Artemisia herba alba Asso), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) and Arâr (Juniperus phoenicea L., English common name Phoenician juniper). Assays were done using the "open filter paper method". Two concentrations from each oil, 0.5 and 1 μl/cm, were tested. The acaricidal effect was measured in terms of the lethal concentrations (LC50, LC95) and lethal time (LT50, LT95). Mortality rates were obtained by counting the surviving nymphs every 30 min for the first five hours and then at 24, 48 and 72 h. A mortality of 100% was recorded at the higher concentration of oils (1 μl/cm2) from A. herba alba and J. phoenicea at the first 2 h of exposure. Exposure to O. majorana led to 100% mortality on the third day (72 h), and this effect decreased noticeably with 0.5 μl/cm2 oil at the same exposure time. However, 50% of ticks showed a paralysis effect and less movement after 2 h. The LC50 of mortality was reached within the first 24 h of exposure time at 0.5 μl/cm2 of O. majorana, which produced 60% tick's mortality. Chemical composition of the essential oils was elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. These results suggest that essential oils deserve further investigation as components of alternative approaches for I. ricinus tick control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzeia Elmhalli
- Department of Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 755 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
| | - Samira S Garboui
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Anna Karin Borg Karlson
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Drottning Kristinas väg 4, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Raimondas Mozūraitis
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18B, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sandra L Baldauf
- Department of Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 755 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7036, Ulls väg 26, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Ulls väg 2B, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lyme Disease: Diversity of Borrelia Species in California and Mexico Detected Using a Novel Immunoblot Assay. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8020097. [PMID: 32295182 PMCID: PMC7349648 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With more than 300,000 new cases reported each year in the United States of America (USA), Lyme disease is a major public health concern. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss) is considered the primary agent of Lyme disease in North America. However, multiple genetically diverse Borrelia species encompassing the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex and the Relapsing Fever Borrelia (RFB) group are capable of causing tickborne disease. We report preliminary results of a serological survey of previously undetected species of Bbsl and RFB in California and Mexico using a novel immunoblot technique. Methods: Serum samples were tested for seroreactivity to specific species of Bbsl and RFB using an immunoblot method based on recombinant Borrelia membrane proteins, as previously described. A sample was recorded as seropositive if it showed immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or IgG reactivity with at least two proteins from a specific Borrelia species. Results: The patient cohort consisted of 90 patients residing in California or Mexico who met the clinical case definition of chronic Lyme disease. Immunoblot testing revealed that 42 patients were seropositive for Bbsl (Group 1), while 56 patients were seropositive for RFB (Group 2). Eight patients were seropositive for both Bbsl and RFB species. Group 1 included patients who were seropositive for Bbss (14), B. californiensis (eight), B. spielmanii (10), B. afzelii/B. garinii (10), and mixed infections that included B. mayonii (three). Group 2 included patients who were seropositive for B. hermsii (nine), B. miyamotoi (seven), B. turicatae (nine), and B. turcica (two). In the remaining Group 1 and Group 2 patients, the exact Borrelia species could not be identified using the immunoblot technique. Conclusions: Lyme disease is associated with a diverse group of Borrelia species in California and Mexico. Current testing for Lyme disease focuses on detection of Bbss, possibly resulting in missed diagnoses and failure to administer appropriate antibiotic therapy in a timely manner. The genetic diversity of Borrelia spirochetes must be considered in future Lyme disease test development.
Collapse
|
4
|
Monitoring of Nesting Songbirds Detects Established Population of Blacklegged Ticks and Associated Lyme Disease Endemic Area in Canada. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8010059. [PMID: 32183171 PMCID: PMC7151351 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides a novel method of documenting established populations of bird-feeding ticks. Single populations of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and the rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, were revealed in southwestern Québec, Canada. Blacklegged tick nymphs and, similarly, larval and nymphal rabbit ticks were tested for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), using PCR and the flagellin (flaB) gene, and 14 (42%) of 33 of blacklegged tick nymphs tested were positive. In contrast, larval and nymphal H. leporsipalustris ticks were negative for Bbsl. The occurrence of Bbsl in I. scapularis nymphs brings to light the presence of a Lyme disease endemic area at this songbird nesting locality. Because our findings denote that this area is a Lyme disease endemic area, and I. scapularis is a human-biting tick, local residents and outdoor workers must take preventive measures to avoid tick bites. Furthermore, local healthcare practitioners must include Lyme disease in their differential diagnosis.
