scholarly journals Ixodes persulcatus Ticks as Vectors for the Babesia microti U.S. Lineage in Japan

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (22) ◽  
pp. 6624-6632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Zamoto-Niikura ◽  
Shigeru Morikawa ◽  
Ken-Ichi Hanaki ◽  
Patricia J. Holman ◽  
Chiaki Ishihara
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Principal Vector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Babesiosis ◽  
The U.S

ABSTRACTThe U.S. lineage, one of the major clades in theBabesia microtigroup, is known as a causal agent of human babesiosis mostly in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. This lineage, however, also is distributed throughout the temperate zone of Eurasia with several reported human cases, although convincing evidence of the identity of the specific vector(s) in this area is lacking. Here, the goal was to demonstrate the presence of infectious parasites directly in salivary glands ofIxodes persulcatus, from which U.S. lineage genetic sequences have been detected in Asia, and to molecularly characterize the isolates. Five PCR-positive specimens were individually inoculated into hamsters, resulting in infections in four; consequently, four strains were newly established. Molecular characterization, including 18S rRNA, β-tubulin, andCCT7gene sequences, as well as Western blot analysis and indirect fluorescent antibody assay, revealed that all four strains were identical to each other and to the U.S. lineage strains isolated from rodents captured in Japan. The 18S rRNA gene sequence from the isolates was identical to those fromI. persulcatusin Russia and China, but the genetic and antigenic profiles of the Japanese parasites differ from those in the United States and Europe. Together with previous epidemiological and transmission studies, we conclude thatI. persulcatusis likely the principal vector for theB. microtiU.S. lineage in Japan and presumably in northeastern Eurasia.IMPORTANCEThe major cause of human babesiosis, the tick-borne blood parasiteBabesia microti, U.S. lineage, is widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. However, the specific tick vector(s) remains unidentified in Eurasia, where there are people with antibodies to theB. microtiU.S. lineage and cases of human babesiosis. In this study, the first isolation ofB. microtiU.S. lineage fromIxodes persulcatusticks, a principal vector for many tick-borne diseases, is described in Japan. Limited antigenic cross-reaction was found between the Japan and United States isolates. Thus, current serological tests based on U.S. isolates may underestimateB. microtioccurrence outside the United States. This study and previous studies indicate thatI. persulcatusis part of theB. microtiU.S. lineage life cycle in Japan and, presumably, northeastern Eurasia. This report will be important for public health, especially since infection may occur through transfusion, and also to researchers in the field of parasitology.

scholarly journals TheBabesia divergensAsia Lineage Is Maintained through Enzootic Cycles betweenIxodes persulcatusand Sika Deer in Hokkaido, Japan

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Zamoto-Niikura ◽  
Masayoshi Tsuji ◽  
Wei Qiang ◽  
Shigeru Morikawa ◽  
Ken-Ichi Hanaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
18S Rrna ◽  
Sika Deer ◽  
Cervus Nippon ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Principal Vector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Eastern Japan

