scholarly journals Approaches for Reverse Line Blot-Based Detection of Microbial Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected in Austria and Impact of the Chosen Method

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Margarita Schötta ◽  
Michiel Wijnveld ◽  
Hannes Stockinger ◽  
Gerold Stanek
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
Reverse Line Blot ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽  
Neoehrlichia Mikurensis

ABSTRACT Ticks transmit a large number of pathogens capable of causing human disease. In this study, the PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) method was used to screen for pathogens in a total of 554 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from all provinces of Austria. These pathogens belong to the genera Borrelia, Rickettsiae, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia (including “Candidatus Neoehrlichia”), Babesia, and Coxiella. The pathogens with the highest detected prevalence were spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, in 142 ticks (25.6%). Borrelia afzelii (80/142) was the most frequently detected species, followed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (38/142) and Borrelia valaisiana (36/142). Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia spielmanii were found in 28 ticks, 5 ticks, and 1 tick, respectively. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 93 ticks (16.8%): R. helvetica (39/93), R. raoultii (38/93), R. monacensis (2/93), and R. slovaca (1/93). Thirteen Rickettsia samples remain uncharacterized. “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis,” Babesia spp. (B. venatorum, B. divergens, B. microti), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were found in 4.5%, 2.7%, and 0.7%, respectively. Coxiella burnetii was not detected. Multiple microorganisms were detected in 40 ticks (7.2%), and the cooccurrence of Babesia spp. and “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis” showed a significant positive correlation. We also compared different PCR-RLBs for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. and showed that different detection approaches provide highly diverse results, indicating that analysis of environmental samples remains challenging. IMPORTANCE This study determined the wide spectrum of tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens that can be encountered in Austria. Surveillance of (putative) pathogenic microorganisms occurring in the environment is of medical importance, especially when those agents can be transmitted by ticks and cause disease. The observation of significant coinfections of certain microorganisms in field-collected ticks is an initial step to an improved understanding of microbial interactions in ticks. In addition, we show that variations in molecular detection methods, such as in primer pairs and target genes, can considerably influence the final results. For instance, detection of certain genospecies of borreliae may be better or worse by one method or the other, a fact of great importance for future screening studies.

scholarly journals Correlation of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks with Specific Abiotic Traits in the Western Palearctic

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (11) ◽  
pp. 3838-3845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustín Estrada-Peña ◽  
Carmelo Ortega ◽  
Nely Sánchez ◽  
Lorenzo DeSimone ◽  
Bertrand Sudre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽  
Western Palearctic ◽  
Palearctic Region

ABSTRACTThis meta-analysis of reports examining ticks throughout the Western Palearctic region indicates a distinct geographic pattern forBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato prevalence in questing nymphalIxodes ricinusticks. The greatest prevalence was reported between the 5°E and 25°E longitudes based on an analysis of 123 collection points with 37,940 nymphal tick specimens (87.43% of total nymphs; 56.35% of total ticks in the set of reports over the target area). Climatic traits, such as temperature and vegetation stress, and their seasonality correlated withBorreliaprevalence in questing ticks. The greatest prevalence was associated with mild winter, high summer, and low seasonal amplitude of temperatures within the range of the tick vector, higher vegetation indices in the May-June period, and well-connected vegetation patches below a threshold at which rates suddenly drop. Classification of the target territory using a qualitative risk index derived from the abiotic variables produced an indicator of the probability of finding infected ticks in the Western Palearctic region. No specific temporal trends were detected in the reported prevalence. The ranges of the differentB. burgdorferisensu lato genospecies showed a pattern of high biodiversity between 4°W and 20°E, partially overlapping the area of highest prevalence in ticks.Borrelia afzeliiandBorrelia gariniiare the dominant species in central Europe (east of ∼25°E), butB. gariniimay appear alone at southern latitudes andBorrelia lusitaniaeis the main indicator species for meridional territories.

scholarly journals Infections and Coinfections of Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks by Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens in Western Switzerland

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (13) ◽  
pp. 4606-4612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Lommano ◽  
Luce Bertaiola ◽  
Christèle Dupasquier ◽  
Lise Gern
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Rickettsia Monacensis ◽  
Questing Ticks ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus Ticks ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Neoehrlichia Mikurensis

