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Ostfeld RS, Adish S, Mowry S, Bremer W, Duerr S, Evans AS, Fischhoff IR, Keating F, Pendleton J, Pfister A, Teator M, Keesing F. Effects of residential acaricide treatments on patterns of pathogen coinfection in blacklegged ticks. Parasitology 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38494476 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Medically important ixodid ticks often carry multiple pathogens, with individual ticks frequently coinfected and capable of transmitting multiple infections to hosts, including humans. Acquisition of multiple zoonotic pathogens by immature blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) is facilitated when they feed on small mammals, which are the most competent reservoir hosts for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (which causes anaplasmosis in humans), Babesia microti (babesiosis) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease). Here, we used data from a large-scale, long-term experiment to ask whether patterns of single and multiple infections in questing nymphal I. scapularis ticks from residential neighbourhoods differed from those predicted by independent assortment of pathogens, and whether patterns of coinfection were affected by residential application of commercial acaricidal products. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for pathogen detection in multiplex reactions. In control neighbourhoods and those treated with a fungus-based biopesticide deployed against host-seeking ticks (Met52), ticks having only single infections of either B. microti or B. burgdorferi were significantly less common than expected, whereas coinfections with these 2 pathogens were significantly more common. However, use of tick control system bait boxes, which kill ticks attempting to feed on small mammals, eliminated the bias towards coinfection. Although aimed at reducing the abundance of host-seeking ticks, control methods directed at ticks attached to small mammals may influence human exposure to coinfected ticks and the probability of exposure to multiple tick-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahar Adish
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Stacy Mowry
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - William Bremer
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Shannon Duerr
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Andrew S Evans
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Dutchess County, NY 12601, USA
| | | | - Fiona Keating
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | | | - Ashley Pfister
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Marissa Teator
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
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O’Connor C, Prusinski MA, Aldstadt J, Falco RC, Oliver J, Haight J, Tober K, Sporn LA, White J, Brisson D, Backenson PB. Assessing the impact of areal unit selection and the modifiable areal unit problem on associative statistics between cases of tick-borne disease and entomological indices. J Med Entomol 2024; 61:331-344. [PMID: 38157309 PMCID: PMC10936173 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) is a cause of statistical and visual bias when aggregating data according to spatial units, particularly when spatial units may be changed arbitrarily. The MAUP is a concern in vector-borne disease research when entomological metrics gathered from point-level sampling data are related to epidemiological data aggregated to administrative units like counties or ZIP Codes. Here, we assess the statistical impact of the MAUP when calculating correlations between randomly aggregated cases of anaplasmosis in New York State during 2017 and a geostatistical layer of an entomological risk index for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) collected during the fall of 2017. Correlations were also calculated using various administrative boundaries for comparison. We also demonstrate the impact of the MAUP on data visualization using choropleth maps and offer pycnophylactic interpolation as an alternative. Polygon simulations indicate that increasing the number of polygons decreases correlation coefficients and their variability. Correlation coefficients calculated using ZIP Code tabulation area and Census tract polygons were beyond 4 standard deviations from the mean of the simulated correlation coefficients. These results indicate that using smaller polygons may not best incorporate the geographical context of the tick-borne disease system, despite the tendency of researchers to strive for more granular spatial data and associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin O’Connor
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Geography, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Melissa A Prusinski
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jared Aldstadt
- Department of Geography, State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Richard C Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Vector Ecology Laboratory, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA
| | - JoAnne Oliver
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jamie Haight
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Falconer, NY, USA
| | - Keith Tober
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lee Ann Sporn
- Natural Science Department, Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer White
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - P Bryon Backenson
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
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Pańczuk A, Tokarska-Rodak M, Andrzejuk P. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs in eastern Poland. J Vet Res 2024; 68:109-114. [PMID: 38525235 PMCID: PMC10960333 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2024-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ixodes ricinus ticks are an important vector and reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms causing dangerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. The presence of ticks in urban greenery is a particularly important public health concern due to the potential for humans and companion animals to be exposed to tick-borne diseases there. The study assessed the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in I. ricinus ticks feeding on dogs. Material and Methods The study consisted in analyses of I. ricinus ticks collected in 2018-2020 from owned and stray dogs in the north-eastern part of Lubelskie province (eastern Poland). An AmpliSens PCR kit was used for qualitative detection and differentiation of tick-borne infections. Results Infections of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in 10.9% and 12.9% of the examined ticks, respectively. One tick (0.7%) was co-infected by both pathogens. Infection with B. burgdorferi was significantly more highly prevalent in ticks collected from the owned dogs than from the strays (18.7% and 2.8%, respectively), whereas the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was similar in both groups (12.0% and 13.9%, respectively). Conclusion The co-infection observed in the study suggests the possibility of simultaneous infection by both pathogens from a single tick bite. The presence of pathogens in ticks collected from dogs is a factor in assessing infection risk not only to companion animals but also to their owners, who are in close contact with their dogs and visit the same green areas recreationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrycja Andrzejuk
- Innovation Research Centre, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, 21-500Biała Podlaska, Poland
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Aleman M, Vedavally U, Pusterla N, Wensley F, Berryhill E, Madigan JE. Common and atypical presentations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in equids with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:440-448. [PMID: 38038253 PMCID: PMC10800209 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive descriptions of equids with granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) with neurologic or muscle disease and other atypical presentations are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome of equids with EGA with emphasis on neurologic and muscle disease. ANIMALS Thirty-eight horses, 1 donkey. METHODS Retrospective study. Equids with EGA were included. The electronic data base was searched from January 2000 to December 2022 using the words anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, granulocytic, and rickettsia. Signalment and clinical data were reviewed. Data were evaluated for normality using Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used for normally and non-normally distributed data. RESULTS Common (41%) and other (59%) presentations were seen in horses ≥ 4 years of age (median, 14 years) with an overrepresentation of males (77%). Neurologic disease was common (41%), mainly presenting as diffuse symmetrical proprioceptive ataxia. Brain disease was less common manifesting as obtundation and cranial nerve deficits. Muscle disease was less common, with QH breeds with the variant causing myosin heavy chain myopathy (MYHM) having severe disease. Cavitary effusion, cardiomyopathy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were uncommon. Clinical laboratory results varied depending on disease stage. Muscle enzyme activities were significantly higher in horses with muscle disease. Outcome was favorable with prompt tetracycline treatment. Death and long-term sequelae were not reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Common and atypical presentations of EGA have a favorable outcome with prompt tetracycline treatment. Quarter horse breeds with muscle disease should be genotyped for MYHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ujwala Vedavally
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Fiona Wensley
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Emily Berryhill
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - John E. Madigan
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Deshpande G, Beetch JE, Heller JG, Naqvi OH, Kuhn KG. Assessing the Influence of Climate Change and Environmental Factors on the Top Tick-Borne Diseases in the United States: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2023; 12:50. [PMID: 38257877 PMCID: PMC10821204 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the United States (US), tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have more than doubled in the past fifteen years and are a major contributor to the overall burden of vector-borne diseases. The most common TBDs in the US-Lyme disease, rickettsioses (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever), and anaplasmosis-have gradually shifted in recent years, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. In this systematic review, we examined climate change and other environmental factors that have influenced the epidemiology of these TBDs in the US while highlighting the opportunities for a One Health approach to mitigating their impact. We searched Medline Plus, PUBMED, and Google Scholar for studies focused on these three TBDs in the US from January 2018 to August 2023. Data selection and extraction were completed using Covidence, and the risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool. The review included 84 papers covering multiple states across the US. We found that climate, seasonality and temporality, and land use are important environmental factors that impact the epidemiology and patterns of TBDs. The emerging trends, influenced by environmental factors, emphasize the need for region-specific research to aid in the prediction and prevention of TBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Katrin Gaardbo Kuhn
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (G.D.); (J.E.B.); (J.G.H.); (O.H.N.)