ABSTRACTParasites of theBabesiadivergensAsia lineage, which are closely related toB. divergensin Europe andBabesiasp. strain MO1 in the United States, were recently reported in sika deer (Cervus nippon) in eastern Japan. To identify the tick vector(s) for this parasite, we conducted a field survey in Hokkaido, Japan, where the infection rate in sika deer is the highest in the country. A specific PCR system which detects and discriminates between lineages withinB. divergensand between those lineages andBabesia venatorumshowed thatIxodes persulcatus(11/822), but not sympatricIxodes ovatus(0/595) orHaemaphysalissp. (0/163) ticks, carriedB. divergensAsia lineage. Genomic DNA was archived from salivary glands of partially engorgedI. persulcatusfemales and three isolates ofB. divergensAsia lineage were newly described. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of the isolates formed the Asia lineage cluster with those previously described in sika deer isolates. One salivary gland also contained parasites ofBabesia microtiU.S. lineage, which were subsequently isolated in a hamsterin vivo.B. venatorum(strain Etb5) was also detected in oneI. persulcatustick. The 18S rRNA sequence of Etb5 was 99.7% identical to that ofB. venatorum(AY046575) and was phylogenetically positioned in a taxon composed ofB. venatorumisolates from Europe, China, and Russia. The geographical distribution ofI. persulcatusis consistent with that ofB. divergensin sika deer in Japan. These results suggest thatI. persulcatusis a principal vector forB. divergensin Japan and Eurasia, whereI. persulcatusis predominantly distributed.IMPORTANCETheBabesiadivergensAsia lineage of parasites closely related toB. divergensin Europe andBabesiasp. MO1 in the United States was recently reported inCervus nipponin eastern Japan. In this study, specific PCR for the Asia lineage identified 11 positives in 822 host-seekingIxodes persulcatusticks, a principal vector for many tick-borne disease agents. Gene sequences of three isolates obtained from DNA in salivary glands of female ticks were identical to each other and to those inC. nippon. We also demonstrate the coinfection ofB. divergensAsia lineage withBabesia microtiU.S. lineage in a tick salivary gland and, furthermore, isolated the latter in a hamster. These results suggest thatI. persulcatusis the principal vector forB. divergensas well as forB. microti, and both parasites may be occasionally cotransmitted byI. persulcatus. This report will be important for public health, since infection may occur through transfusion.

scholarly journals Babesia microti: from Mice to Ticks to an Increasing Number of Highly Susceptible Humans

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 2903-2912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars F. Westblade ◽  
Matthew S. Simon ◽  
Blaine A. Mathison ◽  
Laura A. Kirkman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
Human Babesiosis

ABSTRACT Babesia microti , a zoonotic intraerythrocytic parasite, is the primary etiological agent of human babesiosis in the United States. Human infections range from subclinical illness to severe disease resulting in death, with symptoms being related to host immune status. Despite advances in our understanding and management of B. microti , the incidence of infection in the United States has increased. Therefore, research focused on eradicating disease and optimizing clinical management is essential. Here we review this remarkable organism, with emphasis on the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of human disease.

scholarly journals The Global Emergence of Human Babesiosis

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1447
Author(s):  
Abhinav Kumar ◽  
Jane O'Bryan ◽  
Peter J. Krause
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Endemic Disease ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Human Babesiosis

Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa that are primarily transmitted by hard-bodied (Ixodid) ticks and rarely through blood transfusion, perinatally, and organ transplantation. More than 100 Babesia species infect a wide spectrum of wild and domestic animals worldwide and six have been identified as human pathogens. Babesia microti is the predominant species that infects humans, is found throughout the world, and causes endemic disease in the United States and China. Babesia venatorum and Babesia crassa-like agent also cause endemic disease in China. Babesia divergens is the predominant species in Europe where fulminant cases have been reported sporadically. The number of B. microti infections has been increasing globally in recent decades. In the United States, more than 2000 cases are reported each year, although the actual number is thought to be much higher. In this review of the epidemiology of human babesiosis, we discuss epidemiologic tools used to monitor disease location and frequency; demographics and modes of transmission; the location of human babesiosis; the causative Babesia species in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia; the primary clinical characteristics associated with each of these infections; and the increasing global health burden of this disease.

scholarly journals First Report of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii on Poinsettia ‘Luv U Pink’ in Taiwan

Plant Disease ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Chang Liang ◽  
P. Janet Chen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
The United States ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
First Report ◽  
Meloidogyne Enterolobii ◽  
Mock Control ◽  
Haplotype 1 ◽  
Coii Region

