Article
Virology
Keita Ishijima, Kango Tatemoto, Eunsil Park, Masanobu Kimura, Osamu Fujita, Masakatsu Taira, Yudai Kuroda, Milagros Virhuez Mendoza, Yusuke Inoue, Michiko Harada, Aya Matsuu, Hiroshi Shimoda, Ryusei Kuwata, Shigeru Morikawa, Ken Maeda
Summary: This study summarized the clinical manifestations and detection results of seven dogs with SFTS. All dogs showed typical clinical symptoms and abnormal blood parameters. The presence of SFTSV infection was confirmed by detection, and it was found that some dogs can recover from the infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Seok-Chan Park, Jun Young Park, Jin Young Choi, Byungkwan Oh, Myeon-Sik Yang, Sook-Young Lee, Jong-Won Kim, Seong Kug Eo, Joon-Seok Chae, Chae Woong Lim, Jae-Ku Oem, Dong-Seob Tark, Bumseok Kim
Summary: Intramuscular inoculation with SFTSV induced minor clinical symptoms in dogs with immunocompetence, while immunosuppressed dogs showed high fever and weight loss. Thrombocytopenia was observed in immunocompromised SFTSV-infected dogs. Intraspecies SFTSV transmission in dogs was confirmed to occur by contact.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Masatoshi Tsuru, Tadaki Suzuki, Tomoyuki Murakami, Kumiko Matsui, Yuuji Maeda, Tomoki Yoshikawa, Takeshi Kurosu, Masayuki Shimojima, Tomome Shimada, Hideki Hasegawa, Ken Maeda, Shigeru Morikawa, Masayuki Saijo
Summary: This case study presents the death of a woman infected with SFTSV after being bitten by a sick cat, which was found to have similar symptoms and laboratory findings as human SFTS cases. Through pathology and immunohistochemical testing, researchers identified the presence of SFTSV antigen, suggesting a rare transmission route of the virus from a sick cat to a human. Therefore, in SFTS-endemic regions, consideration should be given to the possibility of SFTS transmission through cat bites.
Article
Immunology
Hee-kyoung Nam, Kyung-Duk Min, Suyoung Jo, Sung-il Cho
Summary: Deforestation increases the risk of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). An integrated approach that considers deforestation is necessary for SFTS surveillance.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yang Yuan, Qing-Bin Lu, Wen-Si Yao, Jing Zhao, Xiao-Ai Zhang, Ning Cui, Chun Yuan, Tong Yang, Xue-Fang Peng, Shou-Ming Lv, Jia-Chen Li, Ya-Bin Song, Dong-Na Zhang, Li-Qun Fang, Hong-Quan Wang, Hao Li, Wei Liu
Summary: Favipiravir (FPV) treatment significantly reduced the case fatality rate in SFTS patients, but showed heterogeneity in different age groups, onset-to-admission intervals, initial viral loads, and therapy durations. FPV was beneficial for patients aged <= 70 years with specific conditions, but did not benefit those aged >70 years.
Article
Microbiology
Mi-Young Moon, Hyeon Kyu Kim, Se-Jin Chung, Jae Hwan Byun, Ha-Na Kim, Woan Lee, Soon-Won Lee, Sezim Monoldorova, Sungkyeong Lee, Bo-Young Jeon, Eun-Joo Lim
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Gangwon Province, Korea, from 2019 to 2021. The findings revealed that SFTS occurred throughout the province, with Hwacheon having the highest incidence density. Multiple genotypes of SFTS were identified, with B2 and A being the most common. These findings provide important insights for the understanding and management of SFTS in this region.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chiho Kaneko, Hirohisa Mekata, Kazumi Umeki, Putu Eka Sudaryatma, Takao Irie, Kentaro Yamada, Naoaki Misawa, Kunihiko Umekita, Tamaki Okabayashi
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of antibodies against SFTSV and viral RNA in medium-sized wild mammals in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, and compared the detected SFTSV with previously reported strains. The results showed that 68% of Japanese badgers and 23% of Japanese raccoon dogs had antibodies against SFTSV, while other species tested negative. Additionally, 3% of badgers tested positive for SFTSV RNA. These findings suggest that SFTSV could be shared among medium-sized wild mammals, humans, and companion animals in the endemic areas.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Virology
Tomoki Yoshikawa
Summary: The article discusses the establishment of small animal models for SFTS in order to evaluate vaccine candidates, develop these candidates, and establish practical animal models.
