Histopathological analysis of incompetent great saphenous veins after mechanochemical ablation treatment – An ex-vivo experiment

Background The endovascular technique of mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) has become popular in treating patients with saphenous reflux. We reported the histopathological findings in human ex-vivo incompetent great saphenous veins following treatment with saline, polidocanol, mechanical ablation and MOCA using ClariVein device. Methods Twenty-four vein GSV specimens were obtained via traditional surgery and treated with four methods: Group A: 0.9% normal saline (NS); Group B: 3% polidocanol; Group C: mechanical ablation + 0.9% NS; Group D: mechanical ablation + 3% polidocanol (MOCA). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson’s trichrome and immunohistochemical staining were performed on each specimen and integrated optical densities were measured with vWF and a-SMA stains and statistically evaluated. vWF staining was used to assess endothelial damage and a a-SMA staining was used to assess media injury. Results HE and Masson’s trichrome staining of Groups C and D revealed severe damage to the endothelium and media compared to Groups A and B. The statistical result of vWF staining showed the damage of endothelium was significantly increased by Group D compared to Groups A, B and C. The statistical result of a-SMA staining showed the damage of media was significantly increased by Groups C and D compared to Groups A and B. Conclusions The mechanism of MOCA was caused by both endothelium damage and media tearing. The damage of endothelium was significantly increased by MOCA when compared with mechanical ablation alone.

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Abstract 977: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Prevents Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Promotes Tissue Regeneration

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.116.suppl_16.ii_194 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽

Author(s):

Eddie Manning ◽

Shashikumar Salgar ◽

Mireya Hernandez ◽

Dania Mateu ◽

Roberto Vazquez-Padron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mhc Class Ii ◽

Tissue Regeneration ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Ischemia Reperfusion ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Left Lung ◽

Blood Oxygenation ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Ischemic heart disease, especially myocardial infarction, is an important cause of heart failure. However, therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for myocardial or pulmonary ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is not well studied. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In this study MSC and IL-10 engineered MSC were tested for their ability to prevent IR injury and promote tissue repair. Methods: Bone marrow cells from Lewis rat were cultured in plastic tissue culture flasks for 72 hours; cells in suspension were discarded and the adherent cells (MSC) were expanded. MSC were transduced with r vIL-10-retrovirus and selected on neomycin (1mg/ml for 7 days). Experimental design: following 120 minutes of left lung ischemia, Group A, rats received vIL10 transduced MSC (∼15 x 10 6 ; i.v.); Group B, rats received empty vector engineered MSC; Group C, received MSC; and Group D, received saline. Group E received no ischemia or MSC. Left lung ischemia was performed by clamping left pulmonary artery/vein/bronchus at end inspiration. At 24h, 72 h, & 7 days following ischemia, blood was collected from left and right pulmonary veins, separately. Results : Mean blood oxygenation (PaO2/FIO2 ratio, mmHg) at day 7 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced following IR injury in Group B (161± 77) and Group D (181± 64), compared to MSC-vIL10 (404± 32; Group A) & MSC (294±103;Group C) treated animals. In Group E, PaO2/FIO2 was 440± 42mm Hg. Significant improvement in lung oxygenation with MSC and vIL-10 therapy was observed as early as 3 days. MSC produced vIL-10 (∼5ng/ml) ex vivo . HP of lungs demonstrated reduced PMN cells with MSC therapy. Inflammatory mediators IL-1a, MCP-1, MIP-1a, and IL1-b protein levels were markedly increased in the injured lung; their analysis in MSC treated groups are underway. I.V. injected Tg GFP+MSC trafficked to the lung & other tissues. VEGF & HGF mRNA in MSC was 66% & 43% of β-actin, respectively. Ex vivo expanded MSC were CD34-, CD45+ (5%), CD29+ (92%), CD80-, CD86+ (10%), CD90+ (∼90%), MHC Class I low & MHC Class II-. Conclusions: Autologous MSC therapy prevented IR injury and served as an excellent vehicle to deliver cytokine. MSC therapy to prevent IR injury and enhance tissue regeneration in cardiopulmonary diseases seems promising.

