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Feng T, Tong H, Zhang F, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Zhou X, Ruan H, Wu Q, Dai J. Transcriptome study reveals tick immune genes restrict Babesia microti infection. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38837613 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
A systems biology approach was employed to gain insight into tick biology and interactions between vectors and pathogens. Haemaphysalis longicornis serves as one of the primary vectors of Babesia microti, significantly impacting human and animal health. Obtaining more information about their relationship is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of tick and pathogen biology, pathogen transmission dynamics, and potential control strategies. RNA sequencing of uninfected and B. microti-infected ticks resulted in the identification of 15 056 unigenes. Among these, 1 051 were found to be differentially expressed, with 796 being upregulated and 255 downregulated (P < 0.05). Integrated transcriptomics datasets revealed the pivotal role of immune-related pathways, including the Toll, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), immunodeficiency, and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways, in response to infection. Consequently, 3 genes encoding critical transcriptional factor Dorsal, Relish, and STAT were selected for RNAi experiments. The knockdown of Dorsal, Relish, and STAT resulted in a substantial increase in Babesia infection levels compared to the respective controls. These findings significantly advanced our understanding of tick-Babesia molecular interactions and proposed novel tick antigens as potential vaccine targets against tick infestations and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Central Laboratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Tong
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feihu Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Pasteurien College, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hang Ruan
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qihan Wu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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Veinović G, Sukara R, Mihaljica D, Penezić A, Ćirović D, Tomanović S. The Occurrence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Small Mammals from Serbia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:285-292. [PMID: 38346321 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0088] [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: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite abundance of small mammals in Serbia, there is no information on their role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This retrospective study aimed to identify different tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in small mammals in Serbia collected during 2011. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 small mammals were collected from seven different localities in Serbia. The five localities belong to the capital city of Serbia-Belgrade: recreational areas-Ada Ciganlija, Titov gaj, and Košutnjak as well as mountainous suburban areas used for hiking-Avala and Kosmaj. The locality Veliko Gradište is a tourist place in northeastern Serbia, whereas the locality Milošev Do is a remote area in western Serbia with minor human impact on the environment. Results: The results of the presented retrospective study are the first findings of Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Hepatozoon canis, and Coxiella burnetii in small mammals in Serbia. The presence of R. helvetica was confirmed in two Apodemus flavicollis, the presence of one of the following pathogens, R. monacensis, B. afzelii, H. canis, Ba. microti, and N. mikurensis was confirmed in one A. flavicollis each, whereas the presence of B. miyamotoi was confirmed in one Apodemus agrarius. Coinfection with B. afzelii and Ba. microti was confirmed in one A. flavicollis. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 3 of 18 pools. Conclusions: The results confirm that detected pathogens circulate in the sylvatic cycle in Serbia and point to small mammals as potential reservoir hosts for the detected TBPs. Further large-scale studies on contemporary samples are needed to clarify the exact role of particular small mammal species in the epidemiology of TBDs caused by the detected pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorana Veinović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Group for Medical Entomology, Centre of Excellence for Food and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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3
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Dickson CA, Ergun-Longmire B, Greydanus DE, Eke R, Giedeman B, Nickson NM, Hoang LN, Adabanya U, Payares DVP, Chahin S, McCrary J, White K, Moon JH, Haitova N, Deleon J, Apple RW. Health equity in pediatrics: Current concepts for the care of children in the 21st century (Dis Mon). Dis Mon 2024; 70:101631. [PMID: 37739834 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2023.101631] [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: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
This is an analysis of important aspects of health equity in caring for children and adolescents written by a multidisciplinary team from different medical centers. In this discussion for clinicians, we look at definitions of pediatric health equity and the enormous impact of social determinants of health in this area. Factors involved with pediatric healthcare disparities that are considered include race, ethnicity, gender, age, poverty, socioeconomic status, LGBT status, living in rural communities, housing instability, food insecurity, access to transportation, availability of healthcare professionals, the status of education, and employment as well as immigration. Additional issues involved with health equity in pediatrics that are reviewed will include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, behavioral health concepts, and the negative health effects of climate change. Recommendations that are presented include reflection of one's own attitudes on as well as an understanding of these topics, consideration of the role of various healthcare providers (i.e., community health workers, peer health navigators, others), the impact of behavioral health integration, and the need for well-conceived curricula as well as multi-faceted training programs in pediatric health equity at the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education levels. Furthermore, ongoing research in pediatric health equity is needed to scrutinize current concepts and stimulate the development of ideas with an ever-greater positive influence on the health of our beloved children. Clinicians caring for children can serve as champions for the optimal health of children and their families; in addition, these healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned in their daily work to understand the drivers of health inequities and to be advocates for optimal health equity in the 21st century for all children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Dickson
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Berrin Ergun-Longmire
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.
