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)
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
Parasitology
Robert E. Rollins, Gabriele Margos, Andreas Brachmann, Stefan Krebs, Alexia Mouchet, Niels J. Dingemanse, Abdelkarim Laatamna, Nassiba Reghaissia, Volker Fingerle, Dirk Metzler, Noemie S. Becker, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
Summary: Ticks are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, and understanding their taxonomy is crucial. This study utilized molecular tools to confirm the identification of Ixodes inopinatus ticks collected from Germany, and found that genetically they represented Ixodes ricinus, rather than I. inopinatus. The results also suggested that I. inopinatus may be geographically isolated and raised questions about its existence in central Europe. The study highlights the power of genomic data in answering questions regarding tick taxonomy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Agne Namina, Alisa Kazarina, Marija Lazovska, Sarmite Akopjana, Viktorija Ulanova, Agnija Kivrane, Lauma Freimane, Darja Sadovska, Janis Kimsis, Antra Bormane, Valentina Capligina, Renate Ranka
Summary: This study compared the microbial composition of three tick species collected in Latvia using 16S rRNA profiling. The results showed significant differences in microbial diversity and composition among different tick species and life stages. The Francisella genus was closely associated with D. reticulatus ticks, while Candidatus Midichlorii and Candidatus Lariskella were associated with I. ricinus and I. persulcatus females, respectively.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zbigniew Zajac, Katarzyna Bartosik, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak
Summary: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is increasing in many European countries.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Petr Zeman
Summary: Until a causal prophylaxis is available, the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases is through avoiding ticks and personal protection. Some regions/countries provide tick-activity forecasts (TAFs) based on weather projections to support public precautions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this preventative strategy and found that public access to TAFs and preventive information is limited, resulting in a higher number of TBD cases occurring after the period of maximum public responsiveness. Simulations suggest that the prevention yield could be doubled by considering population exposure in addition to tick activity and proposing real-time alternatives.
Article
Microbiology
Zbigniew Zajac, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Wozniak, Katarzyna Bartosik, Angelique Foucault-Simonin, Sara Moutailler, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
Summary: This study investigated the presence of tick species in the Western Carpathians, Poland and examined the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts as reservoir organisms. The results showed that only two species of ticks were found in the study area, with temperature significantly affecting tick activity and the number of Ixodes ricinus nymphs varying with altitude. The main hosts for ticks were rodents, and the ticks collected from vegetation were often infected with various pathogens.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maliha Batool, John C. Blazier, Yuliya Rogovska, Jiangli Wang, Shuling Liu, Igor Nebogatkin, Artem S. Rogovskyy
Summary: The study found significant differences in the microbiota of Ixodes ricinus ticks between different geographical regions and sexes, contributing to a better understanding of microbial ecology of disease vectors.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ternenge Thaddaeus Apaa, Harriet Mcfadzean, Sara Gandy, Kayleigh Hansford, Jolyon Medlock, Nicholas Johnson
Summary: This study examined the presence of A. phagocytophilum in livestock and wildlife in Great Britain, with a focus on cattle. The results showed the presence of ecotype I in cattle, sheep, red deer, and Ixodes ricinus ticks, and ecotype II in roe deer and I. ricinus removed from deer carcasses. However, only ecotype I was detected in cattle in this study.
Article
Parasitology
Manon Lemasson, Gregory Caignard, Yves Unterfinger, Houssam Attoui, Lesley Bell-Sakyi, Edouard Hirchaud, Sara Moutailler, Nicholas Johnson, Damien Vitour, Jennifer Richardson, Sandrine A. Lacour
Summary: This study presents the first description of the protein-protein interaction network between TBEV/LIV and I. ricinus, shedding light on key interactions between the virus and tick vector. By investigating these interactions, the study lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of the vector competence of I. ricinus.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Viktoriya A. Levytska, Andriy B. Mushinsky, Dana Zubrikova, Lucia Blanarova, Ewa Dlugosz, Bronislava Vichova, Kateryna A. Slivinska, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Slawomir Gizinski, Shuling Liu, Lan Zhou, Artem S. Rogovskyy
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in different regions of Ukraine, finding variations in infection rates among different tick species, while no significant differences were observed between the five cities.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Alexander Blazhev, Milena Atanasova, Krasimir Kostov, Tsetsa Doychinova, Svetla Blazheva, Milena Karcheva
Summary: This study revealed that ecological factors in Kaylaka Park are conducive to the development and distribution of tick populations, posing a high risk of tick bites to visitors. With significant differences observed between urban and wild areas in tick density and nymph densities, it emphasizes the importance of tick prevention measures in these areas.
