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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2024Rodents are recognized as the hosts of many vector-borne bacteria and protozoan parasites and play an important role in their transmission and maintenance. Intensive...
BACKGROUND
Rodents are recognized as the hosts of many vector-borne bacteria and protozoan parasites and play an important role in their transmission and maintenance. Intensive studies have focused on their infections in vectors, especially in ticks, however, vector-borne bacterial and protozoan infections in rodents are poorly understood although human cases presenting with fever may due to their infection have been found.
METHODS
From May to October 2019, 192 wild rodents were trapped in wild environment of Guangxi Province, and the spleen samples were collected to reveal the presence of vector-borne bacterial and protozoan infections in them. The microorganisms in rodents were identified by detecting their DNA using (semi-)nested PCR. All the PCR products of the expected size were subjected to sequencing, and then analyzed by BLASTn. Furthermore, all the recovered sequences were subjected to nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analyses.
RESULTS
As a result, 192 rodents representing seven species were captured, and Bandicota indica were the dominant species, followed by Rattus andamanensis. Based on the (semi-)nested PCR, our results suggested that Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", "Candidatus E. hainanensis", "Candidatus E. zunyiensis", three uncultured Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, Bartonella silvatica, two uncultured Bartonella spp., Babesia microti and diverse Hepatozoon were identified in six rodent species. More importantly, six species (including two Anaplasma, two Bartonella, "Ca. N. mikurensis" and Bab. microti) are zoonotic pathogens except Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma ovis with zoonotic potential. Furthermore, dual infection was observed between different microorganisms, and the most common type of co-infection is between "Ca. N. mikurensis" and other microorganisms. Additionally, potential novel Bartonella species and Hepatozoon species demonstrated the presence of more diverse rodent-associated Bartonella and Hepatozoon.
CONCLUSIONS
The results in this work indicated great genetic diversity of vector-borne infections in wild rodents, and highlighted the potential risk of human pathogens transmitted from rodents to humans through vectors.
PubMed: 38739673
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012159 -
Cureus Apr 2024is a parasite that invades erythrocytes inducing hemolysis. It presents with a variety of non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses. A rare...
is a parasite that invades erythrocytes inducing hemolysis. It presents with a variety of non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses. A rare manifestation of babesiosis is splenic rupture, generally seen in a younger, healthier population with low parasitemia, which can be treated conservatively depending on the grade and clinical condition. This case describes an elderly male with multiple comorbidities who is an avid hiker in the Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania areas presenting with a spontaneous American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade V splenic rupture requiring emergent splenectomy. Subsequent re-admission was required to diagnose babesiosis, which was managed with pharmacotherapy and plasmapheresis. In lieu of other identifiable etiologies, patients with atraumatic splenic rupture in an endemic area should be screened for possible parasitic infections.
PubMed: 38707037
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57659 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Here, we described the prevalence of s.l. and species found in mono- and double infections among ticks occurring in urban areas of the city of Poznań, Poland. We...
Here, we described the prevalence of s.l. and species found in mono- and double infections among ticks occurring in urban areas of the city of Poznań, Poland. We tested 1029 host-seeking ticks and 1268 engorged ticks removed from pet animals. and prevailed both in ticks from vegetation (3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) and from pets (3.7% and 0.6%, respectively). and were the most prevalent in host-seeking (2.6% and 1.4%, respectively) and feeding ticks (2.8% and 2.2%, respectively). sequences proved to be identical to the human pathogenic genotype "Jena/Germany". Sequences of the rarest piroplasm (0.7%) were identical with those isolated from European patients. About 1.0% of tested ticks yielded dual infections; in host-seeking ticks, prevailed in co-infections with and , whereas and dominated in double-infected feeding ticks. Dual infections, even with a low prevalence, pose a challenge for differential diagnosis in patients with acute febrile disease after a tick bite. The finding of in both tick groups suggests that could be involved in the circulation of this piroplasm.
PubMed: 38668262
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040307 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Apr 2024Emerging tick-transmitted illnesses are increasingly recognized in the United States (US). To identify multiple potential tick-borne pathogens in patients from the Upper...
BACKGROUND
Emerging tick-transmitted illnesses are increasingly recognized in the United States (US). To identify multiple potential tick-borne pathogens in patients from the Upper Midwest and Northeast US with suspected anaplasmosis, we used state-of-the-art methods (polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and paired serology) to test samples from patients in whom anaplasmosis had been excluded.
METHODS
Five hundred sixty-eight patients without anaplasmosis had optimal samples available for confirmation of alternative tick-borne pathogens, including PCR and/or paired serology (acute-convalescent interval ≤42 days).
