scholarly journals Characterization of fluorescent proteins, promoters, and selectable markers for applications in the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantin N. Takacs ◽  
Zachary A. Kloos ◽  
Molly Scott ◽  
Patricia A. Rosa ◽  
Christine Jacobs-Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Antibiotic Selection ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Constitutively Active ◽  
Selection Markers

ABSTRACTLyme disease is the most widely reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Its incidence is rapidly increasing and disease symptoms can be debilitating. The need to understand the biology of the disease agent, the spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi, is thus evermore pressing. Despite important advances inB. burgdorferigenetics, the array of molecular tools available for use in this organism remains limited, especially for cell biological studies. Here, we adapt a palette of bright and mostly monomeric fluorescent proteins for versatile use and multi-color imaging inB. burgdorferi. We also characterize two novel antibiotic selection markers and establish the feasibility of their use in conjunction with extant markers. Lastly, we describe a set of constitutively active promoters of low and intermediate strengths that allow fine-tuning of gene expression levels. These molecular tools complement and expand current experimental capabilities inB. burgdorferi, which will facilitate future investigation of this important human pathogen. To showcase the usefulness of these reagents, we used them to investigate the subcellular localization of BB0323, aB. burgdorferilipoprotein essential for survival in the host and vector environments. We show that BB0323 accumulates at the cell poles and future division sites ofB. burgdorfericells, highlighting the complex subcellular organization of this spirochete.IMPORTANCEGenetic manipulation of the Lyme disease spirocheteB. burgdorferiremains cumbersome, despite significant progress in the field. The scarcity of molecular reagents available for use in this pathogen has slowed research efforts to study its unusual biology. Of interest,B. burgdorferidisplays complex cellular organization features that have yet to be understood. These include an unusual morphology and a highly fragmented genome, both of which are likely to play important roles in the bacterium’s transmission, infectivity, and persistence. Here, we complement and expand the array of molecular tools available for use inB. burgdorferiby generating and characterizing multiple fluorescent proteins, antibiotic selection markers, and constitutively active promoters of different strengths. These tools will facilitate investigations in this important human pathogen, as exemplified by the polar and midcell localization of the cell envelope regulator BB0323, which we uncovered using these reagents.

scholarly journals Fluorescent Proteins, Promoters, and Selectable Markers for Applications in the Lyme Disease SpirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Constantin N. Takacs ◽  
Zachary A. Kloos ◽  
Molly Scott ◽  
Patricia A. Rosa ◽  
Christine Jacobs-Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Antibiotic Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Selection Markers

ABSTRACTLyme disease is the most widely reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Its incidence is rapidly increasing, and disease symptoms can be debilitating. The need to understand the biology of the disease agent, the spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi, is thus evermore pressing. Despite important advances inB. burgdorferigenetics, the array of molecular tools available for use in this organism remains limited, especially for cell biological studies. Here, we adapt a palette of bright and mostly monomeric fluorescent proteins for versatile use and multicolor imaging inB. burgdorferi. We also characterize two novel antibiotic selection markers and establish the feasibility of their use in conjunction with extant markers. Last, we describe a set of promoters of low and intermediate strengths that allow fine-tuning of gene expression levels. These molecular tools complement and expand current experimental capabilities inB. burgdorferi, which will facilitate future investigation of this important human pathogen. To showcase the usefulness of these reagents, we used them to investigate the subcellular localization of BB0323, aB. burgdorferilipoprotein essential for survival in the host and vector environments. We show that BB0323 accumulates at the cell poles and future division sites ofB. burgdorfericells, highlighting the complex subcellular organization of this spirochete.IMPORTANCEGenetic manipulation of the Lyme disease spirocheteB. burgdorferiremains cumbersome, despite significant progress in the field. The scarcity of molecular reagents available for use in this pathogen has slowed research efforts to study its unusual biology. Of interest,B. burgdorferidisplays complex cellular organization features that have yet to be understood. These include an unusual morphology and a highly fragmented genome, both of which are likely to play important roles in the bacterium’s transmission, infectivity, and persistence. Here, we complement and expand the array of molecular tools available for use inB. burgdorferiby generating and characterizing multiple fluorescent proteins, antibiotic selection markers, and promoters of varied strengths. These tools will facilitate investigations in this important human pathogen, as exemplified by the polar and midcell localization of the cell envelope regulator BB0323, which we uncovered using these reagents.

