Article
Microbiology
Merle Margarete Boehmer, Katharina Ens, Stefanie Boehm, Susanne Heinzinger, Volker Fingerle
Summary: Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Germany, with mandatory notification of acute LB manifestations in Bavaria since 2013. The study identified regional differences in LB incidence, with the Bavarian Forest and parts of Franconia as high-risk areas. High risk populations for LB include 5-9-year-old males and 60-69-year-old females.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
S. Andrich, B. Haastert, E. Neuhaus, K. Frommholz, W. Arend, C. Ohmann, J. Grebe, A. Vogt, C. Brunoni, P. Jungbluth, S. Thelen, C-M Dintsios, J. Windolf, A. Icks
Summary: This study showed a significant increase in inpatient healthcare utilization and excess costs in older individuals in the first year after pelvic fracture, especially in the first few months, predominantly due to inpatient treatment. Even after adjusting for confounders, the excess costs remained high, highlighting the importance of considering pelvic fractures in healthcare resource planning and allocation.
OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Charles Nuttens, Antoine Bessou, Stephanie Duret, Jozica Skufca, Emmanuelle Blanc, Andreas Pilz, Bradford D. Gessner, Jean-Francois Faucher, James H. Stark
Summary: This study compared the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in primary care and hospital settings in France using three sources of data. The results showed an increasing incidence of LB in primary care from 2010 to 2019, while hospitalization rates remained stable. Women had a higher incidence of LB in primary care, while men predominated among hospitalized patients. The age groups most affected by LB varied between primary care and hospital settings.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kimberly Keith, Kristofer Arestedt, Ivar Tjernberg
Summary: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in Kalmar County, southern Sweden, between 2008 and 2019, and to analyze the relationship between LNB incidence and climate factors. Positive relationships were found between mean temperature and precipitation with LNB incidence, suggesting a potential impact of climate on the incidence of LNB. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer time frames are needed to confirm these findings.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Madiha Shafquat, Frederick J. Angulo, Andreas Pilz, Jennifer C. Moisi, James H. Stark
Summary: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tickborne illness in North America and Europe. The incidence of LB in children varies geographically and differs from that in adults. In some countries, pediatric incidence is lower than adult incidence, while in others it is higher. Children in the 5-9 years of age stratum have the highest proportion of pediatric cases in most countries.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra Septfons, Julie Figoni, Arnaud Gautier, Noemie Soullier, Henriette de Valk, Jean-Claude Desenclos
Summary: The knowledge and awareness of tick bites and Lyme disease among the French population showed a significant increase between 2016 and 2019, especially in terms of taking protective measures.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. Olsen, F. J. Angulo, A. Pilz, K. Halsby, P. Kelly, G. Brestrich, J. H. Stark, L. Jodar
Summary: Background: The extent of under-ascertainment of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in Germany is unknown, despite surveillance being conducted in nine federal states. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the population-based incidence of symptomatic LB in Germany after adjusting for under-ascertainment using a seroprevalence-based approach. Methods: Seroprevalence-derived under-ascertainment was estimated using data from seroprevalence studies, public health surveillance, and literature. The estimated number of symptomatic LB cases was compared to the number of surveillance-reported cases to derive under-ascertainment multipliers. These multipliers were then applied to estimate the population-based incidence of symptomatic LB in Germany. Results: After adjusting for under-ascertainment, the estimated number of symptomatic LB cases in states conducting surveillance was 129,870 (408 per 100,000 population) in 2021. For every surveillance-reported LB case, there were 12 symptomatic cases. Conclusions: This study reveals the underdetection of symptomatic LB in Germany and demonstrates the applicability of a seroprevalence-based approach in European countries with relevant data. Expanding LB surveillance nationwide could provide further insights into the true burden of LB and aid in targeted disease prevention efforts.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Franz Rubel, Hans Dautel, Ard M. Nijhof, Olaf Kahl
Summary: This article presents a high-resolution city map showing the distribution of 12 tick species in the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany. It includes 10 ixodid tick species and 2 soft tick species. The map provides a basis for further research on the impact of climate change and land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Raj G. Kumar, Evan Bollens Lund, Katherine A. Ornstein, Jing Li, Kenneth E. Covinsky, Amy S. Kelley
Summary: This study shows that individuals with dementia have higher healthcare utilization and costs in the years preceding dementia identification compared to those without dementia. This suggests a greater healthcare burden even before the clinical manifestation and recognition of dementia.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wen Fu, Camille Bonnet, Julie Figoni, Alexandra Septfons, Raphaelle Metras