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Kaur R, Ahlawat S, Choudhary V, Kumari A, Kumar A, Kaur M, Arora R, Sharma R, Vijh RK. Expression profiling of cytokine genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Anaplasma marginale infected and healthy cattle. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4281-4290. [PMID: 36409691 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2146589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, changes in expression profiles of genes encoding 14 cytokines (IL1A, IL1B, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12A, IL12B, IL16, IFNA, IFNB, TGFB1, and TNFA) were investigated amongst six Anaplasma marginale infected and six healthy crossbred cattle. Health status of the animals was determined based on clinical signs, blood smear examination and molecular detection using A. marginale-specific primers. Total RNA was isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the infected animals as well as the healthy controls, which was further reverse transcribed to cDNA. Primers for real time PCR were designed using Primer3 software and the results were analyzed by the 2-ΔΔCt method with RPS15 and GAPDH as the reference genes. The expression levels of IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL10, IL12A, IL12B, and TNFA varied significantly between the two groups, with higher expression in the infected cattle. The transcript abundance of IL4, IL16, and TGFB1 did not vary between the diseased and healthy animals. The expression of IL2 and IL8 was higher in the healthy animals, but the results were non-significant. Taken together, this study provides evidence for difference in expression of cytokine genes in response to anaplasmosis in crossbred cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmeet Kaur
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Sonika Ahlawat
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Vikas Choudhary
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, District Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Karnal, India
| | - Anisha Kumari
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Mandeep Kaur
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Reena Arora
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
| | - Rekha Sharma
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India
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Sanchez-Vicente S, Tokarz R. Tick-Borne Co-Infections: Challenges in Molecular and Serologic Diagnoses. Pathogens 2023; 12:1371. [PMID: 38003835 PMCID: PMC10674443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections are a poorly understood aspect of tick-borne diseases. In the United States alone, nineteen different tick-borne pathogens have been identified. The majority of these agents are transmitted by only two tick species, Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum. Surveillance studies have demonstrated the presence of multiple pathogens in individual ticks suggesting a risk of polymicrobial transmission to humans. However, relatively few studies have explored this relationship and its impact on human disease. One of the key factors for this deficiency are the intrinsic limitations associated with molecular and serologic assays employed for the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases. Limitations in the sensitivity, specificity and most importantly, the capacity for inclusion of multiple agents within a single assay represent the primary challenges for the accurate detection of polymicrobial tick-borne infections. This review will focus on outlining these limitations and discuss potential solutions for the enhanced diagnosis of tick-borne co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Sanchez-Vicente
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Badshah F, Ullah K, Kamal M, Rafiq N, Usman T, Ríos-Escalante PRDL, Said MB. Epidemiological analysis of anaplasmosis in cattle from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Vet World 2023; 16:2287-2292. [PMID: 38152261 PMCID: PMC10750754 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2287-2292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock caused by the bacteria Anaplasma, poses a global concern. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, spatiotemporal variation, and associated risk factors of anaplasmosis in cattle from the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods This study used 197 cattle exhibiting clinical symptoms of anaplasmosis in natural settings. Microscopic examination was used to estimate the prevalence. Potential risk factors, such as sampling regions and months, gender, breed, and age were studied. Results The study revealed an overall anaplasmosis prevalence of 19.79%. Bannu district exhibited a higher occurrence at 22.10%, compared to Lakki Marwat district at 17.64%. Young cattle (<2 years) demonstrated a notably higher incidence of anaplasmosis (26.78%) compared to adults (>5 years), which had a prevalence of 12.35% (p < 0.05). Female cattle (22.36%) were more susceptible than male cattle (11.11%). Prevalence peaked in June (45.71%) and was lowest in February (3.57%). Crossbred cattle had a higher prevalence (23.52%) than purebred cattle (11.47%). Conclusion Anaplasmosis can be effectively controlled using a comprehensive approach encompassing selective breeding for resilience, targeted care of young calves and females, effective tick control during warmer months, consistent use of insecticides, and proactive risk factor management. Raising awareness among farmers through diverse channels, including media, is pivotal to bolster tick-borne disease management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Badshah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Kalim Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Pakistan
| | - Mustafa Kamal
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Naseem Rafiq
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Usman
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, 23200 Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Patricio R. De los Ríos-Escalante
- Universidad Católica de Temuco Facultad de Recursos Naturales Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas Casilla 15-D Temuco, Chile
- Nucleo de Estudios Ambientales, UCTemuco, Chile
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
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Bush V, Chaudhary J, Manu D, Hyman C. A rare occurrence of Anaplasma-associated peritonitis. Lab Med 2023; 54:e152-e156. [PMID: 36972513 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis or human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, resulting from an infected tick bite. Examination of a blood smear within the first week of exposure may show microcolonies of anaplasmae (morulae) in the cytoplasm of neutrophils that are highly suggestive of anaplasmosis but not definitive. We present the first case describing Anaplasma-related peritonitis and morulae in peritoneal fluid granulocytes in a peritoneal dialysis patient who developed anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Bush
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | | | | | - Charles Hyman
- and Infectious Disease, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY US
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Memon A, Abdelghany A, Abusuliman M, Eldesouki M, Fatima M, Abdelhalim O, Abosheaishaa H. Altered Mental Status on Top of Anaplasmosis-Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Clinical Presentation. Cureus 2023; 15:e45020. [PMID: 37829994 PMCID: PMC10565524 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a disease caused by tick-borne infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The typical symptoms are fever, malaise, and body aches accompanied by abnormal blood tests such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Some rare complications may occur, especially in patients living in heavily wooded areas, with a mean age of 70 years. We present a case of a 67-year-old male who was admitted for lower abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea with derangement of his blood tests. Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated and complicated rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney dysfunction. Empiric treatment including doxycycline was initiated while waiting for the infection blood work results. PCR came back positive for HGA. Empiric therapy was narrowed down to doxycycline for 14 days, and the patient's condition began to improve gradually and steadily. Aggressive hydration markedly improved rhabdomyolysis and, in turn, kidney function. Our case underscores the importance of considering HGA in ambiguous clinical scenarios and highlights the value of early diagnosis, empiric treatment, and intravenous hydration, especially in the presence of rhabdomyolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurangzeb Memon
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Queens Hospital Center, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Minahil Fatima
- Internal Medicine, Services Hospital Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Omar Abdelhalim
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City (NYC) Health and Hospitals, Queens Hospital Center, New York, USA
| | - Hazem Abosheaishaa
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City (NYC) Health and Hospitals, Queens Hospital Center, New York, USA
- Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology, Cairo University, Cairo, EGY
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11
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Schäfer I, Peukert A, Kerner K, Müller E. Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats in Eastern Germany (Thuringia). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2574. [PMID: 37627365 PMCID: PMC10451234 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial, protozoal, and viral vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) can cause infections in cats. There is little information on feline VBP prevalence in Germany. Stray cats are frequently exposed to vectors but receive no veterinary care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected VBPs in stray cats. EDTA blood and serum samples were taken from apparently healthy stray cats during a spay/neuter campaign in the federal state of Thuringia. Overall, 11/50 (22%) and 32/50 (64%) cats tested positive for at least one VBP by direct and indirect detection methods, respectively. PCR testing of EDTA blood detected hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 12% of cats, Hepatozoon spp. in 10%, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 4%. PCR testing for Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms was negative. IFAT on serum samples showed 46% of cats had detectable antibodies for Bartonella spp., 30% for Rickettsia spp., and 16% for A. phagocytophilum. The cats were additionally tested for feline coronavirus, FIV, and FeLV to identify potential risk factors for pathogen contact and/or infections. No correlation between FIV and FeLV status and VBP positivity was detected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. have zoonotic potential, and surveillance is recommended in the context of the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany (E.M.)
| | - Axel Peukert
- Small Animal Practice Oberweimar, Taubacher Straße 13, 99425 Weimar, Germany
| | - Katharina Kerner
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany (E.M.)
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- LABOKLIN GmbH and Co. KG, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany (E.M.)
