scholarly journals LYMESIM 2.0: An Updated Simulation of Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Population Dynamics and Enzootic Transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 715-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Gaff ◽  
Rebecca J Eisen ◽  
Lars Eisen ◽  
Robyn Nadolny ◽  
Jenna Bjork ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Tick Population

Abstract Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States, and the number of cases reported each year continues to rise. The complex nature of the relationships between the pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto), the tick vector (Ixodes scapularis Say), multiple vertebrate hosts, and numerous environmental factors creates challenges for understanding and predicting tick population and pathogen transmission dynamics. LYMESIM is a mechanistic model developed in the late 1990s to simulate the life-history of I. scapularis and transmission dynamics of B. burgdorferi s.s. Here we present LYMESIM 2.0, a modernized version of LYMESIM, that includes several modifications to enhance the biological realism of the model and to generate outcomes that are more readily measured under field conditions. The model is tested for three geographically distinct locations in New York, Minnesota, and Virginia. Model-simulated timing and densities of questing nymphs, infected nymphs, and abundances of nymphs feeding on hosts are consistent with field observations and reports for these locations. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the importance of temperature in host finding for the density of nymphs, the importance of transmission from small mammals to ticks on the density of infected nymphs, and temperature-related tick survival for both density of nymphs and infected nymphs. A key challenge for accurate modeling of these metrics is the need for regionally representative inputs for host populations and their fluctuations. LYMESIM 2.0 is a useful public health tool that downstream can be used to evaluate tick control interventions and can be adapted for other ticks and pathogens.

scholarly journals Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi OspA, OspC, OspF, and C6 Antigens as Markers for Early and Late Infection in Dogs

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Wagner ◽  
Heather Freer ◽  
Alicia Rollins ◽  
David Garcia-Tapia ◽  
Hollis N. Erb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Early Infection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Antibody Levels

ABSTRACTLyme disease in the United States is caused byBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto, which is transmitted to mammals by infected ticks.Borreliaspirochetes differentially express immunogenic outer surface proteins (Osp). Our aim was to evaluate antibody responses to Osp antigens to aid the diagnosis of early infection and the management of Lyme disease. We analyzed antibody responses during the first 3 months after the experimental infection of dogs using a novel multiplex assay. Results were compared to those obtained with two commercial assays detecting C6 antigen. Multiplex analysis identified antibodies to OspC and C6 as early as 3 weeks postinfection (p.i.) and those to OspF by 5 weeks p.i. Antibodies to C6 and OspF increased throughout the study, while antibodies to OspC peaked between 7 and 11 weeks p.i. and declined thereafter. A short-term antibody response to OspA was observed in 3/8 experimentally infected dogs on day 21 p.i. Quant C6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results matched multiplex results during the first 7 weeks p.i.; however, antibody levels subsequently declined by up to 29%. Immune responses then were analyzed in sera from 125 client-owned dogs and revealed high agreement between antibodies to OspF and C6 as robust markers for infection. Results from canine patient sera supported that OspC is an early infection marker and antibodies to OspC decline over time. The onset and decline of antibody responses toB. burgdorferiOsp antigens and C6 reflect their differential expression during infection. They provide valuable tools to determine the stage of infection, treatment outcomes, and vaccination status in dogs.

scholarly journals Expanded Diversity among CalifornianBorrelia Isolates and Description of Borrelia bissettii sp. nov. (Formerly Borrelia Group DN127)

1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 3497-3504 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Postic ◽  
N. Marti Ras ◽  
R. S. Lane ◽  
M. Hendson ◽  
G. Baranton
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
New York ◽  
North American ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Intergenic Spacer ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Heterogeneous Group ◽  
Atypical Strains

Up to now, the only species in the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato known to cause Lyme borreliosis in the United States has been B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. However, some atypical strains closely related to the previously designated genomic group DN127 have been isolated in the United States, mostly in California. To explore the diversity of B. burgdorferi sensu lato group DN127, we analyzed the nucleotide sequences of the rrf-rrl intergenic spacer regions from 19 atypical strains (18 from California and one from New York) and 13 North American B. burgdorferi sensu stricto strains (6 from California). The spacer region sequences from the entire B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex available in data banks were used for comparison. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences shows that the main species of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex (B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. andersonii,B. japonica, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto,B. valaisiana, and B. lusitaniae) each form a coherent cluster. A heterogeneous group comprising strains belonging to the previously designated group DN127 clustered separately fromB. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Within this cluster, the deep branches expressing the distances between the rrf-rrlsequences reflect a high level of divergence. This unexpected diversity contrasts with the monomorphism exhibited by B. burgdorferisensu stricto. To clarify the taxonomic status of this highly heterogeneous group, analysis of the rrs sequences of selected strains chosen from deeply separated branches was performed. The results show that these strains significantly diverge at a level that is compatible with several distinct genomic groups. We conclude that the taxonomy and phylogeny of North American B. burgdorferi sensu lato should be reevaluated. For now, we propose that the genomic group DN127 should be referred to as a new species,B. bissettii sp. nov., and that other related but distinct strains, which require further characterization, be referred to asBorrelia spp.