| | - Ransome Eke
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, United States
| | - Bethany Giedeman
- Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Nikoli M Nickson
- Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Linh-Nhu Hoang
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Uzochukwu Adabanya
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, United States
| | - Daniela V Pinto Payares
- Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Summer Chahin
- Department of Psychology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital/Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jerica McCrary
- Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, United States
| | - Katie White
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jin Hyung Moon
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, United States
| | - Nizoramo Haitova
- Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jocelyn Deleon
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Roger W Apple
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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Pourkarim MR. Navigating Evolving Challenges in Blood Safety. Viruses 2024; 16:123. [PMID: 38257823 PMCID: PMC10821029 DOI: 10.3390/v16010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood safety remains a paramount public health concern, and health authorities maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Reza Pourkarim
- Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Health Policy Research Centre, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Centre, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion, Tehran 14665-1157, Iran
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Gandy S, Medlock J, Cull B, Smith R, Gibney Z, Sewgobind S, Parekh I, Harding S, Johnson N, Hansford K. Detection of Babesia species in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in England and Wales. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102291. [PMID: 38061320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102291] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Babesiosis, a disease in humans and animals is caused by piroplasms from the genus Babesia and is transmitted by ixodid ticks. Bovine babesiosis, commonly called redwater fever, is reported in cattle from many regions of the British Isles. The presence of Babesia in questing ticks in the United Kingdom (UK) and its potential impact on public and animal health has not been widely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of Babesia spp. in England and Wales using ticks collected over a six-year period. Questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs were collected at 20 recreational areas between 2014 and 2019 and screened for Babesia. Of 3912 nymphs tested, Babesia spp. were detected in 15, giving an overall prevalence of 0.38% [95%CI: 0.21-0.63%]. A number of Babesia species were identified including B. venatorum (n = 9), B. divergens/capreoli (n = 5) and B. odocoilei-like species (n = 1). Based on the low prevalence of Babesia detected in questing I. ricinus nymphs in the recreational areas studied, the likelihood of exposure to Babesia-infected ticks is lower compared to other pathogens more widely studied in the UK (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.). However, localized areas of elevated risk may occur in pockets in England and Wales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gandy
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom.
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Smith
- Health Protection Division, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Zoë Gibney
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Team, UK Health Security Agency, United Kingdom
| | | | - Insiyah Parekh
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Harding
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
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6
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Foerst E, Shankar K, Zhou J, Ghaneie A. A Presentation of Babesiosis in the Setting of Low-Grade Follicular B-cell Lymphoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e52585. [PMID: 38371063 PMCID: PMC10874646 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection seen in the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the United States. Clinically, this intra-erythrocytic parasitic infection can present in a variety of ways, including fever, fatigue, malaise, or myalgia. Of note, these presenting symptoms are very similar to symptoms that can also be seen in patients with low-grade lymphoma. Thus, differentiating between babesiosis infection and active, symptomatic low-grade lymphoma can be difficult. We present a patient with concurrent severe babesiosis infection and follicular lymphoma. This case report provides a unique overlap of Hematology/Oncology and Infectious Disease and the ensuing diagnostic challenges when both tick-borne illnesses and low-grade lymphoma present together. We suggest including babesiosis screening in the pretreatment evaluation for the use of rituximab in patients with the above symptomatology and geography. This will help rule out alternate confounding diagnoses of babesiosis infection before initiating immunosuppressive treatment for active, symptomatic low-grade lymphoma. Using immunosuppressive agents such as rituximab to treat suspected low-grade lymphoma, before ruling out tick-borne illnesses, can be harmful. Our goal is to reduce such instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Foerst
- Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, USA
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory Services and Pathology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
| | - Arezoo Ghaneie
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, USA