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Seerintra T, Saraphol B, Thanchomnang T, Piratae S. Molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle and assessment of associated risk factors in Northeast Thailand. Vet World 2023; 16:1702-1707. [PMID: 37766718 PMCID: PMC10521184 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1702-1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Anaplasma spp. are common rickettsia species described in ruminant hosts, including cattle. The clinical signs of anaplasmosis range from asymptomatic to mortality. However, there are insufficient studies on epidemiology surveys of this blood pathogen. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of anaplasmosis in beef and dairy cattle in Northeast, Thailand. Materials and Methods A total of 187 blood samples of beef and dairy cattle were collected from five provinces in Northeast Thailand. Anaplasma spp. infections were screened by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction targeting specific genes (msp4 gene for Anaplasma marginale and 16S rRNA gene for Anaplasma platys and Anaplasma bovis). Moreover, the associated risk factors for the infections were evaluated. Results Overall, blood samples from cattle revealed that 17.6% (33/187) were positive for Anaplasma spp. by microscopic examination and 20.8% (39/187) were positive by DNA amplification. Of these 20.8%, 17.6% were A. marginale and 3.2% were A. platys. However, A. bovis infection was not detected. Infection with Anaplasma spp. and A. marginale showed a significant association with breed and gender (p < 0.05) while age and packed cell volume levels showed no significant statistical relationship between Anaplasma spp. infected and uninfected animals. Conclusion This study indicated that anaplasmosis is distributed in beef and dairy cattle in Thailand; therefore, prevention and control strategies for these pathogens should be improved. This information will benefit veterinarians and cowherds by avoiding vector exposure and eliminating tick breeding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tossapol Seerintra
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
| | - Bhuripit Saraphol
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
| | | | - Supawadee Piratae
- One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
- Veterinary Infectious Disease Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand
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13
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Snow AA, Pearson P, Xu G, Allen DN, Santamaria R, Rich SM. Tick Densities and Infection Prevalence on Coastal Islands in Massachusetts, USA: Establishing a Baseline. Insects 2023; 14:628. [PMID: 37504634 PMCID: PMC10380421 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases and a tick-induced red meat allergy have become increasingly common in the northeastern USA and elsewhere. At the scale of local communities, few studies have documented tick densities or infection levels to characterize current conditions and provide a baseline for further monitoring. Using the town of Nantucket, MA, as a case study, we recorded tick densities by drag sampling along hiking trails in nature preserves on two islands. Nymphal blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say) were most abundant at shadier sites and least common in grasslands and scrub oak thickets (Quercus ilicifolia). Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum L.) were common on Tuckernuck Island and rare on Nantucket Island, while both tick species were more numerous in 2021 compared to 2020 and 2022. We tested for pathogens in blacklegged nymphs at five sites over two years. In 2020 and 2021, infection levels among the four Nantucket Island sites averaged 10% vs. 19% for Borrelia burgdorferi, 11% vs. 15% for Babesia microti, and 17% (both years) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while corresponding levels were significantly greater on Tuckernuck in 2021. Our site-specific, quantitative approach represents a practical example of how potential exposure to tick-borne diseases can be monitored on a local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Snow
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Patrick Pearson
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Guang Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - David N Allen
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | | | - Stephen M Rich
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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14
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Aydin Y, Vemuri B, Ahmed SM, Elgamal M, Bilgin S. Severe Anaplasmosis With Multiorgan Involvement in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient. Cureus 2023; 15:e41536. [PMID: 37554613 PMCID: PMC10404564 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by the tick-borne bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is an emerging infectious disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Here, we present a case report of a 66-year-old Caucasian woman residing in Connecticut who exhibited severe anaplasmosis with multi-organ involvement. The patient, with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism, presented with confusion, lethargy, fever, myalgia, generalized weakness, and poor appetite in May 2023. Laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia, hyponatremia, elevated liver enzymes with mild hyperbilirubinemia, and lactic acidosis. A buffy coat smear analysis demonstrated basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the neutrophils, supporting the diagnosis of severe anaplasmosis. Prompt administration of doxycycline, the recommended treatment for anaplasmosis, was initiated. However, the patient subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) necessitating heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. Anaplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of the bacterium in the patient's blood. Following doxycycline treatment, the patient demonstrated improvement in peripheral blood findings, resolution of ARDS, and complete neurologic recovery. This case underscores the potential severity and diverse clinical manifestations of anaplasmosis, highlighting the importance of early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and timely initiation of appropriate treatment to prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucel Aydin
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | - Bhavya Vemuri
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | - Syed M Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
| | | | - Seyma Bilgin
- Department of Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA
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15
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Paulson AR, Lougheed SC, Huang D, Colautti RI. Multiomics Reveals Symbionts, Pathogens, and Tissue-Specific Microbiome of Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) from a Lyme Disease Hot Spot in Southeastern Ontario, Canada. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0140423. [PMID: 37184407 PMCID: PMC10269869 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01404-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks in the family Ixodidae are important vectors of zoonoses, including Lyme disease (LD), which is caused by spirochete bacteria from the Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) continues to expand across Canada, creating hot spots of elevated LD risk at the leading edge of its expanding range. Current efforts to understand the risk of pathogen transmission associated with I. scapularis in Canada focus primarily on targeted screens, while natural variation in the tick microbiome remains poorly understood. Using multiomics consisting of 16S metabarcoding and ribosome-depleted, whole-shotgun RNA transcriptome sequencing, we examined the microbial communities associated with adult I. scapularis (n = 32), sampled from four tissue types (whole tick, salivary glands, midgut, and viscera) and three geographical locations within a LD hot spot near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The communities consisted of both endosymbiotic and known or potentially pathogenic microbes, including RNA viruses, bacteria, and a Babesia sp. intracellular parasite. We show that β-diversity is significantly higher between the bacterial communities of individual tick salivary glands and midguts than that of whole ticks. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) determined that the three potentially pathogenic bacteria detected by V4 16S rRNA sequencing also differed among dissected tissues only, including a Borrelia strain from the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Importantly, we find coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple microbes, in contrast to diagnostic protocols for LD, which typically focus on infection from a single pathogen of interest (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto). IMPORTANCE As a vector of human health concern, blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) transmit pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme disease (LD). Several hot spots of elevated LD risk have emerged across Canada as I. scapularis expands its range. Focusing on a hot spot in southeastern Ontario, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the microbiome of whole ticks and dissected salivary glands and midguts. Compared with whole ticks, salivary glands and midguts were more diverse and associated with distinct bacterial communities that are less dominated by Rickettsia endosymbiont bacteria and are enriched for pathogenic bacteria, including a B. burgdorferi sensu lato-associated Borrelia sp., Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We also found evidence of coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple pathogens. Overall, our study highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the surveillance of the microbiome of I. scapularis for pathogen detection using metabarcoding and metatranscriptome approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R. Paulson
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - David Huang
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Mazzucco Panizza MN, Rossner MV, Signorini ML, Nava S. Migration of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks among cattle. Med Vet Entomol 2023; 37:418-421. [PMID: 36367458 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to quantitatively analyse the magnitude of the migration of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks among cattle under field conditions, in groups of bovines with different stocking rates. The role of this phenomenon in the epidemiology of Anaplasma marginale has been discussed. Cattle naturally infested with R. microplus (donors) and cattle non-infested with R. microplus (recipients) were clustered for 13 days into two groups with low and high stocking rates (G1 and G2 respectively). The initial prevalence of infestation (infested cattle / total cattle) was 20% in both groups. Adult migratory ticks from donor to recipient cattle were recorded by examination of the recipient cattle on days 2, 6, 9, and 13. The tick infestation rate, calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival test, was higher in G2 (p = 0.05). The cumulative incidence on day 13 was 25% in G1 and 65% in G2, with no significant differences. The results demonstrate that migration of adults of R. microplus under field conditions occurs, in accordance with previous studies, and that its magnitude is associated with the stocking rate. These results highlight the relevance of R. microplus in the epidemiology of A. marginale through its role as a vector in the intrastadial transmission of this pathogen of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde N Mazzucco Panizza
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA- CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela (INTA E.E.A. Rafaela), Rafaela, Argentina
| | - Maria V Rossner
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Colonia Benítez, Colonia Benítez, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Marcelo L Signorini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA- CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela (INTA E.E.A. Rafaela), Rafaela, Argentina
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (IDICAL, INTA- CONICET), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela (INTA E.E.A. Rafaela), Rafaela, Argentina
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17
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Siegel EL, Lavoie N, Xu G, Brown CM, Ledizet M, Rich SM. Human-Biting Ixodes scapularis Submissions to a Crowd-Funded Tick Testing Program Correlate with the Incidence of Rare Tick-Borne Disease: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study of Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis in Massachusetts. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1418. [PMID: 37374922 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonoses pose a serious burden to global public health. To understand the distribution and determinants of these diseases, the many entangled environment-vector-host interactions which influence risk must be considered. Previous studies have evaluated how passive tick testing surveillance measures connect with the incidence of human Lyme disease. The present study sought to extend this to babesiosis and anaplasmosis, two rare tick-borne diseases. Human cases reported to the Massachusetts Department of Health and submissions to TickReport tick testing services between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Moderate-to-strong town-level correlations using Spearman's Rho (ρ) were established between Ixodes scapularis submissions (total, infected, adult, and nymphal) and human disease. Aggregated ρ values ranged from 0.708 to 0.830 for anaplasmosis and 0.552 to 0.684 for babesiosis. Point observations maintained similar patterns but were slightly weaker, with mild year-to-year variation. The seasonality of tick submissions and demographics of bite victims also correlated well with reported disease. Future studies should assess how this information may best complement human disease reporting and entomological surveys as proxies for Lyme disease incidence in intervention studies, and how it may be used to better understand the dynamics of human-tick encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Siegel