scholarly journals 1645. High Seroprevalence and Seroconversion Rate of Borrelia burgdorferi Infection Among Hispanic/Latino Immigrant Workers in Eastern Suffolk County, New York: A Longitudinal-Based Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S600-S601
Author(s):  
Stalin Vilcarromero ◽  
Ana M Nunez ◽  
Katherine Vivas ◽  
Julianna Russo ◽  
Saadia Mahmood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Suffolk County ◽  
Immigrant Worker ◽  
Latino Immigrant ◽  
Field Workers

Abstract Background Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, continues to be the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States (US) affecting the public health and the economy. Suffolk County, New York (NY) has one of the highest incidences in NY State affecting primarily the Hispanic/Latino population working in gardening, landscaping, and agriculture (field workers). However, there is a paucity of research among this population. Thus, the aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the current seroprevalence and seroconversion of the Borrelia burgdorferi infection and its risk factors such as sociodemographic, symptoms, tick encounter, and use of the Fatigue Severity Scale, associated with seropositivity in the Hispanic/Latino immigrant worker population of Eastern Suffolk County. Methods Recruitment of participants was based on several towns of this County. Following signed informed consent, participants completed a questionnaire and had their blood drawn. Samples were tested using the conventional 2-tiered serological testing for Borreliosis. Results Between June 2016 and October 2018, 660 (83.5%) completed Visit 1; 58.8% of them completed elementary school or less, and 56.7% reported earning = or <$20,000 annually, 344 were field workers, from which, 82.3% and 55.2% were male and from Guatemala, respectively. The overall seroprevalence was 7.2% (48/660) but was significantly higher among gardener/Landscapers (11.5%) having an adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.02 with a CI = 1.02–4.03. Another significant risk factor was experiencing fevers after a tick-bite (Adjusted OR: 2.08, CI:1.42–5.63). 2.7% (8/292) seroconverted and were gardener/landscaper. Conclusion Several barriers to healthcare access, health literacy, and prevention were identified. Gardening/landscaping has an occupational risk in this population. Efforts to educate about tick-borne infections and preventive methods such as vaccinations are warranted for this population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Host contributions to the force of Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti transmission differ at edges of and within a small habitat patch

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi K. Goethert ◽  
Sam R. Telford
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Habitat Patch ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Spatial Risk

In the northeastern United States, the emergence of Lyme disease has been associated, in part, with the increase of small forest patches. Such disturbed habitat is exploited by generalist species, such as white-footed mice, which are considered the host with the greatest reservoir capacity for the agents of Lyme disease ( Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto) and human babesiosis ( Babesia microti ). Spatial risk analyses have identified edge habitat as particularly risky. Using a retrotransposon-based quantitative PCR assay for host bloodmeal remnant identification, we directly measured whether the hosts upon which vector ticks fed differed at the edge or within the contiguous small habitat patch. Questing nymphal deer ticks, Ixodes dammini , the northern clade of Ixodes scapularis , were collected from either the edge or within a thicket on Nantucket Island over 3 transmission seasons and tested for evidence of infection as well as bloodmeal hosts. Tick bloodmeal hosts significantly differed by site as well as by year. Mice and deer were identified most often (49.9%), but shrews, rabbits and birds were also common. Ticks from the edge fed on a greater diversity of hosts than those from the thicket. Surprisingly, mice were not strongly associated with either infection at either sampling site (OR<2 for all). Although shrews were not the most common host utilized by ticks, they were highly associated with both infections at both sites (OR= 4.5 and 7.9 B. burgdorferi and 7.9 and 19.0 B. microti , edge and thicket). We conclude that reservoir hosts may differ in their contributions to infecting ticks between edge and contiguous vegetated patches. Importance Habitat fragmentation is thought to be a main factor in the emergence of Lyme disease and other of the deer tick-transmitted infections. The patchwork of forest and edges promotes altered biodiversity, favoring the abundance of generalist rodents such as white footed mice, heretofore considered a key tick and reservoir host in the northeastern U.S. We used tick bloodmeal analyses to directly identify the hosts from which nymphal deer ticks became infected. We demonstrate that there is considerable microfocality in host contributions to the cohort of infected ticks and that shrews, although they fed fewer ticks than mice, disproportionately influenced the force of pathogen transmission in our site. The venue of transmission of certain deer tick-transmitted agents may comprise a habitat scale of 10 meters or fewer and depend on alternative small mammal hosts such as shrews.

