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Polsomboon Nelson S, Ergunay K, Bourke BP, Reinbold-Wasson DD, Caicedo-Quiroga L, Kirkitadze G, Chunashvili T, Tucker CL, Linton YM. Nanopore-based metagenomics reveal a new Rickettsia in Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102305. [PMID: 38150911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Accurate identification of tick-borne bacteria, including those associated with rickettsioses, pose significant challenges due to the polymicrobial and polyvectoral nature of the infections. We aimed to carry out a comparative evaluation of a non-targeted metagenomic approach by nanopore sequencing (NS) and commonly used PCR assays amplifying Rickettsia genes in field-collected ticks. The study included a total of 310 ticks, originating from Poland (44.2 %) and Bulgaria (55.8 %). Samples comprised 7 species, the majority of which were Ixodes ricinus (62.9 %), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (21.2 %). Screening was carried out in 55 pools, using total nucleic acid extractions from individual ticks. NS and ompA/gltA PCRs identified Rickettsia species in 47.3 % and 54.5 % of the pools, respectively. The most frequently detected species were Rickettsia asiatica (27.2 %) and Rickettsia raoultii (21.8 %), followed by Rickettsia monacensis (3.6 %), Rickettsia helvetica (1.8 %), Rickettsia massiliae (1.8 %) and Rickettsia tillamookensis (1.8 %). Phylogeny construction on mutS, uvrD, argS and virB4 sequences and a follow-up deep sequencing further supported R. asiatica identification, documented in Europe for the first time. NS further enabled detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (9.1 %), Coxiella burnetii (5.4 %) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.8 %), as well as various endosymbionts of Rickettsia and Coxiella. Co-detection of multiple rickettsial and non-rickettsial bacteria were observed in 16.4 % of the pools with chromosome and plasmid-based contigs. In conclusion, non-targeted metagenomic sequencing was documented as a robust strategy capable of providing a broader view of the tick-borne bacterial pathogen spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suppaluck Polsomboon Nelson
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA; Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Koray Ergunay
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA; Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA; Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Brian P Bourke
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA; Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Laura Caicedo-Quiroga
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA; Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giorgi Kirkitadze
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate - Georgia (USAMRD-G), Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tamar Chunashvili
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate - Georgia (USAMRD-G), Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Cynthia L Tucker
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne-Marie Linton
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution, Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD, USA; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD, USA; Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC, USA
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2
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Chang M, Min YQ, Xu Z, Deng F, Wang H, Ning YJ. Host factor MxA restricts Dabie bandavirus infection by targeting the viral NP protein to inhibit NP-RdRp interaction and ribonucleoprotein activity. J Virol 2024; 98:e0156823. [PMID: 38054738 PMCID: PMC10805036 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01568-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease with high case mortality rates, which is caused by Dabie bandavirus (DBV), a novel pathogen also termed as SFTS virus (SFTSV). Currently, no specific therapeutic drugs or vaccines are available for SFTS. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) has been shown to inhibit multiple viral pathogens; however, the role of MxA in DBV infection is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that DBV stimulates MxA expression which, in turn, restricts DBV infection. Mechanistic target analysis revealed that MxA specifically interacts with the viral nucleocapsid protein (NP) in a manner independent of RNA. Minigenome reporter assay showed that in agreement with its targeting of NP, MxA inhibits DBV ribonucleoprotein (RNP) activity. In detail, MxA interacts with the NP N-terminal and disrupts the interaction of NP with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) but not NP multimerization, the critical activities of NP for RNP formation and function. Furthermore, MxA N-terminal domain was identified as the functional domain inhibiting DBV infection, and, consistently, then was shown to interact with NP and obstruct the NP-RdRp interaction. Additionally, threonine 103 within the N-terminal domain is important for MxA inhibition to DBV, and its mutation (T103A) attenuates MxA binding to NP and obstruction of the NP-RdRp interaction. This study uncovers MxA inhibition of DBV with a series of functional and mechanistical analyses, providing insights into the virus-host interactions and probably helping inform the development of antiviral agents in the future.IMPORTANCEDBV/SFTSV is an emerging high-pathogenic virus. Since its first identification in China in 2009, cases of DBV infection have been reported in many other countries, posing a significant threat to public health. Uncovering the mechanisms of DBV-host interactions is necessary to understand the viral pathogenesis and host response and may advance the development of antiviral therapeutics. Here, we found that host factor MxA whose expression is induced by DBV restricts the virus infection. Mechanistically, MxA specifically interacts with the viral NP and blocks the NP-RdRp interaction, inhibiting the viral RNP activity. Further studies identified the key domain and amino acid residue required for MxA inhibition to DBV. Consistently, they were then shown to be important for MxA targeting of NP and obstruction of the NP-RdRp association. These findings unravel the restrictive role of MxA in DBV infection and the underlying mechanism, expanding our knowledge of the virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Qin Min
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hualin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun-Jia Ning
- Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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Offei Addo S, Essah Bentil R, Olivia Ama Baako B, Ansah-Owusu J, Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah C, Behene E, Asoala V, Dunford JC, Asiedu Larbi J, Kweku Baidoo P, David Wilson M, Diclaro JW, Dadzie SK. Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Tick Infestations in Kassena-Nankana Livestock. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:8889907. [PMID: 38234318 PMCID: PMC10791324 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8889907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of ticks to adapt to different ecological zones, coupled with the spread of infectious pathogens negatively affects livestock production and thus, there is a need for better control strategies. However, control measures within a geographical region can only be effective if there is available information on tick population dynamics and ecology. This study focused on ticks infesting livestock in the Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The ticks were morphologically identified, variables such as season, animal host, and predilection sites were recorded, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 13. Out of 448 livestock examined, tick infestation in cattle was (78.60%), followed by sheep (25%) and goats (5.88%). A total of 1,550 ticks including nymphs (303) and adults (1,247) were collected. Adult ticks were found to be significantly associated with season (p < 0.001), with a high burden in the wet season. The nymph burden and body parts of livestock hosts were significantly associated with more nymphs collected from male animals than females (p < 0.001). Three genera of ticks, Amblyomma (62.97%), Hyalomma (18.71%), and Rhipicephalus (18.32%) were morphologically identified with the most predominant tick species recorded as Amblyomma variegatum (62.97%). Matured A. variegatum was sampled primarily in the wet season with their predilection site as the udder/scrotum (p < 0.001). However, adult Hyalomma truncatum was observed to have a significant association with the anal region (p < 0.001). Findings from this study are essential for formulating tick control measures to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Jane Ansah-Owusu
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - James C. Dunford
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Asiedu Larbi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kweku Baidoo
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael David Wilson
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph W. Diclaro
- Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Detachment, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Fang C, Liu Y, Tang F, Liu L, Guo P, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Ma X, Hu Z, Li S, Wang G, Cheng S, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhang X, Liu W. Identification of Mudanjiang Phlebovirus in the Daxing'anling Region of China. Viruses 2023; 15:2353. [PMID: 38140594 PMCID: PMC10747047 DOI: 10.3390/v15122353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mudanjiang phlebovirus (MJPV) is a newly discovered phlebovirus, initially detected from Ixodes persulcatus ticks in China in 2022. In this study, by next-generation sequencing (NGS) on a wide variety of ticks and wild small animals in China, we detected MJPV from I. persulcatus and Meriones meridianus. Additionally, we conducted RT-PCR and sequencing on 1815 adult ticks and 805 wild small mammals collected from eight provinces in China between 2017 and 2021. MJPV RNA-positive results were found in 0.22% (4/1815) of tick samples, as well as in 0.12% (1/805) of rodent samples. All positive detections were obtained from Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. Sequencing analysis revealed nucleotide similarities ranging from 98.23% to 99.11%, as well as amino acid similarities ranging from 99.12% to100%, between the current MJPV strain and previously reported strains of MJPV. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that the previously reported MJPV strain along with our two variants clustered together with other tick-borne phenuiviruses, indicating their close relationship within this viral group. This study represents the first detection of MJPV infection in wild rodents, expanding the known host range for this virus in the endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenli Fang
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; (C.F.); (S.C.); (X.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Yantao Liu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao 266033, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Fang Tang
- Institute of Medical Prevention and Control of Public Health Emergencies, Characteristic Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Beijing 102613, China;
| | - Liming Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China;
| | - Peijun Guo
- Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 264003, China;
| | - Yunfa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Jingtao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Xiaofang Ma
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao 266033, China; (Y.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Zhenyu Hu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
| | - Shuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Shiwei Cheng
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; (C.F.); (S.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xingxiao Zhang
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; (C.F.); (S.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jianlong Zhang
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; (C.F.); (S.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Z.); (S.L.); (G.W.)