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Nathalie Lavoie
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Guang Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen M Rich
- Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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18
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Burtis JC, Foster E, Parise CM, Eisen RJ. Identifying suitable habitat for Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae), and Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) to guide surveillance efforts in the eastern United States. Journal of Medical Entomology 2023; 60:590-603. [PMID: 37052414 PMCID: PMC10588143 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution of infected ticks is informative for the estimation of risk for tickborne diseases. The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), is the primary vector for 7 medically significant pathogens in United States. However, knowledge of the ranges of these pathogens in host-seeking ticks is incomplete, particularly for those occurring at low prevalence. To aid in prioritizing costly field sampling efforts, we estimated ranges of suitable habitat for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi in the eastern United States based on existing county-level surveillance records. The resulting suitability maps were compared against those developed previously for Bo. burgdorferi s.s., which shares similar ecology but has been detected in a greater number of counties. The overall accuracy of the habitat suitability models was high (AUC ≥ 0.92) for all 4 pathogens. The most important predictors were related to temperature and moisture. The upper midwestern and northeastern states were predicted to be highly suitable for all 4 pathogens. Based on our models, we prioritized sampling in 431, 275, and 539 counties currently lacking pathogen records that our models classified as suitable for A. phagocytophilum, Ba. microti, and Bo. miyamotoi, respectively. As a second-tier priority, we identified 311 (A. phagocytophilum), 590 (Ba. microti), and 252 (Bo. miyamotoi) counties, based on high suitability scores for Bo. burgdorferi. Our models can be used to improve cost-effectiveness of field sampling efforts aimed at improving accuracy and completeness of pathogen distribution maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Burtis
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Pr evention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Erik Foster
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Pr evention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Christina M Parise
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Pr evention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Pr evention, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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19
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Scribner J, Wu B, Lamyaithong A, Arcega V, Villanueva DD. Anaplasmosis-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad213. [PMID: 37213427 PMCID: PMC10199118 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cases of anaplasmosis have increased steadily and are appearing in states where it is less common. While symptoms are usually mild, in rare cases it can cause hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Here, we present a case of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed Anaplasma phagocytophilum with morulae on peripheral blood smear associated with biopsy-proven hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Scribner
- Correspondence: Jacob Scribner, DO, Department of Medicine Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Box 9163, Morgantown, WV 26506 (); Daphne-Dominique Villanueva, MD, Department of Medicine Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Box 9163, Morgantown, WV 26506 ()
| | - Benita Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Andre Lamyaithong
- Department of Internal Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Victor Arcega
- Department of Medicine Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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20
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Ingram D, Joseph B, Hawkins S, Spain J. Anaplasmosis in Pennsylvania: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Outcomes of Patients Diagnosed With Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection at Hershey Medical Center From 2008 to 2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad193. [PMID: 37125231 PMCID: PMC10135425 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is an emerging infection in the United States and in particular, Pennsylvania. We highlight the abrupt rise in cases of anaplasmosis in the past decade in the state of Pennsylvania with the hope of increasing clinician awareness. We identified a cohort of 61 patients diagnosed with anaplasmosis at our institution as well as cases reported to the Department of Health. From our review, we identified not only an increase in cases over time but what appears to be an expansion further into central and western Pennsylvania over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ingram
- Correspondence: David Ingram, DO, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 (); Betsy Joseph, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 ()
| | - Betsy Joseph
- Correspondence: David Ingram, DO, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 (); Betsy Joseph, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033 ()
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21
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Prusinski M, O’Connor C, Russell A, Sommer J, White J, Rose L, Falco R, Kokas J, Vinci V, Gall W, Tober K, Haight J, Oliver J, Meehan L, Sporn LA, Brisson D, Backenson PB. Associations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Bacteria Variants in Ixodes scapularis Ticks and Humans, New York, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29. [PMID: 36823761 PMCID: PMC9973697 DOI: 10.3201/eid2903.220320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, caused by the tickborne bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is an emerging public health threat in the United States. In the northeastern United States, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) transmits the human pathogenic genetic variant of A. phagocytophilum (Ap-ha) and a nonpathogenic variant (Ap-V1). New York has recently experienced a rapid and geographically focused increase in cases of anaplasmosis. We analyzed A. phagocytophilum-infected I. scapularis ticks collected across New York during 2008-2020 to differentiate between variants and calculate an entomological risk index (ERI) for each. Ap-ha ERI varied between regions and increased in all regions during the final years of the study. Space-time scan analyses detected expanding clusters of Ap-ha located within documented anaplasmosis hotspots. Ap-ha ERI was more positively correlated with anaplasmosis incidence than non-genotyped A. phagocytophilum ERI. Our findings help elucidate the relationship between the spatial ecology of A. phagocytophilum variants and anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexis Russell
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Jamie Sommer
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Jennifer White
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Lauren Rose
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Richard Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | | | - Vanessa Vinci
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | | | | | - Jamie Haight
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - JoAnne Oliver
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Lisa Meehan
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Lee Ann Sporn
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - Dustin Brisson
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
| | - P. Bryon Backenson
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA (M. Prusinski, A. Russell, J. Sommer, J. White, L. Rose, L. Meehan, P.B. Backenson)
- University at Buffalo Department of Geography, Buffalo, New York, USA (C. O’Connor)
- New York State Department of Health, Buffalo (C. O’Connor, W. Gall, K. Tober)
- New York State Department of Health, Armonk, New York, USA (R. Falco, J. Kokas, V. Vinci)
- New York State Department of Health, Falconer, New York, USA (J. Haight)
- New York State Department of Health, Syracuse, New York, USA (J. Oliver)
- Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, New York, USA (L.A. Sporn)
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (D. Brisson)
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22
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Dogra M, Thakur M, Kumar A, Thakur G. Tick-Borne Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Case of Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury Due to Anaplasmosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e34835. [PMID: 36919073 PMCID: PMC10008484 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne illness commonly seen in the northeastern states of the United States. The most common presenting signs are fever, malaise, and body aches accompanied by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury are rare presentations that can lead to significant morbidity. We present the case of a patient who presented with non-specific symptoms of malaise, fatigue, and body aches and was found to have rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury on laboratory workup. A presumptive diagnosis of anaplasmosis was made, and the patient was started on treatment for the same. The patient recovered successfully. Our case highlights the rare presentation of anaplasmosis with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. Physician awareness is needed for early diagnosis and preventing morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Dogra
- Internal Medicine, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, USA
| | - Manish Thakur
- Internal Medicine, Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, USA
| | - Amrat Kumar
- Internal Medicine, Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, USA
| | - Garima Thakur
- Internal Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, IND
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23
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Ostfeld RS, Adish S, Mowry S, Bremer W, Duerr S, Evans AS, Fischhoff IR, Keating F, Pendleton J, Pfister A, Teator M, Keesing F. Effects of Neighborhood-Scale Acaricidal Treatments on Infection Prevalence of Blacklegged Ticks ( Ixodes scapularis) with Three Zoonotic Pathogens. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020172. [PMID: 36839444 PMCID: PMC9960617 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acaricides are hypothesized to reduce human risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens by decreasing the abundance and/or infection prevalence of the ticks that serve as vectors for the pathogens. Acaricides targeted at reservoir hosts such as small mammals are expected to reduce infection prevalence in ticks by preventing their acquisition of zoonotic pathogens. By reducing tick abundance, reservoir-targeted or broadcast acaricides could reduce tick infection prevalence by interrupting transmission cycles between ticks and their hosts. Using an acaricide targeted at small-mammal hosts (TCS bait boxes) and one sprayed on low vegetation (Met52 fungal biocide), we tested the hypotheses that infection prevalence of blacklegged ticks with zoonotic pathogens would be more strongly diminished by TCS bait boxes, and that any effects of both acaricidal treatments would increase during the four years of deployment. We used a masked, placebo-controlled design in 24 residential neighborhoods in Dutchess County, New York. Analyzing prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti in 5380 nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks, we found little support for either hypothesis. TCS bait boxes did not reduce infection prevalence with any of the three pathogens compared to placebo controls. Met52 was associated with lower infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi compared to placebo controls but had no effect on prevalence of infection with the other two pathogens. Although significant effects of year on infection prevalence of all three pathogens were detected, hypothesized cumulative reductions in prevalence were observed only for B. burgdorferi. We conclude that reservoir-targeted and broadcast acaricides might not generally disrupt pathogen transmission between reservoir hosts and tick vectors or reduce human risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Ostfeld
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-845-677-7600 (ext. 136)
| | - Sahar Adish
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Stacy Mowry
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - William Bremer
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Shannon Duerr
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Andrew S. Evans
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
| | | | - Fiona Keating
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | | | - Ashley Pfister
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Marissa Teator
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA
| | - Felicia Keesing
- Department of Biology, Bard College, Annandale, NY 12504, USA
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24
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Boodman C, Loomer C, Dibernardo A, Hatchette T, LeBlanc JJ, Waitt B, Lindsay LR. Using Serum Specimens for Real-Time PCR-Based Diagnosis of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, Canada. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:175-178. [PMID: 36573611 PMCID: PMC9796190 DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole blood is the optimal specimen for anaplasmosis diagnosis but might not be available in all cases. We PCR tested serum samples collected in Canada for Anaplasma serology and found 84.8%-95.8% sensitivity and 2.8 average cycle threshold elevation. Serum can be acceptable for detecting Anaplasma spp. when whole blood is unavailable.
