Article
Microbiology
Gary P. Wormser, Donna McKenna, Eliana Jacobson, Elayna M. Shanker, Keith D. Shaffer, Carol Scavarda, Paul Visintainer
Summary: The study found that patients with erythema migrans who received antibiotic treatment for less than 7 days were more likely to experience at least one symptom than those treated for 7 days or more. Additionally, there was a significantly lower percentage of males among the treated group compared to untreated study subjects.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Karina M. Forde, Joanne O'Gorman, Patrick J. Gavin, Matthew S. Dryden, Deirbhile Keady, Belinda Hanahoe, Colm McDonnell, Lorraine Power, Bartley Cryan, James Sweeney, Karl F. Conyard, Michael J. O'Grady
Summary: Serologically confirmed Lyme disease in children is relatively rare in the Republic of Ireland, with 98% of children tested being seronegative. Among the seropositive cases, 40% could have been diagnosed based on clinical findings alone. Neurological presentations were common (40%), and almost all cases (97%) where data were available reported full resolution of symptoms.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bo Bodker Jensen, Nanna Skaarup Andersen, Silke Woelfel, Ming Chen, Helene M. Paarup, Carsten Riis Olesen, Pierre Edouard Fournier, Per Moestrup Jensen, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson
Summary: Rickettsia helvetica infection rate in ticks in Denmark is 4.9%, with higher rates in adult ticks. The prevalence of anti-R. helvetica antibodies in roe deer is 2.8% and 6% in Lyme neuroborreliosis patients.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sergio A. Hernandez, Katarina Ogrinc, Misa Korva, Andrej Kastrin, Petra Bogovic, Tereza Rojko, Keith W. Kelley, Janis J. Weis, Franc Strle, Klemen Strle
Summary: In patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis, persistent symptoms after antibiotic therapy may be associated with abnormal immune response, as indicated by the correlation between serum interferon-a levels and persistent subjective symptoms.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yvonne Adams, Anne Skovsbo Clausen, Peter Ostrup Jensen, Malin Lager, Peter Wilhelmsson, Anna J. Henningson, Per-Eric Lindgren, Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen, Helene Mens, Peter Kraiczy, Kasper Norskov Kragh, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Andreas Kjaer, Anne-Mette Lebech, Anja R. Jensen
Summary: We screened a group of low-passage Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. isolates using a novel human-derived 3D blood-brain barrier (BBB)-organoid model. The results showed that human-derived BBB-organoids can be invaded by Borrelia spirochetes, leading to swelling and loss of structural integrity. The BBB-organoid model highlights the tropism between B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to central nervous system infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Pavle Banovic, Adrian Alberto Diaz-Sanchez, Clemence Galon, Verica Simin, Dragana Mijatovic, Dasiel Obregon, Sara Moutailler, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study conducted in Serbia found a high prevalence of ticks infected with tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), with Rickettsia helvetica being the most common pathogen. However, only two out of 30 tested human blood samples were positive for TBPs, specifically Borrelia spp. and R. felis.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Albina Ponosheci-Bicaku, Salih Ahmeti, Vladimir Trkulja, Ardian Bicaku, Goran Tesovic
Summary: The study on Lyme borreliosis in the Pristina region of Kosovo shows that tick bites are the main transmission route, highlighting the importance of disease awareness and preventive measures.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Adriana R. Marques, Franc Strle, Gary P. Wormser
Summary: Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the United States and Europe, but the diversity of Borrelia species and strains implicated in infections varies between the two regions. Europe has a greater diversity of species causing infections, while the United States is mainly affected by one species, which may contribute to differences in clinical manifestations between the two regions.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jiaru Yang, Shiyuan Wen, Jing Kong, Peng Yue, Wenjing Cao, Xin Xu, Yu Zhang, Jingjing Chen, Meixiao Liu, Yuxin Fan, Lisha Luo, Taigui Chen, Lianbao Li, Bingxue Li, Yan Dong, Suyi Luo, Guozhong Zhou, Aihua Liu, Fukai Bao
Summary: This study demonstrated the efficacy of oral amoxicillin, oral azithromycin, injectable ceftriaxone, and injectable cefotaxime for treating Lyme disease. Cefuroxime and penicillin were found to be safe for treating LD. Amoxicillin was effective for treating erythema migrans. However, no significant advantage of doxycycline in efficacy and safety for treating LD was observed.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard Porwancher, Lisa Landsberg
Summary: There are multiple options available for serodiagnosis of Lyme disease, with traditional two-tiered and modified two-tiered approaches showing different application scenarios. Modern bioinformatic techniques based on antigen can enhance testing strategies.