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Drews SJ, Kjemtrup AM, Krause PJ, Lambert G, Leiby DA, Lewin A, O'Brien SF, Renaud C, Tonnetti L, Bloch EM. Transfusion-transmitted Babesia spp.: a changing landscape of epidemiology, regulation, and risk mitigation. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0126822. [PMID: 37750699 PMCID: PMC10595070 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01268-22] [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] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Babesia spp. are tick-borne parasites with a global distribution and diversity of vertebrate hosts. Over the next several decades, climate change is expected to impact humans, vectors, and vertebrate hosts and change the epidemiology of Babesia. Although humans are dead-end hosts for tick-transmitted Babesia, human-to-human transmission of Babesia spp. from transfusion of red blood cells and whole blood-derived platelet concentrates has been reported. In most patients, transfusion-transmitted Babesia (TTB) results in a moderate-to-severe illness. Currently, in North America, most cases of TTB have been described in the United States. TTB cases outside North America are rare, but case numbers may change over time with increased recognition of babesiosis and as the epidemiology of Babesia is impacted by climate change. Therefore, TTB is a concern of microbiologists working in blood operator settings, as well as in clinical settings where transfusion occurs. Microbiologists play an important role in deploying blood donor screening assays in Babesia endemic regions, identifying changing risks for Babesia in non-endemic areas, investigating recipients of blood products for TTB, and drafting TTB policies and guidelines. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical presentation and epidemiology of TTB. We identify approaches and technologies to reduce the risk of collecting blood products from Babesia-infected donors and describe how investigations of TTB are undertaken. We also describe how microbiologists in Babesia non-endemic regions can assess for changing risks of TTB and decide when to focus on laboratory-test-based approaches or pathogen reduction to reduce TTB risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Drews
- Microbiology, Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne M. Kjemtrup
- California Department of Public Health, Vector-Borne Disease Section, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Peter J. Krause
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Grayson Lambert
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David A. Leiby
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, USA
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Epidemiology, Surveillance and Biological Risk Assessment, Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Département d'Obstétrique et de Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sheila F. O'Brien
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, Donation Policy and Studies, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Renaud
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Tonnetti
- American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, Holland Laboratories for the Biomedical Sciences, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Bloch EM, Siller A, Tonnetti L, Drews SJ, Spencer BR, Hedges D, Mergenthal T, Weber-Schehl M, Astl M, Patel EU, Gaber M, Schennach H. Molecular Screening of Blood Donors for Babesia in Tyrol, Austria. Transfus Med Hemother 2023; 50:330-333. [PMID: 37767285 PMCID: PMC10521223 DOI: 10.1159/000528793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Babesia is a tick-borne intraerythrocytic parasite that is globally ubiquitous, yet understudied. Several species of Babesia have been shown to be transfusion-transmissible. Babesia has been reported in blood donors, animals, and ticks in the Tyrol (Western Austria), and regional cases of human babesiosis have been described. We sought to characterize the risk of Babesia to the local blood supply. Methods Prospective molecular testing was performed on blood donors who presented to regional, mobile blood collection drives in the Tyrol, Austria (27 May to October 4, 2021). Testing was conducted using the cobas® Babesia assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.), a commercial PCR assay approved for blood donor screening that is capable of detecting the 4 primary species causing human babesiosis (i.e., B. microti, B. divergens, B. duncani, and B. venatorum). A confirmatory algorithm to manage initial PCR-reactive samples was developed, as were procedures for donor and product management. Results A total of 7,972 donors were enrolled and screened; 4,311 (54.1%) were male, with a median age of 47 years (IQR = 34-55). No positive cases of Babesia were detected, corresponding with an overall prevalence of 0.00% (95% CI: 0.00%, 0.05%). Discussion The findings suggest that the prevalence of Babesia is low in Austrian blood donors residing in the Tyrol, even during months of peak tick exposure. Although one cannot conclude the absence of Babesia in this population given the limited sample size, the findings suggest that the regional risk of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anita Siller
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laura Tonnetti
- Holland Laboratories for the Biomedical Sciences, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven J. Drews
- Microbiology, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bryan R. Spencer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Doris Hedges
- Blood donor service, Bavarian Red Cross, Wiesentheid, Germany
| | | | | | - Manfred Astl
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Manfred Gaber
- Blood donor service Tyrol, Austrian Red Cross, Rum, Austria
| | - Harald Schennach
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Innsbruck, Austria
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Wang SS, Liu JY, Wang BY, Wang WJ, Cui XM, Jiang JF, Sun Y, Guo WB, Pan YS, Zhou YH, Lin ZT, Jiang BG, Zhao L, Cao WC. Geographical distribution of Ixodes persulcatus and associated pathogens: Analysis of integrated data from a China field survey and global published data. One Health 2023; 16:100508. [PMID: 36875889 PMCID: PMC9975318 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and range expansion of tick-borne diseases have caused global threats to human and animal health under the background of climate and socioeconomic changes. As an efficient vector in transmission of tick-borne diseases, a growing burden caused by Ixodes persulcatus and associated pathogens could not be underestimated. This study summarized the distribution, hosts, and pathogens of I. persulcatus, and predicted the suitable habitats of this tick species worldwide. An integrated database involving a field survey, reference book, literature review, and related website was constructed. Location records of I. persulcatus and associated pathogens were incorporated into distribution maps using ArcGIS software. Positive rates for I. persulcatus-associated agents were estimated by meta-analysis. The global distribution of the tick species was predicted using Maxent model. I. persulcatus was distributed in 14 countries across the Eurasian continent, involving Russia, China, Japan, and several Baltic Sea states, which ranged between 21°N to 66°N. The tick species fed on 46 species of hosts, and 51 tick-borne agents could be harbored by I. persulcatus. The predictive model showed that I. persulcatus could be predominantly distributed in northern Europe, western Russia, and northern China. Our study fully clarified the potential public health risks posed by I. persulcatus and I. persulcatus-borne pathogens. Surveillance and control measures of tick-borne diseases should be enhanced to promote the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-Yue Liu