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
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McClung KL, Sundstrom KD, Lineberry MW, Grant AN, Little SE. Seasonality of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) Activity and Prevalence of Infection with Tick-Borne Disease Agents in North Central Oklahoma. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:561-567. [PMID: 37668606 PMCID: PMC10654644 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Amblyomma americanum is the most common tick infesting both animals and humans in the southern United States and transmits a variety of zoonotic agents. The rise in tick-borne diseases (TBD) globally imparts a need for more active surveillance of tick populations to accurately quantify prevalence and risk of tick-borne infectious organisms. To better understand TBD risk in north central Oklahoma, this study aimed to describe the current seasonal activity of A. americanum in this region and investigate the seasonality of tick-borne infectious agents. Materials and Methods: Tick collections were performed twice a month for a duration of 2 years at a field site in Payne County, Oklahoma. Total nucleic acid was extracted from a subset of adult A. americanum and tested for Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. using established PCR protocols. Results: Peak activity times for each life stage were observed, with adults primarily active 1 month earlier than historical seasonal trends describe, and male A. americanum active earlier in the year than female A. americanum. Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Borrelia lonestari were found in 26.4%, 6.1%, 2.5%, and 1.1% of adult A. americanum, respectively. No seasonal trend in spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. (SFGR) was observed in peak activity months. Conclusions: This study found an apparently shifting phenology for A. americanum adults in Oklahoma. While these results did not show a trend in SFGR, further investigation is needed to better understand the potential seasonality of infection prevalence within A. americanum across the expanding range of this vector, especially considering the extended activity of males in winter months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L. McClung
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kellee D. Sundstrom
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Megan W. Lineberry
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Amber N. Grant
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Susan E. Little
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Rafael M, Almazán C, Bermúdez S, Abdelbaset AE, Kasaija PD, Kabi F, Akande FA, Ajagbe DO, Bamgbose T, Ghosh S, Palavesam A, Hamid PH, Oskam CL, Egan SL, Duarte-Barbosa A, Hekimoğlu O, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Dahal A. Perception of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Worldwide. Pathogens 2023; 12:1258. [PMID: 37887774 PMCID: PMC10610181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review study, we addressed the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting human and animal health worldwide. Data and perspectives were collected from different countries and regions worldwide, including America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The results updated the current situation with ticks and TBD and how it is perceived by society with information bias and gaps. The study reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations to advance in the surveillance, communication and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Rafael
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonóma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Medical Entomology Research Department, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama;
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Paul D. Kasaija
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Fredrick Kabi
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Timothy Bamgbose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode-Omu City 221102, Osun State, Nigeria;
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
- IVRI-Eastern Regional Station, 37, Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Penny H. Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia;
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Siobhon L. Egan
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Amanda Duarte-Barbosa
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey;
| | - Matias P. J. Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Ananta Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan 44200, Nepal;
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Rich SM, Siegel EL, Xu G. What a Tick Can Tell a Doctor: Using the Human-Biting Tick in the Clinical Management of Tick-Borne Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6522. [PMID: 37892661 PMCID: PMC10607280 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With expanding concern about ticks, there is a general sense of uncertainty about the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases. The diagnosis process is often based on clinical judgment in conjunction with laboratory testing and can be pathogen specific. Treatments may require disease-dependent approaches, and co-infections complicate or increase the severity of the clinical picture. Measuring exposure indices in the tick has become popular among providers and their patients, though this practice is not universally understood, and certain public health agencies have voiced concerns regarding interpretation and rigor of testing. As many providers subscribe to or recommend these services to aid in pretest risk and exposure assessments, this work sought to clarify the role of pathogen testing human-biting ticks as a complement to the diagnostic pipeline and raises points that must be addressed through future research and interdisciplinary conversation. Future work is needed to develop quality control oversight for tick testing laboratories. Studies on the integration of tick testing with human cases to see how these services affect health outcomes are also needed. Alongside these, improvements in the quality and availability of diagnostics are of critical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Rich
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (E.L.S.); (G.X.)
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Chakraborty S, Steckler TL, Gronemeyer P, Mateus-Pinilla N, Smith RL. Farmers' Knowledge and Practices About Ticks and Tickborne Diseases in Illinois. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:756-768. [PMID: 37017439 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2199003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tickborne diseases (TBDs) in Illinois have increased in recent years. A growing body of literature indicates that the risk of exposure to ticks and tickborne diseases is higher among outdoor workers, including farmers. However, information is lacking on awareness of ticks and tickborne diseases among this demographic. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness among Illinois farmers regarding ticks and tickborne diseases. METHODS A Knowledge, Attitudes & Prevention practices (KAP) survey was developed and administered to capture information regarding farmers' knowledge and attitudes about ticks and TBDs. Tick drags were conducted on a subset of properties as an incentive to complete the survey and to compare farmers' knowledge or expectations of ticks on their land with ticks collected. RESULTS Fifty farmers participated in the survey, and 17 allowed tick drags. Only 60% of respondents had at least moderate knowledge about ticks gained through family and friends (56%), medical and healthcare personnel (48%), and the internet (44%). Responses varied by the type of commodity produced by the farmer. Fifty percent of participants reported knowledge about the blacklegged tick, 34% for the American dog tick, and 42% for the lone star tick; this knowledge also varied by farm type. Most farmers (54%) agreed that preventative behaviors could protect against tickborne diseases. Self-reported knowledge was significantly and directly associated with knowledge scores (p < .001). CONCLUSION Knowledge of ticks and TBDs was lower among crop farmers than beef or mixed commodity farmers, but farmers generally have moderate knowledge of tick species in Illinois. Many participants expressed low concern over contracting a TBD, but many were also dissatisfied with the level of tick prevention measures that they follow. These results can be utilized to fill in knowledge gaps and develop informational materials to help farmers protect themselves against ticks and TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Chakraborty
- Program in Ecology, Evolution & Conservation Biology (PEEC); University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Teresa L Steckler
- Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, University of Illinois Extension, Simpson, IL, USA
| | - Peg Gronemeyer
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Illinois Natural History Survey-Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Nohra Mateus-Pinilla
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, Illinois Natural History Survey-Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Lee Smith
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL, USA
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9
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Komine H, Okabe K. Summer collection of multiple southern species of ticks in a remote northern island in Japan and literature review of the distribution and avian hosts of ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s10493-023-00819-x. [PMID: 37500956 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of ticks and tick-borne diseases is of increasing concern worldwide. To decrease the risk of ticks and tick-borne diseases to public health, understanding the mechanisms of their current distribution and future expansion is needed. Although tick distribution has been studied globally on continents and large islands that are inhabited by large mammals, less attention has been paid to remote islands. However, small islands are often important stopover sites for migratory birds that may contribute to long-distance dispersal of ticks. Therefore, islands would be a suitable system to rule out potential effects of mammals and to evaluate the contribution of birds to the expansion of ticks and tick-borne diseases. We collected questing ticks by dragging cloths over vegetation on Tobishima Island, northern Japan, in summer 2021, and conducted a literature search of the distribution and avian hosts of hard tick. We found several southern species of ticks (Haemaphysalis hystricis, H. formosensis, H. cornigera, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Dermacentor bellulus) on the island. These species have rarely or never been reported from the mainland of Japan at similar latitudes or higher, where large mammals are found. They are known vectors of tick-borne diseases, such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. The present study suggests that migratory birds may contribute to the expansion of ticks and tick-borne diseases, and a remote island may function as a front line and/or a hub for their expansion. Evaluating tick fauna on remote islands used by migratory birds might be useful to monitor the expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Komine
- Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, 1-23, Wakaba-machi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, 997-0037, Japan.
| | - Kimiko Okabe
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan
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10
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Mazuecos L, Alberdi P, Hernández-Jarguín A, Contreras M, Villar M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Simo L, González-García A, Díaz-Sánchez S, Neelakanta G, Bonnet SI, Fikrig E, de la Fuente J. Frankenbacteriosis targeting interactions between pathogen and symbiont to control infection in the tick vector. iScience 2023; 26:106697. [PMID: 37168564 PMCID: PMC10165458 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick microbiota can be targeted for the control of tick-borne diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) caused by model pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Frankenbacteriosis is inspired by Frankenstein and defined here as paratransgenesis of tick symbiotic/commensal bacteria to mimic and compete with tick-borne pathogens. Interactions between A. phagocytophilum and symbiotic Sphingomonas identified by metaproteomics analysis in Ixodes scapularis midgut showed competition between both bacteria. Consequently, Sphingomonas was selected for frankenbacteriosis for the control of A. phagocytophilum infection and transmission. The results showed that Franken Sphingomonas producing A. phagocytophilum major surface protein 4 (MSP4) mimic pathogen and reduce infection in ticks by competition and interaction with cell receptor components of infection. Franken Sphingomonas-MSP4 transovarial and trans-stadial transmission suggests that tick larvae with genetically modified Franken Sphingomonas-MSP4 could be produced in the laboratory and released in the field to compete and replace the wildtype populations with associated reduction in pathogen infection/transmission and HGA disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Angélica Hernández-Jarguín
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ladislav Simo
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Almudena González-García
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Sarah I. Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
- Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- Corresponding author
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11
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Singh P, Lonardi S, Liang Q, Vydyam P, Khabirova E, Fang T, Gihaz S, Thekkiniath J, Munshi M, Abel S, Ciampossin L, Batugedara G, Gupta M, Lu XM, Lenz T, Chakravarty S, Cornillot E, Hu Y, Ma W, Gonzalez LM, Sánchez S, Estrada K, Sánchez-Flores A, Montero E, Harb OS, Le Roch KG, Mamoun CB. Babesia duncani multi-omics identifies virulence factors and drug targets. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:845-859. [PMID: 37055610 PMCID: PMC10159843 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a malaria-like disease in humans and animals that is caused by Babesia species, which are tick-transmitted apicomplexan pathogens. Babesia duncani causes severe to lethal infection in humans, but despite the risk that this parasite poses as an emerging pathogen, little is known about its biology, metabolic requirements or pathogenesis. Unlike other apicomplexan parasites that infect red blood cells, B. duncani can be continuously cultured in vitro in human erythrocytes and can infect mice resulting in fulminant babesiosis and death. We report comprehensive, detailed molecular, genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses to gain insights into the biology of B. duncani. We completed the assembly, 3D structure and annotation of its nuclear genome, and analysed its transcriptomic and epigenetics profiles during its asexual life cycle stages in human erythrocytes. We used RNA-seq data to produce an atlas of parasite metabolism during its intraerythrocytic life cycle. Characterization of the B. duncani genome, epigenome and transcriptome identified classes of candidate virulence factors, antigens for diagnosis of active infection and several attractive drug targets. Furthermore, metabolic reconstitutions from genome annotation and in vitro efficacy studies identified antifolates, pyrimethamine and WR-99210 as potent inhibitors of B. duncani to establish a pipeline of small molecules that could be developed as effective therapies for the treatment of human babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stefano Lonardi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Qihua Liang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Pratap Vydyam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Tiffany Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shalev Gihaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jose Thekkiniath
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Muhammad Munshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven Abel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Loic Ciampossin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Gayani Batugedara
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mohit Gupta
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Xueqing Maggie Lu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Todd Lenz
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sakshar Chakravarty
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Cornillot
- Institut de Biologie Computationnelle (IBC), and Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM - INSERM U1194), Institut régional du Cancer Montpellier (ICM) and Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yangyang Hu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wenxiu Ma
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Luis Miguel Gonzalez
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Reference and Research Laboratory on Food and Waterborne Bacterial Infections, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karel Estrada
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Flores
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Estrella Montero
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Omar S Harb
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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12
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Beltran A, Palomar AM, Ercibengoa M, Goñi P, Benito R, Lopez B, Oteo JA. MALDI-TOF MS as a tick identification tool in a tertiary hospital in Spain. Acta Trop 2023; 242:106868. [PMID: 36940856 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
In Spain, as in other countries, the spectrum of tick-borne diseases and their number have increased in recent years. The tick identification, at species level, can be a challenging outside research centers although this information is very usufull for decisions making. The performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in tick identification of specimens collected from patients have been seldomly reported. The aim of the present study was to desing a protein-extraction protocol and build a tick-legs reference spectra. This protocol was then validated using specimens from both patients and non-patient sources. Nine species of ticks that usually bites humans in Spain were included: Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma usitanicum, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus pusillus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Other less-frequentbiting species were also included: Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma scupense,Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus, and Argas sp. Specimens were identified by PCR and sequencing of a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of ticks. In the tests performed with non-patient collected specimens, a 100% correlation was observed between molecular methods and MS, while in the tests performed with ticks collected from patients a 92.59% correlation was observed. Misidentification was observed only in two of I. ricinus nymphs (identified as Ctenocephalides felis). Therefore, mass- spectrometry can be confidently used as a tick identification tool in a hospital setting for the rapid identification of tick vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Beltran
- Microbiology Department, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Group of Water and Environmental Health, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA)..
