scholarly journals Seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in healthy blood donors in Romania: an update

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsuzsa Kalmár ◽  
Violeta Briciu ◽  
Mircea Coroian ◽  
Mirela Flonta ◽  
Amanda-Lelia Rădulescu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genogroup is the causative agent responsible for Lyme borreliosis, a common tick-borne infectious disease in some temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In humans, the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis vary from dermatological infection to severe systemic manifestations. In Romania, data on the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis and associated risk factors are scarce and outdated, as the only seroprevalence study with a large dataset was published more than 20 years ago. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in healthy blood donors from six Romanian counties and identify the associated risk factors. Methods The study was conducted among 1200 healthy blood donors aged between 18 and 65 years during November 2019 and September 2020 from six counties in the northwestern and central parts of Romania. A two-tiered testing strategy was applied. Positive and equivocal immunoenzymatic test results for IgG and IgM antibodies were further confirmed by Western blot. Results Serum samples from 20% of the blood donors had positive or equivocal IgG and IgM ELISA index values. In total, 2.3% of the serum samples for IgG and 1.8% for IgM were positive by Western blot. The seroprevalence for both antibodies varied between 1.5% (Satu-Mare) and 6.5% (Bistrița-Năsăud) in the six counties investigated. The highest seroprevalence was observed in men (4.7%), in blood donors performing their professional activities outdoors (4.2%), and in those aged  ≥ 56 years (8%). Conclusions These findings confirm the presence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. among healthy blood donors from Romania. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as gender, age, and behavior, associated with the presence of positive B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies among healthy blood donors were identified. Graphical Abstract

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janko van Beek ◽  
Eeva Sajanti ◽  
Otto Helve ◽  
Jukka Ollgren ◽  
Mikko J. Virtanen ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
O. Panteleenko ◽  
B. Yarchuk ◽  
T. Tsarenko

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere. LB is caused by spirochetes, which are grouped in the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, vectors – Ixodidae mites, dozens of species of small mammals and birds actas reservoir hosts, and the role of reservoirs of domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, is not excluded. Although the ecology and epidemiology of the disease have been extensively studied in Europe and North America, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the study of Lyme borreliosis in veterinary medicine. Search, selection andanalysis of scientific data on the research topic were carried out according to acceptable rules for systematic reviews of the literature. The scientometric database Web of Science Core Collection, the database of scientific articles Pub Med and the database Scientific Periodicals of Ukraine were used. Seventy-four scientific articles were used for the article, which contained the necessary set of data and met the set goal. The article highlights the main issues of the etiology of the disease, which describes the characteristics of the pathogen, its properties, genotypic composition of Borrelia, which cause Lyme disease, the spread of pathogenic genotypes of Borrelia in Europe and Ukraine. The connection of Lyme borreliosis spread with ecological factors, climatic changes and anthropogenic impact on biocenoses and biotopes, the role of vectors and reservoir hosts in the spread of LB is described. Data on the prevalence and degree of infection of Ixodes mites with Borrelia, as well as the spread of LB among the population of Europe and Ukraine are presented. The seroprevalence of each of the animal species (dogs, cats, horses, ruminants), clinical manifestations of LB, if documented and indicators of LB prevalence among animals in Europe and Ukraine, as well as currently known treatments, prevention and diagnosis of LB animals are considered. Key words: Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato, Lyme Diseases Etiology, Ixodidae.


2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 839-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olgica Gajovic ◽  
Zoran Todorovic ◽  
Ljiljana Nesic ◽  
Zorica Lazic

Introduction. Lyme borreliosis is a multi-systemic disease caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The specific response is influenced by phenotypic characteristics of Borrelia, different antigen structure, their different geographic distribution, and the patient?s capability to react to the infection. The immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato develops relatively late, whereas in some patients it never develops. The immune response in the early phase of Lyme borreliosis is very similar to the one of healthy population. Diagnosis of borrelia. Clinical manifestation, detailed anamnesis and epidemiological data are crucial for making the diagnosis. The majority of patients in the late phase of Lyme borreliosis have IgG antibody response, which could be followed by IgM also throughout this period of time. The number of serologically positive findings increases with the duration of the infection. Specific borrelial antigens can be detected by a Western blot test. In patients with neuroborreliosis, antibodies could be synthesized only intrathecally. IgG and IgM antibody response can persist for many years after the treatment. There is no positive serological test, which could be the indicator of the disease activity on its own; even if it demonstrates high antibody titre. If there are no clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis, the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis should be primarily based on clinical findings, and serological results should be used only to confirm but not to make the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Specific antibodies from the IgM class can be proved in about 50% of patients, 2 to 4 weeks after the onset of primary infection, but an early administration of the antibiotics can postpone or inhibit that response. Interpretation of serological results. When interpreting the serological test results with high level of sensitivity and specificity used for making diagnosis of lyme borreliosis, it is necessary to take into consideration the seroprevalence in a certain region. In the population with a low prevalence of the disease, the tests will have a low positive predicative value, i.e. the probability of indicating the real disease will be lower. According to the recommendations given by the Centre for Disease Control in North America, all extreme and positive results of EA and IFA are to be confirmed by a Western blot test. Diagnostic problems. The main problem in making diagnosis of lyme borreliosis is underestimation and overrating of the diagnosis. Not a single positive serologic test is the indicator of the disease activity on its own, regardless of the antibodies titre level, when clear clinical signs are scarce. <br><br><font color="red"><b> This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction <u><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/MPNS1212531U">10.2298/MPNS1212531U</a><u></b></font>


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbro H. Skogman ◽  
Sandra Hellberg ◽  
Christina Ekerfelt ◽  
Maria C. Jenmalm ◽  
Pia Forsberg ◽  
...  