Review
Entomology
Lucy Gilbert
Summary: Ticks are widespread and carry pathogens, impacting by climate change; tick-borne disease systems are complex with diverse drivers, modeling can help understand changes; future research should focus on assessing the resilience of ticks and tick-borne pathogens to climate change.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY, VOL 66, 2021
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sarah Knorr, Sophia Reissert-Oppermann, Julen Tomas-Cortazar, Diego Barriales, Mikel Azkargorta, Ibon Iloro, Felix Elortza, Sophia Pinecki-Socias, Juan Anguita, Joppe W. Hovius, Ard M. Nijhof
Summary: Co-immunoprecipitation of tick proteins with host immune sera followed by protein identification using LC-MS/MS proved to be an effective approach to identify antigen-antibody interactions, leading to the discovery of 46 immunodominant proteins differentially recognized by the serum of immunized calves. Some of these proteins were found to be highly expressed in tick tissues and could potentially serve as anti-tick vaccine candidates.
Article
Immunology
Oxana A. Belova, Alexandra E. Polienko, Anastasia D. Averianova, Galina G. Karganova
Summary: Ixodes ricius and Ixodes persulcatus ticks are the main vectors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The overlap in distribution ranges of these tick species can lead to hybridization, affecting both tick spread and arbovirus infection properties. The study found that virus transmission effectiveness and RNA copy numbers were highest in ticks, specifically hybrids, during the transmission of the Siberian subtype of TBEV. However, after molting, the transmission effectiveness decreased.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Cathy Leonard, Guillem Montamat, Caroline Davril, Olivia Domingues, Oliver Hunewald, Dominique Revets, Coralie Guerin, Simon Blank, Justine Heckendorn, Gauthier Jardon, Francois Hentges, Markus Ollert
Summary: This study aims to boost immune tolerance to the major cat allergen Fel d 1 by increasing the anti-inflammatory activity of AIT with the established immunomodulatory adjuvant CpG at a higher dose, and shows that this approach reverts all major hallmarks of cat allergy, with the engagement of pDC-Treg and B-cell axes and the emergence of a biTreg population. The results suggest the potential of CpG adjuvant in inducing allergen-specific tolerance in patients with cat allergy or other allergic diseases.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Nouna Innoula, Vannaphone Putthana, Korakan Chanthavongsa, Chantal J. Snoeck, Judith M. Hubschen, Phommy Oudomphone, Bouangeun Chan, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black, Sisavath Pommasichan, Maude Pauly
Summary: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus remains endemic in Laos due to insufficient control measures, such as low vaccination coverage. A study found that while many farmers were aware of FMD symptoms and susceptible animal species, only few vaccinated their animals. The study suggests the importance of nationwide active and passive disease surveillance, as well as vaccination campaigns using bivalent FMD vaccines targeting all susceptible animal species.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lynda Saber Cherif, Lei Cao-Lei, Sophie Farinelle, Claude P. Muller, Jonathan D. Turner, Henri Schroeder, Nathalie Grova
Summary: Research suggests that B[a]P may accelerate the onset of brain tumors and neurobehavioral disturbances, with direct neurotoxic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, and potentially indirect effects through other organs. The brain has the ability to metabolize B[a]P, leading to significant overexpression of genes in certain brain regions at higher doses. Mice showed reduced anxiety and dose-dependent changes in Nmda subunit expression in cognition-related areas at higher doses, with potential metabolites in serum serving as biomarkers for B[a]P-induced cognitive impairments in the future.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bouasone Mangkara, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Phetsavanh Chanthavilay, Somphou Sayasone, Claude P. Muller, Phimpha Paboriboune, Antony P. Black
Summary: The study found that dentists in Laos are at high risk of HBV exposure but have low awareness and protection levels, emphasizing the importance of introducing mandatory vaccination and strengthening occupational health protection.