Collapse
|
5
|
Elmhalli F, Garboui SS, Borg-Karlson AK, Mozūraitis R, Baldauf SL, Grandi G. The repellency and toxicity effects of essential oils from the Libyan plants Salvadora persica and Rosmarinus officinalis against nymphs of Ixodes ricinus. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 77:585-599. [PMID: 31089978 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Essential oils extracted from the leaves of Libyan Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), and Miswak (Salvadora persica L.) were evaluated for their acaricidal and repellent effects on Ixodes ricinus L. nymphs (Acari: Ixodidae) using a bioassay based on an 'open filter paper method'. Rosmarinus officinalis leaf essential oil diluted to 0.5 and 1 µl/cm2 in acetone exhibited, respectively, 20 and 100% tick mortality after about 5 h of exposure. A total of 50 and 95% of I. ricinus nymphs were killed by direct contact with the oil when exposed to lethal concentrations (LC) of 0.7 µl/cm2 (LC50) and 0.95 µl/cm2 (LC95), respectively. The LC50 (0.5 µl/cm2) was reached before the end of the first 24 h of exposure time (ET), as tick mortality at 24 h was 60%. Salvadora persica leaf essential oil at 1 µl/cm2 showed a significant repellency effect against I. ricinus nymphs at 1.5 h ET. A 95% repellency was observed at a repellent concentration (RC95) of 1 µl/cm2 of S. persica, but no significant mortality was recorded at this dose of S. persica oil. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses showed that the main monoterpenes in both oils were 1,8-cineol, α-pinene, and β-pinene, although in markedly different proportions. These results suggest that essential oils have substantial potential as alternative approaches for I. ricinus tick control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzeia Elmhalli
- Department of Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Environmental Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Public Health, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
| | - Samira S Garboui
- Department of Environmental Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Public Health, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Anna-Karin Borg-Karlson
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sandra L Baldauf
- Department of Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18d, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sertour N, Cotté V, Garnier M, Malandrin L, Ferquel E, Choumet V. Infection Kinetics and Tropism of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Mouse After Natural (via Ticks) or Artificial (Needle) Infection Depends on the Bacterial Strain. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1722. [PMID: 30108573 PMCID: PMC6079464 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sl is a complex of pathogen bacteria transmitted to the host by Ixodes ticks. European Ixodes ricinus ticks transmit different B. burgdorferi species, pathogenic to human. Bacteria are principally present in unfed tick midgut, then migrate to salivary glands during blood meal and infect a new host via saliva. In this study, efficiency of transmission in a mouse model of three pathogen species belonging to the B. burgdorferi sl complex, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (B31, N40, and BRE-13), B. afzelii (IBS-5), and B. bavariensis (PBi) is examined in order to evaluate infection risk after tick bite. We compared the dissemination of the Borrelia species in mice after tick bite and needle injection. Location in the ticks and transmission to mice were also determined for the three species by following infection kinetics. After inoculation, we found a significant prevalence in the brain for PBi and BRE-13, in the heart, for PBi, in the skin where B31 was more prevalent than PBi and in the ankle where both B31 and N40 were more present than PBi. After tick bite, statistical analyses showed that BRE-13 was more prevalent than N40 in the brain, in the bladder and in the inguinal lymph node. When Borrelia dissemination was compared after inoculation and tick bite, we observed heart infection only after tick inoculation of BRE-13, and PBi was only detected after tick bite in the skin. For N40, a higher number of positive organs was found after inoculation compared to tick bite. All European B. burgdorferi sl strains studied were detected in female salivary glands before blood meal and infected mice within 24 h of tick bite. Moreover, Borrelia-infected nymphs were able to infect mice as early as 12 h of tick attachment. Our study shows the need to remove ticks as early as possible after attachment. Moreover, Borrelia tropism varied according to the strain as well as between ticks bite and needle inoculation, confirming the association between some strains and clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis, as well as the role played by tick saliva in the efficiency of Borrelia infection and dissemination in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Valérie Choumet