Why some individuals develop clinical manifestations in Lyme borreliosis (LB) while others remain asymptomatic is largely unknown. Therefore, we wanted to investigate adaptive and innate immune responsiveness toBorrelia burgdorferi sensu latoin exposedBorrelia-antibody-positive asymptomatic children (n=20), children with previous clinical LB (n=24), and controls (n=20). Blood samples were analyzed forBorrelia-specific interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17 secretion by ELISPOT andBorrelia-induced IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p70), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion by Luminex. We found no significant differences in cytokine secretion between groups, but a tendency towards an increased spontaneous secretion of IL-6 was found among children with previous clinical LB. In conclusion, the adaptive or innate immune responsiveness toBorrelia burgdorferi sensu latowas similar inBorrelia-exposed asymptomatic children and children with previous clinical LB. Thus, the immunological mechanisms of importance for eradicating the spirochete effectively without developing clinical manifestations of LB remain unknown.


Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽  
Victoria M. Spanou ◽  
Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽  
Panagiotis D. Katsoulos

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 66-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Claudia Coipan ◽  
Setareh Jahfari ◽  
Manoj Fonville ◽  
G. Anneke Oei ◽  
Lodewijk Spanjaard ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5Supl2) ◽  
pp. 3413
Author(s):  
Erivânia Camelo de Almeida ◽  
Aderaldo Alexandrino Freitas ◽  
Késia Alcântara Queiroz Pontual ◽  
Marcília Maria Alves Souza ◽  
Marcos Amaku ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to characterize the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The state was divided into three regions, and in each region, approximately 300 properties were randomly sampled. From these selected properties, a pre-established number of animals were randomly selected and blood serum samples were obtained. A total of 3,901 animals were selected from 900 properties. For each selected property, an epidemiological questionnaire was administered to assess the type of farming, the animal husbandry practices and the sanitary practices that could be associated with the presence of brucellosis infection. The testing protocol consisted of screening the samples with a buffered acidified plate antigen test and retesting the positive samples with a complement fixation test (CF). One positive animal was enough to define an infected herd. The prevalence rates of infected herds and animals in the state were 4.5% [3.2; 6.4%] and 1.4% [0.7; 2.7%], respectively. By region, the prevalence rates of infected herds and animals, respectively, were as follows: Zona da Mata, 3.3% [1.8; 6.1%] and 1.7% [0.5; 3.0%]; Agreste, 7.4% [4.9; 10.9%] and 1.9% [0.8; 3.0%]; and Sertão, 1.3% [0.5; 3.5%] and 0.7% [0.0; 1.6%]. Flooded pastures (OR = 2.86 [1.37; 6.42]) and the presence of 13 or more females in the herd (3rd quartile) (OR = 2.65 [1.19; 5.89]) were identified as risk factors. The existence of veterinary care emerged as a protective factor against bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco (OR = 0.24 [0.10; 0.58]).


Medicina ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Radu Pavel ◽  
Sorin Ursoniu ◽  
Ana Alexandra Paduraru ◽  
Rodica Lighezan ◽  
Maria Alina Lupu ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a foodborne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Humans are infected with Trichinella larvae through the ingestion of meat that has not been properly cooked. Romania reported most of the confirmed cases of trichinellosis among the EU countries. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors of Trichinella infection in blood donors from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 1347 consecutive blood donors were investigated using an immunoenzymaticassay (ELISA) for the determination of specific IgG class antibodies against T.spiralis. A questionnaire interview was used to obtain information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. spiralis infection. Mantel–Haenszel chi-squared test or the Fisher exact two-tailed test, as appropriate, were used for comparison between T. spiralis positive and T. spiralis negative blood donors. Student’s t-test was used to evaluate differences between means in studied groups and body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info Version 7.2 and Stata 16.1. Results: T. spiralis IgG antibodies were detected in 2.00% (27) of 1347 consecutive blood donors. Eating raw and/or undercooked meat, from pigs or wild boars, was found to be the main risk factor (p < 0.001). Strong alcoholic drink consumption was highly associated with T. spiralis infection (p = 0.009). Trichinella seroprevalence was higher among rural residents and males. Subjects identified as Trichinella seropositive were not previously diagnosed and have not been treated for Trichinella infection with any specific therapy. Conclusions: The demonstration of T. spiralis antibodies in healthy blood donors suggests that Trichinella infection may be detected in asymptomatic individuals that were not previously diagnosed with this zoonosis.


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