scholarly journals Recent Strategies for the Diagnosis of Early Lyme Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunice Chou ◽  
Yi-Pin Lin ◽  
Nathaniel C. Cady
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Infected Tick ◽  
Multiple Organs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Low Sensitivity

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. As the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the USA, LD affects 300,000 human cases each year. LD is caused by inoculation of the bacterial spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, from an infected tick. If not treated quickly and completely, the bacteria disseminate from the tick's biting site into multiple organs including the joints, heart, and brain. Thus, the best outcome from medical intervention can be expected with early detection and treatment with antibiotics, prior to multi-organ dissemination. In the absence of a characteristic rash, LD is diagnosed using serological testing involving enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by western blotting, which is collectively known as the two-tier algorithm. These assays detect host antibodies against the bacteria, but are hampered by low sensitivity, which can miss early LD cases. This review discusses the application of some current assays for diagnosing LD clinically, thus providing a foundation for exploring newer techniques being developed in the laboratory for more sensitive detection of early LD.

scholarly journals The Brilliance of Borrelia: Mechanisms of Host Immune Evasion by Lyme Disease-Causing Spirochetes

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 281
Author(s):  
Cassidy Anderson ◽  
Catherine A. Brissette
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Tick Saliva ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide Resistance

Lyme disease (LD) has become the most common vector-borne illness in the northern hemisphere. The causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is capable of establishing a persistent infection within the host. This is despite the activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. B. burgdorferi utilizes several immune evasion tactics ranging from the regulation of surface proteins, tick saliva, antimicrobial peptide resistance, and the disabling of the germinal center. This review aims to cover the various methods by which B. burgdorferi evades detection and destruction by the host immune response, examining both the innate and adaptive responses. By understanding the methods employed by B. burgdorferi to evade the host immune response, we gain a deeper knowledge of B. burgdorferi pathogenesis and Lyme disease, and gain insight into how to create novel, effective treatments.

Human behaviour trumps entomological risk.

2021 ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Sam Telford
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Human Aspects ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Many

Abstract This expert opinion argues that human aspects of risk are poorly studied and need to be considered in any discussion of the role of global climate change on risk for vector-borne infections, particularly for those transmitted by ticks. It also covers the many models that are used predict the future distribution of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections in the USA and elsewhere, based on anticipated changes in weather.

scholarly journals Geographical and genospecies distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA detected in humans in the USA

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 674-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry L. Clark ◽  
Brian F. Leydet ◽  
Clifford Threlkeld
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Skin Biopsy ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Erythema Migrans ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Southern States ◽  
The Usa

The present study investigated the cause of illness in human patients primarily in the southern USA with suspected Lyme disease based on erythema migrans-like skin lesions and/or symptoms consistent with early localized or late disseminated Lyme borreliosis. The study also included some patients from other states throughout the USA. Several PCR assays specific for either members of the genus Borrelia or only for Lyme group Borrelia spp. (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato), and DNA sequence analysis, were used to identify Borrelia spp. DNA in blood and skin biopsy samples from human patients. B. burgdorferi sensu lato DNA was found in both blood and skin biopsy samples from patients residing in the southern states and elsewhere in the USA, but no evidence of DNA from other Borrelia spp. was detected. Based on phylogenetic analysis of partial flagellin (flaB) gene sequences, strains that clustered separately with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia americana or Borrelia andersonii were associated with Lyme disease-like signs and symptoms in patients from the southern states, as well as from some other areas of the country. Strains most similar to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and B. americana were found most commonly and appeared to be widely distributed among patients residing throughout the USA. The study findings suggest that human cases of Lyme disease in the southern USA may be more common than previously recognized and may also be caused by more than one species of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. This study provides further evidence that B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is not the only species associated with signs and/or symptoms consistent with Lyme borreliosis in the USA.

scholarly journals Vaccination against Lyme disease caused by diverse Borrelia burgdorferi.