- CNR des Borrelia, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Environnement et Risques Infectieux, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roome A, Spathis R, Hill L, Darcy JM, Garruto RM. Lyme Disease Transmission Risk: Seasonal Variation in the Built Environment. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6030084. [PMID: 30029458 PMCID: PMC6163686 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6030084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal variation in spatial distribution and pathogen prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) influences human population risk of Lyme disease in peri-urban built environments. Parks, gardens, playgrounds, school campuses and neighborhoods represent a significant risk for Lyme disease transmission. From June 2012 through May 2014, ticks were collected using 1 m2 corduroy cloths dragged over low-lying vegetation parallel to walkways with high human foot traffic. DNA was extracted from ticks, purified and presence of B. burgdorferi assessed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Summer is reported as the time of highest risk for Lyme disease transmission in the United States and our results indicate a higher tick density of 26.0/1000 m2 in summer vs. 0.2/1000 m2 to 10.5/1000 m2 in spring and fall. However, our findings suggest that tick infection rate is proportionally higher during the fall and spring than summer (30.0–54.7% in fall and 36.8–65.6% in spring vs. 20.0–28.2% in summer). Seasonal variation in infected tick density has significant implications for Lyme disease transmission as people are less likely to be aware of ticks in built environments, and unaware of increased infection in ticks in spring and fall. These factors may lead to more tick bites resulting in Lyme infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Roome
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Rita Spathis
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Leah Hill
- Quality Control, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Albany, NY 12144, USA.
| | - John M Darcy
- US Clinical Development & Medical Affairs in the Division of Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology, Novartis, East Hanover, NJ 07936, USA.
| | - Ralph M Garruto
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Eisen L. Pathogen transmission in relation to duration of attachment by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:535-542. [PMID: 29398603 PMCID: PMC5857464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector to humans in the eastern United States of the deer tick virus lineage of Powassan virus (Powassan virus disease); the protozoan parasite Babesia microti (babesiosis); and multiple bacterial disease agents including Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii (Lyme disease), Borrelia miyamotoi (relapsing fever-like illness, named Borrelia miyamotoi disease), and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (a minor causative agent of ehrlichiosis). With the notable exception of Powassan virus, which can be transmitted within minutes after attachment by an infected tick, there is no doubt that the risk of transmission of other I. scapularis-borne pathogens, including Lyme disease spirochetes, increases with the length of time (number of days) infected ticks are allowed to remain attached. This review summarizes data from experimental transmission studies to reinforce the important disease-prevention message that regular (at least daily) tick checks and prompt tick removal has strong potential to reduce the risk of transmission of I. scapularis-borne bacterial and parasitic pathogens from infected attached ticks. The most likely scenario for human exposure to an I. scapularis-borne pathogen is the bite by a single infected tick. However, recent reviews have failed to make a clear distinction between data based on transmission studies where experimental hosts were fed upon by a single versus multiple infected ticks. A summary of data from experimental studies on transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes (Bo. burgdorferi and Bo. mayonii) by I. scapularis nymphs indicates that the probability of transmission resulting in host infection, at time points from 24 to 72 h after nymphal attachment, is higher when multiple infected ticks feed together as compared to feeding by a single infected tick. In the specific context of risk for human infection, the most relevant experimental studies therefore are those where the probability of pathogen transmission at a given point in time after attachment was determined using a single infected tick. The minimum duration of attachment by