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch.), originated in southern Mexico and northern Guatemala, is the most valuable potted flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). The European Union and the United States are two biggest poinsettia markets (Taylor et al. 2011), with a wholesale value of $153 million in the United States in 2019. Root knot galls of poinsettia ‘Luv U Pink’ were collected from a production greenhouse located in Nantou County, Taiwan in March 2021. No aboveground symptoms were observed. A nematode population was established from a single female and used for identification and the Koch’s postulate. The perineal patterns of randomly picked 5 females are round or ovoid with moderate to high dorsal arches, but no distinct lateral lines, ventral striae are fine and smooth. The Morphometric characters of second-stage juvenile include: a vermiform body shape, tail narrow and tapering with rounded tail tips, and a distinct hyaline tail end. Measurements of 20 J2 are as follows: body length, 430 (398 - 473) μm; body width, 15.4 (13.4 - 17.8) μm; stylet length,13.4 (13.0 - 14.0) μm; dorsal esophageal gland orifice to basal knob, 3.4 (2.8 - 3.9) μm; tail length, 52.9 (47.6 - 62.2) μm. All morphometric data were consistent with the original description of Meloidogyne enterolobii (Yang and Eisenback 1983). Nematode DNA was extracted using GeneMark Tissue & Cell Genomic DNA Purification Kit (GeneMark, Taiwan) from approximately 1500 J2 and used for amplification of 18S rRNA gene, a D2-D3 region of 28S rRNA gene, and a mtDNA COII region with primer sets 1A/MelR, D2A/D3B, and C2F3/1108, respectively (Power and Harris 1993, Subbotin et al. 2006, Tigano et al. 2005). The sequence of 18S rRNA gene (accession no. MZ948800 haplotype 1 and MZ955998 haplotype 2), haplotype 1 shared 100% identity with that of M. enterolobii from the United States (KP901058) and China (MN832688); haplotype 2 shared 99.8% identity with that of KP901058 and MN832688. The sequence of the D2-D3 region (MZ955995) shared 99% identity with that M. enterolobii from the United States (KP901079). Sequence of the COII region (MZ964625) also shared 99% identity with that of M. enterolobii from the United States (AY446975) and China (MN840970). Phylogenetic trees of the three gene sequences plotted as described by Ye et al. (2021) revealed that the newly described nematode was grouped with M. enterolobii. Sequence analysis of two fragments: 236 bp and 520 bp amplified with gene specific primers Me-F/R and MK7F/R, respectively (Long et al. 2006, Tigano et al. 2010) also confirmed the identity of M. enterolobii. To measure the reproductive factor (Rf), the Poinsettia ‘Luv U Pink’ seedlings with eight true leaves were transplanted into three 12-cm diameter pots each containing 6000 eggs or water (mock control). Forty-five days after inoculation, the average Rf value of three inoculated plants was 6, and no galls were observed on mock control plant roots, confirming that poinsettia is the host of M. enterolobii. M. enterolobii has been reported in several Euphorbia species, including E. heterophylla, E. prostrata, E. punicea and E. tirucalli (Han et al. 2012, Rich et al. 2009). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of M. enterolobii infecting E. pulcherrima ‘Luv U Pink’. 

scholarly journals Technologies for Detection of Babesia microti: Advances and Challenges

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1563
Author(s):  
Scott Meredith ◽  
Miranda Oakley ◽  
Sanjai Kumar
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
The United States ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Babesia Species ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Human Babesiosis

The biology of intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites presents unique challenges for the diagnosis of human babesiosis. Antibody-based assays are highly sensitive but fail to detect early stage Babesia infections prior to seroconversion (window period) and cannot distinguish between an active infection and a previously resolved infection. On the other hand, nucleic acid-based tests (NAT) may lack the sensitivity to detect window cases when parasite burden is below detection limits and asymptomatic low-grade infections. Recent technological advances have improved the sensitivity, specificity and high throughput of NAT and the antibody-based detection of Babesia. Some of these advances include genomics approaches for the identification of novel high-copy-number targets for NAT and immunodominant antigens for superior antigen and antibody-based assays for Babesia. Future advances would also rely on next generation sequencing and CRISPR technology to improve Babesia detection. This review article will discuss the historical perspective and current status of technologies for the detection of Babesia microti, the most common Babesia species causing human babesiosis in the United States, and their implications for early diagnosis of acute babesiosis, blood safety and surveillance studies to monitor areas of expansion and emergence and spread of Babesia species and their genetic variants in the United States and globally.