| | - Ana M Palomar
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Maria Ercibengoa
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Area, Respiratory Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Group; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Area, Respiratory Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Group; Osakidetza, Hospital Universitario Donostia, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Pilar Goñi
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Group of Water and Environmental Health, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA)
| | - Rafael Benito
- Microbiology Department, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Beatriz Lopez
- Centro de Salud de Epila, 50290 Epila, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), 26006 Logroño, Spain
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13
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Vazquez Guillamet LJ, Marx GE, Benjamin W, Pappas P, Lieberman NAP, Bachiashvili K, Leal S, Lieberman JA. Relapsing Fever Caused by Borrelia lonestari after Tick Bite in Alabama, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:441-444. [PMID: 36692856 PMCID: PMC9881794 DOI: 10.3201/eid2902.221281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We report an immunocompromised patient in Alabama, USA, 75 years of age, with relapsing fevers and pancytopenia who had spirochetemia after a tick bite. We identified Borrelia lonestari by using PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Increasing clinical availability of molecular diagnostics might identify B. lonestari as an emerging tickborne pathogen.
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14
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Metavirome of 31 tick species provides a compendium of 1,801 RNA virus genomes. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:162-173. [PMID: 36604510 PMCID: PMC9816062 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01275-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence and expanding distribution of tick-borne viruses globally have raised health concerns, but the full repertoire of the tick virome has not been assessed. We sequenced the meta-transcriptomes of 31 different tick species in the Ixodidae and Argasidae families from across mainland China, and identified 724 RNA viruses with distinctive virome compositions among genera. A total of 1,801 assembled and complete or nearly complete viral genomes revealed an extensive diversity of genome architectures of tick-associated viruses, highlighting ticks as a reservoir of RNA viruses. We examined the phylogenies of different virus families to investigate virome evolution and found that the most diverse tick-associated viruses are positive-strand RNA virus families that demonstrate more ancient divergence than other arboviruses. Tick-specific viruses are often associated with only a few tick species, whereas virus clades that can infect vertebrates are found in a wider range of tick species. We hypothesize that tick viruses can exhibit both 'specialist' and 'generalist' evolutionary trends. We hope that our virome dataset will enable much-needed research on vertebrate-pathogenic tick-associated viruses.
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Spatial repellents transfluthrin and metofluthrin affect the behavior of Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis in an in vitro vertical climb assay. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269150. [PMID: 36346809 PMCID: PMC9642883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repellents serve an important role in bite protection. Tick repellents largely rely on biomechanisms that induce responses with direct contact, but synthetic pyrethroids used as spatial repellents against insects have received recent attention for potential use in tick protection systems. An in vitro vertical climb assay was designed to assess spatial repellency against Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis adult, female ticks. Climbing behavior was assessed with and without the presence of two spatial repellents, transfluthrin and metofluthrin. Repellency parameters were defined to simulate the natural questing behavior of ambushing ticks, including measures of detachment, pseudo-questing duration, climbing deterrence, and activity. Significant effects were observed within each parameter. D. variabilis showed the greatest general susceptibility to each repellent, followed by A. americanum, and I. scapularis. The most important and integrative measure of repellency was climbing deterrence–a measure of the spatial repellent’s ability to disrupt a tick’s natural propensity to climb. Transfluthrin deterred 75% of D. variabilis, 67% of A. americanum, and 50% of I. scapularis. Metofluthrin was slightly more effective, deterring 81% of D. variabilis, 73% of A. americanum, and 72% of I. scapularis. The present study poses a novel paradigm for repellency and reports a preliminary assessment of spatial repellent effect on tick behavior. Further research will assess spatial repellency in a more natural setting, scale exposure conditions, and incorporate host cues.
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16
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Ulceroglandular Tularemia Transmitted by Tick Bite. IDCases 2022; 30:e01632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Tick-borne diseases in Egypt: A one health perspective. One Health 2022; 15:100443. [PMID: 36561707 PMCID: PMC9767813 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and animals. Owing to favourable climatic and environmental conditions, along with animal importation from neighbouring countries, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are widespread in Egyptian localities. Here, we review the current knowledge on the epidemiology of TBDs in Egypt in light of the One Health paradigm. Methods and results Five scientific databases, including "Web of Science", "Scopus", "PubMed", "Science Direct", and "Google Scholar", were searched for articles describing TBDs in Egypt. A total of 18 TBDs have been reported in humans and animals, including three protozoal diseases (babesiosis, theileriosis, and hepatozoonosis), 12 bacterial diseases (anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme borreliosis, bovine borreliosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, African tick-borne fever, lymphangitis-associated rickettsiosis, bartonellosis, tularaemia, Q fever, and aegyptianellosis), and three viral diseases (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever, and Lumpy skin disease). Conclusions Despite the circulation of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens among livestock and tick vectors, human infections have been overlooked and are potentially limited to infer the actual communicable disease burden. Therefore, facility-based surveillance of TBDs, combined with capacity building for laboratory diagnostics in healthcare facilities, is urgently required to improve diagnosis and inform policy-making in disease prevention. Additionally, collaboration between expert researchers from various disciplines (physicians, biologists, acarologists, and veterinarians) is required to develop advanced research projects to control ticks and TBDs. Considering that domestic livestock is integral to many Egyptian households, comprehensive epidemiological studies on TBDs should assess all disease contributors, including vertebrate hosts (animals, humans, and rodents) and ticks in the same ecological region, for better assessment of disease burden. Additionally, upscaling of border inspections of imported animals is required to stop crossover movements of ticks and TBDs.
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Preface. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:xiii-xvi. [PMID: 36116845 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Chen R, Li Q, Chen H, Yang H, Wei X, Chen M, Wen H. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus replicates in brain tissues and damages neurons in newborn mice. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:204. [PMID: 35987890 PMCID: PMC9392058 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne phlebovirus with a high fatality rate of 12–30%, which has an expanding endemic and caused thousands of infections every year. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are an important risk factor of SFTS outcome death. Further understanding of the process of how SFTSV invades the brain is critical for developing effective anti-SFTS encephalitis therapeutics. We obeserved changes of viral load in the brain at different time points after intraperitoneal infection of SFTSV in newborn C57/BL6 mice. The virus invaded the brain at 3 h post-infection (hpi). Notably, the viral load increased exponentially after 24 hpi. In addition, it was found that in addition to macrophages, SFTSV infected neurons and replicated in the brain. These findings provide insights into the CNS manifestations of severe SFTS, which may lead to drug development and encephalitis therapeutics.
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Dabie bandavirus Nonstructural Protein Interacts with Actin to Induce F-Actin Rearrangement and Inhibit Viral Adsorption and Entry. J Virol 2022; 96:e0078822. [PMID: 35862701 PMCID: PMC9327694 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00788-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dabie bandavirus (DBV) is an emerging Bandavirus that causes multiorgan failure with a high fatality rate in humans. While many viruses can manipulate the actin cytoskeleton to facilitate viral growth, the regulation pattern of the actin cytoskeleton and the molecular mechanisms involved in DBV entry into the host cells remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of nonstructural protein (NSs) or infection with DBV induces actin rearrangement, which presents a point-like distribution, and this destruction is dependent on inclusion bodies (IBs). Further experiments showed that NSs inhibits viral adsorption by destroying the filopodium structure. In addition, NSs also compromised the viral entry by inhibiting clathrin aggregation on the cell surface and capturing clathrin into IBs. Furthermore, NSs induced clathrin light chain B (CLTB) degradation through the K48-linked ubiquitin proteasome pathway, which could negatively regulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis, inhibiting the viral entry. Finally, we confirmed that this NSs-induced antiviral mechanism is broadly applicable to other viruses, such as enterovirus 71 (EV71) and influenza virus, A/PR8/34 (PR8), which use the same clathrin-mediated endocytosis to enter host cells. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the role of NSs in inhibiting endocytosis and a novel strategy for treating DBV infections. IMPORTANCEDabie bandavirus (DBV), a member of the Phenuiviridae family, is a newly emerging tick-borne pathogen that causes multifunctional organ failure and even death in humans. The actin cytoskeleton is involved in various crucial cellular processes and plays an important role in viral life activities. However, the relationship between DBV infection and the actin cytoskeleton has not been described in detail. Here, we show for the first time the interaction between NSs and actin to induce actin rearrangement, which inhibits the viral adsorption and entry. We also identify a key mechanism underlying NSs-induced entry inhibition in which NSs prevents clathrin aggregation on the cell surface by hijacking clathrin into the inclusion body and induces CLTB degradation through the K48-linked ubiquitination modification. This paper is the first to reveal the antiviral mechanism of NSs and provides a theoretical basis for the search for new antiviral targets.