1995 ◽  
Vol 181 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Fikrig ◽  
S R Telford ◽  
R Wallich ◽  
M Chen ◽  
Y Lobet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Natural Mode ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Vector Borne

Diversity and mutations in the genes for outer surface proteins (Osps) A and B of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi), the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, suggests that a monovalent OspA or OspB vaccine may not provide protection against antigenically variable naturally occurring B. burgdorferi. We now show that OspA or OspB immunizations protect mice from tick-borne infection with heterogeneous B. burgdorferi from different geographic regions. This result is in distinct contrast to in vitro killing analyses and in vivo protection studies using syringe injections of B. burgdorferi as the challenge inoculum. Evaluations of vaccine efficacy against Lyme disease and other vector-borne infections should use the natural mode of transmission and not be predicated on classification systems or assays that do not rely upon the vector to transmit infection.

scholarly journals LYME BORRELIOSIS IN NORTH BACKA DISTRICT

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-94
Author(s):  
Dragica Kovačević Berić ◽  
Tibor Molnar ◽  
Morana Miković ◽  
Sara Savić
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Moderate Climate

Lyme disease is the most common vector borne disease in regions with moderate climate. The cause of the disease is Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.), whereas infection is spread via bite from a tick carrying the causative agent. The objective of this work is the examination of descriptive-epidemiological characteristics of Lyme disease in North Backa region in the period from 2012 to 2016. In terms of classifi cation, Lyme dis-ease does not fall into the category of diseases that must be reported when infection occurs among animals. The average rate of incidence in humans during the observed five-year period is 7/100.000. Th e highest incidence of this disease among humans was observed in 2013 (In 12.2/100,000) with 22 reported cases, whereas the lowest incidence was in 2015 (In 5.0/100,000) with 9 reported cases. The highest rate of incidence was recorded in Bačka Topola municipality – 15.9/100.000; followed by Mali Iđoš with 7.2/100.000; while the lowest rate was recorded in Subotica being 5.0 cases per 100,000 residents. Th e presence of the disease was confi rmed in all patients via labo-ratory (serological) tests. Women were more likely to become infected, with the male-female patient ratio being 41%-59%. The disease was documented predominantly among people aged 50-69. The majority of cases were re-corded during spring and summer, in the period from May to June (71%). Among animals, the disease was documented in Subotica and Mali Iđoš municipality, with average prevalence rates among dogs and horses being 0.07%; and 1.52% respectively. Subotica municipality has the most accurate records of cases and a prevalence of 0.06% among dogs, and 1.43% among horses, while Mali Iđoš municipality has higher prevalence, being 2.99% among horses and 0.14% among dogs. The highest occurrence of Lyme disease among animals was documented in 2015, with a prevalence of 2.85% among horses. The presence of causative agents among examined ticks in Mali Iđoš municipality was 16.28% on average, predominantly in 2015 (in 21.21% of examined ticks).

scholarly journals Practical Guide to Trapping Peromyscus leucopus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) and Peromyscus maniculatus for Vector and Vector-Borne Pathogen Surveillance and Ecology

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika T Machtinger ◽  
Scott C Williams
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Ixodes Pacificus ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Pathogen Surveillance

Abstract Arthropods pests are most frequently associated with both plants and vertebrate animals. Ticks, in particular the blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis Say and Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae), are associated with wildlife hosts and are the primary vectors of Lyme disease, the most frequently reported vector-borne disease in the United States. Immature blacklegged ticks in the eastern United States frequently use small mammals from the genus Peromyscus as hosts. These mice are competent reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne pathogens. To conduct surveillance on immature ticks and pathogen circulation in hosts, capture and handling of these small mammals is required. While protocols for rearing and pest surveillance on plants are common, there are very few protocols aimed at entomologists to conduct research on vertebrate–arthropod relationships. The goal of this manuscript is to provide a practical template for trapping Peromyscus spp. for vector and vector-borne pathogen surveillance and ecology for professionals that may not have a background in wildlife research. Important considerations are highlighted when targeting P. leucopus Rafinesque and P. maniculatus Wagner. Specifically, for tick and tick-borne disease-related projects, materials that may be required are suggested and references and other resources for researchers beginning a trapping study are provided.

scholarly journals A non-traumatic, blue-purple auricle: case report

2009 ◽  
Vol 124 (7) ◽  
pp. 804-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Sewnaik ◽  
J Kamarashev ◽  
N S Peters ◽  
J B van Rijswijk
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Northern Hemisphere ◽  
Typical Case ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Tick Borne Disease

AbstractObjective:We report a typical case of earlobe lymphocytoma.Method:A case report and literature review are presented.Results:A 10-year-old girl presented with a blue-coloured earlobe. A diagnosis of Lyme disease was confirmed by serological tests. Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics.Conclusion:The diagnostic process and ENT symptomatology of Lyme disease and borrelial lymphocytoma are summarised and discussed.