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25
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Taşdemir C, Şimşek S, Önal U, Çetinkaya H, Aydın L, Yılmaz E. A difficult diagnosis of anaplasmosis with pneumonia: A case report. Trop Doct 2023; 53:190-192. [PMID: 35892170 DOI: 10.1177/00494755221112737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis (Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, HGA), is a disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum but also formerly known as Ehrlichia phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia equi. We present a 57-year-old male diagnosed with systemic HGA and lung involvement, who had lived in Benin. A possible tick bite had been reported in his history. There was a dramatic response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Taşdemir
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, 64048Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sümeyra Şimşek
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, 64048Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Uğur Önal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, 64048Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Handan Çetinkaya
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 532719Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Levent Aydın
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, 37523Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Emel Yılmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, 64048Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
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26
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Ramírez-Hernández A, Arroyave E, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Martínez-Diaz HC, Betancourt-Ruiz P, Olaya-M LA, Forero-Becerra EG, Hidalgo M, Blanton LS, Walker DH. Emerging Tickborne Bacteria in Cattle from Colombia. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2109-2111. [PMID: 36148977 PMCID: PMC9514337 DOI: 10.3201/eid2810.220657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehrlichia minasensis is a new pathogenic bacterial species that infects cattle, and Borrelia theileri causes bovine borreliosis. We detected E. minasensis and B. theileri DNA in cattle from southwestern Colombia by using PCR. E. minasensis and B. theileri should be considered potential etiologies of febrile syndrome in cattle from Colombia.
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27
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Schwartz S, Calvente E, Rollinson E, Sample Koon Koon D, Chinnici N. Tick-Borne Pathogens in Questing Blacklegged Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) From Pike County, Pennsylvania. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1793-1804. [PMID: 35920050 PMCID: PMC9473652 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Active surveillance was conducted by collecting questing ticks from vegetation through a 2-yr survey in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Over a thousand blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say) and American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis Say) were collected. A single specimen of the following species was collected: lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum L.), rabbit tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris Packard), and an Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann). This study represents the largest county-wide study in Pennsylvania, surveying 988 questing I. scapularis adult and nymphs. Molecular detection of five distinct tick-borne pathogens was screened through real-time PCR at a single tick resolution. Respectively, the overall 2-yr adult and nymph prevalence were highest with Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetacceae) (45.99%, 18.94%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) (12.29%, 7.95%) where the variant-ha (8.29%, 3.03%) was overall more prevalent than the variant-v1 (2.49%, 4.17%), Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) (4.97%, 5.30%), Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) (1.38%, 1.89%), and Powassan virus lineage II [POWV]/deer tick virus (DTV) (2.07%, 0.76%). Adult and nymph coinfection prevalence of B. burgdorferi and B. microti (3.03%, 4.97%) and adult coinfection of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum or A. phagocytophilum and B. microti were significantly higher than the independent infection rate expected naturally. This study highlights the urgency to conduct diverse surveillance studies with large sample sizes to better understand the human risk for tick-borne diseases within small geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schwartz
- Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 562 Independence Road, Suite 114, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA
| | - Elizabeth Calvente
- Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 562 Independence Road, Suite 114, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA
| | - Emily Rollinson
- East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA
| | - Destiny Sample Koon Koon
- Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, 562 Independence Road, Suite 114, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA
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28
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Lacasta D, Ruiz H, Ortín A, Villanueva-Saz S, Estrada-Peña A, González JM, Ramos JJ, Ferrer LM, Benito AÁ, Labanda R, Malo C, Verde MT, Fernández A, Ruiz de Arcaute M. Comparative Study of the Use of Doxycycline and Oxytetracycline to Treat Anaplasmosis in Fattening Lambs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172279. [PMID: 36077999 PMCID: PMC9454689 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamb icteric carcasses condemnation due to Anaplasma ovis is causing relevant economic losses. A comparative study was developed on the effects of different antibiotics to treat ovine anaplasmosis in fattening lambs. A total of 100 A. ovis naturally infected lambs were selected and randomly divided into four groups of 25 lambs: Group ID, treated with injectable doxycycline; Group OD, oral doxycycline; Group O, injectable oxytetracycline; and Group C, untreated animals for the control group. Clinical, haematological, and molecular analyses were performed before the treatment and 12 and 45 days after the beginning of the treatments, and carcass condemnation was followed after slaughter. The A. ovis bacterial load was high before the treatments in the four groups and decreased significantly 45 days after treatment in the ID and O Groups (p < 0.001). The parameters that were related to haemolysis showed similar results. At the abattoir, 15 out of the 47 examined carcasses were condemned; 7 of C Group, 6 of OD Group, 2 of O Group, and 0 of ID Group. It can be concluded that injectable doxycycline and oxytetracycline significantly reduce A. ovis bacterial load in blood and carcass condemnation at the abattoir. Further studies are needed in order to confirm these encouraging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-609-676-727
| | - Héctor Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José María González
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Gabinete Técnico Veterinario S.L., C/Isla Conejera sn, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Labanda
- Casa de Ganaderos de Zaragoza, C/San Andrés, 8, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Malo
- A.D.S. Ayerbe la Sotonera, 22005 Huesca, Spain
| | - María Teresa Verde
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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29
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Duron O, Koual R, Musset L, Buysse M, Lambert Y, Jaulhac B, Blanchet D, Alsibai KD, Lazrek Y, Epelboin L, Deshuillers P, Michaud C, Douine M. Novel Chronic Anaplasmosis in Splenectomized Patient, Amazon Rainforest. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1673-1676. [PMID: 35876693 PMCID: PMC9328922 DOI: 10.3201/eid2808.212425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of unusual human anaplasmosis in the Amazon rainforest of French Guiana. Molecular typing demonstrated that the pathogen is a novel Anaplasma species, distinct to all known species, and more genetically related to recently described Anaplasma spp. causing infections in rainforest wild fauna of Brazil.
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30
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Dumic I, Jevtic D, Veselinovic M, Nordstrom CW, Jovanovic M, Mogulla V, Veselinovic EM, Hudson A, Simeunovic G, Petcu E, Ramanan P. Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis-A Systematic Review of Published Cases. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1433. [PMID: 35889152 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging, Gram-negative, obligate intracellular pathogen that is transmitted by a tick vector. Human infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe disease that can present with pancytopenia, multiorgan failure, and death. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze case reports and case series reported over the last two decades in peer-reviewed journals indexed in the Medline/PubMed database according to the PRISMA guidelines. We found 110 unique patients from 88 case reports and series. The most common mode of transmission was tick bite (60.9%), followed by blood transfusion (8.2%). Infection was acquired by blood transfusion in nearly half (42%) of the immunocompromised patients. Most patients reported fever (90%), followed by constitutional (59%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (56%). Rash was present in 17% of patients, much higher than in previous studies. Thrombocytopenia was the most common laboratory abnormality (76%) followed by elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (46%). The diagnosis was most commonly established using whole-blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 76% of patients. Coinfection rate was 9.1% and Borrelia burgdorferi was most commonly isolated in seven patients (6.4%). Doxycycline was used to treat 70% of patients but was only used as an empiric treatment in one-third of patients (33.6%). The overall mortality rate was 5.7%, and one patient died from trauma unrelated to HGA. The mortality rates among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients were 4.2% (n = 4/95) and 18.2% (n = 2/11), respectively. Four of the six patients who died (66.6%) received appropriate antibiotic therapy. Among these, doxycycline was delayed by more than 48 h in two patients.