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Borreliella burgdorferi Antimicrobial-Tolerant Persistence in Lyme Disease and Posttreatment Lyme Disease Syndromes. mBio 2022; 13:e0344021. [PMID: 35467428 PMCID: PMC9239140 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03440-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The annual incidence of Lyme disease, caused by tick-transmitted Borreliella burgdorferi, is estimated to be at least 476,000 cases in the United States and many more worldwide. Ten to 20% of antimicrobial-treated Lyme disease patients display posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), a clinical complication whose etiology and pathogenesis remain uncertain. Autoimmunity, cross-reactivity, molecular mimicry, coinfections, and borrelial tolerance to antimicrobials/persistence have been hypothesized and studied as potential causes of PTLDS. Studies of borrelial tolerance/persistence in vitro in response to antimicrobials and experimental studies in mice and nonhuman primates, taken together with clinical reports, have revealed that B. burgdorferi becomes tolerant to antimicrobials and may sometimes persist in animals and humans after the currently recommended antimicrobial treatment. Moreover, B. burgdorferi is pleomorphic and can generate viable-but-nonculturable bacteria, states also involved in antimicrobial tolerance. The multiple regulatory pathways and structural genes involved in mediating this tolerance to antimicrobials and environmental stressors by persistence might include the stringent (rel and dksA) and host adaptation (rpoS) responses, sugar metabolism (glpD), and polypeptide transporters (opp). Application of this recently reported knowledge to clinical studies can be expected to clarify the potential role of bacterial antibacterial tolerance/persistence in Lyme disease and PTLDS.
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22
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Wei Y, Wang Z, Kang L, He L, Sheng N, Qin J, Ma S, Xu H, Hu L, Zou G, Gao Y, Li J. NLR, A Convenient Early-Warning Biomarker of Fatal Outcome in Patients With Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:907888. [PMID: 35814714 PMCID: PMC9262381 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.907888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease that greatly threatens public health. This study aimed to examine a convenient early-warning biomarker of fatal outcomes in patients with SFTS to reduce mortality. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed, and patients with confirmed SFTS were enrolled in the top two hospitals in Anhui Province, China from 1 May 2016 to 31 October 2019. The clinical symptoms, laboratory indicators, and treatment data of patients with SFTS were evaluated. All patients with SFTS were followed up till 28 days from the start of admission. The laboratory indicators that could be used to predict the fatal outcome were identified. Results A total of 228 patients with SFTS were enrolled, 177 patients were enrolled in the survival group, and 51 patients in the death group. The median age of all 228 patients with SFTS was 63 years. Five laboratory indicators (SFTSV viral load, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ALT, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) were identified as the predicting factors of the fatal outcome of patients with SFTS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of SFTSV viral load was the highest (0.919), then NLR (0.849), followed by AST/ALT (0.758), AST (0.738), and BUN (0.709). The efficacy of SFTVS viral load and NLR in predicting fatal outcomes was significantly higher than AST/ALT, AST, and BUN. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves show that the case fatality rate was significantly increased in patients whose SFTSV viral load was higher than 500,000 or NLR higher than 2.0. Gamma-globulin treatment showed a significant difference between the survival group and the death group, and the duration of gamma-globulin that had been proposed should not be <3 days. Conclusion The SFTSV viral load and NLR showed great efficacy in predicting the fatal outcome of patients with SFTS, and NLR is a convenient and efficient early-warning biomarker that helps healthcare workers focus on patients with high risks of fatal outcomes. The efficacy of gamma-globulin provided a new idea for the treatment of SFTS, which needs further analysis in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wei
- Department of Hospital Infection Prevention and Control, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Luyang Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lingling He
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiangfeng Qin
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuangshuang Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Honghai Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lifen Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guizhou Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yufeng Gao
| | - Jiabin Li
- Anhui Center for Surveillance of Bacterial Resistance, Hefei, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Jiabin Li
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Singh P, Pal AC, Mamoun CB. An Alternative Culture Medium for Continuous In Vitro Propagation of the Human Pathogen Babesia duncani in Human Erythrocytes. Pathogens 2022; 11:599. [PMID: 35631120 PMCID: PMC9146245 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous propagation of Babesia duncani in vitro in human erythrocytes and the availability of a mouse model of B. duncani lethal infection make this parasite an ideal model to study Babesia biology and pathogenesis. Two culture media, HL-1 and Claycomb, with proprietary formulations are the only culture media known to support the parasite growth in human erythrocytes; however, the HL-1 medium has been discontinued and the Claycomb medium is often unavailable leading to major interruptions in the study of this pathogen. To identify alternative media conditions, we evaluated the growth of B. duncani in various culture media with well-defined compositions. We report that the DMEM-F12 culture medium supports the continuous growth of the parasite in human erythrocytes to levels equal to those achieved in the HL-1 and Claycomb media. We generated new clones of B. duncani from the parental WA-1 clinical isolate after three consecutive subcloning events in this medium. All clones showed a multiplication rate in vitro similar to that of the WA-1 parental isolate and cause fatal infection in C3H/HeJ mice. The culture medium, which can be readily reconstituted from its individual components, and the tools and resources developed here will facilitate the study of B. duncani.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; (P.S.); (A.C.P.)
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Lu Y, Zand R. Characteristics of Lyme optic neuritis: a case report of Lyme associated bilateral optic neuritis and systematic review of the literature. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:113. [PMID: 35321665 PMCID: PMC8941763 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic Neuritis is rare in Lyme borreliosis. The current knowledge of optic nerve involvement in Lyme borreliosis relies solely on case reports. The aim of this systematic review was to characterize and investigate the associated factors of optic neuritis in Lyme borreliosis. We further presented a very rare case of isolated bilateral optic neuritis in a Lyme seropositive patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezhong Lu
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA.
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Human infections with neglected vector-borne pathogens in China: A systematic review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 22:100427. [PMID: 35308575 PMCID: PMC8928082 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Emerging vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) pose a continuous background threat to the global health. Knowledge of the occurrence, distributions and epidemiological characteristics of VBP are lacking in many countries. Outbreaks of novel VBP are of increasing global interest including those arising in China. Methods A systematic review of published literature was undertaken to characterize the spectrum of VBPs causing human illness in China. We searched five databases for VBP-related articles in English and Chinese published between January 1980 and June 2021, that excluded those listed in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System of China. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021259540. Findings A total of 906 articles meeting the selection criteria were included in this study. A total of 44,809 human infections with 82 species of VBPs including 40 viruses, 33 bacteria (20 Rickettsiales bacteria, eight Spirochaetales bacteria, and five other bacteria) and nine parasites, were identified in China. Rickettsiales bacteria were the most common and widely distributed pathogens with 18,042 cases reported in 33 provinces by 347 reviewed articles, followed by Spirochaetales bacteria with 15,745 cases in 32 provinces (299 articles), viruses with 8455 cases in 30 provinces (139 articles), other bacteria with 2053 cases in 19 provinces (65 articles), parasites with 514 cases in 17 provinces (44 articles), and multiple pathogens with 3626 cases in 14 provinces (23 articles). Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia sibirica were the most frequently reported pathogens. A total of 18 new pathogens were reported in China during this period (these also represented their first identification globally). Based on 419 articles with clinical information, a meta-analysis revealed that flu-like illness was the most common manifestation among infections with VBPs. Interpretation This review helps improve the understanding of VBPs in China, demonstrating the need to consider a wider surveillance of VBPs in many different settings, thus helping to inform future research and surveillance efforts. Funding Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Hromníková D, Furka D, Furka S, Santana JAD, Ravingerová T, Klöcklerová V, Žitňan D. Prevention of tick-borne diseases: challenge to recent medicine. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022; 77:1533-1554. [PMID: 35283489 PMCID: PMC8905283 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00966-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Ticks represent important vectors and reservoirs of pathogens, causing a number of diseases in humans and animals, and significant damage to livestock every year. Modern research into protection against ticks and tick-borne diseases focuses mainly on the feeding stage, i.e. the period when ticks take their blood meal from their hosts during which pathogens are transmitted. Physiological functions in ticks, such as food intake, saliva production, reproduction, development, and others are under control of neuropeptides and peptide hormones which may be involved in pathogen transmission that cause Lyme borreliosis or tick-borne encephalitis. According to current knowledge, ticks are not reservoirs or vectors for the spread of COVID-19 disease. The search for new vaccination methods to protect against ticks and their transmissible pathogens is a challenge for current science in view of global changes, including the increasing migration of the human population. Highlights • Tick-borne diseases have an increasing incidence due to climate change and increased human migration • To date, there is no evidence of transmission of coronavirus COVID-19 by tick as a vector • To date, there are only a few modern, effective, and actively- used vaccines against ticks or tick-borne diseases • Neuropeptides and their receptors expressed in ticks may be potentially used for vaccine design
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Hromníková
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniel Furka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84104 Bratislava, SK Slovakia
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Samuel Furka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 84104 Bratislava, SK Slovakia
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Julio Ariel Dueñas Santana
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Matanzas, Km 3 Carretera a Varadero, 44740 Matanzas, CU Cuba
| | - Táňa Ravingerová
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Heart Research, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK 84005 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vanda Klöcklerová
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Schimpf DJ, Ewert MM, Lai VK, Clarke BL. Responses of ticks to immersion in hot bathing water: Effect of surface type, water temperature, and soap on tick motor control. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261592. [PMID: 34919573 PMCID: PMC8682875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing bites from undetected ticks through bathing practices would benefit public health, but the effects of these practices have been researched minimally. We immersed nymphal and adult hard ticks of species common in the eastern United States in tap water, using temperatures and durations that are realistic for human hot bathing. The effect of (a) different skin-equivalent surfaces (silicone and pig skin), and (b) water temperature was tested on Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis nymphs. Overall, the type of surface had a much larger effect on the nymphs’ tendency to stay in contact with the surface than water temperature did. Most nymphs that separated from the surface did so within the first 10 s of immersion, with the majority losing contact due to the formation of an air bubble between their ventral side and the test surface. In addition, adult Ixodes scapularis were tested for the effect of immersion time, temperature, and soap on tick responsiveness. Some individual adults moved abnormally or stopped moving as a result of longer or hotter immersion, but soap had little effect on responsiveness. Taken together, our results suggest that the surface plays a role in ticks’ tendency to stay in contact; the use of different bath additives warrants further research. While water temperature did not have a significant short-term effect on tick separation, ticks that have not attached by their mouth parts may be rendered unresponsive and eventually lose contact with a person’s skin in a hot bath. It should be noted that our research did not consider potential temperature effects on the pathogens themselves, as previous research suggests that some tickborne pathogens may become less hazardous even if the tick harboring them survives hot-water exposures and later bites the bather after remaining undetected.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Schimpf
- Department of Biology, University of Minnesota – Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Matthew M. Ewert
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Victor K. Lai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Benjamin L. Clarke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota – Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, United States of America
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Hassett EM, Thangamani S. Ecology of Powassan Virus in the United States. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112317. [PMID: 34835443 PMCID: PMC8624383 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic viruses threaten the lives of millions of people annually, exacerbated by climate change, human encroachment into wildlife habitats, and habitat destruction. The Powassan virus (POWV) is a rare tick-borne virus that can cause severe neurological damage and death, and the incidence of the associated disease (Powassan virus disease) is increasing in the eastern United States. The mechanisms by which POWV is maintained in nature and transmitted to humans are complex and only partly understood. This review provides an overview of what is known about the vector species, vector-host transmission dynamics, and environmental and human-driven factors that may be aiding the spread of both the vector and virus.
