scholarly journals First identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in both a biting tick Ixodes nipponensis and a patient in Korea: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Hun Lee ◽  
Na-Ri Shin ◽  
Choon-Mee Kim ◽  
Sungdo Park ◽  
Na Ra Yun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. To date, there have been no reported cases of A. phagocytophilum infection found in both the biting tick and the patient following a tick bite. Case presentation An 81-year-old woman presented with fever following a tick bite, with the tick still intact on her body. The patient was diagnosed with HGA. The tick was identified as Ixodes nipponensis by morphological and molecular biological detection methods targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The patient’s blood was cultured after inoculation into the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. A. phagocytophilum growth was confirmed via culture and isolation. A. phagocytophilum was identified in both the tick and the patient’s blood by Anaplasma-specific groEL- and ankA-based nested polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing. Moreover, a four-fold elevation in antibodies was observed in the patient’s blood. Conclusion We report a case of a patient diagnosed with HGA following admission for fever due to a tick bite. A. phagocytophilum was identified in both the tick and the patient, and A. phagocytophilum was successfully cultured. The present study suggests the need to investigate the possible incrimination of I. nipponensis as a vector for HGA in Korea.

scholarly journals Granulocytic anaplasmosis in captive ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Łukasz Adaszek ◽  
Anna Wilczyńska ◽  
Jerzy Ziętek ◽  
Marcin Kalinowski ◽  
Oliwier Teodorowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Test ◽  
Anaplasma Ovis ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Pcr Product ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Obligate Intracellular Bacteria ◽  
Chain Reaction Test ◽  
Anaplasma Bovis

Abstract Background Anaplasma are obligate intracellular bacteria and aetiological agents of tick-borne diseases of both veterinary and medical interest. The genus Anaplasma comprises six species: Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma platys. They can infect humans, carnivores, ruminants, rodents, insectivores, birds and reptiles. The aim of this study was to present the first clinical case of granulocytic anaplasmosis in a captive ring-tailed lemur in Poland. Case presentation A 4-year-old female lemur presented anorexia, epistaxis and tick infestation. The microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed morulae in neutrophils. Polymerase chain reaction test and sequencing of obtained PCR product confirmed infection by the GU183908 Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain. Therapeutic protocol included doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.) for 3 weeks and the lemur recovered within 24 h. Conclusions This is the first report on granulocytic anaplasmosis in a ring-tailed lemur in Europe, indicating that A. phagocytophilum infection must also be considered in differential diagnosis in this animal species, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia associated with Ixodes ricinus parasitism.

scholarly journals The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Drážovská ◽  
Boris Vojtek ◽  
Jana Mojžišová ◽  
Simona Koleničová ◽  
Filip Koľvek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Serological Evidence ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractAnaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. It affects humans and several wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. The aim of our study was a preliminary survey of the occurrence of these re-emerging pathogens in horses in Slovakia. The sera from 200 animals of different ages and both sexes were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Subsequently, detection of the 16S rRNA gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum was attempted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each blood sample. Our results confirmed the presence of specific antibodies in 85 out of 200 individuals (42.5%), but no significant changes were found between the animals of different ages and sexes. However, the PCR analysis did not detect any positive animals. Our data represent one of the highest values of seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum in horses in Central Europe. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the circulation of A. phagocytophilum in this region, thus indicating a potential risk to other susceptible species.

scholarly journals Anchoring on COVID-19: A Case Report of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis Masquerading as COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-331
Author(s):  
Mark Stice ◽  
Charles Bruen ◽  
Kristi Grall
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Inclusion Bodies ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Peripheral Smear ◽  
Severe Respiratory Distress ◽  
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Introduction: Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and transmitted through the deer tick. Most cases are mild and can be managed as an outpatient, but rare cases can produce severe symptoms. Case Report: A 43-year-old male presented with severe respiratory distress mimicking coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Labs and imaging were consistent with COVID-19; however, polymerase chain reaction was negative twice. Peripheral smear revealed inclusion bodies consistent with HGA. Conclusion: Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is an uncommon diagnosis and rarely causes severe disease. Recognition of unique presentations can aid in quicker diagnosis, especially when mimicking presentations frequently seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic cats from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and clinical/laboratory findings in 18 PCR-positive cats (2008–2020)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110174
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Direct Pcr ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Objectives Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. Methods This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. Results In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. Conclusions and relevance Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.