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31
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Yang X, Fu M, Yu Z, Wang J, Song J, Zhao G. Molecular Characterization of Anaplasma spp. among Dairy, Cashmere, and Meat Goats in Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12121566. [PMID: 35739902 PMCID: PMC9219440 DOI: 10.3390/ani12121566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma spp. are important tick-borne pathogens endangering the health of humans and various animals. Although several studies have reported Anaplasma infection in livestock in China, little is known about the impact of production categories on the occurrence of Anaplasma species. In the present study, PCR tools targeting the 16S rRNA and msp4 genes were applied to investigate the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in 509 blood samples of dairy (n = 249), cashmere (n = 139), and meat (n = 121) goats from Shaanxi province. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 58.5% (298/509) in goats, and significant differences (p < 0.001) were identified in the prevalence among production categories, with the highest in meat goats (84.3%, 102/121), followed by cashmere goats (58.3%, 81/139) and dairy goats (46.2%, 115/249). Significant differences (p < 0.001) in prevalence were also found among sampling sites and age groups. Meanwhile, the prevalence was 36.9% (188/509) for A. phagocytophilum, 36.1% (184/509) for A. bovis, and 11.0% (56/509) for A. ovis, and significant differences (p < 0.001) in prevalence of A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis and A. ovis were recognized among production categories and sampling sites. A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis and A. ovis were dominant species in meat, dairy, and cashmere goats, respectively, and A. ovis was absent in meat goats. Co-infections were found in 124 (24.4%) investigated samples. Goats aged < 2, 3−6, and 7−12 months, and goats from Qingjian and Zhenba were risk factors associated with the occurrence of Anaplasma. Phylogenetic analysis indicated separate clades for the distribution of A. phagocytophilum from different ruminant, reflecting potential host adaption within this species. This study reported the colonization occurrence of Anaplasma spp. among production categories in goats in Shaanxi province and enriched our knowledge on the transmission of Anaplasma spp. in goats in China. Considering the existence of zoonotic A. phagocytophilum in goats in this study and previous reports, interventions based on One Health are needed to be developed to control the transmission of Anaplasma spp. between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (X.Y.); (M.F.); (J.W.)
| | - Mingzhe Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (X.Y.); (M.F.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhengqing Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Junwei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (X.Y.); (M.F.); (J.W.)
| | - Junke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (X.Y.); (M.F.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (G.Z.)
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China; (X.Y.); (M.F.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (G.Z.)
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32
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Solyman MSM, Ujczo J, Brayton KA, Shaw DK, Schneider DA, Noh SM. Iron Reduction in Dermacentor andersoni Tick Cells Inhibits Anaplasma marginale Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3941. [PMID: 35409307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplasma spp. are obligate intracellular, tick-borne, bacterial pathogens that cause bovine and human anaplasmosis. We lack tools to prevent these diseases in part due to major knowledge gaps in our fundamental understanding of the tick-pathogen interface, including the requirement for and molecules involved in iron transport during tick colonization. We determine that iron is required for the pathogen Anaplasma marginale, which causes bovine anaplasmosis, to replicate in Dermacentor andersoni tick cells. Using bioinformatics and protein modeling, we identified three orthologs of the Gram-negative siderophore-independent iron uptake system, FbpABC. Am069, the A. marginale ortholog of FbpA, lacks predicted iron-binding residues according to the NCBI conserved domain database. However, according to protein modeling, the best structural orthologs of Am069 are iron transport proteins from Cyanobacteria and Campylobacterjejuni. We then determined that all three A. marginale genes are modestly differentially expressed in response to altered host cell iron levels, despite the lack of a Ferric uptake regulator or operon structure. This work is foundational for building a mechanistic understanding of iron uptake, which could lead to interventions to prevent bovine and human anaplasmosis.
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Oliveira PM, Ramos DGS, Saturnino KC, Amaral AVC. Outbreak of follicular conjunctivitis associated with the diagnosis of anaplasmosis in a sheep herd. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 25:257-262. [PMID: 35343047 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report an outbreak of follicular conjunctivitis in a group of sheep diagnosed with Anaplasma spp., without any other co-infection. ANIMALS STUDIED In all, 18 animals from a sheep head, males and females, from eight months to four years of age, were assessed for follicular conjunctivitis. PROCEDURES The procedures performed included general physical and ophthalmological examinations; PCR evaluation for infectious agents; analysis of hematological parameters, microbiological tests of ocular swabs, coproparasitological examination, histopathological examination of conjunctival biopsy. RESULTS All 18 animals had uni- or bilateral follicular conjunctivitis, and one animal also had unilateral uveitis. The results of microbiological analyzes were negative for Moraxella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp., and PCR analysis results were negative for Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis, and an inclusion body in some erythrocytes, compatible with Anaplasma and PCR analysis for Anaplasma spp. were positive. CONCLUSION Anaplasmosis may be associated with follicular conjunctivitis in sheep and should be included in the differential diagnosis list and investigated in cases of conjunctivitis in herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Oliveira
- Academic Unit of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Dirceu G S Ramos
- Academic Unit of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Klaus C Saturnino
- Academic Unit of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Andréia V C Amaral
- Academic Unit of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil
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Leikauskas JA, Read JS, Kelso P, Heitman KN, Armstrong PA, Kwit NA. Anaplasmosis-Related Fatality in Vermont: A Case Report. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:188-190. [PMID: 35263192 PMCID: PMC10960582 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. An anaplasmosis-related fatality in a Vermont resident with multiple comorbidities is described. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for severe outcomes of this emerging disease and promptly treat when suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer S. Read
- Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Patsy Kelso
- Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Guccione C, Rubino R, Colomba C, Anastasia A, Caputo V, Iaria C, Cascio A. Rickettsiosis with Pleural Effusion: A Systematic Review with a Focus on Rickettsiosis in Italy. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7010011. [PMID: 35051127 PMCID: PMC8777742 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Motivated by a case finding of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) associated with atypical pneumonia and pleural effusion in which Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis was identified by molecular methods in the pleural fluid, we wanted to summarize the clinical presentations of rickettsiosis in Italy by systematic research and to make a systematic review of all the global cases of rickettsiosis associated with pleural effusion. Methods: For the literature search, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed. We chose to select only the studies published in last 25 years and confirmed both with serological and molecular assays. Results: Human cases of rickettsiosis in Italy were reported in 48 papers describing 2831 patients with very different clinical presentations; the majority was MSF accounted to R. conorii and was reported in Sicily. Pleural effusion associated with infection with microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales was described in 487 patients. It was rarely associated with microorganisms different from O. tsutsugamushi; also rarely, cases of scrub typhus were reported outside Southeast Asia and in the largest majority, the diagnosis was achieved with serology. Conclusions: MSF, especially when caused by R. conorii subsp. israelensis, may be a severe disease. A high index of suspicion is required to promptly start life-saving therapy. Pleural effusion and interstitial pneumonia may be part of the clinical picture of severe rickettsial disease and should not lead the physician away from this diagnosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristoforo Guccione
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.G.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Raffaella Rubino
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, AOU Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Claudia Colomba
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.G.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Antonio Anastasia
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.G.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Caputo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.G.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (V.C.)
| | - Chiara Iaria
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit—ARNAS Civico, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.G.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (V.C.)