Article
Virology
Shuzo Urata, Jiro Yasuda, Masaharu Iwasaki
Summary: Loperamide inhibited SFTSV propagation in cell lines by blocking post-entry steps and restricting calcium influx. This suggests that loperamide, an FDA-approved drug, has potential as a treatment option for SFTS.
Article
Microbiology
Min Wang, Peng Huang, Wei Liu, Weilong Tan, Tianyan Chen, Tian Zeng, Chuanlong Zhu, Jianguo Shao, Hong Xue, Jun Li, Ming Yue
Summary: This study aimed to explore risk factors for central neurological complications in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). The results showed that pulmonary rales, atrial fibrillation, as well as high serum SFTSV RNA and lactate dehydrogenase levels during the fever stage were independent risk factors for the development of central neurological complications in SFTS patients.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Gad Baneth, Ann Dvorkin, Bar Ben-Shitrit, Gabriela Kleinerman, Harold Salant, Reinhard K. Straubinger, Yaarit Nachum-Biala
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the infection of B. persica in domestic dogs and cats in Israel. The results showed that the prevalence of B. persica infection in dogs and cats was more widespread than previously thought. Dogs and cats may serve as reservoirs and sentinels for human infection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ying Xu, Mingran Shao, Ning Liu, Jian Tang, Qin Gu, Danjiang Dong
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). The findings showed that SFTS combined with IPA is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with wheezing identified as an independent predictor of IPA in SFTS patients. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of early antifungal prophylaxis in this patient population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tao Yang, Huaying Huang, Longfeng Jiang, Jun Li
Summary: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). The global prevalence of SFTSV infection is increasing annually, with a mortality rate estimated between 5-30%. Due to the lack of understanding of the transmission and pathogenesis of SFTSV, as well as the host immune response, there are currently no effective treatments available. Therefore, researching the host immune response against SFTSV is of great importance in developing novel therapeutics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lifen Hu, Qinxiang Kong, Chengcheng Yue, Xihai Xu, Lingling Xia, Tingting Bian, Yanyan Liu, Hui Zhang, Xuejiao Ma, Huafa Yin, Qiulin Sun, Yufeng Gao, Ying Ye, Jiabin Li
Summary: Patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) infected by novel phlebovirus may have severe immune damage associated with Aspergillus-related disease. Lower CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell counts, higher levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-8, and IL-10 are important factors for predicting the occurrence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in severe SFTS patients. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment can improve the prognosis of SFTS patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zhenxing Li, Zhaoru Zhang, Chong Chen
Summary: This study developed two critical risk nomograms based on indicators for predicting mortality risk in SFTS patients, with the model incorporating viral load displaying better predictive accuracy. These models will provide frontline clinicians with a convenient tool for early identification of critically ill patients and initiation of better personalized treatment in a timely manner.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ki-hyun Cho, Hyun-Joo Kim, Yong-Joo Kim, Hae-Eun Kang, Beatriz Martinez-Lopez, Joong-bok Lee
Summary: The study assessed the probability of ASF introduction through legal import of live pigs and pig products during the high-risk period from 2009 to 2018. The results indicated the mean annual probabilities by different routes and highlighted the high risk assumed by Poland. The study suggested that the current import quarantine policy of Korean government may be effective in preventing the virus release and should be continuously enforced.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Haeseung Lee, Min-Goo Seo, Seung-Hun Lee, Jae-Ku Oem, Seon-Hee Kim, Hyesung Jeong, Yongkwan Kim, Weon-Hwa Jheong, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an important microsporidian fungus, was identified with zoonotic potential in wild boars. Genotypes D and EbpC, first reported in Korean swine and Korea, respectively, were among the identified genotypes. Monitoring E. bieneusi transmission through wild boars is essential for proper prevention and treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dae-Kyung Kwak, Sun-Hee Bang, Won-Hyeon Kim, Sung-Jae Lee, Seunghun Lee, Je-Hyun Yoo