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Virome analysis of three Ixodidae ticks species from Colombia: A potential strategy for discovering and surveying tick-borne viruses. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 96:105103. [PMID: 34619391 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are a group of obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites that play a critical role in transmitting several important zoonotic pathogens that can infect animals and humans. Viruses are part of the tick microbiome and are involved in the transmission of important diseases. Furthermore, the little information on these as etiological agents of zoonoses suggests the need to study these microorganisms. For this reason, in this study, we sought to characterize the virome in Rhipicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., which were collected from different domestic animals in Antioquia, Colombia. RNA sequencing was used for virome characterization in these three tick species, using RNA-dependent polymerase as a marker gene. Forty-eight sequences corresponding to 14 different viruses were identified, some of which were previously identified in the tick's virome. Overall, these data indicate that ticks from domestic animals in cattle farms harbor a wide viral diversity at the local scale. Thus, the metatranscriptomic approach provides important baseline information for monitoring the tick virome and to develop future studies on their biology, host-virus interactions, host range, worldwide distribution, and finally, their potential role as emerging vector-borne agents.
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Bernal M, Huecker M, Shreffler J, Mittel O, Mittel J, Soliman N. Successful Treatment for Alpha Gal Mammal Product Allergy Using Auricular Acupuncture: A Case Series. Med Acupunct 2021; 33:343-348. [PMID: 35003502 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2021.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alpha gal syndrome (AGS) is an acquired allergy to mammalian products correlates with a tick bite(s) that appears to cause immune sensitization to an oligosaccharide in meat. Most publications on AGS describe no management other than avoidance of the offending agent(s). The objective of this study is to describe 2 populations of subjects who underwent Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) for significant AGS meat and/or dairy allergy. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of subjects treated at 2 different medical clinics that apply the same method of auricular acupuncture (SAAT) to AGS patients. Results: A total of 137 patients presented to the 2 sites included in this study. The majority of patients were mammal product eaters before AGS; however, at the time of treatment only 7.3% of individuals (n = 10) actively consumed mammal products. Most subjects were reactive to beef (n = 135) and dairy (n = 95). The most common organ system involved in prior allergic reactions associated with AGS were gastrointestinal (n = 82, 59.9%) and dermatologic (n = 61, 44.5%). For those individuals with available outcome data on SAAT effectiveness (n = 126), 121 (96%) patients indicated that their symptoms were in remission after SAAT. Five individuals indicated that their symptoms were not in remission. Eleven individuals were unsure of treatment response or unable to be reached for follow-up. Conclusion: The SAAT method showed effectiveness in the large majority of patients. No adverse reactions were noted as a result of auricular acupuncture. This alternative medicine approach to AGS management should be further studied in prospective trials with laboratory confirmation both before and after the procedure. This low-risk treatment shows promise in treating a medical condition that causes distress in an increasing number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Bernal
- Louisville Community Supported Acupuncture, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Martin Huecker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jacob Shreffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Olivia Mittel
- Pediatrics, Medical Student Affairs, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Joseph Mittel
- Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Eisen L, Stafford KC. Barriers to Effective Tick Management and Tick-Bite Prevention in the United States (Acari: Ixodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1588-1600. [PMID: 32372075 PMCID: PMC8056842 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States. Development of tick control tools have focused primarily on the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say. Application of acaricides or entomopathogenic fungal agents to kill host-seeking ticks or ticks on rodents can suppress I. scapularis abundance in residential landscapes, but evidence is lacking for impact on human tick bites or tick-borne disease. Similar studies remain limited for the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.). Other knowledge gaps include how well homeowners and pest control companies perform in the broadcast application of tick-killing products, relative to high efficacy reported in research studies, and the tick-killing potential of natural product formulations exempt from Environmental Protection Agency registration. Area-wide control based on preventing ticks from feeding on their main reproductive host, the white-tailed deer, can suppress populations of both I. scapularis and A. americanum. Some studies also suggest an impact on Lyme disease cases, but this needs to be further validated in larger-scale intervention studies. The effectiveness, scale, cost, and implementation of various tick management strategies are important considerations in efforts to reduce human tick encounters and tick-borne disease. Additional barriers include weak incentives for industry and academia to develop, test, and register new tick and pathogen control technologies, including vaccines targeting humans, tick reproductive hosts, or wildlife pathogen reservoirs. Solutions will need to be 'two-pronged': improving the tick and pathogen control toolbox and strengthening the public health workforce engaging in tick control at local and state levels.
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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
- Corresponding author,
| | - Kirby C. Stafford
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504
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van Oosterwijk JG, Wikel SK. Resistance to Ticks and the Path to Anti-Tick and Transmission Blocking Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:725. [PMID: 34358142 PMCID: PMC8310300 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The medical and veterinary public health importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is increasing due to the expansion of the geographic ranges of both ticks and pathogens, increasing tick populations, growing incidence of tick-borne diseases, emerging tick transmitted pathogens, and continued challenges of achieving effective and sustained tick control. The past decades show an increasing interest in the immune-mediated control of tick infestations and pathogen transmission through the use of vaccines. Bovine tick resistance induced by repeated infestations was reported over a century ago. This review addresses the phenomena and immunological underpinning of resistance to tick infestation by livestock and laboratory animals; the scope of tick countermeasures to host immune defenses; and the impact of genomics, functional genomics, and proteomics on dissecting complex tick-host-pathogen interactions. From early studies utilizing tick tissue extracts to salivary gland derived molecules and components of physiologically important pathways in tick gut and other tissues, an increased understanding of these relationships, over time, impacted the evolution of anti-tick vaccine antigen selection. Novel antigens continue to emerge, including increased interest in the tick microbiome. Anti-tick and transmission blocking vaccines targeting pathogen reservoirs have the potential to disrupt enzootic cycles and reduce human, companion, domestic animal, and wildlife exposure to infected ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen K. Wikel
- US Biologic Inc., 20 Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38103, USA;
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA
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Tan LP, Hamdan RH, Hassan BNH, Reduan MFH, Okene IAA, Loong SK, Khoo JJ, Samsuddin AS, Lee SH. Rhipicephalus Tick: A Contextual Review for Southeast Asia. Pathogens 2021; 10:821. [PMID: 34208961 PMCID: PMC8308476 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus species are distributed globally with a notifiable presence in Southeast Asia (SEA) within animal and human populations. The Rhipicephalus species are highly adaptive and have established successful coexistence within human dwellings and are known to be active all year round, predominantly in tropical and subtropical climates existing in SEA. In this review, the morphological characteristics, epidemiology, and epizootiology of Rhipicephalus tick species found in SEA are reviewed. There are six commonly reported Rhipicephalus ticks in the SEA region. Their interactions with their host species that range from cattle, sheep, and goats, through cats and dogs, to rodents and man are discussed in this article. Rhipicephalus-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Babesia species, and Theileria species, have been highlighted as are relevant to the region in review. Pathogens transmitted from Rhipicepahalus ticks to host animals are usually presented clinically with signs of anemia, jaundice, and other signs of hemolytic changes. Rhipicephalus ticks infestation also account for ectoparasitic nuisance in man and animals. These issues are discussed with specific interest to the SEA countries highlighting peculiarities of the region in the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus species and attendant pathogens therein. This paper also discusses the current general control strategies for ticks in SEA proffering measures required for increased documentation. The potential risks associated with rampant and improper acaricide use are highlighted. Furthermore, such practices lead to acaricide resistance among Rhipicephalus species are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng Tan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Ruhil Hayati Hamdan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Basripuzi Nurul Hayyan Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Ibrahim Abdul-Azeez Okene
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, City Campus, Pengkalan Chepa 16100, Kelantan, Malaysia; (R.H.H.); (B.N.H.H.); (M.F.H.R.); (I.A.-A.O.)