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Assessment of Real-Time Operative Torque during Nickel–Titanium Instrumentation with Different Lubricants

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10186201 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (18) ◽

pp. 6201 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandro Mazzoni ◽

Andrea Pacifici ◽

Alessio Zanza ◽

Andrea Del Giudice ◽

Rodolfo Reda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Sample Mean ◽

Group A ◽

Torsional Loads ◽

Group B ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Group D

The aim of the present study is twofold: to assess ex vivo the role of different lubricants on real-time torque generated during intracanal instrumentation and to check whether two different kinds of torque parameters, operative torque (OT) and average peak torque (APT), could produce similar results. Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study and divided into four equal groups (n = 10): Group A, NaCl 0.2%; Group B, NaOCl 5%; Group C, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and Group D, EDTA and hydrogen peroxide. Afterwards, Edge Taper F2 (Edge Endo, Albuquerque, New Mexico) were rotated clockwise at 300 rpm with 3 Ncm maximum torque by an endodontic torque recording motor. In each sample, mean OT and mean APT were recorded and statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni between groups (p < 0.05). EDTA (12.11 ± 4.45 Ncm) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower values compared with the other tested irrigant for both parameters. Overall, the two different parameters were both able to differentiate between the influence of lubricants on torsional loads.

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Prospective, Randomized Ex Vivo Trial to Assess the Ideal Stapling Site for Endoscopic Fundoplication with Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler

Gastroenterology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2016/3161738 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tae-Geun Gweon ◽

Kai Matthes

Keyword(s):

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ◽

Gastroesophageal Reflux ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Gastroesophageal Junction ◽

Ideal Position ◽

Group A ◽

Endoscopic Fundoplication ◽

Group B ◽

Group D ◽

The Ideal

Background and Aims. Endoscopic fundoplication is an emerging technique for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study is to determine the ideal position of the staples in relation to gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).Methods. Ten endoscopic fundoplication procedures were performed in each group using fresh ex vivo porcine stomachs: Group A: 2 staples each at 3 cm above the GEJ and 180° apart; Group B: 2 staples at 3 cm and 90° apart; Group C: 2 staples at 4 cm and 180° apart; Group D: 3 staples at 3 cm with 90° between each staple (180° total). After the procedure, the stomach was gradually filled with water. Gastric yield pressure (GYP) was determined by detection of reflux of the water in esophagus or by rupture of staples.Results. Mean increase of GYPs (±SD) after the procedure was as follows: Group A:16.9±8.7; Group B:8.1±7.9; Group C:12.2±9.4; Group D:22.7±13.3. GYP in Group A and Group D was higher than Group B (p=0.03andp=0.01, resp.).Conclusions. We recommend the placement of 3 staples at 3 cm distance from the GEJ, which resulted in the highest increase of GYP.

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Pharmacokinetics and Safety Assessment of Anti-HIV Dapivirine Vaginal Microbicide Rings with Multiple Dosing

10.31234/osf.io/su2kw ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lungwani Muungo

Keyword(s):

Ex Vivo ◽

Oral Treatment ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Vaginal Ring ◽

