Article
Parasitology
Zsuzsa Kalmar, Violeta Briciu, Mircea Coroian, Mirela Flonta, Amanda-Lelia Radulescu, Adriana Topan, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Mihaela Lupse
Summary: The study in Romania found specific IgG and IgM antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. among healthy blood donors. Higher seroprevalence was observed in men, older individuals, and those engaged in outdoor work.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Derick Thompson, John A. Watt, Catherine A. Brissette
Summary: The text discusses the host immune and inflammatory response induced by Lyme borreliosis bacterium and how these responses influence the pathology of Lyme disease.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ilse M. Lucke, Amber Vrijlandt, Johan Lim, Anneke J. Kooi, Ivo N. Schaik, Hans L. Zaaijer, Joppe W. Hovius, Filip Eftimov
Summary: This study found that apparent Bbsl seroconversion often occurs in patients receiving IVIg treatment, but antibodies typically disappear post-treatment, with seroreversion observed in a majority of patients within 3 months. The transient presence of anti-Bbsl IgG antibodies after IVIg treatment appears to be dependent on the brand of IVIg, reflecting variations in Bbsl exposure of plasma donors. Lyme borreliosis serological testing during and after IVIg treatment may be of limited utility.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tian-Le Che, Bao-Gui Jiang, Qiang Xu, Yu-Qi Zhang, Chen-Long Lv, Jin-Jin Chen, Ying-Jie Tian, Yang Yang, Simon I. Hay, Wei Liu, Li-Qun Fang
Summary: This study established a nationwide database involving Lyme borreliosis risk factors in China and used a two-stage statistical model to identify the environmental factors influencing its distribution. By mapping the risk distribution, it was found that high-risk areas were not only concentrated in high latitude regions but also distributed in middle and low latitude areas.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marko Vucelja, Stjepan Krcmar, Josipa Habus, Vesna Mojcec Perko, Marko Boljfetic, Linda Bjedov, Josip Margaletic
Summary: This study investigated the altitudinal distributions, population structures, and seasonal dynamics of tick fauna in three localities in Continental Croatia (Medvednica and Papuk) and an alpine biogeographic region (Gorski Kotar). Questing ticks were sampled twice a year (spring and autumn, from 2019 to 2021) at different altitudes using the flagging method. The majority of the ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus, with the highest tick abundance observed at higher altitudes in mixed forests of European beech and European silver fir. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection was detected in a small percentage of ticks, with the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto genotype.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mateusz Markowicz, Michael Kundi, Gerold Stanek, Hannes Stockinger
Summary: The relationship between infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and nonspecific symptoms is controversial. This study found that individuals infected with B. burgdorferi sl did not develop nonspecific symptoms more frequently compared to non-infected controls.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yekaterina O. Ostapchuk, Yuliya Perfilyeva, Andrey Zhigailov, Elina R. Maltseva, Alena S. Neupokoyeva, Akerke O. Bissenbay, Zhanna A. Berdygulova, Dinara A. Naizabayeva, Anna S. Nizkorodova, Zhanna Zh Shapiyeva, Ravilya A. Yegemberdiyeva, Tatyana Kuznetsova, Saltanat Kuatbekova, Assiya Akanova, Gulnara A. Ismagulova, Seidigapbar M. Mamadaliyev, Andrey M. Dmitrovskiy, Yuriy A. Skiba
Summary: Lyme borreliosis is common in Kazakhstan, especially in the Almaty oblast, with evidence of active circulation of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. The study found a 24% prevalence rate of B. burgdorferi s.l. in Ixodes persulcatus ticks that attacked humans, as well as a 5.8% seroprevalence rate of antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. in the local population. These results highlight the importance of LB preventive measures in the region.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert E. Rollins, Zehra Yeyin, Maja Wyczanska, Nikolas Alig, Sabrina Hepner, Volker Fingerle, Gabriele Margos, Noemie S. Becker
Summary: The study found Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. positive ticks in all plots around Munich, Germany, with significantly different numbers of positive nymphs between plots but not for positive adults. Six Bbsl genospecies were identified, with B. afzelii and B. garinii dominating and B. miyamotoi found in two sampling plots, highlighting variability in Bbsl prevalence and genospecies distribution over short geographic distances.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zhihai He, Baogui Jiang, Lin Huang, Zongti Shao, Yun Zhang, Yuqiong Li, Ennian Pu, Xingde Duan, Hang Jiang, Jian Wang, Mingguo Yao, Fan Wang, Shuangshuang Bie, Michael E. von Fricken, Yi Sun, Yi Dong, Jiafu Jiang, Chunhong Du
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive investigation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL) in reservoirs and vectors in Yunnan Province, China. The results revealed a wide distribution of BBSL and multiple endemic genospecies, highlighting the need for expanded surveillance efforts for human in southwestern China.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sophie Charlotte Doff, Jasmin Wenderlein, Anna Wiesinger, Stephanie Hiereth, Sebastian Ulrich, Reinhard K. Straubinger
Summary: In this study, two different line immunoassays (LIAs) were compared for the detection of Lyme borreliosis in dogs and horses. The results showed that both LIAs were reliable for canine serum samples, but there were still challenges in diagnosing equine serum samples.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Cristian Raileanu, Cornelia Silaghi, Volker Fingerle, Gabriele Margos, Claudia Thiel, Kurt Pfister, Evelyn Overzier
Summary: The study demonstrates high infection levels and diverse genospecies of Borrelia in questing ticks in different habitats in Southern Germany. The presence of roe deer appears to reduce infection rates of B. burgdorferi s.l. in tick populations.