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bao-Yu Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Bin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe-Tao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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Thilakarathne SS, Yuen NKY, Hassan MM, Yahathugoda TC, Abdullah S. Animal and Human Dirofilariasis in India and Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091551. [PMID: 37174588 PMCID: PMC10177550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091551] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is an emerging vector-borne tropical disease of public health importance that mainly affects humans and dogs. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are the two well-documented dirofilariasis-causing filarioid helminths of both medical and veterinary concerns in India and Sri Lanka. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe and summarize the current evidence of dirofilariasis prevalence and distribution in India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, D. repens is reported to circulate in both dogs (prevalence of 35.8% (95% CI: 11.23-60.69)) and humans (97% of published case reports) in India and Sri Lanka, but D. immitis is reported to be present in the dog populations in India (prevalence of 9.7% (95% CI: 8.5-11.0%)), and so far, it has not been reported in Sri Lanka. This peculiar distribution of D. immitis and D. repens in the two neighbouring countries could be due to the interaction between the two parasite species, which could affect the pattern of infection of the two worm species in dogs and thus influence the geographical distribution of these two filarial worms. In medical and veterinary practice, histopathology was the most commonly used diagnostic technique (31.3%; 95% CI 2.5-60.2%). The low specificity of histopathology to speciate the various Dirofilaria spp. may lead to misdiagnosis. It was identified in this study that several regions of India and Sri Lanka have not yet been surveyed for dirofilariasis. This limits our understanding of the geographical distribution and interspecies interactions of the two parasites within these countries. Parasite distribution, disease prevalence, and interspecies interactions between the vectors and the host should be targeted for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandani S Thilakarathne
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle P.O. Box 70, Sri Lanka
| | - Nicholas K Y Yuen
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Thishan C Yahathugoda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle P.O. Box 70, Sri Lanka
| | - Swaid Abdullah
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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11
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Drews SJ, Wendel S, Leiby DA, Tonnetti L, Ushiro-Lumb I, O'Brien SF, Lieshout-Krikke RW, Bloch EM. Climate change and parasitic risk to the blood supply. Transfusion 2023; 63:638-645. [PMID: 36565251 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Microbiology, Donation Policy and Studies, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Silvano Wendel
- Blood Bank, Hospital Sírio-Libanês Blood Bank, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David A Leiby
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Laura Tonnetti
- American Red Cross, Scientific Affairs, Holland Laboratories for the Biomedical Sciences, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sheila F O'Brien
- Canadian Blood Services, Epidemiology and Surveillance, Microbiology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryanne W Lieshout-Krikke
- Department of Medical Affairs, Corporate Staff, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Hansford KM, Gillingham EL, Vaux AGC, Cull B, McGinley L, Catton M, Wheeler BW, Tschirren B, Medlock JM. Impact of green space connectivity on urban tick presence, density and Borrelia infected ticks in different habitats and seasons in three cities in southern England. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102103. [PMID: 36525762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102103] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the effects of local habitat and wider landscape connectivity factors on tick presence, nymph density and Borrelia species (spp.) prevalence in the tick population is important for identifying the public health risk from Lyme borreliosis. This multi-city study collected data in three southern England cities (Bath, Bristol, and Southampton) during spring, summer, and autumn in 2017. Focusing specifically on urban green space used for recreation which were clearly in urbanised areas, 72 locations were sampled. Additionally, geospatial datasets on urban green space coverage within 250 m and 1 km of sampling points, as well as distance to woodland were incorporated into statistical models. Distance to woodland was negatively associated with tick presence and nymph density, particularly during spring and summer. Furthermore, we observed an interaction effect between habitat and season for tick presence and nymph density, with woodland habitat having greater tick presence and nymph density during spring. Borrelia spp. infected Ixodes ricinus were found in woodland, woodland edge and under canopy habitats in Bath and Southampton. Overall Borrelia spp. prevalence in nymphs was 2.8%, similar to wider UK studies assessing prevalence in Ixodes ricinus in rural areas. Bird-related Borrelia genospecies dominated across sites, suggesting bird reservoir hosts may be important in urban green space settings for feeding and infecting ticks. Whilst overall density of infected nymphs across the three cities was low (0.03 per 100 m2), risk should be further investigated by incorporating data on tick bites acquired in urban settings, and subsequent Lyme borreliosis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK; European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change & Health, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK.
