The latest publications of scientific medical research, articles and news on Lyme disease from many resources are automatically displayed here.
Friday 16 April 2021
Publication date: Available online 14 April 2021Source: The Veterinary JournalAuthor(s): A.C. Camire, A.L. Hatke, V.L. King, J. Millership, D.M. Ritter, N. Sobell, A. Weber, R.T. Marconi (Source: The Veterinary Journal)
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Thursday 15 April 2021
Promising data show that a viral gene in the Lyme disease-causing bacteria can distinguish between early and late infection.Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)
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Wednesday 14 April 2021
Praxis (Bern 1994). 2021 Apr;110(5):231-236. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003665.ABSTRACTCME: Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Lyme Disease Abstract. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in Switzerland and Lyme arthritis the most prevalent manifestation of late-stage Lyme disease. It presents as a monoarthitis or oligoarthritis in large joints, often involving the knee. Such a clinical presentation, together with positive Lyme serologies or polymerase chain reactions from synovial fluid/tissue, is considered diagnostic. If there is no tick bite or erythema migrans in the patient's history the diagnosis can be challenging due to the many differential diagnoses. The initial treatment is a prolonged course of oral antibiotics.PMID:33849286 | DOI:10.1024/1661-8157/a003665 (Source: ...
Tuesday 13 April 2021
Publication date: Available online 13 April 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Vardayani Ratti, Jonathan M. Winter, Dorothy I. Wallace (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 13 April 2021
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study describing that innate and Th1/Th17 adaptive immunity play a crucial role in BB disease. Furthermore, innate mediators are particularly important in acute BB disease, and TNF-α is associated with evolution of BB symptoms.PMID:33848504 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101575 (Source: Braz J Infect Dis)
Saturday 10 April 2021
Publication date: Available online 9 April 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Yekaterina O. Ostapchuk, Yuliya V. Perfilyeva, Andrey V. 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 V. Kuznetsova, Saltanat Kuatbekova, Assiya Akanova, Gulnara A. Ismagulova, Seidigapbar M. Mamadaliyev, Andrey M. Dmitrovskiy, Yuriy A. Skiba (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
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Sunday 4 April 2021
Vaccine. 2021 Mar 31:S0264-410X(21)00363-7. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.059. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCurrently there is no human vaccine against Lyme borreliosis, and most research focuses on recombinant protein vaccines, as such a vaccine has been proven to be successful in the past. The expression of recombinant antigens in meningococcal Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMVs), with the OMV functioning both as adjuvant and delivery vehicle, greatly enhances their potential. Immunization studies in mice have shown that OMV-based vaccines can protect against various pathogens and an OMV-based meningococcal vaccine is approved and available for human use. Because of its surface localization in Borrelia and the detailed knowledge regarding its immunogenicity and structure, OspA was chosen as...
Friday 2 April 2021
Publication date: Available online 1 April 2021Source: Joint Bone SpineAuthor(s): Guillaume Coiffier, Pierre Tattevin (Source: Joint Bone Spine)
Friday 2 April 2021
In this study, a total of 103 dog blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Peninsular Malaysia and tested for the antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and the antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Of the 103 tested dogs, 44.7% (46) were found to be seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., 30.1% (31) for Anaplasma spp. and 13.6% (14) for D. immitis. Co-infections of Anaplasma spp. + Ehrlichia spp. (18.5%, 19) were most prevalent, followed by Anaplasma spp. + D. immitis (1.9%; two) and D. immitis + Ehrlichia spp. (1.0%; one). Furthermore, three dogs (2.9%) were also found to have triple infection, testing seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis. The dogs which were found to be seropositive with at least one pathogen were 66...