Article
Dermatology
Marianne J. Middelveen, John S. Haggblad, Julie Lewis, Gilles A. Robichaud, Roberto M. Martinez, Jyotsna S. Shah, Iris Du Cruz, Melissa C. Fesler, Raphael B. Stricker
Summary: This case report highlights various dermatological manifestations associated with Lyme disease, including erosive genital ulcerations and skin lesions with Morgellons disease fibers. Molecular testing confirmed the presence of Borrelia DNA in vaginal culture and serum specimens. Further studies revealed collagen presence in filaments and intracellular and extracellular Borrelia organisms.
CLINICAL COSMETIC AND INVESTIGATIONAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Paul M. Lantos, Jeffrey Rumbaugh, Linda K. Bockenstedt, Yngve T. Falck-Ytter, Maria E. Aguero-Rosenfeld, Paul G. Auwaerter, Kelly Baldwin, Raveendhara R. Bannuru, Kiran K. Belani, William R. Bowie, John A. Branda, David B. Clifford, Francis J. DiMario, John J. Halperin, Peter J. Krause, Valery Lavergne, Matthew H. Liang, H. Cody Meissner, Lise E. Nigrovic, James (Jay) J. Nocton, Mikala C. Osani, Amy A. Pruitt, Jane Rips, Lynda E. Rosenfeld, Margot L. Savoy, Sunil K. Sood, Allen C. Steere, Franc Strle, Robert Sundel, Jean Tsao, Elizaveta E. Vaysbrot, Gary P. Wormser, Lawrence S. Zemel
Summary: This evidence-based clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, covering various manifestations and complications. It is intended for a wide range of healthcare professionals in North America.
Article
Immunology
Paul M. Lantos, Jeffrey Rumbaugh, Linda K. Bockenstedt, Yngve T. Falck-Ytter, Maria E. Aguero-Rosenfeld, Paul G. Auwaerter, Kelly Baldwin, Raveendhara R. Bannuru, Kiran K. Belani, William R. Bowie, John A. Branda, David B. Clifford, Francis J. Jr Jr DiMario, John J. Halperin, Peter J. Krause, Valery Lavergne, Matthew H. Liang, H. Cody Meissner, Lise E. Nigrovic, James (Jay) J. Nocton, Mikala C. Osani, Amy A. Pruitt, Jane Rips, Lynda E. Rosenfeld, Margot L. Savoy, Sunil K. Sood, Allen C. Steere, Franc Strle, Robert Sundel, Jean Tsao, Elizaveta E. Vaysbrot, Gary P. Wormser, Lawrence S. Zemel
Summary: This evidence-based clinical practice guideline focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease, covering different presentations of the disease and targeting a wide range of healthcare professionals as the audience.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Ekaterina K. Lagunova, Natalia A. Liapunova, Davaakhu Tuul, Gerechuluun Otgonsuren, Davaadorj Nomin, Nyamdorj Erdenebat, Davaajav Abmed, Galina A. Danchinova, Kozue Sato, Hiroki Kawabata, Maxim A. Khasnatinov
Summary: Ticks in Mongolia carry multiple tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia spp. and relapsing fever agents. These pathogens persist independently in ticks, except for a possible shared circulation mode between A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. Furthermore, the prevalence and spirochete load of Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents differ in ticks, suggesting different ecological niches.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sanchita Bhadra, Maria D. D. Esteve-Gasent, Andrew D. D. Ellington
Summary: To accurately estimate disease risk and guide public health and clinical management, better tick surveillance efforts are needed. We have developed two multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reactions coupled with oligonucleotide strand displacement (OSD) probes to identify the tick host and Lyme disease pathogen carried by the tick. This method can be carried out directly with tick samples without any sample preparation, making it suitable for field and near patient use without relying on complex instrumentation or infrastructure.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Karolina Majerova, Ricardo Gutierrez, Manoj Fonville, Vaclav Hoenig, Petr Papezik, Lada Hofmannova, Paulina Maria Lesiczka, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Daniel Ruzek, Hein Sprong, Shimon Harrus, David Modry, Jan Votypka
Summary: The study showed that cadavers of synurbic mammalian species are a valuable source for pathogen screening, with high infection rates of Bartonella spp. found in three tested mammalian species. Spleen, ear, lung, and liver tissues were identified as the most suitable for detecting Bartonella DNA.