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, AOU Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-2389-0632
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Hemmings DA, Etzioni AL, Akingbade G, Tippett FE. T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in an American Pit Bull Terrier. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:273-278. [PMID: 34802304 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211061264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 3-y-old, intact female, American Pit Bull Terrier was presented because of acute onset of anorexia and a large subcutaneous submandibular mass that had been present for 3 wk. The submandibular mass, 2 engorged black-legged ticks on the dorsum of the neck, pyrexia, and icterus were seen on physical examination. Abnormal laboratory test results included a positive Anaplasma antibody test, severe thrombocytopenia, mild nonregenerative anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated liver enzyme activities. Cytology of the mass was interpreted as marked septic purulent inflammation with acute hemorrhage. Treatment with doxycycline for anaplasmosis was unsuccessful, and the patient died at an emergency follow-up visit 2 d after the initial presentation. Autopsy and histopathology revealed widespread metastasis of a presumptive histiocytic neoplasm with associated hemophagocytosis seen in lymph nodes (LNs), liver, and spleen. Immunohistochemistry yielded a definitive diagnosis of a CD3+/CD18+ T-cell lymphoma. In this case of canine lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome, hemophagocytes were observed as >2% of neoplastic cells in the liver, spleen, and LN histologically, a scarce or unreported finding, to our knowledge. The prognosis was grave, with a short survival time after the onset of clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A Hemmings
- Departments of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL, USA
| | - Athema L Etzioni
- Departments of Pathobiology, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL, USA
| | - Gbemisola Akingbade
- Departments of Pathobiology, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL, USA
| | - Fredrick E Tippett
- Departments of Pathobiology, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL, USA
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Curtis AK, Kleinhenz MD, Anantatat T, Martin MS, Magnin GC, Coetzee JF, Reif KE. Failure to Eliminate Persistent Anaplasma marginale Infection from Cattle Using Labeled Doses of Chlortetracycline and Oxytetracycline Antimicrobials. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110283. [PMID: 34822656 PMCID: PMC8621018 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by the intracellular rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease of cattle worldwide. In the U.S., tetracycline antimicrobials are commonly used to treat and control anaplasmosis. Oxytetracycline, administered by injection, is indicated for treatment of clinical anaplasmosis in beef and dairy cattle and calves. Chlortetracycline, administered orally, is indicated for control of active anaplasmosis infection in beef and nonlactating dairy cattle. Tetracyclines have been demonstrated to be effective for treating active anaplasmosis, but their ability to eliminate A. marginale at currently approved therapeutic doses or dosing regimens remains unclear. In the absence of approved dosing regimens for A. marginale clearance, a study was conducted to determine the effect of approved oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline indications on A. marginale bacteremia. Fifteen animals with persistent anaplasmosis were enrolled and divided into three treatment groups. Group 1 (n = 6) received oral chlortetracycline (1.1 mg/kg bodyweight) administered via hand-fed medicated feed for 60 consecutive days. Group 2 (n = 6) received injectable oxytetracycline administered subcutaneously at 19.8 mg/kg bodyweight three times in 3-week intervals. Group 3 (n = 3) served as an untreated control. After 60 days, bacteremia failed to permanently decrease in response to treatment. This result indicates that clearance of A. marginale is unlikely to be reliably achieved using currently approved tetracycline-based regimens to manage anaplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (A.K.C.); (M.S.M.); (G.C.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Michael D. Kleinhenz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Tippawan Anantatat
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Miriam S. Martin
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (A.K.C.); (M.S.M.); (G.C.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Geraldine C. Magnin
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (A.K.C.); (M.S.M.); (G.C.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Johann F. Coetzee
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (A.K.C.); (M.S.M.); (G.C.M.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Kathryn E. Reif
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Calleja-Bueno L, Sainz Á, García-Sancho M, González-Martín JV, Díaz-Regañón D, Rodríguez-Franco F, Agulla B, Tormo B, Villaescusa A. First detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens and high infection rates of Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina in cattle in extensive grazing systems of Central Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e1090-e1100. [PMID: 34792293 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Bovine vector-borne diseases have a considerable economic impact worldwide and affect health of humans and animals. However, different aspects of their epidemiology and their pathogenesis remain unclear. Despite the frequent description of clinical cases reported by practitioners attending cattle from Madrid, Central Spain, molecular prevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. has not been described. The aim of this study was to assess the positivity rate of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, B. bigemina and B. divergens in livestock of this area and to evaluate the existence of associations between these pathogens and haematological, biochemical and epidemiological data. Babesia divergens and A. phagocytophilum were detected for the first time in cattle from Madrid. Their positivity percentages were low (2.2% ± 1.4% and 1.8% ± 1.2%, respectively), but this description is of special interest, as these agents are potentially zoonotic. Both agents were found in areas of higher altitude and relative humidity and lower temperature. The detection of ticks in livestock during the moment of sampling was confirmed as a risk factor for these infections. Anaplasma marginale showed the highest molecular infection rate (30% ± 4.1%) in this study, followed by B. bigemina (21.9% ± 3.7%). Higher positivity rates of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in the areas of mountain climate and warm-summer continental Mediterranean climate. The use of ectoparasiticide treatment was found as a risk factor for infection by A. marginale and B. bigemina. This finding could lead to reconsider the ectoparasiticide protocols that are used nowadays. Grazing on pastures with domestic or wild ruminants and the presence of wild carnivores were associated with higher rates of infection by these four agents and coinfections were frequently found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Calleja-Bueno
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Sainz
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes García-Sancho
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V González-Martín
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Franco
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Agulla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Tormo
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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O’Connor C, Prusinski MA, Jiang S, Russell A, White J, Falco R, Kokas J, Vinci V, Gall W, Tober K, Haight J, Oliver J, Meehan L, Sporn LA, Brisson D, Backenson PB. A Comparative Spatial and Climate Analysis of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis and Human Babesiosis in New York State (2013-2018). J Med Entomol 2021; 58:2453-2466. [PMID: 34289040 PMCID: PMC8824452 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and human babesiosis are tick-borne diseases spread by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) and are the result of infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, respectively. In New York State (NYS), incidence rates of these diseases increased concordantly until around 2013, when rates of HGA began to increase more rapidly than human babesiosis, and the spatial extent of the diseases diverged. Surveillance data of tick-borne pathogens (2007 to 2018) and reported human cases of HGA (n = 4,297) and human babesiosis (n = 2,986) (2013-2018) from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) showed a positive association between the presence/temporal emergence of each pathogen and rates of disease in surrounding areas. Incidence rates of HGA were higher than human babesiosis among White and non-Hispanic/non-Latino individuals, as well as all age and sex groups. Human babesiosis exhibited higher rates among non-White individuals. Climate, weather, and landscape data were used to build a spatially weighted zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model to examine and compare associations between the environment and rates of HGA and human babesiosis. HGA and human babesiosis ZINB models indicated similar associations with forest cover, forest land cover change, and winter minimum temperature; and differing associations with elevation, urban land cover change, and winter precipitation. These results indicate that tick-borne disease ecology varies between pathogens spread by I. scapularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin O’Connor
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Melissa A Prusinski
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Shiguo Jiang
- State University of New York, University at Albany, Department of Geography and Planning, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Russell
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
- Wadsworth Center, Division of Infectious Disease, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer White
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Richard Falco
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Armonk, NY, USA
| | - John Kokas
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Armonk, NY, USA
- Retired
| | - Vanessa Vinci
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Armonk, NY, USA
| | - Wayne Gall
- New York State Deparment of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Buffalo, NY, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Keith Tober
- New York State Deparment of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Retired
| | - Jamie Haight
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Falconer, NY, USA
| | - JoAnne Oliver
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Meehan
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
- Wadsworth Center, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lee Ann Sporn
- Paul Smith’s College, Department of Natural Science, Paul Smiths, NY, USA
| | - Dustin Brisson
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - P Bryon Backenson
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, USA
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Porter WT, Wachara J, Barrand ZA, Nieto NC, Salkeld DJ. Citizen Science Provides an Efficient Method for Broad-Scale Tick-Borne Pathogen Surveillance of Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis across the United States. mSphere 2021; 6:e0068221. [PMID: 34585963 DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00682-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases have expanded over the last 2 decades as a result of shifts in tick and pathogen distributions. These shifts have significantly increased the need for accurate portrayal of real-time pathogen distributions and prevalence in hopes of stemming increases in human morbidity. Traditionally, pathogen distribution and prevalence have been monitored through case reports or scientific collections of ticks or reservoir hosts, both of which have challenges that impact the extent, availability, and accuracy of these data. Citizen science tick collections and testing campaigns supplement these data and provide timely estimates of pathogen prevalence and distributions to help characterize and understand tick-borne disease threats to communities. We utilized our national citizen science tick collection and testing program to describe the distribution and prevalence of four Ixodes-borne pathogens, Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti, across the continental United States. IMPORTANCE In the 21st century, zoonotic pathogens continue to emerge, while previously discovered pathogens continue to have changes within their distribution and prevalence. Monitoring these pathogens is resource intensive, requiring both field and laboratory support; thus, data sets are often limited within their spatial and temporal extents. Citizen science collections provide a method to harness the general public to collect samples, enabling real-time monitoring of pathogen distribution and prevalence.
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Mowla SJ, Drexler NA, Cherry CC, Annambholta PD, Kracalik IT, Basavaraju SV. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis among Transfusion and Transplant Recipients in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2768-2775. [PMID: 34670661 PMCID: PMC8544963 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.211127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians should be aware that these infections are rare but can have severe outcomes. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are emerging tickborne diseases that can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Since 2000, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases in the United States have increased substantially, resulting in potential risk to transplant and transfusion recipients. We reviewed ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases among blood transfusion and solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from peer-reviewed literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigations. We identified 132 cases during 1997–2020, 12 transfusion-associated cases and 120 cases in transplant recipients; 8 cases were donor-derived, and in 13 cases illness occurred <1 year after transplant. Disease in the remaining 99 cases occurred ≥1 year after transplant, suggesting donor-derived disease was unlikely. Severe illness or death were reported among 15 transfusion and transplant recipients. Clinicians should be alert for these possible infections among transfusion and transplant recipients to prevent severe complications or death by quickly treating them.