scholarly journals The performance of consumers' cooperatives in America

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
John Pencavel
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Labor Statistics ◽  
Bureau Of Labor Statistics ◽  
Methods Of Operation ◽  
The U.S

PurposeThe purpose is to evaluate the performance of consumers' cooperatives in the United States over the last 100 years. This evaluation is based on an overlooked series of surveys undertaken by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics between 1920 and 1950. Where possible, the series are brought up to date.Design/methodology/approachThe surveys did not follow a single consistent organization. Therefore, the observations require rearrangement so that a single meaningful design is achieved.FindingsIn a number of instances, consumers' cooperatives have not merely survived but thrived. Indeed, some of their original and continuing methods of operation have been copied and adopted by firms that are not cooperatives.Originality/valueThe series constructed are original and singular. The author knows of no such comparable data.

scholarly journals Estimating the Size of the U.S. Market for New Antibiotics with Activity against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelius J. Clancy ◽  
M. Hong Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Antibiotic Development ◽  
Development Models ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Financial Difficulties ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACT New antibiotics with activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) improve outcomes of CRE-infected patients. However, companies developing these drugs have faced financial difficulties. Sales of ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, and plazomicin in the United States totaled $101 million from February 2018 to January 2019. We estimate that the current annual U.S. market for new anti-CRE antibiotics is $289 million (range, $169 to $439 million). Without new antibiotic development models and/or reimbursement reform, the majority of anti-CRE drugs will be commercially inviable.

scholarly journals RECENT STUDIES OF TICK-BORNE INFECTIONS IN MONGOLIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-154
Author(s):  
D. Anu ◽  
H. Sung-Hee ◽  
L. Sang-Eun ◽  
L. Won-Ja ◽  
D. Abmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Dna Sequencing ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ixodes Persulcatus ◽  
Rickettsia Species ◽  
Glta Gene

We have aimed to detect both Rickettsiae species and Babesia microti in adult ticks of Dermacentor nutalli in Tuv province; and  looked for only Rickettsiae species in Ixodes persulcatus in Selenge  province. Using the PCR and DNA sequencing techniques, we  amplified and sequenced the 16S rRNA, gltA, rOmpA genes of  Rickettsia and 18S rRNA gene of B. microti and Rickettsia species  were identified. Infection rate for Rickettsiae spp. was 82.7 %  (115/139 samples) by 16S rRNA sequencing results and among  them the highest prevalence rate was that for R. raoultii strain –  71.4 % (80/111 samples) by gltA gene sequencing and 100 %  (81/81 samples) by rOmpA gene sequencing. Canditatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae strain was detected in 27.9 % (31/11  samples) by gltA gene sequencing. Infection rate for Rickettsiae spp. in D. nutalli ticks was 84.3 % (81/96 samples) and R. raoultii  strain comprised 96.2–98.7 % among them. Adult ticks of I.  persulcatus were infected with Rickettsiae spp. with 78 % and 93.75  % of them were R. raoultii strain. Seventeen out of 97 ticks (17.5  %) were found to be infected with B. microti. Nucleotide DNA  sequencing of partial 18S rRNA and gltA genes supported the PCR  results. We have identified that the same species of ticks commonly  distributed in Mongolia have been infected with R. sibirica, R. raoultii  and B. microti. It might be the strength of our study as B.  microti have not been detected in D. nuttalli ticks yet. We are  considering to detect the tick-borne infections in humans.

scholarly journals Parasites of Small Mammals in Grand Teton National Park: Babesia and Hepatozoon

1994 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 65-75
Author(s):  
Suzanne Moshier ◽  
William O'Dell ◽  
Raychel Watkins ◽  
Aelita Pinter
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
National Park ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Erythrocytes ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Human Babesiosis

