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Parasites & Vectors Jun 2023Hedgehogs are small synanthropic mammals that live in rural areas as well as in urban and suburban areas. They can be reservoirs of several microorganisms, including... (Review)
Review
Hedgehogs are small synanthropic mammals that live in rural areas as well as in urban and suburban areas. They can be reservoirs of several microorganisms, including certain pathogenic agents that cause human and animal public health issues. Hedgehogs are often parasitized by blood-sucking arthropods, mainly hard ticks and fleas, which in turn can also carry various vector-born microorganisms of zoonotic importance. Many biotic factors, such as urbanization and agricultural mechanization, have resulted in the destruction of the hedgehog's natural habitats, leading these animals to take refuge near human dwellings, seeking food and shelter in parks and gardens and exposing humans to zoonotic agents that can be transmitted either directly by them or indirectly by their ectoparasites. In this review, we focus on the microorganisms detected in arthropods sampled from hedgehogs worldwide. Several microorganisms have been reported in ticks collected from these animals, including various Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. species as well as Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp. As for fleas, C. burnetii, Rickettsia spp., Wolbachia spp., Mycobacterium spp. and various Bartonella species have been reported. The detection of these microorganisms in arthropods does not necessarily mean that they can be transmitted to humans and animals. While the vector capacity and competence of fleas and ticks for some of these microorganisms has been proven, in other cases the microorganisms may have simply been ingested with blood taken from an infected host. Further investigations are needed to clarify this issue. As hedgehogs are protected animals, handling them is highly regulated, making it difficult to conduct epidemiological studies on them. Their ectoparasites represent a very interesting source of information on microorganisms circulating in populations of these animals, especially vector-born ones.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Arthropods; Hedgehogs; Rickettsia; Bartonella; Mammals; Siphonaptera; Ticks; Flea Infestations
PubMed: 37349802
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05764-7 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental... (Review)
Review
A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental illnesses, complex interactive infections, total load theory, pathophysiology, psychoimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, clinical presentations, early-life infections, clinical assessment, and treatment. Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases. Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. Specific microbes that have been associated or potentially associated with at least one of these conditions include , , , Borna disease virus, (Lyme disease), , , coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), , cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, human endogenous retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, influenza viruses, measles virus, , , rubella virus, Group A (PANDAS), , , (syphilis), , and West Nile virus. Recognition of the microbe and mental illness association with the development of greater interdisciplinary research, education, and treatment options may prevent and reduce mental illness morbidity, disability, and mortality.
PubMed: 38200989
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010083 -
Microorganisms Jul 2023The primary objective of this paper is to provide an evidence-based update of the literature on the use of bioactive phytochemicals, nutraceuticals, and micronutrients... (Review)
Review
The primary objective of this paper is to provide an evidence-based update of the literature on the use of bioactive phytochemicals, nutraceuticals, and micronutrients (dietary supplements that provide health benefits beyond their nutritional value) in the management of persistent cases of infection (Lyme disease) and two other tick-borne pathogens, and species. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of persistent infections. These advances have increasingly enabled clinicians and patients to utilize a wider set of options to manage these frequently disabling conditions. This broader toolkit holds the promise of simultaneously improving treatment outcomes and helping to decrease our reliance on the long-term use of pharmaceutical antimicrobials and antibiotics in the treatment of tick-borne pathogens such as , , and .
PubMed: 37512931
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071759 -
Epidemiology and Infection Sep 2023Rodents and shrews are major reservoirs of various pathogens that are related to zoonotic infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate co-infections...
Rodents and shrews are major reservoirs of various pathogens that are related to zoonotic infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate co-infections of zoonotic pathogens in rodents and shrews trapped in four provinces of China. We sampled different rodent and shrew communities within and around human settlements in four provinces of China and characterised several important zoonotic viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens by PCR methods and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 864 rodents and shrews belonging to 24 and 13 species from were captured, respectively. For viral pathogens, two species of hantavirus (Hantaan orthohantavirus and Caobang orthohantavirus) were identified in 3.47% of rodents and shrews. The overall prevalence of spp., Anaplasmataceae, spp., spp., Spotted fever group Rickettsiae, spp., and were 31.25%, 8.91%, 4.17%, 3.94%, 3.59%, 3.47%, and 0.58%, respectively. Furthermore, the highest co-infection status of three pathogens was observed among spp., spp., and Anaplasmataceae with a co-infection rate of 0.46%. Our results suggested that species distribution and co-infections of zoonotic pathogens were prevalent in rodents and shrews, highlighting the necessity of active surveillance for zoonotic pathogens in wild mammals in wider regions.