Article
Microbiology
Agustin Estrada-Pena, Aitor Cevidanes, Hein Sprong, Javier Millan
Summary: Understanding the relationships between ticks and tick-borne pathogens requires integrating data from multiple studies, and ensuring harmonization in data collection, study design, and reporting. Rules should be followed to avoid serendipitous correlations, and raw data should be included in reports. Standardized methods for tick collection should be used, and conclusions based solely on molecular findings should be avoided.
Article
Ecology
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Laura Tomassone, Manoj Fonville, Luigi Bertolotti, Dieter Heylen, Nannet D. Fabri, Jolyon M. Medlock, Ard M. Nijhof, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Hein Sprong, Aleksandra I. Krawczyk
Summary: Rickettsiella species are common symbionts in a variety of arthropod species, including Ixodes ricinus ticks, with genetic diversity and distribution impacted by geographic location and life stage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct clades of Rickettsiella, with close relations to other arthropods, and specific isolation patterns for Clades II and IV. Coinfections were observed, but significant associations with other tick-associated bacteria were not detected.
Article
Microbiology
Tal Azagi, Ron P. Dirks, Elena S. Yebra-Pimentel, Peter J. Schaap, Jasper J. Koehorst, Helen J. Esser, Hein Sprong
Summary: This study presents the complete genomes of Ca. Neoehrlichia mikurensis derived from wildlife reservoir host tissues using advanced sequencing technologies. This approach offers an alternative to obtaining material from clinical cases and expensive bacterial isolation methods, expanding the potential for laboratory diagnostics. It also has implications for other difficult-to-culture tick-borne pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Aleksandra Krawczyk, Lisa Rottjers, Manoj Fonville, Katshuisa Takumi, Willem Takken, Karoline Faust, Hein Sprong
Summary: The microbiome of Ixodes ricinus ticks varies greatly and is influenced by geographical factors. Vertically transmitted symbionts show different infection rates at different sites, while geographically close sites exhibit similar proportions of these symbionts. This is in contrast to horizontally transmitted pathogens.
Article
Ecology
Nannet Doreen Fabri, Hein Sprong, Hans Heesterbeek, Frauke Ecke, Joris Petrus Gerardus Marinus Cromsigt, Tim Ragnvald Hofmeester
Summary: This study quantified the link between the ecotypes of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, life stages of the tick Ixodes ricinus, and vertebrate host groups through a meta-analysis. The composition of vertebrate communities was shown to affect the relative abundance of different ecotypes of A. phagocytophilum in different life stages of I. ricinus. Changes in vertebrate communities, such as an increase in red deer abundance and shifts in small mammal population dynamics, could potentially increase the circulation of A. phagocytophilum and pose higher risks to public and veterinary health.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Karin Persson Waller, Kerstin Dahlgren, Giulio Grandi, Maya Louise Holding, Katarina Naslund, Anna Omazic, Hein Sprong, Karin Ullman, Mikael Leijon
Summary: A disease outbreak in a Swedish cattle herd may be caused by an unusual type of Mycoplasma in combination with immune suppression due to granulocytic anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The latter bacterium is widespread in the herd and also found in wild deer and ticks.