Summary: The study found that in France, the main spatial clusters of reported Lyme borreliosis cases each year were in central and northeastern regions, with additional clusters identified in southern areas from 2017 to 2019. There were spatio-temporal clustering patterns observed between May and August in 2016-2017 and 2018-2019, with a strong interaction identified in 2018 within a 16 km and seven-day window.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jozica Skufca, Thao Mai Phuong Tran, Gordon Brestrich, Andreas Pilz, Andrew Vyse, Claudius Malerczyk, Mendwas Dzingina, Elizabeth Begier, Maxim Blum, Margarita Riera-Montes, Bradford D. Gessner, James H. Stark
Summary: The incidence, time trends, seasonality, and geographic distribution of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in Germany were analyzed using publicly reported surveillance data. From 2016 to 2020, a total of 63,940 LB cases were reported, with 94.7% clinically diagnosed and 5.3% laboratory-confirmed. The incidence rates were mostly stable over time, with an average annual incidence of 37.2/100,000 person-years. The risk of LB varied significantly by geographic area and age group, highlighting the need for targeted prevention interventions and reduction strategies.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Katherine Leavey, Rachel K. MacKenzie, Sue Faber, Vett K. Lloyd, Charlotte Mao, Melanie K. B. Wills, Isabelle Boucoiran, Elizabeth C. Cates, Abeer Omar, Olivia Marquez, Elizabeth K. Darling
Summary: This study investigated the impact of Lyme disease on both parents and their offspring during pregnancy. The findings suggest that Lyme disease may pose a range of health issues for both pregnant women and infants.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna Beltrame, Paola Rodari, Luisa Mauroner, Francesca Zanella, Lucia Moro, Giulia Bertoli, Filippo Da Re, Francesca Russo, Giuseppina Napoletano, Ronaldo Silva
Summary: The study revealed a significant increase in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in the province of Verona, Northern Italy, with early localized Lyme borreliosis being the most common presentation. It emphasizes the need to increase knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis to allow for early diagnosis and treatment.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Liza Coyer, Aylin Sogan-Ekinci, Benedikt Greutelaers, Julia Kuhn, Franziska S. Saller, Jana Hailer, Stefanie Boehm, Rainer Brosch, Christiane Wagner-Wiening, Merle M. Boehmer
Summary: A record number of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases, mainly among the unvaccinated, were reported in major endemic areas in Germany in 2020. Other tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme borreliosis and tularemia, are also on the rise. Strategies are needed to increase TBE vaccination uptake and promote education on TBD prevention, with primary care physicians playing a crucial role in providing vaccinations and education.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Maria Rogalska, Olga Pawelczyk, Krzysztof Solarz, Tomasz Holecki
Summary: The study in Poland assessed the costs incurred for the medical payer in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. Over the period of 2008-2018, there was an increase in the number of individuals receiving medical services for Lyme disease, particularly in hospitalization and ambulatory specialist care. Hospitalization costs were the highest, but there was a shift in cost ratio in favor of ambulatory specialist care.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fiona R. P. Bhondoekhan, Kelly M. Searle, Harry Hamapumbu, Mukuma Lubinda, Japhet Matoba, Michael Musonda, Ben Katowa, Timothy M. Shields, Tamaki Kobayashi, Douglas E. Norris, Frank C. Curriero, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Philip E. Thuma, William J. Moss
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert Verity, Ozkan Aydemir, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Oliver J. Watson, Nicholas J. Hathaway, Melchior Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa, Patrick W. Marsh, Kyaw Thwai, Travis Fulton, Madeline Denton, Andrew P. Morgan, Jonathan B. Parr, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Melissa Conrad, Philip J. Rosenthal, Deus S. Ishengoma, Jeremiah Ngondi, Julie Gutman, Modest Mulenga, Douglas E. Norris, William J. Moss, Benedicta A. Mensah, James L. Myers-Hansen, Anita Ghansah, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Azra C. Ghani, Steven R. Meshnick, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Entomology
Ilinca I. Ciubotariu, Christine M. Jones, Tamaki Kobayashi, Thierry Bobanga, Mbanga Muleba, Julia C. Pringle, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Giovanna Carpi, Douglas E. Norris
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kelly M. Searle, Ben Katowa, Michael Musonda, Julia C. Pringle, Harry Hamapumbu, Japhet Matoba, Mukuma Lubinda, Timothy Shields, Tamaki Kobayashi, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Douglas E. Norris, Philip E. Thuma, Amy Wesolowski, William J. Moss
Summary: The reactive screen-and-treat strategy aims to identify and treat infected individuals to interrupt malaria transmission, but despite the implementation of this strategy, parasite persistence was observed in targeted households for at least three months.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marisa A. Hast, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Mbanga Muleba, Mike Chaponda, Jean-Bertin Kabuya, Modest Mulenga, Timothy Shields, William J. Moss, Douglas E. Norris
Summary: The Zambia National Malaria Control Centre effectively reduced malaria transmission in high-burden areas through targeted indoor residual spraying. However, more comprehensive intervention measures are needed to effectively reduce the malaria burden in this setting.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nilton Barnabe Rodrigues, Raquel Soares Maia Godoy, Alessandra Silva Orfano, Barbara Aparecida Chaves, Thais Bonifacio Campolina, Breno Dos Anjos Costa, Luiza Dos Santos Felix, Breno Melo Silva, Douglas Eric Norris, Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta, Nagila Francinete Costa Secundino