single infected I. scapularis nymphs required for transmission to result in host infection is poorly defined for most pathogens, but experimental studies have shown that Powassan virus can be transmitted within 15 min of tick attachment and both A. phagocytophilum and Bo. miyamotoi within the first 24 h of attachment. There is no experimental evidence for transmission of Lyme disease spirochetes by single infected I. scapularis nymphs to result in host infection when ticks are attached for only 24 h (despite exposure of nearly 90 experimental rodent hosts across multiple studies) but the probability of transmission resulting in host infection appears to increase to approximately 10% by 48 h and reach 70% by 72 h for Bo. burgdorferi. Caveats to the results from experimental transmission studies, including specific circumstances (such as re-attachment of previously partially fed infected ticks) that may lead to more rapid transmission are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
|
10
|
Lyme Disease Presenting with Multiple Cranial Nerve Deficits: Report of a Case. Case Rep Emerg Med 2016; 2016:7218906. [PMID: 27635267 PMCID: PMC5011200 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7218906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted multisystem inflammatory disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. With more than 25,000 CDC reported cases annually, it has become the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. We report a case of 38-year-old man with Lyme disease presenting with simultaneous palsy of 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 10th cranial nerves.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gleim ER, Garrison LE, Vello MS, Savage MY, Lopez G, Berghaus RD, Yabsley MJ. Factors associated with tick bites and pathogen prevalence in ticks parasitizing humans in Georgia, USA. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:125. [PMID: 26935205 PMCID: PMC4776404 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1408-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence and emergence of tick-borne diseases has increased dramatically in the United States during the past 30 years, yet few large-scale epidemiological studies have been performed on individuals bitten by ticks. Epidemiological information, including disease development, may provide valuable information regarding effectiveness of tick bite prevention education, pathogen transmission, human-disease dynamics, and potential implications for under reporting of tick-borne diseases. Methods Ticks found attached to Georgia residents were submitted for identification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Francisella tularensis, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Borrelia, and Rickettsia spp. Tick bite victims were interviewed three weeks after the tick bite to identify various epidemiologic factors associated with infestation and if signs suggestive of a tick-borne disease had developed. Fisher’s exact test of independence was used to evaluate associations between various factors evaluated in the study. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for the prediction of non-specific illness post-tick bite. Results From April 2005-December 2006, 444 participants submitted 597 ticks (426 Amblyomma americanum, 142 Dermacentor variabilis, 19 A. maculatum, 7 Ixodes scapularis, 3 Amblyomma sp.) which originated from 95 counties. Only 25 (34 %) of 74 interviewed individuals purposely took tick bite prevention measures. Ticks that were PCR positive for bacterial organisms were attached to 136 participants. Of the 77 participants who developed non-specific illness, 50 did not have PCR positive ticks, whereas 27 did have PCR positive tick (s). Of those 27 individuals, 12 fit the criteria for a possible tick-borne illness (i.e., tick attached >6 h [if known], ≥4 day incubation period, and the individual exhibited clinical symptoms typical of a tick-borne illness without exhibiting cough, sore throat, or sinus congestion). Ticks from these individuals were positive for R. amblyommii (n = 8), E. ewingii (n = 1), R. montana (n = 1), R. rhiphicephali (n = 1), and Rickettsia sp. TR-39 (n = 1). Conclusions Although illnesses reported in this study cannot definitively be connected with tick bites, it does provide insight into development, diagnosis, and treatment of possible tick-borne diseases post-tick bite. The study also provided data on pathogen prevalence, and epidemiologic factors associated with tick bites, as well as tick presence by county in Georgia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Gleim
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., Wildlife Health Bldg, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Current Address: Oxford College of Emory University, 150 Few Cr, Oxford, GA, 30054, USA.