scholarly journals Characterization of a Phytoplasma Associated with Frogskin Disease in Cassava

Plant Disease ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 93 (11) ◽  
pp. 1139-1145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Alvarez ◽  
Juan F. Mejía ◽  
Germán A. Llano ◽  
John B. Loke ◽  
Alberto Calari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Protein ◽  
Manihot Esculenta ◽  
Fragment Length Polymorphism ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
South American ◽  
Sequence Analyses ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Cassava frogskin disease (CFSD) is an economically important root disease of cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Colombia and other South American countries, including Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama. The roots of severely affected plants are thin, making them unsuitable for consumption. In Colombia, phytoplasma infections were confirmed in 35 of 39 genotypes exhibiting mild or severe CFSD symptoms either by direct or nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays employing ribosomal (r)RNA operon primer pairs. The CFSD-associated phytoplasmas were identified as group 16SrIII strains by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analyses of amplified rDNA products, and results were corroborated by PCRs employing group 16SrIII-specific rRNA gene or ribosomal protein (rp) gene primers. Collectively, RFLP analyses indicated that CFSD strains differed from all phytoplasmas described previously in group 16SrIII and, on this basis, the strains were tentatively assigned to new ribosomal and ribosomal protein subgroups 16SrIII-L and rpIII-H, respectively. This is the first molecular identification of a phytoplasma associated with CFSD in cassava in Colombia.

Anti-hepatitis C Virus Effect of Citrus Unshiu Peel and Its Active Ingredient Nobiletin

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megumi Suzuki ◽  
Kenroh Sasaki ◽  
Fumihiko Yoshizaki ◽  
Min Fujisawa ◽  
Katsuji Oguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Ethyl Acetate ◽  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Citrus Unshiu ◽  
Citrus Unshiu Peel ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Peel Extract

We investigated the effects of water and ethyl acetate extracts of Citrus unshiu peel (Aurantii Nobilis pericarpium) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) absorption in MOLT-4 cells (a human lymphoblastoid leukemia cell line). By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we showed that both the ethyl acetate layer of Citrus unshiu peel extract and fraction 7 decreased HCV absorption in MOLT-4 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 3′,4′,5,6,7,8-hexamethoxyflavone (nobiletin) is the active ingredient that markedly inhibited HCV infection in MOLT-4 cells.

scholarly journals The Occurrence of Zoonotic Anaplasma phagocytophilum Strains, in the Spleen and Liver of Wild Boars from North-West and Central Parts of Poland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna W. Myczka ◽  
T. Szewczyk ◽  
Z. Laskowski
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Negative Bacterium ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
North West ◽  
Natural Reservoir ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

Abstract Purpose The Anaplasma genus includes a Gram-negative bacterium infecting the blood cells of wild and domestic mammals, causing tick-borne fever. Infection with pathogenic Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains may cause Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) may act as natural wild reservoir hosts for potentially zoonotic A. phagocytophilum strains; however, there is still little data to confirm this statement. The aim of this study was to verify whether wild boars can be classified as natural reservoirs of Anaplasma spp. and to compare the suitability of spleen and liver samples for such analysis. Methods Liver and spleen samples were collected from 59 wild boars (2017–2019). The organs were tested for Anaplasma phagocytophilum using short (partial) fragments of three markers: 16S rRNA, groEL, ankA. Results Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in 12 out of 59 samples, with a prevalence of 20.34%. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was confirmed by sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA gene. Positive individuals were tested for the characteristic markers: groEL and ankA. The analysis of the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA, groEL and ankA, indicated that the strains of A. phagocytophilum detected in these studies are potentially zoonotic for humans. Conclusion Wild boars from Poland can be classified as a natural reservoir of the zoonotic strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Both the spleen and the liver tissues were found to be suitable materials for the detection of A. phagocytophilum.

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