Low risk of developing Borrelia burgdorferi infection in the south-east of Sweden after being bitten by a Borrelia burgdorferi-infected tick

Abstract Background Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) associated to ticks are among the most important health issues affecting dogs. In Italy, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia conorii and Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) have been studied in both healthy canine populations and those clinically ill with suspected CVBDs. However, little information is currently available on the overall prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in the country. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in clinically suspect dogs from three Italian macro areas during a 15-year period (2006–2020). Methods A large dataset (n = 21,992) of serological test results for selected TBPs in three macro areas in Italy was analysed using a Chi-square test to evaluate the associations between the categorical factors (i.e. macro area, region, year, sex and age) and a standard logistic regression model (significance set at P = 0.05). Serological data were presented as annual and cumulative prevalence, and distribution maps of cumulative positive cases for TBPs were generated. Results Of the tested serum samples, 86.9% originated from northern (43.9%) and central (43%) Italy. The majority of the tests was requested for the diagnosis of E. canis (47%; n = 10,334), followed by Rickettsia spp. (35.1%; n = 7725), B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (11.6%; n = 2560) and Anaplasma spp. (6.2%; n = 1373). The highest serological exposure was recorded for B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (83.5%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (64.9%), Anaplasma spp. (39.8%) and E. canis (28.7%). The highest number of cumulative cases of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) was recorded in samples from Tuscany, central Italy. Rickettsia spp. was more prevalent in the south and on the islands, particularly in dogs on Sicily older than 6 years, whereas Anaplasma spp. was more prevalent in the north and E. canis more prevalent in the south and on the islands. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four TBPs in dogs with clinically suspected CVBDs from the studied regions of Italy. The very high seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) exemplifies a limitation of this study, given the use of clinically suspect dogs and the possibility of cross-reactions when using serological tests. The present research provides updated and illustrative information on the seroprevalence and distribution of four key TBPs, and advocates for integrative control strategies for their prevention. Grapic abstract

Download Full-text

Antibodies and T-Cell Reactivity to Borrelia Burgdorferi in an Asymptomatic Population: A Study of Healthy Blood Donors in an Inland Town District in the South-East of Sweden

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1080/00365540110077376 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 33 (11) ◽

pp. 806-808 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Christina Ekerfelt, Charlotte Masre

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Blood Donors ◽

The South ◽

Cell Reactivity ◽

T Cell Reactivity

Download Full-text

Serosurvey of Borrelia burgdorferi infection among U.S. military personnel: a low risk of infection.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene ◽

10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.804 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 65 (6) ◽

pp. 804-809 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

T L Barker ◽

W Z McBride ◽

M V Rubertone ◽

K C Hyams ◽

A L Richards ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Military Personnel ◽

Low Risk ◽

Risk Of Infection

Download Full-text

Tuberculosis in East Sussex. I. Outbreaks of tuberculosis in cattle herds (1964–1984)

Journal of Hygiene ◽

10.1017/s0022172400064305 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 97 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

J. W. Wilesmith ◽

R. Bode ◽

D. G. Pritchard ◽

F. A. Stuart ◽

P. E. Sayers

Keyword(s):

Mycobacterium Bovis ◽

Bovine Tuberculosis ◽

Low Risk ◽

Cattle Population ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

The South ◽

Epidemiological Features ◽

Cattle Herds

SUMMARYThe history and epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in cattle herds in East Sussex are described. Since 1960, following the compulsory eradication scheme for tuberculosis, the incidence of herd infection has been low. The epidemiological features of herd infection have been sporadic incidents, with only small numbers of cattle becoming infected in the majority of incidents. There was no evidence of endemic Mycobacterium bovis infection in the cattle population in East Sussex in recent years, but a low risk of infection for cattle on the South Downs, from badgers, was apparent.

Download Full-text

The effect of infection with Lyme disease spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi) on the phototaxis, activity, and questing height of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182000066336 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 113 (2) ◽

pp. 97-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

H. Lefcort ◽

L. A. Durden

Keyword(s):

Lyme Disease ◽

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Kin Selection ◽

Ixodes Scapularis ◽

Bacterial Pathogen ◽

Pathogen Transmission ◽

Ecological Effects ◽

Infected Tick ◽

Tick Vector ◽

Tick Vectors

SUMMARYLittle is known about the effects of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, on its tick vectors. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavioural and ecological effects of infection by the bacterium in nymphal and adult black-legged (Ixodes scapularis) ticks. We found that the effects of infection were more pronounced in adults than in nymphs. Compared to uninfected adults, infected adults were less able to overcome physical obstacles, avoided vertical surfaces, were less active and quested at lower heights. Infected nymphs showed increased phototaxis and attraction to vertical surfaces. Infected nymphs also showed trends toward increased questing height and a greater tendency to overcome physical obstacles although these trends were not statistically significant. These altered behaviours in an infected tick may affect survival or pathogen transmission and may reflect kin selection in the bacterial pathogen.