Summary: Aedes aegypti was able to host both single and multiple arboviral coinfections, with chikungunya virus potentially interfering with other viruses, suggesting that different arbovirus families may have a significant role in complex coinfections.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Jordan E. Hoffman, Ilinca I. Ciubotariu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, William J. Moss, Giovanna Carpi, Douglas E. Norris, Jennifer C. Stevenson
Summary: Despite significant reductions in malaria cases in the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Choma District, Southern Province in Zambia, Anopheles squamosus specimens still pose a residual malaria transmission risk, primarily exhibiting exophagic and zoophilic behavior, making them difficult to be eliminated by current control measures. The study emphasizes the importance of molecular identification of vectors and suggests that indoor vector control strategies may not be sufficient for malaria elimination in southern Zambia.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sophie Berube, Tamaki Kobayashi, Amy Wesolowski, Douglas E. Norris, Ingo Ruczinski, William J. Moss, Thomas A. Louis
Summary: Technical variation exists in most laboratory assays, and correcting for this variation is important for extracting biological signals. The choice of correction methods can impact downstream analyses. Protein microarrays, a versatile tool for measuring levels of various proteins in serum samples, have relatively few developed and evaluated methods compared to DNA microarrays. A pre-processing pipeline is proposed to correct for common sources of technical variation in protein microarrays.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary E. Gebhardt, Kelly M. Searle, Tamaki Kobayashi, Timothy M. Shields, Harry Hamapumbu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, Philip E. Thuma, Jennifer C. Stevenson, William J. Moss, Douglas E. Norris
Summary: Malaria transmission has declined in Southern Province, Zambia, but vector species carrying the parasite still exist. Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles rufipes show differences in host preference and habitat. Targeting households with parasitemic individuals can reduce indoor mosquito populations, but outdoor vector surveillance and control are also necessary.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mary E. Gebhardt, Rachel S. Krizek, Maureen Coetzee, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Yael Dahan-Moss, David Mbewe, James Sichivula Lupiya, Mbanga Muleba, Jennifer C. Stevenson, William J. Moss, Douglas E. Norris
Summary: Despite years of indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated net distributions, malaria transmission still occurs in Nchelenge District in northern Zambia. Anopheles gibbinsi, identified in this study, may forage in the early evening or outdoors and could be a potential malaria vector. The species primarily feeds on animals but also comes into contact with humans and malaria parasites they carry.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amy Wesolowski, Matthew M. Ippolito, Mary E. Gebhardt, Ellen Ferriss, Jessica L. Schue, Tamaki Kobayashi, Mike Chaponda, Jean-Bertin Kabuya, Mbanga Muleba, Monicah Mburu, Japhet Matoba, Michael Musonda, Ben Katowa, Mukuma Lubinda, Harry Hamapumbu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, Timothy M. Shields, Andre Hackman, Clive Shiff, Maureen Coetzee, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Shungu Munyati, Lovemore Gwanzura, Susan Mutambu, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Philip E. Thuma, Douglas E. Norris, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, Gershom Chongwe, Modest Mulenga, Edgar Simulundu, Sungano Mharakurwa, Peter Agre, William J. Moss
Summary: The International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) were established to support malaria control programs worldwide. The Southern and Central Africa ICEMR conducted research in Zambia and Zimbabwe, leading to policy changes and providing information for malaria elimination programs. The findings of the ICEMR have had important implications for malaria control and elimination at the study sites.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew M. Ippolito, Mary E. Gebhardt, Ellen Ferriss, Jessica L. Schue, Tamaki Kobayashi, Mike Chaponda, Jean-Bertin Kabuya, Mbanga Muleba, Monicah Mburu, Japhet Matoba, Michael Musonda, Ben Katowa, Mukuma Lubinda, Harry Hamapumbu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, Amy Wesolowski, Timothy M. Shields, Andre Hackman, Clive Shiff, Maureen Coetzee, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Shungu Munyati, Lovemore Gwanzura, Susan Mutambu, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Philip E. Thuma, Douglas E. Norris, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, Gershom Chongwe, Modest Mulenga, Edgar Simulundu, Sungano Mharakurwa, Peter C. Agre, William J. Moss
Summary: Over the past decade, the Southern and Central Africa International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research has conducted assessments in different malaria endemic areas in Zambia and Zimbabwe, utilizing multidisciplinary scientific approaches to understand the patterns and causes of malaria transmission. Persistent malaria burden is explained by factors such as rural poverty, cryptic and novel mosquito vectors, residual parasites, and stockouts of essential malaria commodities, despite current interventions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Sophie Berube, Tamaki Kobayashi, Amy Wesolowski, Douglas E. Norris, Ingo Ruczinski, William J. Moss, Thomas A. Louis
Summary: Protein microarrays are a promising technology for measuring protein levels in serum or plasma samples, but they face challenges due to technical variability and high variation in protein levels across samples. Analyzing preprocessed data and within-sample ranks can help mitigate these challenges.
STATISTICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mbanga Muleba, Keith J. Mbata, Jennifer C. Stevenson, Douglas E. Norris
Summary: There were varied species abundance and malaria transmission risk across sites and seasons in Nchelenge district, with perennial and higher risk of malaria transmission on the islands. The minimal impact of vector control efforts on the mainland was evident, but limited overall. Vector control intervention coverage with effective tools needs to be extended to the islands to effectively control malaria transmission in Nchelenge district.
Review
Microbiology
Klaus-Peter Hunfeld, Peter Kraiczy, Douglas E. Norris, Benedikt Lohr
Summary: Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem disorder caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, transmitted by hard ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Although the full spectrum of in vitro antibiotic susceptibility for some recently developed compounds is still not defined, our current understanding of the in vitro interactions between B. burgdorferi s. l. and antimicrobial agents and their mechanisms of resistance remains limited, largely based on a few isolates of Borrelia.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harold Salant, Yaarit Nachum-Biala, Doni Zivotofsky, Tsachi Even Tzur, Gad Baneth
Summary: This study describes the presentation, clinical signs, parasitemia levels, laboratory findings and treatment of dogs infected with B. negevi. Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was helpful for recovery from clinical disease but did not facilitate parasite elimination, and it is therefore recommended to treat canine B. negevi infection with the combination of atovaquone and azithromycin.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gervillien Arnold Malonga, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Mahamadou Saliou, Juth ece Private Malanda-Kiminou, Oumar Dolo, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba, Alhassane Ba, Robert Murphy, Jean Felix Peko, Anne-Genevieve Marcelin, Vincent Calvez, Stephane Marot
Summary: A serological survey in sub-urban areas of the capital cities of Congo and Mali reveals human contact with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) associated with previously described CCHFV risk factors.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aleksander Wymazal, Sabina Nowak, Robert W. Myslajek, Anna Bajer, Renata Welc-Faleciak, Maciej Szewczyk, Iga Kwiatkowska, Kinga M. Stepniak, Michal Figura, Agnieszka Kloch
Summary: The wolf population in Central and Eastern Europe has been increasing, but their frequent contacts with humans make them a potential zoonotic reservoir. This study found a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging wolves from Poland.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nannet D. Fabri, Hans Heesterbeek, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Frauke Ecke, Hein Sprong, Lonneke Nijhuis, Tim R. Hofmeester, Nienke Hartemink
Summary: In many parts of the northern hemisphere, different species of deer, small mammals, and birds coexist and their composition can strongly influence the outbreak potential of tick-borne pathogens. This study investigates how the abundance and composition of vertebrate communities affect the basic reproduction number R0 of tick-borne pathogens, and shows that species composition plays a substantial role in the outbreak potential of tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lynn M. Osikowicz, Maria R. Rizzo, Andrias Hojgaard, Sarah E. Maes, Rebecca J. Eisen
Summary: This article describes the prevalence and diversity of Lyme disease in the United States. By using different detection methods, the authors found various species of spirochetes present in specific tick species, revealing the potential transmission of pathogens among ticks.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Somaya Saleh, Rana Elseadawy, Ragab M. Fereig, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: Published data on tick-borne pathogens in camels worldwide have been collected, providing an overview of their global prevalence and species diversity. Evidence of natural infection of camels with certain tick-borne pathogens is limited, particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. More research is needed to understand the role of camels in maintaining and transmitting these pathogens.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Saana Sipari, Mikko Kiljunen, Minna Nylund, Eva R. Kallio
Summary: This study introduces a stable isotope analysis method to directly identify tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. The results show that stable isotope signatures can reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2024)