ANNALS OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Chantal J. Snoeck, Konstantin Evdokimov, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Sodaly Mongkhoune, Aurelie Sausy, Keoudomphone Vilivong, Maude Pauly, Judith M. Hubschen, Somxay Billamay, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black
Summary: Respiratory infections are a common reason for medical consultations in children, with human rhinoviruses being the most frequently detected pathogen in Lao children. Influenza A and B viruses combined infection is also common. The study provides recommendations for vaccination and further research.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Kong Sayasinh, Judith M. Hubschen, Vilaysone Khounvisith, Sommai Keomany, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black
Summary: The study in Saravan, Laos, found high risk of hepatitis B virus infection, with protective antibody seroprevalence rates of 46.3% for tetanus and 40.5% for diphtheria. Seroprevalence of anti-measles and anti-rubella antibodies increased with age. Variations in seroprevalence were observed between gender, districts, and ethnicities. Recommendations include strengthening infant vaccination programs, improving newborn vaccine coverage, and investigating regional and ethnic differences for targeted vaccination strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lisa Hefele, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Daria Kleine, Anousin Homsana, Dalouny Xayavong, Sengdavanh Syphan, Judith M. Hubschen, Claude P. Muller, Antony P. Black
Summary: The study in Central Lao PDR investigated the seroprevalence of measles and rubella antibodies in vaccinated and unvaccinated children, revealing a high prevalence of antibodies in unvaccinated children and a significant proportion of vaccinated children still susceptible to measles. This highlights the need for regular evaluations of vaccine efficacy and management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lisa Hefele, Antony P. Black, Trinh Van Tan, Nguyen Tri Minh, Nguyen Duc Hoang, Siriphone Virachith, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen, Paula Russell, Josefin Bartholdson Scott, Chau Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Tran Vu Thieu Nga, Stephen Baker
Summary: By measuring antibody titers in different age groups in the Lao population, it was found that children had significantly higher levels of anti-HIyE and CdtB IgG compared to adults, while anti-Vi IgG levels were higher in adults. These findings suggest that serum measurements using these specific antigens may provide a more effective method for assessing the burden of typhoid fever.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Phonepaseuth Khampanisong, Maude Pauly, Phonethipsavanh Nouanthong, Molly A. Vickers, Siriphone Virachith, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Antony P. Black, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Huebschen
Summary: The study in Lao People's Democratic Republic found that rapid maternal antibody decay leaves infants vulnerable to measles infection before vaccination, highlighting the need to improve vaccination coverage to enhance herd immunity.
Article
Allergy
Aurelie Poli, Anais Oudin, Arnaud Muller, Ilaria Salvato, Andrea Scafidi, Oliver Hunewald, Olivia Domingues, Petr Nazarov, Vincent Puard, Virginie Baus, Francisco Azuaje, Gunnar Dittmar, Jacques Zimmer, Tatiana Michel, Alessandro Michelucci, Simone P. Niclou, Markus Ollert
Summary: Allergic airway inflammation delays tumor growth and improves survival in a mouse model of glioblastoma by modulating microglial gene expression and enhancing adaptive immunity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa Hefele, Jana Lai, Keoudomphone Vilivong, Toukta Bounkhoun, Valin Chanthaluanglath, Anisone Chanthongthip, Anne Balloch, Antony P. Black, Judith M. Hubschen, Fiona M. Russell, Claude P. Muller
Summary: This study tested serum samples from individuals in Laos before and after the introduction of Hib vaccination to assess their protection levels. The majority of participants, including those who were unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, showed evidence of at least short-term protection against Hib. The research highlights the need for robust surveillance and reporting of invasive Hib disease.
Article
Pediatrics
Vilaysone Khounvisith, Sonephet Saysouligno, Bounpalisone Souvanlasy, Somxay Billamay, Sodaly Mongkhoune, Bounta Vongphachanh, Chantal J. Snoeck, Antony P. Black, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen
Summary: This study found that transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) do not play a significant role in Lao children, but there is room for improvement in the hepatitis B vaccination rate.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amy Parrish, Marie Boudaud, Erica T. Grant, Stephanie Willieme, Mareike Neumann, Mathis Wolter, Sophie Z. Craig, Alessandro De Sciscio, Antonio Cosma, Oliver Hunewald, Markus Ollert, Mahesh S. Desai
Summary: A study found that deprived of dietary fiber leads to changes in the gut microbiota, specifically an increase in the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila. This change is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction, increased expression of type 1 and 2 cytokines, and IgE-coated commensals in the colon, which worsen allergic reactions to food allergens. The study provides important insights into how gut microbes can regulate immune pathways of food allergy in a diet-dependent manner.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Antony P. Black, Vilaysone Khounvisith, Kinnaly Xaydalasouk, Kong Sayasinh, Aurelie Sausy, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen
Summary: During 2017-2019 in hospitals in Saravan Province, Laos, the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among patients aged 5-90 years was 11.7%, with viral RNA detected in 44 samples. Sequencing analysis revealed high genetic diversity within genotype 6. We recommend conducting exposure-risk investigations and implementing targeted testing and treatment.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Giscard F. Komoyo, Brice M. Yambiyo, Alexandre Manirakiza, Jean C. Gody, Claude P. Muller, Judith M. Hubschen, Emmanuel Nakoune, Chantal J. Snoeck
Summary: This study in Central African Republic provides the first in-depth epidemiological analysis of RSV, revealing higher prevalence in infants and hospitalized children, significant seasonal fluctuations, and concurrent circulation of RSV-A and RSV-B strains.
HEALTH SCIENCE REPORTS
(2021)