ABSTRACTIn Europe,Ixodes ricinusis the vector of many pathogens of medical and veterinary relevance, among themBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato and tick-borne encephalitis virus, which have been the subject of numerous investigations. Less is known about the occurrence of emerging tick-borne pathogens likeRickettsiaspp.,Babesiaspp., “CandidatusNeoehrlichia mikurensis,” andAnaplasma phagocytophilumin questing ticks. In this study, questing nymph and adultI. ricinusticks were collected at 11 sites located in Western Switzerland. A total of 1,476 ticks were analyzed individually for the simultaneous presence ofB. burgdorferisensu lato,Rickettsiaspp.,Babesiaspp., “CandidatusNeoehrlichia mikurensis,” andA. phagocytophilum. B. burgdorferisensu lato,Rickettsiaspp., and “CandidatusNeoehrlichia mikurensis” were detected in ticks at all sites with global prevalences of 22.5%, 10.2%, and 6.4%, respectively.Babesia- andA. phagocytophilum-infected ticks showed a more restricted geographic distribution, and their prevalences were lower (1.9% and 1.5%, respectively). Species rarely reported in Switzerland, likeBorrelia spielmanii,Borrelia lusitaniae, andRickettsia monacensis, were identified. Infections with more than one pathogenic species, involving mostlyBorreliaspp. andRickettsia helvetica, were detected in 19.6% of infected ticks. Globally, 34.2% of ticks were infected with at least one pathogen. The diversity of tick-borne pathogens detected inI. ricinusin this study and the frequency of coinfections underline the need to take them seriously into consideration when evaluating the risks of infection following a tick bite.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected from Migratory Birds in Switzerland

2006 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 976-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Angèle Poupon ◽  
Elena Lommano ◽  
Pierre-François Humair ◽  
Véronique Douet ◽  
Olivier Rais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Borrelia Garinii ◽  
Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

ABSTRACT The prevalence of ticks infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato on birds during their migrations was studied in Switzerland. A total of 1,270 birds captured at two sites were examined for tick infestation. Ixodes ricinus was the dominant tick species. Prevalences of tick infestation were 6% and 18.2% for birds migrating northward and southward, respectively. Borrelia valaisiana was the species detected most frequently in ticks, followed by Borrelia garinii and Borrelia lusitaniae. Among birds infested by infected ticks, 23% (6/26) were infested by B. lusitaniae-infected larvae. Migratory birds appear to be reservoir hosts for B. lusitaniae.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Genospecies in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Europe: a Metaanalysis

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 7203-7216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Rauter ◽  
Thomas Hartung
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus Ticks ◽  
Filter Process ◽  
Species Specific

ABSTRACT In Europe, Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies causing Lyme borreliosis are mainly transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. Since its discovery, B. burgdorferi has been the subject of many epidemiological studies to determine its prevalence and the distribution of the different genospecies in ticks. In the current study we systematically reviewed the literature on epidemiological studies of I. ricinus ticks infected with B. burgdorferi sensu lato. A total of 1,186 abstracts in English published from 1984 to 2003 were identified by a PubMed keyword search and from the compiled article references. A multistep filter process was used to select relevant articles; 110 articles from 24 countries contained data on the rates of infection of I. ricinus with Borrelia in Europe (112,579 ticks), and 44 articles from 21 countries included species-specific analyses (3,273 positive ticks). These data were used to evaluate the overall rate of infection of I. ricinus with Borrelia genospecies, regional distributions within Europe, and changes over time, as well as the influence of different detection methods on the infection rate. While the infection rate was significantly higher in adults (18.6%) than in nymphs (10.1%), no effect of detection method, tick gender, or collection period (1986 to 1993 versus 1994 to 2002) was found. The highest rates of infection of I. ricinus were found in countries in central Europe. B. afzelii and B. garinii are the most common Borrelia species, but the distribution of genospecies seems to vary in different regions in Europe. The most frequent coinfection by Borrelia species was found for B. garinii and B. valaisiana.

scholarly journals Europe-Wide Meta-Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Strnad ◽  
Václav Hönig ◽  
Daniel Růžek ◽  
Libor Grubhoffer ◽  
Ryan O. M. Rego
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Lyme borreliosis is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks in Europe and North America. Despite having multiple tick vectors, the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is vectored mainly by Ixodes ricinus in Europe. In the present study, we aimed to review and summarize the existing data published from 2010 to 2016 concerning the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes in questing I. ricinus ticks. The primary focus was to evaluate the infection rate of these bacteria in ticks, accounting for tick stage, adult tick gender, region, and detection method, as well as to investigate any changes in prevalence over time. The data obtained were compared to the findings of a previous metastudy. The literature search identified data from 23 countries, with 115,028 ticks, in total, inspected for infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato. We showed that the infection rate was significantly higher in adults than in nymphs and in females than in males. We found significant differences between European regions, with the highest infection rates in Central Europe. The most common genospecies were B. afzelii and B. garinii, despite a negative correlation of their prevalence rates. No statistically significant differences were found among the prevalence rates determined by conventional PCR, nested PCR, and real-time PCR. IMPORTANCE Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a pathogenic bacterium whose clinical manifestations are associated with Lyme borreliosis. This vector-borne disease is a major public health concern in Europe and North America and may lead to severe arthritic, cardiovascular, and neurological complications if left untreated. Although pathogen prevalence is considered an important predictor of infection risk, solitary isolated data have only limited value. Here we provide summarized information about the prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes among host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks, the principal tick vector of borreliae in Europe. We compare the new results with previously published data in order to evaluate any changing trends in tick infection.

scholarly journals Role of the Lizard Teira dugesii as a Potential Host for Ixodes ricinus Tick-Borne Pathogens