scholarly journals Impact of Genotypic Variation of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto on Kinetics of Dissemination and Severity of Disease in C3H/HeJ Mice

2001 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 4303-4312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guiqing Wang ◽  
Caroline Ojaimi ◽  
Radha Iyer ◽  
Victoria Saksenberg ◽  
Steve A. McClain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Genotypic Variation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Genotypic Differences ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Peak Number ◽  
Histopathologic Analysis ◽  
Kinetics Of

ABSTRACT Various genotypes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto have been previously identified among a large collection of isolates cultured from patients with Lyme disease in the United States. Furthermore, association of specific genotypes with hematogenous dissemination early in the disease course has been observed. The present study assessed kinetics of spirochete dissemination and disease severity in C3H/HeJ mice infected with two different genotypes ofB. burgdorferi. Spirochete load in plasma and ear and other tissue samples of infected mice was measured by quantitative PCR, and these data were compared to those obtained by culture and histopathologic analysis. In mice infected with isolate BL206 (a type 1 strain), the peak number of spirochetes was observed in plasma between day 4 and 7, in heart and ear tissue on day 14, and in joints on day 28 postinoculation. There was a correlation between the peak number of spirochetes in plasma on day 4 or 7 and that in ear biopsy and joint specimens on day 14. By contrast, spirochete burdens in plasma of mice infected with isolate B356 (a type 3 strain) were 16- and 5-fold lower than those of BL206-infected mice on days 7 and 14 of infection, respectively. Similarly, approximately 6- and 13-fold fewer spirochetes were detected in the heart tissues of B356-infected mice compared to BL206-infected mice. Histopathologically, severe arthritis and aortitis were noted only in mice infected with isolate BL206. Spirochete dissemination and disease severity vary significantly in mice infected with distinct genotypes of B. burgdorferi, suggesting that genotypic differences in the infecting spirochetes play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of clinical disease.

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity of ospC in a Local Population of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto

Genetics ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing-Nang Wang ◽  
Daniel E Dykhuizen ◽  
Weigang Qiu ◽  
John J Dunn ◽  
Edward M Bosler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
New York ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Balancing Selection ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Single Population ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Stricto ◽  
Selection For

Abstract The outer surface protein, OspC, is highly variable in Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the agent of Lyme disease. We have shown that even within a single population OspC is highly variable. The variation of ospA and ospC in the 40 infected deer ticks collected from a single site on Shelter Island, New York, was determined using PCR-SSCP. There is very strong apparent linkage disequilibrium between ospA and ospC alleles, even though they are located on separate plasmids. Thirteen discernible SSCP mobility classes for ospC were identified and the DNA sequence for each was determined. These sequences, combined with 40 GenBank sequences, allow us to define 19 major ospC groups. Sequences within a major ospC group are, on average, &lt;1% different from each other, while sequences between major ospC groups are, on average, ∼20% different. The tick sample contains 11 major ospC groups, GenBank contains 16 groups, with 8 groups found in both samples. Thus, the ospC variation within a local population is almost as great as the variation of a similar-sized sample of the entire species. The Ewens-Watterson-Slatkin test of allele frequency showed significant deviation from the neutral expectation, indicating balancing selection for these major ospC groups. The variation represented by major ospC groups needs to be considered if the OspC protein is to be used as a serodiagnostic antigen or a vaccine.