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
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
Microbiology
Labrini Athanasiou, Victoria M. Spanou, Eleni G. Katsogiannou, Panagiotis D. Katsoulos
Summary: The study revealed the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in sheep in Greece, with hematological abnormalities such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphopenia observed in seropositive sheep. This raises concerns about the circulation of Borrelia in rural areas and the potential risk of transmission to humans.
Article
Entomology
Kayleigh M. Hansford, Liz McGinley, Samantha Wilkinson, Emma L. Gillingham, Ben Cull, Sara Gandy, Daniel P. Carter, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Simon Richards, Alister Hayes, Jolyon M. Medlock
Summary: Assessing tick-borne disease risk in high-visitor areas is crucial for public health. This study in London found variations in tick presence, density, infection prevalence, and nymph density across different habitats. Highest densities of nymphs and infected ticks were associated with woodland and under canopy habitats in the largest parks, while short grass areas seemed less suitable for ticks. Maintaining short grass in high footfall areas could reduce the risk of Lyme borreliosis transmission to humans.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederik L. Schmidt, Valerie Suerth, Tim K. Berg, Yi-Pin Lin, Joppe W. Hovius, Peter Kraiczy
Summary: The study found Vlp15/16 to be a plasminogen-interacting protein of Borrelia miyamotoi, with a high affinity for plasminogen. Additionally, Vlp15/16 and Vlp18 exhibit a complement inhibitory activity on the alternative pathway through a Factor H-independent mechanism, protecting serum sensitive Borrelia garinii cells from complement-mediated lysis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
M. E. Baarsma, A. Vrijlandt, J. Ursinus, H. L. Zaaijer, S. Jurriaans, A. P. van Dam, J. W. Hovius
Summary: This study compared the diagnostic parameters of the ZEUS Borrelia VlsE1/pepC10 assay and C6-ELISA in European patients with Lyme borreliosis, healthy blood donors, and potentially cross-reactive controls. The specificity of both assays was similar in healthy blood donors, but C6-ELISA appeared to have slightly higher sensitivity in patients with early localized or disseminated Lyme borreliosis. The VlsE1/pepC10 assay showed significantly higher specificity in sera with potentially cross-reactive antibodies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Frederik R. van de Schoor, Hedwig D. Vrijmoeth, Michelle A. E. Brouwer, Hadewych J. M. ter Hofstede, Heidi L. M. Lemmers, Helga Dijkstra, Collins K. Boahen, Marije Oosting, Bart-Jan Kullberg, Joppe W. Hovius, Cees C. van den Wijngaard, Frank L. van de Veerdonk, Mihai G. Netea, Leo A. B. Joosten
Summary: This study investigates the regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) during early Lyme borreliosis (LB) and provides insights into the host response to B. burgdorferi. The study finds that the addition of interleukin-12 (IL-12) amplifies the IFN-gamma response in cells exposed to B. burgdorferi, and the response is significantly higher in LB patients. The study also identifies a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with increased IFN-gamma production.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Laurence Geebelen, Tinne Lernout, Katrien Tersago, Sanne Terryn, Joppe W. Hovius, Arieke Docters van Leeuwen, Steven Van Gucht, Niko Speybroeck, Hein Sprong
Summary: This study investigates the occurrence and clinical manifestation of tick-borne infections in Belgium. Only a small number of patients with fever after a tick bite were identified. Although no tick-borne pathogens were detected, their presence cannot be ruled out due to the limited number of patients and current limitations in methodologies.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fredrikke Christie Knudtzen, Thoger Gorm Jensen, Nanna Skaarup Andersen, Isik Somuncu Johansen, Joppe W. Hovius, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson
Summary: By conducting an educational intervention in general practice, we aimed to improve outcomes related to Lyme borreliosis, such as increasing hospital referrals, examining cerebrospinal fluid tests, decreasing serum-B. burgdorferi antibody tests, shortening delay in Lyme neuroborreliosis patients, and increasing knowledge among general practitioners. The intervention led to an increase in LB awareness and referrals, but had no effect on clinical outcomes of LNB.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Tal Azagi, Margriet Harms, Arno Swart, Manoj Fonville, Dieuwertje Hoornstra, Lapo Mughini-Gras, Joppe W. Hovius, Hein Sprong, Cees van den Wijngaard
Summary: The study found associations between the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on humans and self-reported symptoms. However, due to the subjective nature of such reports and the fact that infection was determined in the ticks and not in the patient samples, further prospective studies utilizing diagnostic modalities should be performed before any clinical outcome can be causally linked to infection with tick-borne pathogens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ukhti Jamil Rustiasari, Joris J. Roelofs
