scholarly journals Polymicrobial Nature of Tick-Borne Diseases

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Sanchez-Vicente ◽  
Teresa Tagliafierro ◽  
James L. Coleman ◽  
Jorge L. Benach ◽  
Rafal Tokarz
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Amblyomma Americanum ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Powassan Virus ◽  
Polymicrobial Infections

ABSTRACT Tick-borne diseases have doubled in the last 12 years, and their geographic distribution has spread as well. The clinical spectrum of tick-borne diseases can range from asymptomatic to fatal infections, with a disproportionate incidence in children and the elderly. In the last few years, new agents have been discovered, and genetic changes have helped in the spread of pathogens and ticks. Polymicrobial infections, mostly in Ixodes scapularis, can complicate diagnostics and augment disease severity. Amblyomma americanum ticks have expanded their range, resulting in a dynamic and complex situation, possibly fueled by climate change. To document these changes, using molecular biology strategies for pathogen detection, an assessment of 12 microbes (9 pathogens and 3 symbionts) in three species of ticks was done in Suffolk County, New York. At least one agent was detected in 63% of I. scapularis ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi was the most prevalent pathogen (57% in adults; 27% in nymphs), followed by Babesia microti (14% in adults; 15% in nymphs), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (14% in adults; 2% in nymphs), Borrelia miyamotoi (3% in adults), and Powassan virus (2% in adults). Polymicrobial infections were detected in 22% of I. scapularis ticks, with coinfections of B. burgdorferi and B. microti (9%) and of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum (7%). Three Ehrlichia species were detected in 4% of A. americanum ticks. The rickettsiae constituted the largest prokaryotic biomass of all the ticks tested and included Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia buchneri, and Rickettsia montanensis. The high rates of polymicrobial infection in ticks present an opportunity to study the biological interrelationships of pathogens and their vectors. IMPORTANCE Tick-borne diseases have increased in prevalence in the United States and abroad. The reasons for these increases are multifactorial, but climate change is likely to be a major factor. One of the main features of the increase is the geographic expansion of tick vectors, notably Amblyomma americanum, which has brought new pathogens to new areas. The clinical spectrum of tick-borne diseases can range from asymptomatic to fatal infections, with a disproportionate incidence in children and the elderly. In addition, new pathogens that are cotransmitted by Ixodes scapularis have been discovered and have led to difficult diagnoses and to disease severity. Of these, Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, continues to be the most frequently transmitted pathogen. However, Babesia microti, Borrelia miyamotoi (another spirochete), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Powassan virus are frequent cotransmitted agents. Polymicrobial infection has important consequences for the diagnosis and management of tick-borne diseases.

scholarly journals Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan Virus in Ticks by a Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay

mSphere ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafal Tokarz ◽  
Teresa Tagliafierro ◽  
D. Moses Cucura ◽  
Ilia Rochlin ◽  
Stephen Sameroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Suffolk County ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Powassan Virus ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
Tick Borne Disease

ABSTRACT The understanding of pathogen prevalence is an important factor in the determination of human risks for tick-borne diseases and can help guide diagnosis and treatment. The implementation of our assay addresses a critical need in surveillance of tick-borne diseases, through generation of a comprehensive assessment of pathogen prevalence in I. scapularis. Our finding of a high frequency of ticks infected with Babesia microti in Suffolk County, NY, implicates this agent as a probable frequent cause of non-Lyme tick-borne disease in this area. Ixodes scapularis ticks are implicated in transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, and Powassan virus. We describe the establishment and implementation of the first multiplex real-time PCR assay with the capability to simultaneously detect and differentiate all five pathogens in a single reaction. The application of this assay for analysis of ticks at sites in New York and Connecticut revealed a high prevalence of B. microti in ticks from Suffolk County, NY. These findings are consistent with reports of a higher incidence of babesiosis from clinicians managing the care of patients with tick-borne diseases in this region. IMPORTANCE The understanding of pathogen prevalence is an important factor in the determination of human risks for tick-borne diseases and can help guide diagnosis and treatment. The implementation of our assay addresses a critical need in surveillance of tick-borne diseases, through generation of a comprehensive assessment of pathogen prevalence in I. scapularis. Our finding of a high frequency of ticks infected with Babesia microti in Suffolk County, NY, implicates this agent as a probable frequent cause of non-Lyme tick-borne disease in this area.