RESULTS
Among 266 paired serology evaluations, for which the median acute-convalescent sampling interval was 28 (interquartile range, 21-33) days, we identified 35 acute/recent infections (24 [9%] ; 6 [2%] subsp []; 3 [1%] spotted fever group rickettsioses [SFGR], and 2 [<1%] ) in 33 (12%) patients. Two had concurrent or closely sequential infections (1 and , and 1 and SFGR). Using multiplex PCR and reverse-transcription PCR, we identified 7 acute infections (5/334 [1%] and 2/334 [1%] ) in 5 (1%) patients, including 2 with - coinfection, but no , SFGR, Anaplasma capra, Heartland virus, or Powassan virus infections. Thus, among 568 patients with ruled-out anaplasmosis, 38 (6.7%) had ≥1 agent of tick-borne illness identified, with 33 patients (35 infections) diagnosed by paired serology and 5 additional patients (7 infections) by PCR.
CONCLUSIONS
By identifying other tick-borne agents in patients in whom anaplasmosis had been excluded, we demonstrate that emerging tick-borne infections will be identified if specifically sought.
PubMed: 38651141
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae149 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024The invasive Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis that vectors and transmits several animal pathogens is significantly expanding in the United States. Recent...
The invasive Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis that vectors and transmits several animal pathogens is significantly expanding in the United States. Recent studies report that these ticks also harbor human pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Therefore, studies that address the interactions of these ticks with human pathogens are important. In this study, we report the characterization of H. longicornis organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in interactions of these ticks with A. phagocytophilum. Using OATP-signature sequence, we identified six OATPs in the H. longicornis genome. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that H. longicornis OATPs are closer to other tick orthologs rather than to mammalian counterparts. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that OATPs are highly expressed in immature stages when compared to mature stages of these ticks. In addition, we noted that the presence of A. phagocytophilum upregulates a specific OATP in these ticks. We also noted that exogenous treatment of H. longicornis with xanthurenic acid, a tryptophan metabolite, influenced OATP expression in these ticks. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that antibody generated against Ixodes scapularis OATP cross-reacted with H. longicornis OATP. Furthermore, treatment of H. longicornis with OATP antibody impaired colonization of A. phagocytophilum in these ticks. These results not only provide evidence that the OATP-tryptophan pathway is important for A. phagocytophilum survival in H. longicornis ticks but also indicate OATP as a promising candidate for the development of a universal anti-tick vaccine to target this bacterium and perhaps other rickettsial pathogens of medical importance.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Haemaphysalis longicornis; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; Tryptophan; Ixodes; Antibodies; Organic Anion Transporters; Borrelia burgdorferi; Mammals; Borrelia
PubMed: 38637614
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59315-w -
Southern African Journal of Infectious... 2024Human babesiosis data in Africa is scarce. The clinical presentation and parasite morphology mimics falciparum malaria infection. Diagnostic confirmation is informed by...
UNLABELLED
Human babesiosis data in Africa is scarce. The clinical presentation and parasite morphology mimics falciparum malaria infection. Diagnostic confirmation is informed by adequate history and communication with the laboratory to activate appropriate testing. This case report describes the course of a returning traveller with persisting symptoms that resolved on tailored antimicrobial therapy following prompt collaborative diagnosis.
CONTRIBUTION
Case highlighting overlapping characteristics of and malaria infection, necessitating close clinical and laboratory correlation to confirm diagnosis.
PubMed: 38628426
DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v39i1.588 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Mar 2024Small mammals, such as rodents and shrews, are natural reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases, including parasitic protozoa. To assess the risk of rodent-borne parasitic...
Small mammals, such as rodents and shrews, are natural reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases, including parasitic protozoa. To assess the risk of rodent-borne parasitic protozoa in the Republic of Korea (ROK), this study investigated the status of parasitic protozoa, namely , , and , in small mammals. In total, 331 blood samples from small mammals were analyzed for parasites using PCR and sequenced. Samples were positive for (23.9%; = 79) and (10%; = 33) but not . Small mammals from Seogwipo-si showed the highest infection rate of (48.4%), while the highest infection rate was observed in those from Gangneung-si (25.6%). Sequence data revealed to be of the AKHA strain. Phylogenetic analysis of revealed the US and Kobe genotypes. US-type-infected small mammals were detected throughout the country, but the Kobe type was only detected in Seogwipo-si. To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide survey that confirmed and infections at the species level in small mammals in the ROK and identified the Kobe type of . These results provide valuable information for further molecular epidemiological studies on these parasites.
PubMed: 38612228
DOI: 10.3390/ani14070989 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2024Human babesiosis is a rapidly emerging and potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasites of the genus. Among the various...