Vaginal Fluid ◽

Cervical Tissue ◽

Double Blind ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Anti Hiv

Objectives: Self-administered vaginal rings are a promising method for delivery of topical anti-HIV microbicidesand might offer an adherence advantage over daily or coitally-dependent dosage forms such as gels. This trialassessed the safety and pharmacokinetic aspects of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring-004 when worn as multiple rings oversequential periods of ring use by healthy, sexually-active, HIV-negative women.Methods: This double-blind trial was conducted among 48 women (18-40 years). Participants were randomlyassigned to two groups (A or B) and received (3:1) either the dapivirine or a placebo vaginal ring. Group A used tworings over a 56-day period and Group B used three rings over a 57-day period. Safety evaluations were conductedthroughout the trial. Dapivirine concentrations were measured in plasma, vaginal fluid and cervical tissue samplescollected during and after the 56 days (Group A) or 57 days (Group B) of vaginal ring use.Results: Ring-004 was safe and well tolerated in all participants. The pharmacokinetic profile demonstrated arapid increase in plasma and vaginal fluid concentrations and achieved concentrations in vaginal fluids and cervicaltissue well above the in vitro IC99 in cervical tissue (3.3 ng/mL) that were sustained for a 28 to 35-day ring use period(approximately 3000 times higher in vaginal fluids and 14 -1000 times higher in cervical tissue). Drug levels wereassociated with significant inhibitory activity of genital secretions against HIV ex vivo, a biomarker of pharmacodynamics.Individual plasma dapivirine concentrations did not exceed 553 pg/mL and were well below plasma concentrations atthe maximum tolerated dose for oral treatment (mean Cmax 2286 ng/mL).Conclusions: The consecutive use of several rings over a period of up to 57 days was safe and well tolerated, andPK data indicate that a single Ring-004 is likely to be protective for at least 35 days.

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Survival of classic swine fever virus in hams made from the meat of pigs vaccinated with the PAV-250 strain and unvaccinated pigs

Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias ◽

10.22319/rmcp.v10i3.4528 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 536-551

Author(s):

Heidi Amezcua Hempel ◽

María Salud Rubio Lozano ◽

Eliseo Manuel Hernández Baumgarten ◽

Pablo Correa Girón † ◽

Oscar Torres Ángeles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reference Strain ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Classical Swine Fever ◽

Fever Virus ◽

Direct Immunofluorescence ◽

Biometric Analysis ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

The study was to determine the presence of Classical Swine Fever virus (CSFv), in the meat of vaccinated pigs with the PAV-250 strain and then challenged using the same strain. Five treatment groups were established (each with four pigs). Group A: Pigs thatwere fed with processed hams from negative animals; Group B: Pigs that were fed with processed hams from commercial pigs inoculated with the ALD (reference strain) (titre of 104.0/ml); Group C: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs infected with the virulent ALD strain (titre of 102.5/ml); Group D: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs vaccinated with the PAV-250 strain and challenged with the ALD strain (titre of 101.1/ml); and Group E: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs vaccinated with two doses of the PAV-250 strain and challenged with the ALD strain (negative). Blood samples were taken at d 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 for biometric analysis. Groups B, C and D manifested clinical signs of CSFv: 40 °C temperature, anorexia, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, hirsute hair and cyanosis. Pigs were slaughtered and necropsies performed to identify lesions in tissues. Results of direct immunofluorescence testing of tissues were positive and the virus was recovered. Under these study conditions, it was found that CSFv resisted the cooking method at 68 °C for 40 min in hams from unvaccinated pigs, and that the virus was able to transmit the disease to healthy unvaccinated pigs, whereas the hams from the vaccinated animals did not transmit the virus.

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The Role of Obesity in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19

Obesity Facts ◽

10.1159/000517180 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Serdar Sahin ◽

Havva Sezer ◽

Ebru Cicek ◽

Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽

Murat Yildirim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Study Groups ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Care Providers ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Introduction: The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Methods: We included the patients >18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight <25 kg/m2 (Group A), overweight from 25 to <30 kg/m2 (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to <35 kg/m2 (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m2 (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. Results: There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [p = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [p = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [p < 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [p < 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [p = 0.010]). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.