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.L.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.K.L.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Ahmad Syazwan Samsuddin
- Forest Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Forest Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Mycology and Pathology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong 52109, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng Hua Lee
- Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
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Vertigo as One of the Symptoms of Lyme Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132814. [PMID: 34202339 PMCID: PMC8268226 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132814] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of vertigo symptoms and potential labyrinth damage in patients with diagnosed Lyme disease (LD). LD can affect the vestibulocochlear nerve, leading to hearing loss and vertigo/dizziness. Material and Methods: The study included a group of 38 patients between the ages of 20 and 77, who were hospitalized due to vertigo/dizziness between 2018 and 2019. All of the patients underwent a detailed medical interview and an otolaryngological and neurological examination, including video electronystagmography (VENG), in addition to audiological and diagnostic tests. Additionally, ELISA and Western blot tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis of LD. Results: In 20 patients (53%), the Romberg trial was positive (p < 0.001). The degree of vestibular dysfunction as shown by the VENG test was associated with the rate of hearing loss as confirmed by the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test (p = 0.011), and it mainly concerned high-frequency sounds (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Vertigo can be a symptom of LD. It is often associated with labyrinth and hearing-organ damage, which can imply that the inner ear or nerve VIII is dysfunctional in the course of this disease. Antibiotic therapy is effective in reducing otoneurological symptoms.
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Abstract
Ticks and tickborne diseases are increasingly problematic. There have been positive developments that should result in improved strategies and better tools to suppress ticks, reduce human tick bites, and roll back tickborne diseases. However, we equally need to address the question of who is responsible for implementing the solutions. The current model of individual responsibility for tick control evolved from a scenario in the 1990s focusing strongly on exposure to blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease spirochetes in peridomestic settings of the northeastern United States. Today, the threat posed by human-biting ticks is more widespread across the eastern United States, increasingly complex (multiple tick species and >10 notable tickborne pathogens), and, across tick species, more spatially diffuse (including backyards, neighborhood green spaces, and public recreation areas). To mitigate tick-associated negative societal effects, we must consider shifting the responsibility for tick control to include both individual persons and professionally staffed tick-management programs.
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Iron robbery by intracellular pathogen via bacterial effector-induced ferritinophagy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026598118. [PMID: 34074773 PMCID: PMC8201858 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026598118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia chaffeensis infects and proliferates inside monocytes and macrophages by acquiring iron from the cellular labile iron pool and causes a potentially fatal disease called human monocytic ehrlichiosis. This report reveals a unique bacterial iron hijacking mechanism. Ehrlichia deploys a protein Etf-3 via the bacteria type IV secretion system. Etf-3 binds ferritin and induces ferritinophagy, thereby increasing the cellular labile iron pool for Ehrlichia to acquire iron for intracellular proliferation. This, in concert with coregulation of bacterial and host cell superoxide dismutases with type IV secretion system, enables Ehrlichia to prevent reactive oxygen species–induced host cell damage mediated by labile iron. This finding unifies current concepts of intracellular bacterial infection, ferritinophagy, and ROS, which may be exploited to inhibit Ehrlichia infection. Iron is essential for survival and proliferation of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, an obligatory intracellular bacterium that causes an emerging zoonosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis. However, how Ehrlichia acquires iron in the host cells is poorly understood. Here, we found that native and recombinant (cloned into the Ehrlichia genome) Ehrlichia translocated factor-3 (Etf-3), a previously predicted effector of the Ehrlichia type IV secretion system (T4SS), is secreted into the host cell cytoplasm. Secreted Etf-3 directly bound ferritin light chain with high affinity and induced ferritinophagy by recruiting NCOA4, a cargo receptor that mediates ferritinophagy, a selective form of autophagy, and LC3, an autophagosome biogenesis protein. Etf-3−induced ferritinophagy caused ferritin degradation and significantly increased the labile cellular iron pool, which feeds Ehrlichia. Indeed, an increase in cellular ferritin by ferric ammonium citrate or overexpression of Etf-3 or NCOA4 enhanced Ehrlichia proliferation, whereas knockdown of Etf-3 in Ehrlichia via transfection with a plasmid encoding an Etf-3 antisense peptide nucleic acid inhibited Ehrlichia proliferation. Excessive ferritinophagy induces the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could presumably kill both Ehrlichia and host cells. However, during Ehrlichia proliferation, we observed concomitant up-regulation of Ehrlichia Fe-superoxide dismutase, which is an integral component of Ehrlichia T4SS operon, and increased mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase by cosecreted T4SS effector Etf-1. Consequently, despite enhanced ferritinophagy, cellular ROS levels were reduced in Ehrlichia-infected cells compared with uninfected cells. Thus, Ehrlichia safely robs host cell iron sequestered in ferritin. Etf-3 is a unique example of a bacterial protein that induces ferritinophagy to facilitate pathogen iron capture.
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Luker HA, Rodriguez S, Kandel Y, Vulcan J, Hansen IA. A novel Tick Carousel Assay for testing efficacy of repellents on Amblyomma americanum L.. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11138. [PMID: 33976963 PMCID: PMC8067905 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11138] [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: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of human and veterinary diseases. A primary way ticks gain access to human hosts is by engaging to clothing. Repellents or acaricides sprayed onto fabric are used to deter ticks’ access to human hosts. However, there are a limited amount of standardized laboratory assays that can determine the potency and efficacy of repellents. We present a novel fabric-engagement assay referred to as the ‘Tick Carousel Assay’. This assay utilizes fabric brushing past ticks located on an artificial grass patch and measures tick engagements to fabric over time. After screening a variety of tick species, we used the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) to test the efficacy of four commonly used active ingredients in repellents: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Repellency was tested immediately, after three hours, and six hours post application to fabric. Our data show that each repellent we tested significantly reduced the number of tick engagements to fabric for at least 6 hours. We did not find significant differences in repellent efficacy between the four active ingredients tested directly and three hours after application. After six hours, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus repelled ticks more than the other active ingredients. We show that our Tick Carousel Assay provides an affordable, repeatable, and standardized way to compare and test repellent efficacy on treated fabrics. Our results confirm that commonly used repellents applied to fabric are an effective way to reduce tick engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey A Luker
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Stacy Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Yashoda Kandel
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Julia Vulcan
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Immo A Hansen
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
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Balderrama-Gutierrez G, Milovic A, Cook VJ, Islam MN, Zhang Y, Kiaris H, Belisle JT, Mortazavi A, Barbour AG. An Infection-Tolerant Mammalian Reservoir for Several Zoonotic Agents Broadly Counters the Inflammatory Effects of Endotoxin. mBio 2021; 12:e00588-21. [PMID: 33849979 PMCID: PMC8092257 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00588-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals that are competent reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens commonly suffer little morbidity from the infections. To investigate mechanisms of this tolerance of infection, we used single-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an experimental model of inflammation and compared the responses of two rodents: Peromyscus leucopus, the white-footed deermouse and reservoir for the agents of Lyme disease and other zoonoses, and the house mouse Mus musculus Four hours after injection with LPS or saline, blood, spleen, and liver samples were collected and subjected to transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), metabolomics, and specific reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Differential expression analysis was at the gene, pathway, and network levels. LPS-treated deermice showed signs of sickness similar to those of exposed mice and had similar increases in corticosterone levels and expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein. By network analysis, the M. musculus response to LPS was characterized as cytokine associated, while the P. leucopus response was dominated by neutrophil activity terms. In addition, dichotomies in the expression levels of arginase 1 and nitric oxide synthase 2 and of IL-10 and IL-12 were consistent with type M1 macrophage responses in mice and type M2 responses in deermice. Analysis of metabolites in plasma and RNA in organs revealed species differences in tryptophan metabolism. Two genes in particular signified the different phenotypes of deermice and mice: the Slpi and Ibsp genes. Key RNA-seq findings for P. leucopus were replicated in older animals, in a systemic bacterial infection, and with cultivated fibroblasts. The findings indicate that P. leucopus possesses several adaptive traits to moderate inflammation in its balancing of infection resistance and tolerance.IMPORTANCE Animals that are natural carriers of pathogens that cause human diseases commonly manifest little or no sickness as a consequence of infection. Examples include the deermouse, Peromyscus leucopus, which is a reservoir for Lyme disease and several other disease agents in North America, and some types of bats, which are carriers of viruses with pathogenicity for humans. Mechanisms of this phenomenon of infection tolerance and entailed trade-off costs are poorly understood. Using a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin as a proxy for infection, we found that deermice differed from the mouse (Mus musculus) in responses to LPS in several diverse pathways, including innate immunity, oxidative stress, and metabolism. Features distinguishing the deermice cumulatively would moderate downstream ill effects of LPS. Insights gained from the P. leucopus model in the laboratory have implications for studying infection tolerance in other important reservoir species, including bats and other types of wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Balderrama-Gutierrez
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ana Milovic
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Vanessa J Cook
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - M Nurul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Youwen Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - John T Belisle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Alan G Barbour
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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39