Mosquito and Tick-borne Illnesses in the United States. Guidelines for the Recognition and Empiric Treatment of Zoonotic Diseases in the Wilderness.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-257
Author(s):  
Suresh Antony
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background:In the United States, tick-borne illnesses account for a significant number of patients that have been seen and treated by health care facilities. This in turn, has resulted in a significant morbidity and mortality and economic costs to the country.Methods:The distribution of these illnesses is geographically variable and is related to the climate as well. Many of these illnesses can be diagnosed and treated successfully, if recognized and started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy early in the disease process. Patient with illnesses such as Lyme disease, Wet Nile illness can result in chronic debilitating diseases if not recognized early and treated.Conclusion:This paper covers illnesses such as Lyme disease, West Nile illness, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Ehrlichia, Tularemia, typhus, mosquito borne illnesses such as enteroviruses, arboviruses as well as arthropod and rodent borne virus infections as well. It covers the epidemiology, clinical features and diagnostic tools needed to make the diagnosis and treat these patients as well.

Surveillance of Lyme Disease in the United States, 1982

1985 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 1144-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. P. Schmid ◽  
R. Horsley ◽  
A. C. Steere ◽  
J. P. Hanrahan ◽  
J. P. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
The United States

scholarly journals 1428. Lyme Disease Treatment in the United States: Prescribing Patterns from a Nationwide Commercial Insurance Database, 2016-2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S720-S720
Author(s):  
Amy M Beeson ◽  
Grace E Marx ◽  
Amy M Schwartz ◽  
Alison F Hinckley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Low Incidence

Abstract Background Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and is a significant public health problem. The use of non-standard antibiotic treatment regimens for LD has been associated with adverse effects; however, the overall landscape of treatment has not been described previously. We aimed to describe real-world antibiotic prescribing patterns for LD. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the MarketScan commercial claims database of outpatient encounters from 2016-2018 in the United States. We identified all individuals with a visit that included an LD diagnosis code and a prescription within 30 days of the visit for one or more of 12 antibiotics that may be prescribed for LD. We then categorized each individual as having received either standard or non-standard treatment during the two-year period. Standard treatment was defined as treatment with a first, second or third-line antibiotic for LD, for no longer than 30 days, and for no more than two episodes during the study period. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed to compare characteristics of people who received standard vs non-standard treatment for LD. Results A total of 84,769 prescriptions met criteria for inclusion, written for 45,926 unique patients. The mean duration of prescriptions was 21.4 days (SD 10.8). Most individuals (84.5%) treated for LD received standard treatment during the study period. Female gender (OR 1.5, p< 0.0001) and age 19-45 (p=0.0003) were significantly associated with being prescribed non-standard LD treatment. Treatment in low-incidence states (OR 2.2 compared to high-incidence states, p< 0.0001) and during non-summer months (OR 2.2, p< 0.0001) was more likely to be non-standard. Age distribution of patients receiving treatment for Lyme disease, by gender and age at first prescription Seasonality of standard versus non-standard treatment of Lyme disease Conclusion In this population of employed, young, and insured patients, young and middle-aged women were at the highest risk of receiving non-standard LD treatment. Treatments prescribed in states with low incidence of LD or during non-summer months were also more likely to be non-standard, a trend which likely reflects misdiagnosis or overtreatment of LD. Future studies are needed to further define prescriber and patient factors associated with non-standard LD treatment and related adverse outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Human Coinfection withBorrelia burgdorferiandBabesia microtiin the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen L. Knapp ◽  
Nancy A. Rice
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Current State ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Multiple Pathogens