Summary: A finite element analysis was used to evaluate stresses in subtrochanteric fractures fixed with short cephalomedullary nails. Results showed that using two distal locking screws with short CMNs provided a wider safe range for fixation in both normal and osteoporotic bone.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benedicto Byamukama, Patrick Vudriko, Maria Agnes Tumwebaze, Dickson Stuart Tayebwa, Joseph Byaruhanga, Martin Kamilo Angwe, Jixu Li, Eloiza May Galon, Aaron Ringo, Mingming Liu, Yongchang Li, Shengwei Ji, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Paul Frank Adjou Moumouni, Seung-Hun Lee, Ferda Sevinc, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: In this study, the prevalence and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens in cattle from farms near Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda were assessed. Various pathogens were detected, with risk factors such as communal grazing and proximity to the park associated with their occurrence. The genetic analysis showed possible cross-species transmission and highlighted the burden of tick-borne diseases on farmers in the area.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jae-Won Byun, Jung-Hyun Park, Bo-Youn Moon, Kichan Lee, Wan-Kyu Lee, Dongmi Kwak, Seung-Hun Lee
Summary: Balantioides coli is a zoonotic protozoan parasite primarily carried by pigs, with variant A showing zoonotic potential. This study developed a novel method to differentiate between different variants and assessed their prevalence in pig populations, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring for potential human infections.
Article
Parasitology
Haeseung Lee, Seung-Hun Lee, Yu-Ran Lee, Ha-Young Kim, Bo-Youn Moon, Jee Eun Han, Man Hee Rhee, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: The study found that with the increasing equestrian population in Korea, E. bieneusi may become a public health concern, especially with a relatively high positivity rate in horse feces, requiring continuous monitoring of infected horses.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Haeseung Lee, Min-Goo Seo, Seung-Hun Lee, Jae-Ku Oem, Seon-Hee Kim, Hyesung Jeong, Yongkwan Kim, Weon-Hwa Jheong, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: Bats were identified as hosts for various ectoparasites and potential carriers of infectious agents like Wolbachia and Bartonella bacteria, with a special focus on the potential zoonotic transmission. The study highlighted the different supergroups of Wolbachia endosymbionts and the need to investigate the vectorial role of bat flies by collecting blood samples from host bats. This research contributes to disease ecology and public health by emphasizing the importance of understanding bat-borne pathogens and their potential transmission to humans and livestock.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Subin Lee, Badriah Alkathiri, Dongmi Kwak, Sang-Myeong Lee, Wan-Kyu Lee, Jae-Won Byun, Seung-Hun Lee
Summary: This study examined the distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in domestic pigs in the Republic of Korea. The results showed that gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent in Korean pigs, although the diversity of parasites is low.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nayoung Kim, Tae-Young Lee, Hansaem Lee, Jeong-Sun Yang, Kyung-Chang Kim, Joo-Yeon Lee, Hyun-Joo Kim
Summary: The study evaluated the immunogenicity and protective effects of MERS-CoV vaccine candidates inactivated by three different chemical agents in mice, demonstrating high immunogenicity and protective effects. Particularly, formaldehyde-inactivated MERS-CoV elicited a highly stimulated immune response, and AddaVax showed better immune response as an adjuvant.