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (10) ◽  
pp. 3767-3769 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. De Sousa ◽  
I. Lopes de Carvalho ◽  
A. S. Santos ◽  
C. Bernardes ◽  
N. Milhano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Ricinus ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽  
Rickettsia Monacensis ◽  
Ricinus Tick

ABSTRACTPCR screening of ticks and tissue samples collected from 151Teira dugesiilizards seems to indicate a potential role of this lizard species in the maintenance and transmission cycle of someIxodes ricinustick-borne agents, such asRickettsia monacensis,Rickettsia helvetica, andBorrelia lusitaniae, that are circulating on Madeira Island.

scholarly journals From cytopenia to leukemia: the role of Gfi1 and Gfi1b in blood formation

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (24) ◽  
pp. 2561-2569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarik Möröy ◽  
Lothar Vassen ◽  
Brian Wilkes ◽  
Cyrus Khandanpour
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Finger ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Human Leukemia ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Proviral Integration Site ◽  
Cell Type Specific Expression

AbstractThe DNA-binding zinc finger transcription factors Gfi1 and Gfi1b were discovered more than 20 years ago and are recognized today as major regulators of both early hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cells. Both proteins function as transcriptional repressors by recruiting histone-modifying enzymes to promoters and enhancers of target genes. The establishment of Gfi1 and Gfi1b reporter mice made it possible to visualize their cell type–specific expression and to understand their function in hematopoietic lineages. We now know that Gfi1 is primarily important in myeloid and lymphoid differentiation, whereas Gfi1b is crucial for the generation of red blood cells and platelets. Several rare hematologic diseases are associated with acquired or inheritable mutations in the GFI1 and GFI1B genes. Certain patients with severe congenital neutropenia carry mutations in the GFI1 gene that lead to the disruption of the C-terminal zinc finger domains. Other mutations have been found in the GFI1B gene in families with inherited bleeding disorders. In addition, the Gfi1 locus is frequently found to be a proviral integration site in retrovirus-induced lymphomagenesis, and new, emerging data suggest a role of Gfi1 in human leukemia and lymphoma, underlining the role of both factors not only in normal hematopoiesis, but also in a wide spectrum of human blood diseases.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Methylations on N6-Adenine and N6-Adenosine with the same Input but Different Output

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqing Li ◽  
Ping Zhao ◽  
Qingyou Xia
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Information ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Functional Identification ◽  
Methyl Group ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Detection Strategies

Epigenetic modifications on individual bases in DNA and RNA can encode inheritable genetic information beyond the canonical bases. Among the nucleic acid modifications, DNA N6-methadenine (6mA) and RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have recently been well-studied due to the technological development of detection strategies and the functional identification of modification enzymes. The current findings demonstrate a wide spectrum of 6mA and m6A distributions from prokaryotes to eukaryotes and critical roles in multiple cellular processes. It is interesting that the processes of modification in which the methyl group is added to adenine and adenosine are the same, but the outcomes of these modifications in terms of their physiological impacts in organisms are quite different. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in the study of enzymes involved in the 6mA and m6A methylation machinery, including methyltransferases and demethylases, and their functions in various biological pathways. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms by which 6mA and m6A regulate the expression of target genes, and we highlight the future challenges in epigenetic regulation.

scholarly journals Use of an Endogenous Plasmid Locus for Stable intransComplementation in Borrelia burgdorferi

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 1038-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene N. Kasumba ◽  
Aaron Bestor ◽  
Kit Tilly ◽  
Patricia A. Rosa
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Shuttle Vector ◽  
Targeted Mutagenesis ◽  
Multiple Cloning Site ◽  
Stable Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shuttle Vectors ◽  
Stable Maintenance

ABSTRACTTargeted mutagenesis and complementation are important tools for studying genes of unknown function in the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi. A standard method of complementation is reintroduction of a wild-type copy of the targeted gene on a shuttle vector. However, shuttle vectors are present at higher copy numbers thanB. burgdorferiplasmids and are potentially unstable in the absence of selection, thereby complicating analyses in the mouse-tick infectious cycle.B. burgdorferihas over 20 plasmids, with some, such as linear plasmid 25 (lp25), carrying genes required by the spirochetein vivobut relatively unstable duringin vitrocultivation. We propose that complementation on an endogenous plasmid such as lp25 would overcome the copy number andin vivostability issues of shuttle vectors. In addition, insertion of a selectable marker on lp25 could ensure its stable maintenance by spirochetes in culture. Here, we describe the construction of a multipurpose allelic-exchange vector containing a multiple-cloning site and either of two selectable markers. This suicide vector directs insertion of the complementing gene into thebbe02locus, a site on lp25 that was previously shown to be nonessential during bothin vitroandin vivogrowth. We demonstrate the functional utility of this strategy by restoring infectivity to anospCmutant through complementation at this site on lp25 and stable maintenance of theospCgene throughout mouse infection. We conclude that this represents a convenient and widely applicable method for stable gene complementation inB. burgdorferi.

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