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Della-Giustina D, Duke C, Goldflam K. Underrecognized Tickborne Illnesses: Borrelia Miyamotoi and Powassan Virus. Wilderness Environ Med 2021; 32:240-246. [PMID: 33839017 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, tickborne disease has been increasingly recognized as a threat to humans as a result of the growing geographic range of ticks. This review describes 2 tickborne diseases, Borrelia miyamotoi and Powassan virus, that likely have a significant impact on humans, yet are underdiagnosed compared to most other tickborne diseases. We performed a literature search from 2015 to 2020. Borrelia miyamotoi is a tickborne pathogen that infects and co-infects ticks along with other pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi. Because B miyamotoi infects the same Ixodes ticks as B burgdorferi, B miyamotoi may cover a similar geographic range. B miyamotoi infection may be underdiagnosed for 2 reasons. First, a presumptive treatment approach to Lyme disease may result in B miyamotoi infection treatment without identification of the actual cause. Second, the absence of readily available testing and diagnostic criteria makes it difficult to diagnose B miyamotoi infection. Powassan virus is a tickborne flavivirus similar to the dengue virus. Powassan virus disease appears to have an asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic presentation in most people but can cause devastating and fatal encephalitis. The Powassan virus may be transmitted in less than 15 min of tick feeding. Powassan virus disease is a difficult diagnosis because testing capabilities are limited and because there may be co-infection with other tickborne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Duke
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Katja Goldflam
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Pacheco I, Prado E, Artigas-Jerónimo S, Lima-Barbero JF, de la Fuente G, Antunes S, Couto J, Domingos A, Villar M, de la Fuente J. Comparative analysis of Rhipicephalus tick salivary gland and cement elementome. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06721. [PMID: 33869878 PMCID: PMC8045051 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhipicephalus spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods, which constitute a model for the study of vector-host interactions. The chemical composition or elementome of salivary glands (SG) and cement provides information relevant for the study of protein-based complex multifunctional tissues with a key role in tick biology. In this study, we characterized the elementome of cement cones in Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected from naturally infested dogs and in SG and cement of R. bursa collected from experimentally infested rabbits at different feeding stages. The elementome was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed the identification of up to 14 chemical elements in the cement, and suggested tick/host-driven differences in the cement elementome between tick species and between SG and cement within the same species. By still unknown mechanisms, ticks may regulate cement elementome during feeding to affect various biological processes. Although these analyses are preliminary, the results suggested that N is a key component of the cement elementome with a likely origin in SG/salivary proteins (i.e., Glycine (C2H5NO2)-rich superfamily member proteins; GRPs) and other tick/host-derived components (i.e. NAPDH). Future research should be focused on tick elementome and its functional implications to better understand cement structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Pacheco
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Eduardo Prado
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Camilo José Cela 10, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sara Artigas-Jerónimo
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Francisco Lima-Barbero
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Sabiotec, Camino de Moledores s/n. 13003, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Gabriela de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Sabiotec, Camino de Moledores s/n. 13003, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sandra Antunes
- GHMT - Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical - IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa – UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- GHMT - Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical - IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa – UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- GHMT - Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical - IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa – UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science and Chemical Technologies, and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Li S, Li H, Zhang YL, Xin QL, Guan ZQ, Chen X, Zhang XA, Li XK, Xiao GF, Lozach PY, Cui J, Liu W, Zhang LK, Peng K. SFTSV Infection Induces BAK/BAX-Dependent Mitochondrial DNA Release to Trigger NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. Cell Rep 2021; 30:4370-4385.e7. [PMID: 32234474 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus that carries a high fatality rate of 12%-50%. In-depth understanding of the SFTSV-induced pathogenesis mechanism is critical for developing effective anti-SFTS therapeutics. Here, we report transcriptomic analysis of blood samples from SFTS patients. We observe a strong correlation between inflammatory responses and disease progression and fatal outcome. Quantitative proteomic analysis of SFTSV infection confirms the induction of inflammation and further reveals virus-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, SFTSV infection triggers BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 (BAK) upregulation and BAK/BCL2-associated X (BAX) activation, leading to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) oxidization and subsequent cytosolic release. The cytosolic mtDNA binds and triggers NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, the BAK expression level correlates with SFTS disease progression and fatal outcome. These findings provide insights into the clinical features and molecular underpinnings of severe SFTS, which may aid in patient care and therapeutic design, and may also be conserved during infection by other highly pathogenic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100071, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Lan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China
| | - Qi-Lin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Qiong Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100071, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100071, P. R. China
| | - Geng-Fu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China
| | - Pierre-Yves Lozach
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; IVPC UMR754, INRA, University of Lyon, EPHE, 50 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Lab of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing 100071, P. R. China.
| | - Lei-Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.
| | - Ke Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P. R. China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.
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Saelao P, Hickner PV, Bendele KG, Pérez de León AA. Phylogenomics of Tick Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels and Their Potential as Targets to Innovate Control Technologies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:647020. [PMID: 33816352 PMCID: PMC8018274 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.647020] [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: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to enhance the identification of novel targets to develop acaricides that can be used to advance integrated tick-borne disease management. Drivers for the emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne diseases affecting humans, livestock, and other domestic animals in many parts of the world include the increased abundance and expanded geographic distribution of tick species that vector pathogens. The evolution of resistance to acaricides among some of the most important tick vector species highlights the vulnerability of relying on chemical treatments for tick control to mitigate the health burden of tick-borne diseases. The involvement of inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels in homeostasis, diuresis, and salivary gland secretion in ticks and other pests identified them as attractive targets to develop novel acaricides. However, few studies exist on the molecular characteristics of Kir channels in ticks. This bioinformatic analysis described Kir channels in 20 species of hard and soft ticks. Summarizing relevant investigations on Kir channel function in invertebrate pests allowed the phylogenomic study of this class of ion channels in ticks. How this information can be adapted to innovate tick control technologies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perot Saelao
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.,Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Paul V Hickner
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.,Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Kylie G Bendele
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.,Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX, United States.,Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
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Head JR, Bumburidi Y, Mirzabekova G, Rakhimov K, Dzhumankulov M, Salyer SJ, Knust B, Berezovskiy D, Kulatayeva M, Zhetibaev S, Shoemaker T, Nicholson WL, Moffett D. Risk Factors for and Seroprevalence of Tickborne Zoonotic Diseases among Livestock Owners, Kazakhstan. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:70-80. [PMID: 31855140 PMCID: PMC6924887 DOI: 10.3201/eid2601.190220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Q fever, and Lyme disease are endemic to southern Kazakhstan, but population-based serosurveys are lacking. We assessed risk factors and seroprevalence of these zoonoses and conducted surveys for CCHF-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. Weighted seroprevalence for CCHF among all participants was 1.2%, increasing to 3.4% in villages with a known history of CCHF circulation. Weighted seroprevalence was 2.4% for Lyme disease and 1.3% for Q fever. We found evidence of CCHF virus circulation in areas not known to harbor the virus. We noted that activities that put persons at high risk for zoonotic or tickborne disease also were risk factors for seropositivity. However, recognition of the role of livestock in disease transmission and use of personal protective equipment when performing high-risk activities were low among participants.
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Replogle AJ, Sexton C, Young J, Kingry LC, Schriefer ME, Dolan M, Johnson TL, Connally NP, Padgett KA, Petersen JM. Isolation of Borrelia miyamotoi and other Borreliae using a modified BSK medium. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1926. [PMID: 33479281 PMCID: PMC7820315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia spirochetes are the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and relapsing fever (RF). Despite the steady rise in infections and the identification of new species causing human illness over the last decade, isolation of borreliae in culture has become increasingly rare. A modified Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK) media formulation, BSK-R, was developed for isolation of the emerging RF pathogen, Borrelia miyamotoi. BSK-R is a diluted BSK-II derivative supplemented with Lebovitz’s L-15, mouse and fetal calf serum. Decreasing the concentration of CMRL 1066 and other components was essential for growth of North American B. miyamotoi. Sixteen B. miyamotoi isolates, originating from Ixodes scapularis ticks, rodent and human blood collected in the eastern and upper midwestern United States, were isolated and propagated to densities > 108 spirochetes/mL. Growth of five other RF and ten different LB borreliae readily occurred in BSK-R. Additionally, primary culture recovery of 20 isolates of Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii was achieved in BSK-R using whole blood from infected patients. These data indicate this broadly encompassing borreliae media can aid in in vitro culture recovery of RF and LB spirochetes, including the direct isolation of new and emerging human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Replogle
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Christopher Sexton
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - John Young
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Luke C Kingry
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Martin E Schriefer
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Marc Dolan
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Tammi L Johnson
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA.,Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Uvalde, TX, 78801, USA
| | - Neeta P Connally
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT, 06810, USA
| | - Kerry A Padgett
- California Department of Public Health, Infectious Diseases Branch/Vector-Borne Disease Section, Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Jeannine M Petersen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA.