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, andBabesia microti, a causative agent of babesiosis, are increasingly implicated in the growing tick-borne disease burden in the northeastern United States. These pathogens are transmitted via the bite of an infected tick vector,Ixodes scapularis, which is capable of harboring and inoculating a host with multiple pathogens simultaneously. Clinical presentation of the diseases is heterogeneous and ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to near-fatal cardiac arrhythmias. While the reason for the variability is not known, the possibility exists that concomitant infection with bothB. burgdorferiandB. microtimay synergistically increase disease severity. In an effort to clarify the current state of understanding regarding coinfection withB. burgdorferiandB. microti, in this review, we discuss the geographical distribution and pathogenesis of Lyme disease and babesiosis in the United States, the immunological response of humans toB. burgdorferiorB. microtiinfection, the existing knowledge regarding coinfection disease pathology, and critical factors that have led to ambiguity in the literature regarding coinfection, in order to eliminate confusion in future experimental design and investigation.

The Epidemiology of Lyme Disease in the United States 1987-1988

1990 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 285-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayle L. Miller ◽  
Robert B. Craven ◽  
Ray E. Bailey ◽  
Theodore F. Tsai
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
The United States

Changing Trends in Age and Sex Distributions of Lyme Disease—United States, 1992-2016

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110267
Author(s):  
Kiersten J. Kugeler ◽  
Paul S. Mead ◽  
Amy M. Schwartz ◽  
Alison F. Hinckley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
The United States ◽  
Male Predominance ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Age And Sex

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and is characterized by a bimodal age distribution and male predominance. We examined trends in reported cases during a 25-year period to describe changes in the populations most affected by Lyme disease in the United States. We examined demographic characteristics of people with confirmed cases of Lyme disease reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 1992-2016 through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. We grouped cases into 5-year periods (1992-1996, 1997-2001, 2002-2006, 2007-2011, 2012-2016). We calculated the average annual incidence by age and sex and used incidence rate ratios (IRRs) to describe changes in Lyme disease incidence by age and sex over time. We converted patient age at time of illness into patient birth year to ascertain disease patterns according to birth cohorts. The incidence of Lyme disease in the United States doubled from 1992-1996 to 2012-2016 (IRR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.70-1.78) and increased disproportionately among males; IRRs were 39%-89% higher among males than among females for most age groups. During the study period, children aged 5-9 years were most frequently and consistently affected. In contrast, the average age of adults with Lyme disease increased over time; of all adults, people born during 1950-1964 were the most affected by Lyme disease. Our findings suggest that age-related behaviors and susceptibilities may drive infections among children, and the shifting peak among adults likely reflects a probability proportional to the relative size of the baby boom population. These findings can inform targeted and efficient public health education and intervention efforts.

Intrathoracic Disease Associated With Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Complex in Otherwise Healthy Children: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 741-742
Author(s):  
Sandeep K. Gupta ◽  
Ben Z. Katz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium ◽  
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Cervical Lymphadenitis ◽  
Cervical Adenitis ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium Intracellulare ◽  
Therapeutic Considerations

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a well described human pathogen.1 Less commonly, atypical or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause disease in humans. Recent studies report that NTM account for one-third of all pathogenic mycobacterial isolates in the United States.2 Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAI) is the most common NTM causing human disease.2 It is also the most common mycobacterial cause of cervical lymphadenitis in children in areas with low endemic rates of MTB infection.3 MAI/NTM infection other than cervical adenitis is unusual in children, except in those that are immunosuppressed.4 Rarely, MAI presents as mediastinal or endobronchial disease in otherwise healthy children.

scholarly journals Fine Tuning the Optical Properties of Green to Red Photoconvertible Fluorescent Proteins

2010 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 413a
Author(s):  
Karin Nienhaus ◽  
Virgile Adam ◽  
Dominique Bourgeois ◽  
G. Ulrich Nienhaus
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Fine Tuning
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document