Article
Parasitology
Badriah Alkathiri, KyuSung Ahn, Haeseung Lee, Yun Sang Cho, Dongmi Kwak, SungShik Shin, Seung-Hun Lee
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of Theileria spp. in ticks in Korea and evaluate their potential threat to domestic animals from wildlife. A total of 21152 hard ticks were collected from Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces of Korea from March to October 2021. The most abundant tick species were Haemaphysalis spp., followed by H. longicornis, H. flava, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes nipponensis. PCR and phylogenetic analysis identified two Theileria species, T. luwenshuni and Theileria sp., with T. luwenshuni being more prevalent. H. longicornis nymphs showed the highest prevalence, while May had the highest overall prevalence. The results suggest that H. longicornis nymphs and cervine play a critical role in maintaining Theileria spp. in Korea and pose a potential threat to domestic animals.
Article
Parasitology
Yeong-Seok Goh, Hye-Min Kim, Badriah Alkathiri, Hong Suh Chang, Young Min Yoon, Seung-Hun Lee, Kyung-Mee Park
Summary: We report two cases of ectopic dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, one involving subconjunctival involvement and the other involving subcutaneous localization. The species was confirmed using molecular methods. This is the first report of subconjunctival ectopic dirofilariasis caused by D. immitis in Korea, which is of significant importance.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Min-Goo Seo, Haeseung Lee, Badriah Alkathiri, KyuSung Ahn, Seung-Hun Lee, SungShik Shin, Seulgi Bae, Kyoo-Tae Kim, Min Jang, Sang-Kwon Lee, Yun Sang Cho, Kyung-Yeon Eo, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the dominant tick populations and identify the pathogenic agents of anaplasmosis in ticks from Gyeongsang, Republic of Korea. A total of 3825 questing ticks were collected from 12 sites near animal farms in Gyeongsang. Molecular genomic analysis was conducted to detect Anaplasma genes in the collected ticks. The most prevalent tick species were Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis sp., Haemaphysalis flava, Ixodes nipponensis, and Amblyomma testudinarium in that order. The infection rates of Anaplasma species varied, with A. phagocytophilum being the most common. The findings of this study provide valuable information for future research on tick-borne diseases.
Article
Microbiology
Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni, Souichirou Naomasa, Bumduuren Tuvshintulga, Nariko Sato, Kiyoshi Okado, Weiqing Zheng, Seung-Hun Lee, Juan Mosqueda, Hiroshi Suzuki, Xuenan Xuan, Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
Summary: In this study, a homologue of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ in H. longicornis (HlATAQ) was identified, characterized, and evaluated for its immunogenic potential. HlATAQ was found to be involved in blood-feeding and oviposition processes in the tick's midgut and Malpighian tubules. Silencing of HlATAQ did not result in significant phenotypic changes.
Article
Microbiology
Chang Uk Chung, Haeseung Lee, Min-Goo Seo, Seung-Hun Lee, Kyoo-Tae Kim, Kaifa Nazim, Jung-Sun Song, Dong Hwa Bae, Man Hee Rhee, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi Kwak
Summary: This study found that the overall infection rate of Theileria in Korean water deer was 8.1%, with 100% infection rates in the northern and southern regions. The central region had the lowest infection rate. Infection rates also varied depending on the season, with the highest rate observed in spring. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of Theileria luwenshuni in the PCR-positive samples.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ki-Hyun Cho, Hyun-Joo Kim, Min-Kyung Jang, Ji-Hyoung Ryu, Daesung Yoo, Hae-Eun Kang, Jee-Yong Park
Summary: A suspect case of African swine fever (ASF) was detected in October 2020 at an abattoir in the north-central border region of South Korea. The farm of origin was confirmed positive for ASF. The identical isolates from 2020 and 2019 indicate the continued spread and circulation of ASF in the wild boar population, posing an increased risk of outbreaks in domestic pigs. Therefore, additional control measures should be implemented in the region.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
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)