scholarly journals Exposure to Tick-Borne Pathogens in Cats and Dogs Infested With Ixodes scapularis in Quebec: An 8-Year Surveillance Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauriane Duplaix ◽  
Victoria Wagner ◽  
Salima Gasmi ◽  
L. Robbin Lindsay ◽  
Antonia Dibernardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Risk Of Exposure

Cats that spend time outdoors and dogs are particularly at risk of exposure to ticks and the pathogens they transmit. A retrospective study on data collected through passive tick surveillance was conducted to estimate the risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens in cats and dogs bitten by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in the province of Quebec, Canada, from 2010 to 2017. Blacklegged ticks collected from these host animals were tested by PCR for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. A total of 13,733 blacklegged ticks were collected from 12,547 animals. Most ticks were adult females and partially engorged. In total, 1,774 cats were infested with ticks and 22.6 and 2.7% of these animals were bitten by at least one tick infected with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. For the 10,773 tick infested dogs, 18.4% were exposed to B. burgdorferi positive ticks while 1.9% of infested dogs were exposed to ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum. The risk of exposure of both cats and dogs to B. miyamotoi and B. microti was lower since only 1.2 and 0.1% of ticks removed were infected with these pathogens, respectively. Traveling outside of the province of Quebec prior to tick collection was significantly associated with exposure to at least one positive tick for B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum and B. microti. Animals exposed to B. burgdorferi or B. miyamotoi positive tick(s) were at higher risk of being concurrently exposed to A. phagocytophilum; higher risk of exposure to B. microti was also observed in animals concurrently exposed to B. burgdorferi. The odds of dogs having B. burgdorferi antibodies were higher when multiple ticks were collected on an animal. The testing and treatment strategies used on dogs bitten by infected ticks were diverse, and misconceptions among veterinarians regarding the treatment of asymptomatic but B. burgdorferi-seropositive dogs were noted. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that cats and dogs throughout Quebec are exposed to blacklegged ticks infected with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, and veterinarians across the province need to be aware of this potential threat to the health of pets and their owners.

scholarly journals Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia sp., Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato, and Hepatozoon canis in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected in Eastern Canada

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1265
Author(s):  
John D. Scott ◽  
Risa R. Pesapane
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Hepatozoon Canis ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
First Time ◽  
Established Population

Tick-borne pathogens cause infectious diseases that inflict much societal and financial hardship worldwide. Blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, are primary vectors of several epizootic and zoonotic pathogens. The aim sets forth the pathogens and their prevalence. In Ontario and Quebec, 113 I. scapularis ticks were collected from songbirds, mammals, including humans, and by flagging. PCR and DNA sequencing detected five different microorganisms: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 (0.9%); Babesia odocoilei, 17 (15.3%); Babesia microti-like sp., 1 (0.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl), 29 (26.1%); and Hepatozoon canis, 1 (0.9%). Five coinfections of Bbsl and Babesia odocoilei occurred. Notably, H. canis was documented for the first time in Canada and, at the same time, demonstrates the first transstadial passage of H. canis in I. scapularis. Transstadial passage of Bbsl and B. odocoilei was also witnessed. A novel undescribed piroplasm (Babesia microti-like) was detected. An established population of I. scapularis ticks was detected at Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Because songbirds widely disperse I. scapularis larvae and nymphs, exposure in an endemic area is not required to contract tick-borne zoonoses. Based on the diversity of zoonotic pathogens in I. scapularis ticks, clinicians need to be aware that people who are bitten by I. scapularis ticks may require select antimicrobial regimens.

scholarly journals A 4-Yr Survey of the Range of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Lehigh Valley Region of Eastern Pennsylvania