UNLABELLED
Human babesiosis is a rapidly emerging and potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasites of the genus. Among the various species of that infect humans, has been found to cause severe and life-threatening infections. Detection of active infection is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the disease. While molecular assays for the detection of infection in blood are available, a reliable strategy to detect biomarkers of active infection has not yet been developed. Here, we report the development of the first antigen capture assays that rely on the detection of two -exported immunodominant antigens, BdV234 and BdV38. The assays were validated using blood samples from cultured parasites in human erythrocytes and -infected laboratory mice at different parasitemia levels and following therapy. The assays display high specificity with no cross-reactivity with , , MO1, or The assay also demonstrates high sensitivity, detecting as low as 115 infected erythrocytes/µl of blood. Screening of 1,731 blood samples from diverse biorepositories, including previously identified Lyme and/or positive human samples and new specimens from field mice, showed no evidence of infection in these samples. The assays could be useful in diverse diagnostic scenarios, including point-of-care testing for early infection detection in patients, field tests for screening reservoir hosts, and high-throughput screening such as blood collected for transfusion.
SHORT SUMMARY
We developed two ELISA-based assays, BdACA38 and BdACA234, for detecting , a potentially fatal tick-borne parasite causing human babesiosis. The assays target two immunodominant antigens, BdV234 and BdV38, demonstrating high specificity (no cross-reactivity with other species or ) and sensitivity (detecting as low as 115 infected erythrocytes/µl). The assays were validated using in vitro-cultured parasites and infected mice. Screening diverse blood samples showed no evidence of active infection among 1,731 human and field mice blood samples collected from the north-eastern, midwestern, and western US. These assays offer potential in diverse diagnostic scenarios, including early patient detection, reservoir animal screening, and transfusion-transmitted babesiosis prevention.
PubMed: 38585766
DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.24304816 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Babesiosis is a worldwide emerging protozoan infection that is associated with a spectrum of disease severity from asymptomatic infection to severe organ damage and...
BACKGROUND
Babesiosis is a worldwide emerging protozoan infection that is associated with a spectrum of disease severity from asymptomatic infection to severe organ damage and death. While effective treatment strategies are available, some immunocompromised patients experience severe acute and prolonged/relapsing illness due in part to an impaired host antibody response. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as an adjunctive therapy in some immunocompromised babesiosis patients, but its therapeutic effect is uncertain. We evaluated the presence of Babesia microti antibodies in commercial samples of IVIG.
METHODS/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS
The presence of B. microti antibodies in commercial samples of IVIG were tested using an immunofluorescence assay. A subset of samples was then tested for B. microti antibodies using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Out of 57 commercial IVIG samples tested using IFA, and 52 samples tested using ELISA, none were positive for B. microti antibodies.
CONCLUSIONS
Commercially available IVIG may not be of therapeutic benefit for babesiosis patients. Additional sampling of IVIG for B. microti antibody and a clinical trial of babesiosis patients given IVIG compared with controls would provide further insight into the use of IVIG for the treatment of babesiosis.
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Babesiosis; Babesia microti; Antibodies, Protozoan; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
PubMed: 38484010
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012035 -
Canada Communicable Disease Report =... Jun 2023and ticks are the principal vectors of the agent of Lyme disease and several other tick-borne diseases in Canada. Tick surveillance data can be used to identify local...
BACKGROUND
and ticks are the principal vectors of the agent of Lyme disease and several other tick-borne diseases in Canada. Tick surveillance data can be used to identify local tick-borne disease risk areas and direct public health interventions. The objective of this article is to describe the seasonal and spatial characteristics of the main Lyme disease vectors in Canada, and the tick-borne pathogens they carry, using passive and active surveillance data from 2020.
METHODS
Passive and active surveillance data were compiled from the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch (Public Health Agency of Canada), provincial and local public health authorities, and eTick (an online, image-based platform). Seasonal and spatial analyses of ticks and their associated pathogens are presented, including infection prevalence estimates.
RESULTS
In passive surveillance, (n=7,534) were submitted from all provinces except Manitoba and British Columbia, while (n=718) were submitted only from British Columbia. No ticks were submitted from the Territories. The seasonal distribution of submissions was bimodal, but unimodal for . Four tick-borne pathogens were identified in (, , and ) and one in (). In active surveillance, (n=688) were collected in Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick. Five tick-borne pathogens were identified: , , and Powassan virus.
CONCLUSION
This article provides a snapshot of the distribution of and and their associated human pathogens in Canada in 2020, which can help assess the risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens in different provinces.
PubMed: 38444700
DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v49i06a06