| | - Emma L Gillingham
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change & Health, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | - Liz McGinley
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | - Matthew Catton
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change & Health, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
| | | | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology & Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change & Health, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging & Zoonotic Infections, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, UK
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13
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Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases: New Problems Providing New Possible Solutions. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010120. [PMID: 36678468 PMCID: PMC9865911 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are responsible for enormous losses in animal and human life, which do not seem to become better as new data show surprising connections [...].
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14
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de Angeli Dutra D, Salloum PM, Poulin R. Vector microbiome: will global climate change affect vector competence and pathogen transmission? Parasitol Res 2023; 122:11-17. [PMID: 36401142 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07734-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are among the greatest causes of human suffering globally. Several studies have linked climate change and increasing temperature with rises in vector abundance, and in the incidence and geographical distribution of diseases. The microbiome of vectors can have profound effects on how efficiently a vector sustains pathogen development and transmission. Growing evidence indicates that the composition of vectors' gut microbiome might change with shifts in temperature. Nonetheless, due to a lack of studies on vector microbiome turnover under a changing climate, the consequences for vector-borne disease incidence are still unknown. Here, we argue that climate change effects on vector competence are still poorly understood and the expected increase in vector-borne disease transmission might not follow a relationship as simple and straightforward as past research has suggested. Furthermore, we pose questions that are yet to be answered to enhance our current understanding of the effect of climate change on vector microbiomes, competence, and, ultimately, vector-borne diseases transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
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15
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Chang Q, Chen Z, von Fricken ME, Liu Q. Editorial: New infectious agents in arthropod vectors. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1105082. [PMID: 36569089 PMCID: PMC9780654 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1105082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ze Chen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Michael E. von Fricken
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China,School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China,*Correspondence: Quan Liu
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16
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First Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes and Absence of Babesia sp. DNA in Faeces of Non-Human Primates in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121490. [PMID: 36558823 PMCID: PMC9785249 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomes are a group of pathogens distributed in the continents of Africa, America, Asia and Europe, and they affect all vertebrates including the neotropical primate group. Information about the trypanosome's diversity, phylogeny, ecology and pathology in non-human primates (NHPs) from the neotropical region is scarce. The objective of the study was to identify Trypanosoma and Babesia molecularly in NHPs under the phylogenetic species concept. We extracted DNA from a total of 76 faecal samples collected between 2019 and 2021, from a total of 11 non-human primate species of which 46 are from captive NHPs and 30 are free-living NHPs in the Western Amazon region of Ecuador. We did not detect DNA of Babesia sp. by polymerase chain reaction test in any of the faecal samples. However, the nested-PCR-based method revealed Trypanosoma parasites by ITS gene amplification in two faecal samples; one for the species Leontocebus lagonotus (from the captive population) and a second one for Cebus albifrons (from the free-ranging population). Maximum parsimony and likelihood methods with the Kimura2+G+I model inferred the evolutionary history of the two records, which showed an evolutionary relationship with the genus Trypanosoma. Two sequences are monophyletic with Trypanosoma. However, the number of sequences available in GenBank for their species identification is limited. The two samples present different molecular identifications and evolutionary origins in the tree topology. We are most likely referring to two different species, and two different localities of infection. We suggest that health management protocols should be implemented to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Trypanosoma sp. among captive populations. In addition, these protocols also protect the personnel of wildlife rehabilitation centers working in close proximity to NHPs and vice versa.
