scholarly journals Tick exposure and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies among hunters and other individuals exposed to vector ticks in eastern Poland

2019 ◽  
pp. 161-168
Author(s):  
Anna Pańczuk ◽  
Małgorzata Tokarska-Rodak ◽  
Dorota Plewik ◽  
Justyna Paszkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Elisa Assay ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
Western Blot Test ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Prophylactic Measures ◽  
Prophylactic Method

Background. Lyme borreliosis is the most frequent tick-borne disease in Europe and North America, and the number of registered cases is on the increase. Frequent presence in the habitats of ticks enhances the risk of tick bites and possible infection with Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of B. burgdorferi infection posed to hunters and other individuals exposed to activity-related contact with ticks. Material and methods. The study was carried out in the northern part of the Lublin Province (eastern Poland) and involved 150 individuals exposed to tick bites (110 hunters and 40 individuals exposed to activity-related contact with ticks). The analysis of sera for the presence of B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG antibodies was carried out. All 150 individuals were tested with the ELISA assay, and positive and borderline results of the assay were verified with the Western blot test. All study participants completed a questionnaire, which provided information about exposure to ticks, application of prophylactic measures, and awareness of Lyme borreliosis. Results. The ELISA assay revealed a positive or borderline result in at least one of the classes of B. burgdorferi antibodies in 63.3% (95/150) of the individuals (IgM 14.0%, IgG 63.3%). Verification carried out with the Western blot test showed a positive or borderline result in at least one of the antibody classes in 38.0% (57/150) of the examined persons (IgM 2.7%, IgG 36.7%). Abdomen (56.0%) and legs (53.7%) were the most frequently bitten body regions. Tick bites on the abdomen were significantly more frequently declared by hunters. Inspection of the body after returning from natural areas was more popular prophylactic method than use of repellents. Inspection of the body was significantly more often used in the group of the hunters. Conclusions. The risk of B. burgdorferi infection among hunters and other individuals undertaking activities associated with exposure to tick bites in the study area is high.

scholarly journals Lyme borreliosis: Diagnostic difficulties in interpreting serological results

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 839-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olgica Gajovic ◽  
Zoran Todorovic ◽  
Ljiljana Nesic ◽  
Zorica Lazic
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Western Blot Test

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>

More specific bands in the IgG western blot in sera from Scottish patients with suspected Lyme borreliosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 719-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Evans ◽  
Sally Mavin ◽  
Susan McDonagh ◽  
Jean M W Chatterton ◽  
Rachel Milner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
F Test

AimsTo identify further Western blot bands that may be specific in the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis.MethodsThe Borrelia burgdorferi antibody profiles of 270 western blot positive patients and 241 western blot negative patients from 2008 were examined.Results27 different non-specific bands were detected in both groups. Six of 27 (22%) of the non-specific bands were detected significantly more in the western blot positive patients compared to the western blot negative patients (20 kDa, p<0.0001; 28 kDa, p<0.002; 36 kDa, p<0.002; 37 kDa, p<0.007; 48 kDa, p<0.023; 56 kDa, p<0.028; two-tailed F test).ConclusionResults suggest that the 20, 28 and 48 kDa bands should be regarded as specific.

scholarly journals AWARENESS OF LYME BORRELIOSIS OF THE PATIENTS OF TERNOPIL REGIONAL TB DISPENSARY

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. P. Melnyk ◽  
L. A. Hryshchuk ◽  
M. Koziol–Montewka ◽  
P. S. Tabas ◽  
R. O. Klos
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
The World ◽  
History Of

Background. Lyme disease has many clinical features similar tothose in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Epidemiological data in the world, in particular in Ukraine, proves the increase in Lyme borreliosis incidence. Ternopil region is endemic with Lyme borreliosis.Objective. The research was aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi and epidemiology features of borreliosis among the patients of Ternopil Regional TB Dispensary.Methods. In total, 29 patients were admitted to Departments of Differential Diagnostic, TB Therapy and TB Surgery of Ternopil Regional TB Dispensary in October 2016-January 2017. All the surveyed answered the questions of an integrated international questionnaire, where they noted the area and a number of tick bites, described the removal method, noted the survey for borreliosis pathogen and complaints after tick bites.Results. It was established that 5 respondents had a history of tick bites episodes, but only in one case the patient was examined of borreliosis. Tick bites were noticed in 3 patients with sarcoidosis and 1 with tuberculosis (TB) and exudative pleurisy, respectively.Conclusions. The absence of appeals for medical care, lack of sufficient information on Lyme borreliosis and disuse of preventive measures for tick bites by the interviewed patients of Ternopil regional TB dispensary departments proves the need of improvement of health education on Lyme borreliosis (LB) among this category of population. 24 (82.7%) of 29 respondents did not remember the tick bite. The symptoms of (LB) are similar to those in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis (pleural lesions, heart, joints, nervous system, skin), and the presence of tick bites gives the reasons to examine these patients of Borrelia burgdorferi senso lato.