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Railey AF, Marsh TL. Economic Benefits of Diagnostic Testing in Livestock: Anaplasmosis in Cattle. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:626420. [PMID: 34414221 PMCID: PMC8369028 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.626420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis is a costly livestock disease that persists across the United States and the world. While the traditional control options of feed additives, vaccination, and post-infection antibiotic treatments exist, the highly infectious, often asymptomatic onset of anaplasmosis in cattle makes the optimal combination of disease control measures uncertain. Reducing the infection uncertainty through early detection may help producer management decisions and reduce the economic impact of anaplasmosis. To address this, we calculate the costs of applying a range of anaplasmosis control decisions for a representative cow-calf producer in the United States and extend existing analyses to incorporate early detection through diagnostic testing. We use parameters from extant literature, including for mortality, morbidity, and treatment costs to populate a stochastic, dynamic model. Updating the cost estimates finds that production losses account for the majority of anaplasmosis costs, following previous empirical estimates. Using these estimates in our decision model, the outcomes suggest that diagnostic testing with preventative treatments is the optimal herd management strategy. By further framing our findings in the context of three anaplasmosis infection regions in the United States (endemic, disease free, non-endemic buffer), we show that additional considerations exist, which can make sub-optimal control strategies competitive. Our analysis provides an initial exploration of the economic feasibility of diagnostic testing, while helping to assess the burden of anaplasmosis more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F Railey
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Thomas L Marsh
- School of Economic Sciences and Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Hamilton R, Pandora TR, Parsonnet J, Martin IW. Clinical Decision Support Trees Can Help Optimize Utilization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0079121. [PMID: 34105984 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00791-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum (AP), presents with nonspecific clinical symptoms, including fever and headache, and is often accompanied by laboratory abnormalities of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mildly elevated liver function tests (LFTs). Laboratory confirmation of acute infection occurs with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). This retrospective cohort study aimed to develop a clinical decision support algorithm to aid in decision-making about test ordering. A data set was constructed with AP NAAT results and time-adjacent complete blood count and LFT results for adult patients tested for AP in a 12.5-year period. A second, smaller data set matched each patient with a positive AP NAAT to two patients with negative tests. Chart review for clinical symptoms was performed on this smaller data set. A decision tree algorithm was deployed to identify patient clusters with negative AP NAAT results. A total of 137/1,204 (11%) patients tested positive by NAAT for AP. In the larger, laboratory-only data set (n = 1,204), patients with a platelet count of >177 × 103/μl and age of <48 years had a negative AP NAAT (204/1,204, 17%, P < 0.05). In the smaller, cohorted data set with chart review (n = 402), patients with a platelet count of >188 × 103/μl and no fever or chills also did not have positive AP NAAT (58/402, 14%, P < 0.05). We generated two decision trees that can help determine the utility of AP NAAT using readily available clinical and laboratory data. These have the potential to significantly reduce unnecessary AP testing.
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Russell A, Prusinski M, Sommer J, O'Connor C, White J, Falco R, Kokas J, Vinci V, Gall W, Tober K, Haight J, Oliver J, Meehan L, Sporn LA, Brisson D, Backenson PB. Epidemiology and Spatial Emergence of Anaplasmosis, New York, USA, 2010‒2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2154-2162. [PMID: 34287128 PMCID: PMC8314826 DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.210133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a tickborne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, was first identified during 1994 and is now an emerging public health threat in the United States. New York state (NYS) has experienced a recent increase in the incidence of anaplasmosis. We analyzed human case surveillance and tick surveillance data collected by the NYS Department of Health for spatiotemporal patterns of disease emergence. We describe the epidemiology and growing incidence of anaplasmosis cases reported during 2010–2018. Spatial analysis showed an expanding hot spot of anaplasmosis in the Capital Region, where incidence increased >8-fold. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum increased greatly within tick populations in the Capital Region over the same period, and entomologic risk factors were correlated with disease incidence at a local level. These results indicate that anaplasmosis is rapidly emerging in a geographically focused area of NYS, likely driven by localized changes in exposure risk.
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Schäfer I, Kohn B, Müller E. Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic cats from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and clinical/laboratory findings in 18 PCR-positive cats (2008-2020). J Feline Med Surg 2021; 24:290-297. [PMID: 34076536 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x211017459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. METHODS This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. RESULTS In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schäfer
- LABOKLIN, Bad Kissingen, Germany.,Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Truong AT, Noh J, Park Y, Seo HJ, Kim KH, Min S, Lim J, Yoo MS, Kim HC, Klein TA, Lee H, Yoon SS, Cho YS. Molecular Detection and Phylogeny of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Dogs in the Republic of Korea. Pathogens 2021; 10:613. [PMID: 34067827 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of various pathogens that result in clinical illnesses in humans and domestic and wild animals. Information regarding tick infestations and pathogens transmitted by ticks is important for the identification and prevention of disease. This study was a large-scale investigation of ticks collected from dogs and their associated environments in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It included detecting six prevalent tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma spp., A. platys, Borrelia spp., Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis, and E. chaffeensis). A total of 2293 ticks (1110 pools) were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis (98.60%) was the most frequently collected tick species, followed by Ixodes nipponensis (0.96%) and H. flava (0.44%). Anaplasma spp. (24/1110 tick pools; 2.16%) and Borrelia spp. (4/1110 tick pools; 0.36%) were detected. The phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA genes revealed that the Anaplasma spp. detected in this study were closely associated with A. phagocytophilum reported in humans and rodents in the ROK. Borrelia spp. showed phylogenetic relationships with B. theileri and B. miyamotoi in ticks and humans in Mali and Russia. These results demonstrate the importance of tick-borne disease surveillance and control in dogs in the ROK.
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Abstract
A healthy 33 year old male presented in December with a 3 week history of fever and fatigue. He had been deer-hunting in northern Minnesota 1 month prior and had sustained a tick bite. Extensive laboratory investigations and a lumbar puncture were conducted. He was empirically with doxycycline and had rapid improvement in his symptoms. Subsequently, PCR and serologic testing returned positive for Anaplasma phagocytophlium. Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is typically seen in the warmer months. This patient’s presentation in December was uncommon for a tick-borne illness in Minnesota. Regional weather records demonstrated unseasonably warm temperatures during the patient’s trip. Ixodes ticks are known to be sensitive to temperature and humidity, which likely contributed to increased tick activity, leading to disease transmission. This case highlights the importance for clinicians to be aware of local weather patterns and how this might influence seasonal disease presentations.
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Hsia K, Johnson J, Rice D. Splenomegaly, Non-Traumatic Splenic Rupture, and Pancytopenia in Patient with Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis. R I Med J (2013) 2021; 104:60-62. [PMID: 33648322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Splenic rupture is a well-described complication of babesiosis but is rarely associated with anaplasmosis. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of a 37-year-old man with no significant past medical history who presented with malaise, myalgias, arthralgias and severe left upper quadrant pain. He was found to have splenic rupture secondary to infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. He reported a single tick bite the week prior to onset of his symptoms. On presentation, he was found to have left upper quadrant abdominal tenderness, pancytopenia, and splenomegaly with evidence of splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum on contrasted computed tomography. Blood smear did not demonstrate intraerythrocytic parasites or morulae. His hemoperitoneum was treated conservatively and he was empirically treated for babesiosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by a positive serum PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. CONCLUSIONS This case study adds to the small number of prior case reports and provides evidence for anaplasmosis-associated splenic rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hsia
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Jennie Johnson
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Donald Rice
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
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Mangat R, Winbush A, Louie T. Recurrent Fevers in a Triathlete. Cureus 2021; 13:e12564. [PMID: 33575137 PMCID: PMC7869908 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne illness that typically causes a self-limited febrile illness. We describe herein a healthy triathlete who had recurrent fevers for six weeks as a result of HGA and discuss the impact of this patient’s HGA on his metabolic fitness during training over a three month time period. We also review the literature for other cases of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma with prolonged courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Mangat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Angelina Winbush
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA
| | - Ted Louie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a disease in humans and animals caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum within the family Anaplasmataceae. The pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species. Infections with A phagocytophilum have often been described in dogs but reports on natural infections in cats are rare. An infection with A phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats if the history reveals tick infestation and/or outdoor access in combination with the relevant clinical signs. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE A phagocytophilum is also important in human medicine because of its zoonotic potential. Due to the risk of vector-borne infections for both feline and public health, cats should be protected with ectoparasiticides, especially in endemic areas. AIM The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data and summarise the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical signs and therapy of feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. As clinical signs are vague and non-specific, this review aims to raise awareness of A phagocytophilum infection, both among clinicians, so that they consider testing potentially exposed cats, and scientists, in order to prompt further research. EVIDENCE BASE Sixteen publications describing 55 cats have been reviewed. Thirty-four cats were well diagnosed based on guidelines of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases and blood analyses were performed to varying extents for these cats. Because of the limited number of studies and a lack of knowledge in cats, clinical signs and blood analyses are compared with available data in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schäfer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Small Animals, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Building 1, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Small Animals, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Building 1, 14163 Berlin, Germany
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