| | - Laurel E Garrison
- Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, 2 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA. .,Current address: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, MS C-25, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Marianne S Vello
- Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, 2 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Mason Y Savage
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., Wildlife Health Bldg, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Current address: College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1052 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
| | - Gaylord Lopez
- Georgia Poison Center, 80 Jesse Hill Junior Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Roy D Berghaus
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., Wildlife Health Bldg, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis is increasing rapidly in many parts of the world and is the most commonly occurring vector-borne disease in Europe and the USA. The disease is transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes. They require a blood meal at each stage of their life cycle and feed on a wide variety of wild and domestic animals as well as birds and reptiles. Transmission to humans is incidental and can occur during visits to a vector habitat, when host mammals and their associated ticks migrate into the urban environment, or when companion animals bring ticks into areas of human habitation. It is frequently stated that the risk of infection is very low if the tick is removed within 24–48 hours, with some claims that there is no risk if an attached tick is removed within 24 hours or 48 hours. A literature review has determined that in animal models, transmission can occur in <16 hours, and the minimum attachment time for transmission of infection has never been established. Mechanisms for early transmission of spirochetes have been proposed based on their presence in different organs of the tick. Studies have found systemic infection and the presence of spirochetes in the tick salivary glands prior to feeding, which could result in cases of rapid transmission. Also, there is evidence that spirochete transmission times and virulence depend upon the tick and Borrelia species. These factors support anecdotal evidence that Borrelia infection can occur in humans within a short time after tick attachment.
Collapse
|
13
|
Schwarz A, Tenzer S, Hackenberg M, Erhart J, Gerhold-Ay A, Mazur J, Kuharev J, Ribeiro JMC, Kotsyfakis M. A systems level analysis reveals transcriptomic and proteomic complexity in Ixodes ricinus midgut and salivary glands during early attachment and feeding. Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:2725-35. [PMID: 25048707 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.039289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although pathogens are usually transmitted within the first 24-48 h of attachment of the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus, little is known about the tick's biological responses at these earliest phases of attachment. Tick midgut and salivary glands are the main tissues involved in tick blood feeding and pathogen transmission but the limited genomic information for I. ricinus delays the application of high-throughput methods to study their physiology. We took advantage of the latest advances in the fields of Next Generation RNA-Sequencing and Label-free Quantitative Proteomics to deliver an unprecedented, quantitative description of the gene expression dynamics in the midgut and salivary glands of this disease vector upon attachment to the vertebrate host. A total of 373 of 1510 identified proteins had higher expression in the salivary glands, but only 110 had correspondingly high transcript levels in the same tissue. Furthermore, there was midgut-specific expression of 217 genes at both the transcriptome and proteome level. Tissue-dependent transcript, but not protein, accumulation was revealed for 552 of 885 genes. Moreover, we discovered the enrichment of tick salivary glands in proteins involved in gene transcription and translation, which agrees with the secretory role of this tissue; this finding also agrees with our finding of lower tick t-RNA representation in the salivary glands when compared with the midgut. The midgut, in turn, is enriched in metabolic components and proteins that support its mechanical integrity in order to accommodate and metabolize the ingested blood. Beyond understanding the physiological events that support hematophagy by arthropod ectoparasites, we discovered more than 1500 proteins located at the interface between ticks, the vertebrate host, and the tick-borne pathogens. Thus, our work significantly improves the knowledge of the genetics underlying the transmission lifecycle of this tick species, which is an essential step for developing alternative methods to better control tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schwarz
- From the ‡Biology Center, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Budweis, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- §Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Michael Hackenberg
- ¶Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Genetics Department, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain
| | - Jan Erhart
- From the ‡Biology Center, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Budweis, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Aslihan Gerhold-Ay
- ‖Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Johanna Mazur
- ‖Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Jörg Kuharev
- §Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- From the ‡Biology Center, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Budweis, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- From the ‡Biology Center, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Budweis, 37005, Czech Republic;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Binnicker MJ, Theel ES, Pritt BS. Lack of evidence for rapid transmission of Lyme disease following a tick bite. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 73:102-3. [PMID: 22578945 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
16
|
|
17
|
Stricker RB, Hynote ED, Mervine PC. Clinical evidence for rapid transmission of Lyme disease following a tickbite: response to Piesman and Gray. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
18
|
Piesman J, Gray J. Letter in response to the Hynote article. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 73:103-4; author reply 104-5. [PMID: 22424899 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|