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45
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Lin M, Xiong Q, Chung M, Daugherty SC, Nagaraj S, Sengamalay N, Ott S, Godinez A, Tallon LJ, Sadzewicz L, Fraser C, Dunning Hotopp JC, Rikihisa Y. Comparative Analysis of Genome of Ehrlichia sp. HF, a Model Bacterium to Study Fatal Human Ehrlichiosis. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:11. [PMID: 33407096 PMCID: PMC7789307 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genus Ehrlichia consists of tick-borne obligatory intracellular bacteria that can cause deadly diseases of medical and agricultural importance. Ehrlichia sp. HF, isolated from Ixodes ovatus ticks in Japan [also referred to as I. ovatus Ehrlichia (IOE) agent], causes acute fatal infection in laboratory mice that resembles acute fatal human monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. As there is no small laboratory animal model to study fatal human ehrlichiosis, Ehrlichia sp. HF provides a needed disease model. However, the inability to culture Ehrlichia sp. HF and the lack of genomic information have been a barrier to advance this animal model. In addition, Ehrlichia sp. HF has several designations in the literature as it lacks a taxonomically recognized name. RESULTS We stably cultured Ehrlichia sp. HF in canine histiocytic leukemia DH82 cells from the HF strain-infected mice, and determined its complete genome sequence. Ehrlichia sp. HF has a single double-stranded circular chromosome of 1,148,904 bp, which encodes 866 proteins with a similar metabolic potential as E. chaffeensis. Ehrlichia sp. HF encodes homologs of all virulence factors identified in E. chaffeensis, including 23 paralogs of P28/OMP-1 family outer membrane proteins, type IV secretion system apparatus and effector proteins, two-component systems, ankyrin-repeat proteins, and tandem repeat proteins. Ehrlichia sp. HF is a novel species in the genus Ehrlichia, as demonstrated through whole genome comparisons with six representative Ehrlichia species, subspecies, and strains, using average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and core genome alignment sequence identity. CONCLUSIONS The genome of Ehrlichia sp. HF encodes all known virulence factors found in E. chaffeensis, substantiating it as a model Ehrlichia species to study fatal human ehrlichiosis. Comparisons between Ehrlichia sp. HF and E. chaffeensis will enable identification of in vivo virulence factors that are related to host specificity, disease severity, and host inflammatory responses. We propose to name Ehrlichia sp. HF as Ehrlichia japonica sp. nov. (type strain HF), to denote the geographic region where this bacterium was initially isolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqun Lin
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Qingming Xiong
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew Chung
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sean C Daugherty
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sushma Nagaraj
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Naomi Sengamalay
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sandra Ott
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Al Godinez
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Luke J Tallon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lisa Sadzewicz
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Claire Fraser
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Julie C Dunning Hotopp
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Yasuko Rikihisa
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Kuriakose K, Pettit AC, Schmitz J, Moncayo A, Bloch KC. Assessment of Risk Factors and Outcomes of Severe Ehrlichiosis Infection. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2025577. [PMID: 33201233 PMCID: PMC7672514 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.25577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ehrlichiosis cases in the US have increased more than 8-fold since 2000. Up to 57% of patients with ehrlichiosis require hospitalization and 11% develop a life-threatening complication; however, risk factors for serious disease are not well documented. OBJECTIVE To examine risk factors associated with severe ehrlichiosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS An analytic cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with ehrlichiosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2017, was conducted in a single tertiary-care center in a region endemic for ehrlichiosis. Analysis was performed from February 27, 2018, to September 9, 2020. A total of 407 positive Ehrlichia PCR results were identified from 383 unique patients, with 155 unique patients meeting study criteria. Patients hospitalized at other institutions who had a positive Ehrlichia PCR performed as a reference test (n = 222) were excluded as no clinical data were available. Electronic medical record review was performed to collect demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcomes data. Cases were excluded when there were insufficient clinical data to assess the severity of illness (n = 3) and when the clinical illness did not meet the case definition for ehrlichiosis (n = 3). EXPOSURES Date of presentation, onset of symptoms, date of PCR testing, date of treatment initiation, site of care, age, birth sex, race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole use within the prior 2 weeks, and immunosuppression. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Requirement for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS Of the 155 patients who met inclusion criteria, 99 patients (63.9%) were men, and 145 patients (93.5%) identified as non-Hispanic White; median age was 50 years (interquartile range, 23-64 years). Intensive care unit admission was indicated in 43 patients (27.7%), 94 patients (60.6%) were hospitalized on general medical floors, and 18 patients (11.6%) received care as outpatients. In adjusted analysis, time to treatment initiation was independently associated with an increased risk for ICU admission (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.14; P < .001). Documentation of tick exposure was independently associated with a decreased risk for ICU admission (aPR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34-0.86; P = .01). There appeared to be a nonsignificant change toward a decreased need for ICU care among immunosuppressed persons (aPR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26-1.00; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that delay in initiation of doxycycline therapy is a significant factor associated with severe ehrlichiosis. Increased recognition of infection by front-line clinicians to promote early treatment may improve outcomes associated with this increasingly common and life-threatening infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kuriakose
- Section of Infectious Disease, Renown Health, Reno, Nevada
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno
| | - April C. Pettit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan Schmitz
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Abelardo Moncayo
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Karen C. Bloch
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Targeted Metagenomics for Clinical Detection and Discovery of Bacterial Tick-Borne Pathogens. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00147-20. [PMID: 32878950 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00147-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases, due to a diversity of bacterial pathogens, represent a significant and increasing public health threat throughout the Northern Hemisphere. A high-throughput 16S V1-V2 rRNA gene-based metagenomics assay was developed and evaluated using >13,000 residual samples from patients suspected of having tick-borne illness and >1,000 controls. Taxonomic predictions for tick-borne bacteria were exceptionally accurate, as independently validated by secondary testing. Overall, 881 specimens were positive for bacterial tick-borne agents. Twelve tick-borne bacterial species were detected, including two novel pathogens, representing a 100% increase in the number of tick-borne bacteria identified compared to what was possible by initial PCR testing. In three blood specimens, two tick-borne bacteria were simultaneously detected. Seven bacteria, not known to be tick transmitted, were also confirmed to be unique to samples from persons suspected of having tick-borne illness. These results indicate that 16S V1-V2 metagenomics can greatly simplify diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of bacterial tick-borne pathogens.
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Mathis S, Soulages A, Le Masson G, Vallat JM. Epidemics and outbreaks of peripheral nervous system disorders: I. infectious and immune-mediated causes. J Neurol 2020; 268:879-890. [PMID: 32914207 PMCID: PMC7483039 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The history of mankind is marked by numerous epidemics, some of which involved diseases of the peripheral nervous system, either infectious or otherwise. We describe here the three main infectious causes of epidemics that affect the peripheral nervous system: leprosy, poliomyelitis and diphtheria. We then discuss the main epidemics of immune-mediated origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mathis
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux (Pellegrin University Hospital), Place Amélie Raba-Léon, 33076, Bordeaux, France.
| | - Antoine Soulages
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux (Pellegrin University Hospital), Place Amélie Raba-Léon, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gwendal Le Masson
- Department of Neurology, Nerve-Muscle Unit, CHU Bordeaux (Pellegrin University Hospital), Place Amélie Raba-Léon, 33076, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, 'Physiopathologie de La Plasticité Neuronale', U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Michel Vallat
- Department of Neurology, National Reference Center for 'Rare Peripheral Neuropathies', University Hospital, 2 Avenue Martin Luther King, 87042, Limoges, France
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Optimization and Evaluation of a Multiplex Quantitative PCR Assay for Detection of Nucleic Acids in Human Blood Samples from Patients with Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, Typhus Rickettsiosis, Scrub Typhus, Monocytic Ehrlichiosis, and Granulocytic Anaplasmosis. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01802-19. [PMID: 32493778 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01802-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), typhus group rickettsioses (TGR), scrub typhus (caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi), ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis often present as undifferentiated fever but are not treated by agents (penicillins and cephalosporins) typically used for acute febrile illness. Inability to diagnose these infections when the patient is acutely ill leads to excess morbidity and mortality. Failure to confirm these infections retrospectively if a convalescent blood sample is not obtained also impairs epidemiologic and clinical research. We designed a multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to detect SFGR, TGR, O. tsutsugamushi, and infections caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis with the ompA, 17-kDa surface antigen gene, tsa56, msp2 (p44), and vlpt gene targets, respectively. Analytical sensitivity was ≥2 copies/μl (linear range, 2 to 2 × 105) and specificity was 100%. Clinical sensitivities for SFGR, TGR, and O. tsutsugamushi were 25%, 20%, and 27%, respectively, and specificities were 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Clinical sensitivities for A. phagocytophilum and E. chaffeensis were 93% and 84%, respectively, and specificities were 99% and 98%, respectively. This multiplex qPCR assay could support early clinical diagnosis and treatment, confirm acute infections in the absence of a convalescent-phase serum sample, and provide the high-throughput testing required to support large clinical and epidemiologic studies. Because replication of SFGR and TGR in endothelial cells results in very low bacteremia, optimal sensitivity of qPCR for these rickettsioses will require use of larger volumes of input DNA, which could be achieved by improved extraction of DNA from blood and/or extraction of DNA from a larger initial volume of blood.
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Epidemiological study on Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cattle: Molecular prevalence and risk factors assessment in different ecological zones in Iran. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105118. [PMID: 32891899 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-borne pathogen affecting humans and domestic animals worldwide. This study aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology and its associated risk factors of A. phagocytophilum infection in cattle in four ecological zones of Iran. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was utilized during 2017-2018. A total of 1851 blood samples from 320 cattle farms were collected and examined using specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was 15.5% (286/1851) by using nPCR. All four zones were A. phagocytophilum positive, the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in eight out of nine tested provinces. Univariable analysis of risk factors indicated that climate, altitude, longitude, latitude, season, farm-type, feeding method, hygiene of the farm, tick infestation, use of acaricides by the farmer, distance from other farms, contact with wild animals, race, sex, and milk yield were significant determinants (P < 0.05) for A. phagocytophilum infection. The multivariable analysis determined that longitude, latitude, season, feeding method, and hygiene of the farm remained as significant risk factors for A. phagocytophilum infection (P < 0.05). Specific (SaTScan) cluster analysis identified two high risks and four low risks statistically significant clusters for A. phagocytophilum infection amongst the study areas (P < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA isolates were 96-99% identical to sequences deposited in the GenBank. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive molecular study on the epidemiology and risk factors analysis of A. phagocytophilum infection in cattle in different climatic zones of Iran. Further investigations are necessary to be performed regarding the tick vectors, reservoir animals, and the zoonotic potential of the A. phagocytophilum in the endemic region of Iran.
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