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 1122-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marten J Edwards ◽  
James C Russell ◽  
Emily N Davidson ◽  
Thomas J Yanushefski ◽  
Bess L Fleischman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Dermacentor Variabilis ◽  
Amblyomma Americanum ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽  
Borrelia Miyamotoi ◽  
Lehigh Valley ◽  
Eastern Pennsylvania ◽  
Pathogen Surveillance

AbstractQuesting ticks were surveyed by dragging in forested habitats within the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania for four consecutive summers (2015–2018). A high level of inter-annual variation was found in the density of blacklegged tick nymphs, Ixodes scapularis Say, with a high density of host-seeking nymphs (DON) in summer 2015 and 2017 and a relatively low DON in summer 2016 and 2018. Very few American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis Say) and Ixodes cookei Packard were collected. Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum L.) and longhorned ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann) were not represented among the 6,398 ticks collected. For tick-borne pathogen surveillance, DNA samples from 1,721 I. scapularis nymphs were prepared from specimens collected in summers 2015–2017 and screened using qPCR, high resolution melting analysis, and DNA sequencing when necessary. The overall 3-yr nymphal infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi was 24.8%, Borrelia miyamotoi was 0.3%, Anaplasma phagocytophilum variant-ha was 0.8%, and Babesia microti was 2.8%. Prevalence of coinfection with B. burgdorferi and B. microti as well as B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum variant-ha were significantly higher than would be expected by independent infection. B. burgdorferi nymphal infection prevalence is similar to what other studies have found in the Hudson Valley region of New York, but levels of B. microti and A. phagocytophilum variant-ha nymphal infection prevalence are relatively lower. This study reinforces the urgent need for continued tick and pathogen surveillance in the Lehigh Valley region.

scholarly journals The First case of Locally Acquired Tick-BorneBabesia MicrotiInfection in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. e87-e89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared MP Bullard ◽  
Arshad N Ahsanuddin ◽  
Anamarija M Perry ◽  
L Robbin Lindsay ◽  
Mahmood Iranpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Preliminary Identification ◽  
First Case ◽  
Public Health Officials

A child with a complicated medical history that included asplenia acquired an infection withBabesia microtiin the summer of 2013 and had not travelled outside of Manitoba. Although the clinical findings were subtle, astute laboratory work helped to reach a preliminary identification ofBabesiaspecies, while reference laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are known to transmitBorrelia burgdorferiandAnaplasma phagocytophilumin the province; however, the present case represents the first known instance of tick-borneB microti, both in Manitoba and in Canada. The expanding territory of the blacklegged tick increases the relevance of this emerging infection. Clinicians, laboratory medical practitioners and public health officials should be aware ofB microtias a potential locally acquired infection in Canada.

scholarly journals EhrlichiaIsolate from a Minnesota Tick: Characterization and Genetic Transformation

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey E. Lynn ◽  
Nicole Y. Burkhardt ◽  
Roderick F. Felsheim ◽  
Curtis M. Nelson ◽  
Jonathan D. Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Amblyomma Americanum ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mammalian Tissues ◽  
Tick Transmission ◽  
Cellular Tropism ◽  
Severe Systemic Disease ◽  
Ehrlichia Muris

ABSTRACTEhrlichia murissubsp.eauclairensisis recognized as the etiological agent of human ehrlichiosis in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We describe the culture isolation of this organism from a field-collected tick and detail its relationship to other species ofEhrlichia. The isolate could be grown in a variety of cultured cell lines and was effectively transmitted betweenIxodes scapularisticks and rodents, with PCR and microscopy demonstrating a broad pattern of dissemination in arthropod and mammalian tissues. Conversely,Amblyomma americanumticks were not susceptible to infection by theEhrlichia. Histologic sections further revealed that the wild-type isolate was highly virulent for mice and hamsters, causing severe systemic disease that was frequently lethal. AHimar1transposase system was used to create mCherry- and mKate-expressing EmCRT mutants, which retained the ability to infect rodents and ticks.IMPORTANCEEhrlichioses are zoonotic diseases caused by intracellular bacteria that are transmitted by ixodid ticks. Here we report the culture isolation of bacteria which are closely related to, or the same as theEhrlichia murissubsp.eauclairensis, a recently recognized human pathogen. EmCRT, obtained from a tick removed from deer at Camp Ripley, MN, is the second isolate of this subspecies described and is distinctive in that it was cultured directly from a field-collected tick. The isolate’s cellular tropism, pathogenic changes caused in rodent tissues, and tick transmission to and from rodents are detailed in this study. We also describe the genetic mutants created from the EmCRT isolate, which are valuable tools for the further study of this intracellular pathogen.