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AB0422 LEFT VENTRICULAR ABNORMALITIES IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS FOLLOWED BY SEQUENTIAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1941 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1510.1-1511

Author(s):

T. Kuga ◽

M. Matsushita ◽

K. Tada ◽

K. Yamaji ◽

N. Tamura

Keyword(s):

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Monocyte Count ◽

Lv Dysfunction ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Lv Diastolic Dysfunction ◽

Group D

Background:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is detected in up to 50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients1and major cause of death2. Even clinically silent SLE patients can develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction3. Proper echocardiographic follow up of SLE patients is required.Objectives:To clarify how the prevalence of LV abnormalities changes over follow-up period and identify the associated clinical factors, useful in suspecting LV abnormalities.Methods:29 SLE patients (24 females and 5 men, mean age 52.8±16.3 years, mean disease duration 17.6±14.5 years) were enrolled. All of them underwent echocardiography as the baseline examination and reexamined over more than a year of follow-up period(mean 1075±480 days) from Jan 2014 to Sep 2019. Patients complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and underwent cardiac surgery during the follow-up period were excluded. Left ventricular(LV) systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined according to ASE/EACVI guideline4. LV dysfunction (LVD) includes one or both of LV systolic dysfunction and LV diastolic function. Monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR) was calculated by dividing monocyte count with HDL-C level.Prevalence of left ventricular abnormalities was analysed at baseline and follow-up examination. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared among patient groups as follows; patients with LV dysfunction (Group A) and without LV dysfunction (Group B) at the follow-up echocardiography, patients with LV asynergy at any point of examination (Group C) and patients free of LV abnormalities during the follow-up period (Group D).Results:At the baseline examination, LV dysfunction (5/29 cases, 13.8%), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%) were detected. Pericarditis was detected in 7 patients (24.1%, LVD in 3 patients, LV asynergy in 2 patients) and 2 of them with subacute onset had progressive LV dysfunction, while 5 patients were normal in echocardiography after remission induction therapy for SLE. At the follow-up examination, LV dysfunction (9/29 cases, 31.0%, 5 new-onset and 1 improved case), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%, 2 new-onset and 2 improved cases) were detected. Though any significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B at the baseline, platelet count (156.0 vs 207.0, p=0.049) were significantly lower in LV dysfunction group (Group A) at the follow-up examination. Group C patients had significantly higher uric acid (p=0.004), monocyte count (p=0.009), and MHR (p=0.003) than Group D(results in table).Conclusion:LV dysfunction is progressive in most of patients and requires regular follow-up once they developed. Uric acid, monocyte count and MHR are elevated in SLE patients with LV asynergy. Since MHR elevation was reported as useful marker of endothelial dysfunction5, our future goal is to analyse involvement of monocyte activation and endothelial dysfunction in LV asynergy of SLE patients.References:[1]Doria A et al. Lupus. 2005;14(9):683-6.[2]Manger K et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002 Dec;61(12):1065-70.[3]Leone P et al. Clin Exp Med. 2019 Dec 17.[4]Nagueh SF et al. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2016 Apr;29(4):277-314.[5]Acikgoz N et al. Angiology. 2018 Jan;69(1):65-70.Numbers are median (interquartile range), Mann-Whitney u test were performed, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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Prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa: a retrospective study

BMC Anesthesiology ◽

10.1186/s12871-021-01354-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fei Huo ◽

Hansheng Liang ◽

Yi Feng

Keyword(s):

Placenta Previa ◽

Balloon Occlusion ◽

Artery Embolism ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Clinical Records ◽