Download Full-text

Landscape Ecological Risk Assessment under Multiple Indicators

Land ◽

10.3390/land10070739 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 739

Author(s):

Xupu Li ◽

Shuangshuang Li ◽

Yufeng Zhang ◽

Patrick J. O’Connor ◽

Liwei Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Ecological Risk Assessment ◽

Environmental Conservation ◽

Low Risk ◽

Anthropogenic Activity ◽

Qinling Mountains ◽

The South ◽

Rapid Urbanization ◽

Landscape Ecological

Rapid urbanization and intensification of human activities increases the risk of disturbance of ecological systems via multiple sources, with consequences for regional ecological security and health. Landscape ecological risk assessment (LERA) is an effective way to identify and allocate risk to resources. We used the north and south Qinling Mountain area as a case study to analyze the spatial heterogeneity of landscape ecological risk using a potential- connectedness-resilience three-dimensional (PCR 3D) framework based on an integrated and dynamic risk assessment concept from adaptive cycle theory. We explored factors driving the risks with a spatial model GeoDetector. The results show that the comprehensive landscape ecological risk was north–south polarized and dominated by low and moderate risk levels (90.13% of total risk) across the whole study area. The high-risk area was centered on the Weihe plain north of the Qinling Mountains (NQL), while low-risk areas accounted for 86.87% of the total area and were prevalent across the south of the study area. The areas with high potential and connectedness risks were centered in the Xi’an–Xianyang urban agglomeration and those with high-resilience risk were in the upper reaches of the Hanjiang River. The vast majority of the area to the south of the Qinling Mountains (SQL) is at low risk. In terms of driving forces, population density and vegetation coverage (NDVI) are the primary factors affecting landscape ecological risk. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic activity is the primary cause of landscape ecological risks in the study area and regional socioeconomic exploitation and environmental conservation need to be rebalanced to achieve sustainability for the social ecosystem. The PCR 3D LERA framework employed in this study can be used to inform landscape ecological health and security and to optimize socioeconomic progress at regional scales.

Download Full-text

Low-Risk TAML Level-5 Multilaterals in the South China Sea

Journal of Petroleum Technology ◽

10.2118/0705-0051-jpt ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 57 (07) ◽

pp. 51-52

Author(s):

Dennis Denney

Keyword(s):

South China Sea ◽

South China ◽

The South China Sea ◽

Low Risk ◽

The South ◽

China Sea

Download Full-text

Diagnostic performance of a faecal immunochemical test for patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care: an evaluation in the South West of England

British Journal of Cancer ◽

10.1038/s41416-020-01221-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah E. R. Bailey ◽

Gary A. Abel ◽

Alex Atkins ◽

Rachel Byford ◽

Sarah-Jane Davies ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Low Risk ◽

The South ◽

Faecal Immunochemical Test ◽

Urgent Referral ◽

South West ◽

Immunochemical Test ◽

Risk Of Cancer

Abstract Background The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) was introduced to triage patients with low-risk symptoms of possible colorectal cancer in English primary care in 2017, underpinned by little primary care evidence. Methods All healthcare providers in the South West of England (population 4 million) participated in this evaluation. 3890 patients aged ≥50 years presenting in primary care with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer had a FIT from 01/06/2018 to 31/12/2018. A threshold of 10 μg Hb/g faeces defined a positive test. Results Six hundred and eighteen (15.9%) patients tested positive; 458 (74.1%) had an urgent referral to specialist lower gastrointestinal (GI) services within three months. Forty-three were diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 12 months. 3272 tested negative; 324 (9.9%) had an urgent referral within three months. Eight were diagnosed with colorectal cancer within 12 months. Positive predictive value was 7.0% (95% CI 5.1–9.3%). Negative predictive value was 99.8% (CI 99.5–99.9%). Sensitivity was 84.3% (CI 71.4–93.0%), specificity 85.0% (CI 83.8–86.1%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (CI 0.86–0.96). A threshold of 37 μg Hb/g faeces would identify patients with an individual 3% risk of cancer. Conclusions FIT performs exceptionally well to triage patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care; a higher threshold may be appropriate in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Download Full-text