Article
Microbiology
Tryntsje Cuperus, Ankje de Vries, Ryanne I. I. Jaarsma, Hein Sprong, Miriam Maas
Summary: This study found the presence of multiple (tick-borne) zoonotic pathogens in European moles, including spotted fever Rickettsia, Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp., and Hantaviridae. However, no pathogens relevant to humans were found. Although the zoonotic risk from moles appears limited, our results indicate that these animals do play a role in multiple host-pathogen cycles.
Article
Microbiology
Tal Azagi, B. J. A. Hoeve-Bakker, Mark Jonker, Jeroen H. Roelfsema, Hein Sprong, Karen Kerkhof
Summary: This study evaluated the analytical specificity, sensitivity, and robustness of qPCR assays for detecting tick-borne pathogens in human samples. The results showed that the qPCRs performed well and were potentially suitable for human diagnostics. However, further clinical validation and independent confirmation are needed.
Article
Biology
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Alessandro Bellato, Luca Rossi, Marieke N. Hoogerwerf, Hein Sprong, Laura Tomassone
Summary: Wild and domestic animals can be useful sentinels for monitoring diseases that affect public health. In a region of northwestern Italy, an increase in tick densities and the spread of TBEV in neighboring countries led to the screening of wild ungulates for TBEV antibodies, with negative results indicating its absence in the area. However, continued monitoring is necessary due to the spread of TBEV and its vector in Europe.
Review
Parasitology
Clara Florentine Kohler, Maya Louise Holding, Hein Sprong, Patrick A. Jansen, Helen J. Esser
Summary: Biodiversity loss and the emergence of zoonotic diseases are major global challenges. Restoring ecosystems needs to take into account the risk of tick-borne diseases and the interaction between vertebrate diversity and pathogen transmission. Long-term surveillance of wildlife communities, ticks, and their pathogens is crucial to prevent tick-borne diseases from increasing during nature restoration.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaelle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L'Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurelie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Natasa Knap, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Daniel P. Ruzek, Tizza Zomer, Rene Bodker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice A. Raffetin, Sandrine Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdenek Hubalek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustin Estrada-Pena, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Celine M. Gossner, Bethan Purse
Summary: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an endemic viral disease in Eurasia, primarily transmitted to humans through ticks and occasionally through unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has reported an increase in TBE incidence over the years, as well as its emergence in new areas. Through expert knowledge elicitation, we identified nine key drivers for TBE emergence and increased incidence, including changes in human behavior, eating habits, landscape, humidity, difficulty in controlling reservoirs and vectors, temperature, wildlife compartments, increase in autochthonous wild mammals, and distribution of tick species vectors.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shabnam Chhetri, Ahmed Hamood Al Mamari, Mahmood Mausd Al Awfi, Nasser Humaid Nasser Al Khaldi, Nibras Mejbel Abed, Nenad Pandak, Faryal Khamis, Zakariya Al Balushi, Rashid Mohammed Khamis Alalawi, Sultan Al Lawati, Muna Ba'Omar, Nasser Shukaili, Seif Al-Abri
Summary: While the association between Enterobius vermicularis and acute appendicitis is still debated, a few case reports of this rare encounter have emerged. Enterobius vermicularis is one of the most common parasitic infections globally, while acute appendicitis is a frequently encountered condition in general surgery. However, the relationship between these two conditions remains controversial. This case report presents the association of Enterobius vermicularis with appendicitis in a young woman.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano, Daniele De Meneghi, Hein Sprong, Aranzazu Portillo, Jose A. Oteo, Laura Tomassone
Summary: We analyzed the surveillance systems in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy to identify the ideal elements for monitoring and preventing tick-borne diseases (TBD). The Dutch initiative showed a high level of transdisciplinary collaboration, while Italy and Spain's surveillance systems were based on compulsory notification. The Dutch initiative yielded measurable outcomes, such as a reduction in tick bites and the discovery of new pathogens. However, the initiatives characterized by transdisciplinary collaboration may be more effective in surveillance and prevention of TBD.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marja J. L. Kik, Ryanne I. Jaarsma, Jooske IJzer, Hein Sprong, Andrea Grone, Jolianne M. Rijks
Summary: The presence of Bartonella alsatica in both wild and domestic rabbits indicates a potential risk of infection to humans when in close contact with rabbits and their fleas.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)