Group D ◽

Central Placenta Previa

Abstract Background Pernicious placenta previa (PPP) can increase the risk of perioperative complications. During caesarean section in patients with adherent placenta, intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and transfusion could be reduced by interventional methods. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics control and neonatal outcomes of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon (PTAAB) occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa. Methods This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People’s Hospital from January 2014 through January 2020. Clinical records of pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: treatment with PTAAB placement (group A) and no balloon placement (group B). Group A was further broken down into two groups: prophylactic placement (Group C) and balloon occlusion (group D). Results Clinical records of 33 cases from 5205 pregnant women underwent cesarean section were collected. The number of groups A, B, C, and D were 17, 16, 5 and 12.We found that a significant difference in the post-operative uterine artery embolism rates between group A and group B (0% vs.31.3%, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in the Apgar scores at first minute between group A and group B (8.94 ± 1.43 vs 9.81 ± 0.75,p = 0.037),and the same significant difference between two groups in the pre-operative central placenta previa (29.4% vs. 0%,p = 0.044), complete placenta previa (58.8% vs 18.8%, p = 0.032),placenta implantation (76.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.015). We could also observe the significant difference in the amount of blood cell (2.80 ± 2.68vs.10.66 ± 11.97, p = 0.038) and blood plasma transfusion (280.00 ± 268.32 vs. 1033.33 ± 1098.20, p = 0.044) between group C and group D. The significant differences in the preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions (0% vs 75%, p = 0.009), the intraoperative application rates of vasopressors (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission rates (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) were also kept. Conclusions PTAAB occlusion could be useful in reducing the rate of post-operative uterine artery embolism and the amount of transfusion, and be useful in coping with patients with preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions, so as to reduce the rate of intraoperative applications of vasopressors and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission. In PPP patients with placenta implantation, central placenta previa and complete placenta previa, we advocate the utilization of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon placement.

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Biomechanical study of Tile C3 pelvic fracture fixation using an anterior internal system combined with sacroiliac screws

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02348-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lin Liu ◽

Donggui Zeng ◽

Shicai Fan ◽

Yongxing Peng ◽

Hui Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Steel Plate ◽

Standing Position ◽

Pelvic Fractures ◽

Internal Fixator ◽

Sacroiliac Joints ◽

Sacroiliac Screws ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Abstract Background How to perform minimally-invasive surgery on Tile C pelvic fractures is very difficult, and it is also a hot topic in orthopedic trauma research. We applied minimally-invasive treatment using an anterior internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws. Objectives To compare the biomechanical properties of different fixation models in pelvic facture specimens, using an internal fixation system or a steel plate combined with sacroiliac screws. Methods Sixteen fresh adult cadaver pelvic specimens were randomly separated into four groups named A, B, C, and D. The four groups were respectively stabilized using a two-screwed, three-screwed, or four-screwed anterior internal fixator or a steel plate with sacroiliac screws. All models were tested in both standing and sitting positions. Vertical loads of 600 N were applied increasingly. Shifts of bilateral sacroiliac joints and pubis rupture were measured. Results The shifts in sacroiliac joints and pubis rupture in the standing position were all less than 3.5 mm, and the shifts in the sitting position were all less than 1 mm. In the standing position, the results of shifts in the sacroiliac joints were group C < group D < group B < group A. For comparisons between A:B and C:D, P > 0.05. For comparisons between A, B:C, and D, P < 0.05. The results of shifts in pubis ruptures were group D < group C < group B < group A. In the comparison between C:D, P > 0.05; for comparisons between A:B, A:C, A:D, B:C, and B:D, P < 0.05. In the sitting posture, the results of shifts in the sacroiliac joints were group C < group D < group B < group A, and the shifts in the pubis ruptures were group D < group C < roup B < group A. For comparison between C:D, P > 0.05. For comparisons between A:B, A:C, A:D, B:C, and B:D, P < 0.05. Conclusion Use of an anterior internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws effectively stabilized Tile C3 pelvic fractures. The stability of specimens increased as the number of screws in the internal fixator increased.

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Hematological Features in Sheep with IgG and IgM Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10020164 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 164

Author(s):

Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽

Victoria M. Spanou ◽

Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽

Panagiotis D. Katsoulos

Keyword(s):

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Blood Analysis ◽

Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D ◽

Immunofluorescence Antibody

Exposure of sheep to Borreliaburgdorferi sensulato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi (s.I.). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections. A total number of 162 sheep met the inclusion criteria, allocated in four groups based on the presence or absence of IgG and/or IgM; sheep found negative for IgM and IgG (Group A), positive for IgM (Group B), positive for both IgM and IgG (Group C) and positive for IgG (Group D). Anemia, thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep. The presence of these features raises the suspicion of Borrelia infection in tick infested sheep. The seropositivity of 23.58% in sheep raises concerns of Borrelia circulation, especially in rural areas and potential risk of transmission to humans.

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