In a review of the parasites of Microtus, Timm (1985) lists no protozoan endoparasites whatsoever for this genus. The role of parasitism, whether macro- or microparasites, and whether endo- or ectoparasites, in the demographic machinery of microtines is poorly understood. Timm (1985) astutely observes that one of the most challenging and fruitful directions of future research with Microtus will be the statistical quantification of the cost of parasitism. In addition, since humans in the Grand Teton National Park may encounter protozoon parasites that are potentially pathogenic to humans, it is useful to characterize the occurrence and biology of such organisms in the parko Babesia microti, a parasitic protozoon, is transmitted by a tick vector and reproduces in the erythrocytes of its mammalian host. Initially, Babesia was thought to be restricted to small mammals; however, in 1970 the first human cases were diagnosed in residents of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts (Western et al, 1970). Over 200 cases of human babesiosis have been documented worldwide. In the United States, human babesiosis is caused by B. microti. Most of these cases have occurred in the eastern United States. The earliest report of an organism that fits the description of Babesia in human erythrocytes is that of Wilson et al. (1904), who found an unknown organism in human erythrocytes while investigating the cause of Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. Documented cases of babesiosis in many areas of the United States are increasing (Steketee et al, 1985). As humans insert themselves into places where they have historically been present only occasionally, they often contract new diseases. A second protozoon parasite, Hepatozoon sp., which is widespread in small mammals in Europe, is also found in reptiles throughout the world. The record of Hepatozoon in North American small mammals is not extensive. Fewer than 10 species of mammals have been shown to harbor Hepatozoon parasites. Like Babesia, Hepatozoon is a two-host parasite. Unlike Babesia, for which the intermediate host is always a tick, the intermediate host in the Hepatozoon may be a tick, a mite, a flea, or a mosquito. The method of transmission by the vector also differs in the two parasites. Babesia is transmitted in saliva when the tick bites, whereas Hepatozoon infection requires the vertebrate host to swallow the vector. In our 1994 studies, we sought to extend knowledge of these two parasites. The specific objectives for 1994 were: to sample specific populations of M. molltanus, in which we have previously documented Hepatozoon infections, to determine whether there are differences in the infection rates at different study sites in the park; to search for the vector of Hepatozoon sp. infections in M. montanus by examining ectoparasites; to collect and rear ticks from M. montanus for use in R microti transmission studies; and to complete a comparison of the spleen histology of babesiosis in infected and uninfected laboratory animals, with inclusion of data from wild animals, as available. Our long-term objectives are to document the effects and cost of parasitism on vole populations and to determine the potential of small mammals of Grand Teton National Park to serve as reservoirs of human parasites.

scholarly journals A big-data analysis of political rhetoric relating the developments of the United States, China, and global powers

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-243
Author(s):  
Patrick Carter ◽  
Jeffrie Wang ◽  
Davis Chau
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Political Rhetoric ◽  
The United States ◽  
Big Data Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Power ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe similarities between the developments of the United States (U.S.) and China into global powers (countries with global economic, military, and political influence) can be analyzed through big data analysis from both countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not China is on the same path to becoming a world power like what the U.S. did one hundred years ago.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this study is drawn from political rhetoric and linguistic analysis by using “big data” technology to identify the most common words and political trends over time from speeches made by the U.S. and Chinese leaders from three periods, including 1905-1945 in U.S., 1977-2017 in U.S. and 1977-2017 in China.FindingsRhetoric relating to national identity was most common amongst Chinese and the U.S. leaders over time. The differences between the early-modern U.S. and the current U.S. showed the behavioral changes of countries as they become powerful. It is concluded that China is not a world power at this stage. Yet, it is currently on the path towards becoming one, and is already reflecting characteristics of present-day U.S., a current world power.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel approach to analyze historical documents through big data text mining, a methodology scarcely used in historical studies. It highlights how China as of now is most likely in a transitionary stage of becoming a world power.

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