scholarly journals Modelling the seasonality of Lyme disease risk and the potential impacts of a warming climate within the heterogeneous landscapes of Scotland

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (116) ◽  
pp. 20160140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sen Li ◽  
Lucy Gilbert ◽  
Paula A. Harrison ◽  
Mark D. A. Rounsevell
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Tick Population ◽  
Risk Indicator ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Heterogeneous Landscapes ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Lyme Disease Risk

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The abundance of infected nymphal ticks is commonly used as a Lyme disease risk indicator. Temperature can influence the dynamics of disease by shaping the activity and development of ticks and, hence, altering the contact pattern and pathogen transmission between ticks and their host animals. A mechanistic, agent-based model was developed to study the temperature-driven seasonality of Ixodes ricinus ticks and transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato across mainland Scotland. Based on 12-year averaged temperature surfaces, our model predicted that Lyme disease risk currently peaks in autumn, approximately six weeks after the temperature peak. The risk was predicted to decrease with increasing altitude. Increases in temperature were predicted to prolong the duration of the tick questing season and expand the risk area to higher altitudinal and latitudinal regions. These predicted impacts on tick population ecology may be expected to lead to greater tick–host contacts under climate warming and, hence, greater risks of pathogen transmission. The model is useful in improving understanding of the spatial determinants and system mechanisms of Lyme disease pathogen transmission and its sensitivity to temperature changes.

scholarly journals Experimental Evidence for Opposing Effects of High Deer Density on Tick-Borne Disease Prevalence and Hazard

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Louise Gandy ◽  
Elizabeth Kilbride ◽  
Roman Biek ◽  
Caroline Millins ◽  
Lucy Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Dilution Effect ◽  
Exclosure Experiment ◽  
Deer Density ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
Tick Reproduction ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Opposing Effects

Abstract Identifying the mechanisms driving disease risk is challenging for multi-host pathogens, such as Borrelia. burgdorferi s.l., the tick-borne bacteria causing Lyme disease. Deer are tick reproduction hosts but do not transmit B. burgdorferi s.l., resulting in potentially opposing effects on transmission. Here, we use a deer exclosure experiment to test three hypotheses for how high deer density shapes B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in ticks: (H1) high transmission on rodents due to higher tick densities; alternatively, (H2) low B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence because more ticks feed on deer rather than transmission-competent rodents (dilution effect); (H3) ecological cascades, whereby lower vegetation decreases rodent abundance thus reducing transmission. Although we found support for all three mechanisms, prevalence was reduced almost 3-fold in high deer density plots compared to exclosures, suggesting that the dilution (H2) and cascade (H3) mechanisms outweighed the increased opportunities for transmission (H1). High deer density led to lower vegetation and fewer rodents, providing evidence for an ecological cascade. However, Lyme disease hazard (density of infected ticks) was increased 5-fold at high deer densities due to an 18-fold rise in tick density. This demonstrates that reproduction hosts like deer can drive up vector-borne disease hazard at high densities, despite simultaneously reducing pathogen prevalence.

scholarly journals Revisiting the Lyme Disease Serodiagnostic Algorithm: the Momentum Gathers

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana R. Marques
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Rapid Diagnostics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Second Tier ◽  
Low Sensitivity

ABSTRACT Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi, and it is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with an estimated incidence of 300,000 cases per year. The currently recommended approach for laboratory support of the diagnosis of Lyme disease is a standard two-tiered (STT) algorithm comprised of an enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA), followed by Western blotting (WB). The STT algorithm has low sensitivity in early infection, and there are drawbacks associated with the WB use in practice. Modified two-tiered (MTT) algorithms have been shown to improve the sensitivity of the testing in early disease while maintaining high specificity. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, A. Pegalajar-Jurado et al. (J Clin Microbiol 56:e01943-17, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01943-17) report the results of their evaluation of the Liaison VlsE CLIA, the Captia B. burgdorferi IgG/IgM EIA, and the C6 B. burgdorferi (Lyme) EIA as MTT algorithms compared with results with the STT algorithm using the same tests as the first-tier test and the ViraStripe IgM and IgG WBs as the second-tier test. The results showed that all MTT algorithms had higher sensitivities than STT algorithms and were highly specific. These results showed that MTT approaches are a valid alternative to the currently recommended STT algorithm for serodiagnosis of Lyme disease, opening the door for the development of rapid diagnostics and point-of-care testing that can provide diagnostic information during the initial patient visit.

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