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17
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Pal AC, Renard I, Singh P, Vydyam P, Chiu JE, Pou S, Winter RW, Dodean R, Frueh L, Nilsen AC, Riscoe MK, Doggett JS, Ben Mamoun C. Babesia duncani as a Model Organism to Study the Development, Virulence, and Drug Susceptibility of Intraerythrocytic Parasites In Vitro and In Vivo. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1267-1275. [PMID: 35512141 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a malaria-like illness caused by tick-borne intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites of the Apicomplexa phylum. Whereas several species of Babesia can cause severe disease in humans, the ability to propagate Babesia duncani both in vitro in human erythrocytes and in mice makes it a unique pathogen to study Babesia biology and pathogenesis. Here we report an optimized B. duncani in culture-in mouse (ICIM) model that combines continuous in vitro culture of the parasite with a precise model of lethal infection in mice. We demonstrate that B. duncani-infected erythrocytes as well as free merozoites can cause lethal infection in C3H/HeJ mice. Highly reproducible parasitemia and survival outcomes could be established using specific parasite loads in different mouse genetic backgrounds. Using the ICIM model, we discovered 2 new endochin-like quinolone prodrugs (ELQ-331 and ELQ-468) that alone or in combination with atovaquone are highly efficacious against B. duncani and Babesia microti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasuya C Pal
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Isaline Renard
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Pratap Vydyam
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joy E Chiu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sovitj Pou
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rolf W Winter
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rozalia Dodean
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lisa Frueh
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aaron C Nilsen
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael K Riscoe
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - J Stone Doggett
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Ebani VV, Guardone L, Rocchigiani G, Bascherini A, Cagnoli G, Bertelloni F, Bongi P, Russo C, Riccioli F, Mancianti F. Molecular survey on the presence of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoans in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and ticks from Central Italy. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106586. [PMID: 35787417 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental changes, due to climatic emergency and to anthropogenic activities severely impact on the epidemiology of vector borne diseases, mostly when transmitted by ticks. The data about the distribution of microorganisms responsible for them in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population living in Italy are scanty and completely lacking in Tuscany, so a molecular survey was carried out to estimate the prevalence of some zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in roe deer, and ticks removed from them, living in areas of Central Italy with high risk of arthropod exposure. Spleen samples from 72 roe deer were tested by PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Francisella tularensis and piroplasms. Moreover, 345 ticks were removed from 65 roe deer, morphologically or molecularly identified and grouped into 162 pools that were submitted to PCR for detecting the same pathogens. Forty-six (63.88%) roe deer were positive for at least one investigated pathogen: 43 (59.72%) for A. phagocytophilum, 2 (2.78%) for Babesia capreoli, 1 (1.39%) for B. burgdorferi, and 1 (1.39%) for Babesia sp.. No animals were PCR positive for F. tularensis. All ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus. Seventy-six (46.91%) tick pools showed DNA of one or more pathogens: 66 (40.74%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 22 (13.58%) for B. burgodorferi s.l., 6 (3.70%) for B. venatorum and 3 (1.85%) for B. capreoli. No pools were positive for F. tularensis. Two or three pathogens were detected in 23 (14.19%) pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy; Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, Pisa 56124, Italy.
| | - Lisa Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Alice Bascherini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Paolo Bongi
- Ambito Territoriale Caccia Massa (ATCMS), largo Bonfigli 3/5, Aulla (Massa) 54011, Italy
| | - Claudia Russo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesco Riccioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences - University of Pisa - Viale delle Piagge 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
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Allehebi ZO, Khan FM, Robbins M, Simms E, Xiang R, Shawwa A, Lindsay LR, Dibernardo A, d'Entremont C, Crowell A, LeBlanc JJ, Haldane DJ. Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis, Atlantic Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1292-1294. [PMID: 35608954 PMCID: PMC9155882 DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.220443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In July 2021, a PCR-confirmed case of locally acquired Babesia microti infection was reported in Atlantic Canada. Clinical features were consistent with babesiosis and resolved after treatment. In a region where Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are endemic, the occurrence of babesiosis emphasizes the need to enhance surveillance of tickborne infections.
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