The German Rundbogenstil and Reflections on the American Round-Arched Style

1988 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-373
Author(s):  
Kathleen Curran
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
New York ◽  
19Th Century ◽  
The United States ◽  
Contextual Analysis ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Central European ◽  
The 19Th Century

This article investigates the German Rundbogenstil and its influence on the American "round-arched style." A stylistic and theoretical phenomenon of the 19th century, the German Rundbogenstil held both a specific and a generic meaning: as a contemporary building style and as a term for historical round-arched architecture. In modern scholarship, the Rundbogenstil has come to denote any round-arched building with Romanesque or Italianate features designed by certain early to mid-19th-century German architects. A general contextual analysis of the complex nature of the 19th-century round-arched styles or "tendencies" in Germany helps to define more precisely the Rundbogenstil. Following a theoretical and stylistic examination of major monuments in Karlsruhe, Munich, and Berlin, the present paper outlines the salient characteristics of the Rundbogenstil and its influence in America in the hands of certain central European emigrant architects in New York and two major mid-19th-century American architects. The fundamental theoretical change which the style underwent in the United States in both of these groups warrants a distinct label-the American "round-arched style."

scholarly journals Completed Genome Sequences of Borrelia burgdorferiSensu Stricto B31(NRZ) and Closely Related Patient Isolates from Europe

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Margos ◽  
Sabrina Hepner ◽  
Christoph Mang ◽  
Andreas Sing ◽  
Bernhard Liebl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Erythema Migrans ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Genome Sequences ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is a causative agent of human Lyme borreliosis in the United States and Europe. We report here the completed genome sequences of strain B31 isolated from a tick in the United States and two closely related strains from Europe, PAli and PAbe, which were isolated from patients with erythema migrans and neuroborreliosis, respectively.

scholarly journals Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Species in Europe Induce Diverse Immune Responses against C6 Peptides in Infected Mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 1546-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inke Krupka ◽  
Jens Knauer ◽  
Leif Lorentzen ◽  
Thomas P. O'Connor ◽  
Jill Saucier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Test System ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
High Standards ◽  
Different Strains

ABSTRACTThe diversity of Lyme-borreliosis-inducingBorreliaspecies in Europe set high standards for the use of serodiagnostic test systems in terms of specificity and sensitivity. In the United States, the one-step C6antibody test system based on the invariable domain IR6 of the VlsE molecule has been established as a successful diagnostic tool for testing canine samples. However, only a limited set of data are available regarding the antigenicity of the C6peptides in an experimental murine model and sensitivity of the test regarding EuropeanBorreliaspecies. In order to investigate antibody reactions induced by these spirochetes, a total of 142 C3H/HeN mice were inoculated withBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto N40,B. gariniiPBi, two isolates ofB. afzelii,B. spielmaniiA14S,B. valaisianaRio6,B. valaisianaVS116, orB. lusitaniae. Infection of the mice was documented utilizing tissue culture and PCR. The IR6 sequences ofB. burgdorferisensu stricto B31,B. gariniiIP90, and twoB. afzeliiACAI strains have been used to synthesize and test additional C6peptides. Compared to the well-established two-tiered test system, the results indicate that single C6peptides derived fromB. burgdorferisensu stricto andB. gariniican be used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based technique to detect murine antibodies induced by either agent. Little is known about the prevalence or pathogenicity of theB. afzeliistrains in mammalian hosts, but our experimental data indicate differences in the C6peptide test sensitivity for the detection of antibodies induced by different strains or isolates ofB. afzelii.

scholarly journals Passage through Ixodes scapularis Ticks Enhances the Virulence of a Weakly Pathogenic Isolate of Borrelia burgdorferi

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarojini Adusumilli ◽  
Carmen J. Booth ◽  
Juan Anguita ◽  
Erol Fikrig
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Array Analysis ◽  
C3h Mice ◽  
Attenuated Isolate

ABSTRACT Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. In this paper we explore the contribution of Ixodes scapularis ticks to the pathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi in mice. Previously we demonstrated that an isolate of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (designated N40), passaged 75 times in vitro (N40-75), was infectious but was no longer able to cause arthritis and carditis in C3H mice. We now show that N40-75 spirochetes can readily colonize I. scapularis and multiply during tick engorgement. Remarkably, tick-transmitted N40-75 spirochetes cause disease in mice. N40-75 spirochetes isolated from these animals also retained their pathogenicity when subsequently administered to mice via syringe inoculation. Array analysis revealed that several genes associated with virulence, including bba25, bba65, bba66, bbj09, and bbk32, had higher expression levels in the tick-passaged N40-75 spirochete. These data suggest that transmission of a high-passage attenuated isolate of B. burgdorferi by the arthropod vector results in the generation of spirochetes that have enhanced pathogenesis in mice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document