scholarly journals Building climate change resilience through adaptation in smallholder farming systems in semi-arid Zimbabwe

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obert Jiri ◽  
Paramu L. Mafongoya ◽  
Pauline Chivenge
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Household Decisions

Purpose This study aimed to determine factors that increase resilience and cause smallholder farmers to adapt better to climate change and vulnerability. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors used the vulnerability to resilience model and binary logit model to analyse the factors influencing household decisions to adapt. Findings Households with increased access to climate information through extension services were likely to have better adaptation abilities. It was also shown that younger farmers were likely to adapt to climate change given their flexibility to adopt new techniques and their access and use of modern information and technology. Larger households were found to have higher probability of adapting as most adaptation strategies are labour intensive. Household’s possession of livestock and access to credit significantly enhanced adaptation. However, households with higher farm income have lesser incentives to adapt to because their current farming practices might already be optimum. Research limitations/implications Given that most of the smallholder farmers are vulnerable, such as women-headed households and the elderly, who are labour constrained, there is need for research and development of labour saving technologies to increase resilience to climate change and vulnerability. Originality/value These findings underscore the importance of enabling farmer access to information and better technologies which enable them to increase adaptive capacity and resilience.

scholarly journals Anaplasma phagocytophilum Inhibits Apoptosis and Promotes Cytoskeleton Rearrangement for Infection of Tick Cells

2013 ◽  
Vol 81 (7) ◽  
pp. 2415-2425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nieves Ayllón ◽  
Margarita Villar ◽  
Ann T. Busby ◽  
Katherine M. Kocan ◽  
Edmour F. Blouin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
New Genes ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Selective Channel ◽  
Cytoskeleton Rearrangement

ABSTRACTAnaplasma phagocytophilumcauses human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Infection with this zoonotic pathogen affects gene expression in both the vertebrate host and the tick vector,Ixodes scapularis. Here, we identified new genes, including spectrin alpha chain or alpha-fodrin (CG8) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel or mitochondrial porin (T2), that are involved inA. phagocytophiluminfection/multiplication and the tick cell response to infection. The pathogen downregulated the expression of CG8 in tick salivary glands and T2 in both the gut and salivary glands to inhibit apoptosis as a mechanism to subvert host cell defenses and increase infection. In the gut, the tick response to infection through CG8 upregulation was used by the pathogen to increase infection due to the cytoskeleton rearrangement that is required for pathogen infection. These results increase our understanding of the role of tick genes duringA. phagocytophiluminfection and multiplication and demonstrate that the pathogen uses similar strategies to establish infection in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.

scholarly journals Powassan virus encephalitis, severe babesiosis and lyme carditis in a single patient

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. e231645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Moiz Khan ◽  
Sheikh Raza Shahzad ◽  
Muhammad Farhan Ashraf ◽  
Usman Naseer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Status ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Lyme Carditis ◽  
Powassan Virus ◽  
Temporary Pacemaker ◽  
Initial Improvement

Ixodes scapularis is responsible for transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Powassan virus to humans. We present a case of an 87-year-old man who presented with fever and altered mental status. Initial workup revealed haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, mild hepatitis and acute kidney injury. Patient tested positive for B. burgdorferi and Babesia microti, and was started on doxycycline, atovaquone and azithromycin. He also underwent exchange transfusion twice. After some initial improvement, patient had acute deterioration of mental status and appearance of neurological findings like myoclonus and tremors. Therefore, testing for arboviruses was done and results were positive for Powassan virus. During a protracted course of hospitalisation, patient required intubation for respiratory failure and temporary pacemaker for unstable arrythmias from Lyme carditis. Patient developed permanent neurological deficits even after recovery from the acute illness.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document