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

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

Coinfection of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) Nymphs With Babesia spp. (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Wisconsin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T E Zembsch ◽  
X Lee ◽  
G M Bron ◽  
L C Bartholomay ◽  
S M Paskewitz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Ixodes Scapularis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
The Family ◽  
Babesia Spp

Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, is endemic and widespread in Wisconsin. Research in the northeastern United States has revealed a positive association between Babesia microti, the main pathogen that causes babesiosis in humans, and Bo. burgdorferi in humans and in ticks. This study was conducted to examine associations between the disease agents in the Upper midwestern United States. Ixodes scapularis Say nymphs (N = 2,858) collected between 2015 and 2017 from nine locations in Wisconsin were tested for Babesia spp. and Borrelia spp. using real-time PCR. Two species of Babesia were detected; Ba. microti and Babesia odocoilei (a parasite of members of the family Cervidae). Prevalence of infection at the nine locations ranged from 0 to 13% for Ba. microti, 11 to 31% for Bo. burgdorferi sensu stricto, and 5.7 to 26% for Ba. odocoilei. Coinfection of nymphs with Bo. burgdorferi and Ba. odocoilei was detected in eight of the nine locations and significant positive associations were observed in two of the eight locations. The prevalence of nymphal coinfection with both and Bo. burgdorferi and Ba. microti ranged from 0.81 to 6.5%. These two pathogens were significantly positively associated in one of the five locations where both pathogens were detected. In the other four locations, the observed prevalence of coinfection was higher than expected in all but one site-year. Clinics and healthcare providers should be aware of the association between Ba. microti and Bo. burgdorferi pathogens when treating patients who report tick bites.

scholarly journals Imbalanced presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. multilocus sequence types in clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 66-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Claudia Coipan ◽  
Setareh Jahfari ◽  
Manoj Fonville ◽  
G. Anneke Oei ◽  
Lodewijk Spanjaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi S.L ◽  
Sequence Types

scholarly journals Questionnaire Surveys of Cases of Tick Bite and Lyme Borreliosis in Hunters in Hokkaido with Reference to Detection of Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi Antibody.

1992 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1163-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuhiko KUBO ◽  
Yasutomo ARASHIMA ◽  
Minori YOSHIDA ◽  
Masato KAWABATA ◽  
Susumu NISHINARITA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys

Seasonal changes in the body surface temperature of Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) steers

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 1476 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Y. Kim ◽  
S. J. Kim ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
M. R. Oh ◽  
S. Y. Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Body Surface Temperature ◽  
Average Body

The present study aimed to gather basic information on measuring body surface temperature (BST) of cattle by using infrared thermography (IRT) and find out whether BST measurement is a useful method to detect thermal balance of livestock. Twenty-seven Hanwoo steers were examined in a field trial. The BST of five body regions (eye, nose, horn, ear, rear) was measured five times daily, with three replicates, during 3 days each season. Body surface temperature of cattle is directly affected by ambient temperature and humidity, and showed different ranges for each region. The BSTs of nose, horns and ears were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of eyes and rear area. Rear-area BST was significantly lower than eye-area BST when the ambient temperature was low (P < 0.05). Eye BST (EBST) was highest (P < 0.05) and the least variable of all BSTs measured. Therefore, the eye area of cattle was the most thermostable part of the body. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences among seasonal EBSTs of steers. The EBST range was highest in the summer (37.9–42.2°C), followed by autumn (34.3–37.4°C), spring (33.8–36.5°C) and winter (29.8–32.6°C). During extreme cold, EBST showed a large standard deviation. During conditions of extreme heat, EBST was above the average body temperature of cattle. The results of the present study indicated that BST well reflects the thermal circumstances surrounding animals and may be used as one of the effective tools for precision cattle farming.

scholarly journals Borrelia burgdorferi elongation factor EF-Tu is an immunogenic protein during Lyme borreliosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian E Carrasco ◽  
Youyun Yang ◽  
Bryan Troxell ◽  
Xiuli Yang ◽  
Utpal Pal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Lyme Borreliosis ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Immunogenic Protein

scholarly journals Discovering the forbidden Raman modes at the edges of layered materials

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. eaau6252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Guo ◽  
Weixuan Zhang ◽  
Hanchun Wu ◽  
Junfeng Han ◽  
Yongliang Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectra ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Scattered Light ◽  
Layered Materials ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Edge Type ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Raman Modes ◽  
Raman Study

The edges of layered materials have unique properties that substantially differ from the body regions. In this work, we perform a systematic Raman study of the edges of various layered materials (MoS2, WS2, WSe2, PtS2, and black phosphorus). The Raman spectra of the edges feature newly observed forbidden Raman modes, which are originally undetectable from the body region. By selecting the edge type and the polarization directions of the incident and scattered light, all forbidden Raman modes are distinctly detected. Optical simulations show that the edges of layered materials drastically distort the electromagnetic fields of both the incident and scattered light, so that the light interacts with the edges in a distinct way, which differs from its interactions with the body regions.

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