Summary: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication in patients with diabetes and is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex, involving systemic and intra-renal inflammatory and coagulation processes. Platelets have been shown to play a critical role in inflammation, coagulation, and fibrosis, and emerging evidence suggests their involvement in the development and progression of DKD. Antiplatelet therapies have shown potential benefits in preventing DKD progression, as demonstrated in animal models and clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
M. E. Baarsma, Freek R. van de Schoor, Stefanie A. Gauw, Hedwig D. Vrijmoeth, Jeanine Ursinus, Nienke Goudriaan, Calin D. Popa, Hadewych J. M. ter Hofstede, Mariska M. G. Leeflang, Kristin Kremer, Cees C. van den Wijngaard, Bart-Jan Kullberg, Leo A. B. Joosten, Joppe W. Hovius
Summary: This study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of three cellular tests for Lyme borreliosis and found that they had lower specificity compared to serological tests, leading to a high number of false-positive results. Therefore, these cellular tests are currently not suitable for clinical use.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mariska Kerstholt, Freek R. van de Schoor, Marije Oosting, Simone J. C. F. M. Moorlag, Yang Li, Martin Jaeger, Wouter A. van der Heijden, Rahajeng N. Tunjungputri, Jessica C. dos Santos, Brenda Kischker, Hedwig D. Vrijmoeth, M. E. Baarsma, Bart-Jan Kullberg, Mihaela Lupse, Joppe W. Hovius, Cees C. van den Wijngaard, Mihai G. Netea, Quirijn de Mast, Leo A. B. Joosten
Summary: This study reveals that B. burgdorferi infection decreases cytokine production in cells and lowers glycolysis. MFAP3L gene is found to influence lactate production and mediate this effect through ERK2 activation and platelet degranulation. Platelet-derived factors, such as CXCL7, play important roles in B. burgdorferi-induced cytokine production.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Y. L. Verschoor, A. Vrijlandt, R. Spijker, R. M. van Hest, H. Ter Hofstede, K. van Kempen, A. J. Henningsson, J. W. Hovius
Summary: Lyme borreliosis is a diverse and debilitating disease caused by spirochetes transmitted by ticks. Antibiotic treatment is the common approach, but there is debate about the persistence of the infection after treatment. Animal studies provide insufficient evidence for the persistence of viable and infectious spirochetes after adequate antibiotic treatment, but Borrelial nucleic acids may persist.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Gunjan Arora, Geoffrey E. Lynn, Xiaotian Tang, Connor E. Rosen, Dieuwertje Hoornstra, Andaleeb Sajid, Joppe W. Hovius, Noah W. Palm, Aaron M. Ring, Erol Fikrig
Summary: This study identifies CD55 as a novel host binding partner of Borrelia crocidurae and Borrelia persica, the causative agents of relapsing fever in Africa and Eurasia. CD55, present on erythrocytes, plays a role in immune evasion and infection. Soluble recombinant CD55 inhibits erythrocyte rosette formation, and CD55-deficient mice have lower pathogen load and elevated proinflammatory cytokine and complement factor C5a levels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max L. B. Gronloh, Janine J. G. Arts, Sebastian Palacios Martinez, Amerens A. van Der Veen, Lanette Kempers, Abraham C. van Steen, Joris J. T. H. Roelofs, Martijn A. Nolte, Joachim Goedhart, Jaap D. van Buul
Summary: Using a photoconvertible probe, researchers traced and identified the original endothelial transmigration hotspots, and found that these hotspots function to limit vascular leakage during transmigration events. The distribution of ICAM-1 determines the location of the transmigration hotspot.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonie Hartl, Joris J. T. H. Roelofs, Frederike Dijk, Maarten F. Bijlsma, JanWillem Duitman, C. Arnold Spek
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a serious disease with limited treatment options. The low expression of CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein Delta (C/EBP delta) in PDAC is associated with poor patient survival and lymph node involvement. However, C/EBP beta and C/EBP gamma can partly compensate for the loss of C/EBP delta and improve patient outcomes. C/EBP beta also serves as a new predictor for reduced lymph node involvement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
Cees C. van den Wijngaard, Jeanine Ursinus, Hedwig D. Vrijmoeth, Hans Knoop, Albert Wong, Leo A. B. Joosten, Joppe W. Hovius, Bart Jan Kullberg
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Primary Health Care
M. E. Baarsma, S. A. Claassen, H. E. van der Horst, J. W. Hovius, J. M. Sanders
Summary: This study combines medical and communication science approaches to assess the experiences of patients with chronic Lyme-associated symptoms (CLD) and their interactions with the healthcare system. The findings suggest that patients often feel misunderstood and neglected, and their symptoms significantly impact their daily lives. The study highlights the importance of improving doctor-patient communication and provides potential ways to address the issues faced by CLD patients.