Topics: Animals; Bartonella; China; Coinfection; Leptospira; Phylogeny; Rodentia; Shrews
PubMed: 37675640
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268823001450 -
Virulence Dec 2024Gram-negative species are facultative intracellular bacteria that can survive in the harsh intracellular milieu of host cells. They have evolved strategies to evade... (Review)
Review
Gram-negative species are facultative intracellular bacteria that can survive in the harsh intracellular milieu of host cells. They have evolved strategies to evade detection and degradation by the host immune system, which ensures their proliferation in the host. Following infection, alters the initial immunogenic surface-exposed proteins to evade immune recognition via antigen or phase variation. The diverse lipopolysaccharide structures of certain species allow them to escape recognition by the host pattern recognition receptors. Additionally, the survival of mature erythrocytes and their resistance to lysosomal fusion further complicate the immune clearance of this species. Certain species also evade immune attacks by producing biofilms and anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreasing endothelial cell apoptosis. Overall, these factors create a challenging landscape for the host immune system to rapidly and effectively eradicate the species, thereby facilitating the persistence of infections and creating a substantial obstacle for therapeutic interventions. This review focuses on the effects of three human-specific species, particularly their mechanisms of host invasion and immune escape, to gain new perspectives in the development of effective diagnostic tools, prophylactic measures, and treatment options for infections.
Topics: Humans; Bartonella; Immune Evasion; Bartonella Infections; Apoptosis; Biofilms; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38443331
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2322961 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jun 2024The diseases caused by the genus of bacteria are clinically diverse, and can be challenging to cure. The study of bartonellosis has been hampered by the lack of a... (Review)
Review
The diseases caused by the genus of bacteria are clinically diverse, and can be challenging to cure. The study of bartonellosis has been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. Preclinical studies for novel therapeutics and a competent host for vector transmission studies are needed to fill critical knowledge gaps. The studies included here are a representation of in vivo research and the corresponding challenges. This review examines the current state of available animal models by assessing the success of various model species and strains in infection. With a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of current animal models, the importance of these models for improvement of human health and veterinary care is emphasized.
PubMed: 38223332
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100665 -
Clinical Nephrology. Case Studies 2024Serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity with membranoproliferative pattern on renal biopsy can be due to ANCA-associated vasculitis as well as...
Serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity with membranoproliferative pattern on renal biopsy can be due to ANCA-associated vasculitis as well as chronic indolent infections. We present the case of an adolescent boy with congenital heart disease and history of cardiac surgery who presented with severe acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis. Renal biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with full-house immunofluorescence pattern. Low serum complements, PR3 ANCA positivity and elevated immunoglobulin titers suggested a diagnosis of infective endocarditis-associated glomerulonephritis. Cardiac shunt revision and antibiotic therapy lead to improvement in kidney function. Chronic infections lead to formation of immune complexes that may cause deposit within the renal parenchyma and induce production of ANCA. The distinction of ANCA-associated vasculitis and chronic infections causing acute kidney injury is important in determining therapeutic management. While rare in the pediatric population, we highlight the importance in considering indolent infections in patients with acute glomerulonephritis and ANCA positivity, especially with risk factors.
PubMed: 38222325
DOI: 10.5414/CNCS111233 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2023Pathogens face strong selection from host immune responses, yet many host populations support pervasive pathogen populations. We investigated this puzzle in a model...
BACKGROUND
Pathogens face strong selection from host immune responses, yet many host populations support pervasive pathogen populations. We investigated this puzzle in a model system of Bartonella and rodents from Israel's northwestern Negev Desert. We chose to study this system because, in this region, 75-100% of rodents are infected with Bartonella at any given time, despite an efficient immunological response. In this region, Bartonella species circulate in three rodent species, and we tested the hypothesis that at least one of these hosts exhibits a waning immune response to Bartonella, which allows reinfections.
METHODS
We inoculated captive animals of all three rodent species with the same Bartonella strain, and we quantified the bacterial dynamics and Bartonella-specific immunoglobulin G antibody kinetics over a period of 139 days after the primary inoculation, and then for 60 days following reinoculation with the same strain.
RESULTS
Contrary to our hypothesis, we found a strong, long-lasting immunoglobulin G antibody response, with protective immunological memory in all three rodent species. That response prevented reinfection upon exposure of the rodents to the same Bartonella strain.
CONCLUSIONS
This study constitutes an initial step toward understanding how the interplay between traits of Bartonella and their hosts influences the epidemiological dynamics of these pathogens in nature.
Topics: Animals; Bartonella Infections; Bartonella; Immunoglobulin G; Kinetics; Immunity
PubMed: 37667323
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05918-7 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. , the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch...
Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. , the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.
PubMed: 37513797
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070950