Friday 2 April 2021
In this study, we selected four representative tick species which have different regional distribution foci in mainland China. i.e., Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor silvarum, Haemaphysalis longicornis and Ixodes granulatus. We used the MaxEnt model to identify the key environmental factors of tick occurrence and map their potential distributions in 2050 under four combined climate and socioeconomic scenarios (i.e., SSP1-RCP2.6, SSP2-RCP4.5, SSP3-RCP7.0 and SSP5-RCP8.5). We found that the extent of the urban fabric, cropland and forest, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the main determinants of the potential distributions of the four tick species. Under the combined scenarios, with climate warming, the potential distributions of ticks shifted to further...
Friday 2 April 2021
In this study, a total of 103 dog blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Peninsular Malaysia and tested for the antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and the antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Of the 103 tested dogs, 44.7% (46) were found to be seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., 30.1% (31) for Anaplasma spp. and 13.6% (14) for D. immitis. Co-infections of Anaplasma spp. + Ehrlichia spp. (18.5%, 19) were most prevalent, followed by Anaplasma spp. + D. immitis (1.9%; two) and D. immitis + Ehrlichia spp. (1.0%; one). Furthermore, three dogs (2.9%) were also found to have triple infection, testing seropositive for Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis. The dogs which were found to be seropositive with at least one pathogen were 66...
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Thursday 1 April 2021
CONCLUSIONS: People with persistent post-Lyme treatment symptoms report debilitating symptoms and functional impairments which must be considered in clinical care.PMID:33789412 (Source: Pain Physician)
Tuesday 30 March 2021
(Columbia University Irving Medical Center) With a $16 million gift from the Steven& Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Columbia will open a center for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases this summer, offering patients specialized care and expanding research at a national level. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Wednesday 24 March 2021
Publication date: Available online 23 March 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Anna T. Nesgos, Laura C. Harrington, Emily M. Mader (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Wednesday 24 March 2021
Microb Ecol. 2021 Mar 23. doi: 10.1007/s00248-021-01738-3. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTExposure to environmental stressors, an increasingly recurring event in natural communities due to anthropogenic-induced environmental change, profoundly impacts disease emergence and spread. One mechanism through which this occurs is through stress-induced immunosuppression increasing disease susceptibility, prevalence, intensity and reactivation in hosts. We experimentally evaluated how exposure to stressors affected both the physiology of avian hosts and the prevalence of the zoonotic bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), in two model species-the blackbird Turdus merula and the robin Erithacus rubecula captured in the wild, using xenodiagnoses and analysis of skin biopsies and blood. Alth...
Wednesday 24 March 2021
Contributors : Jenny Wachter ; Patti RosaSeries Type : Expression profiling by high throughput sequencingOrganism : Borreliella burgdorferiBorrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, persists in nature through an enzootic cycle consisting of a vertebrate host and an Ixodes tick vector. The sequence motifs modified by two well-characterized restriction/modification loci of B. burgdorferi type strain B31 were recently described, but the methylation profiles of other Lyme disease Borrelia have not been characterized. Herein, the methylomes of B. burgdorferi type strain B31 and 7 clonal derivatives, along with B. burgdorferi N40, B. burgdorferi 297, B. burgdorferi CA-11, B. afzelii PKo, B. afzelii BO23, and B. garinii PBr, were defined through PacBio SMRT sequencing. This anal...
Saturday 20 March 2021
Publication date: April 2021Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Volume 77, Issue 4Author(s): (Source: American Journal of Kidney Diseases)
Thursday 18 March 2021
Conclusions: The Rule of 7’s accurately identified children with meningitis at low-risk for Lyme meningitis for whom clinicians should consider outpatient management while awaiting Lyme disease test results. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Thursday 18 March 2021
In this study, we employed microfluidic tools to probe the interaction between human neutrophils and Bb and measured the activation of human neutrophils in blood samples from patients. We found that neutrophils migrate vigorously toward Bb in the presence of serum, and this process was complement-dependent. Preventing complement factor 5 cleavage or blocking complement receptors decreased neutrophil ’s ability to interact with Bb. We also found that spiking Bb directly into the blood from healthy donors induced spontaneous neutrophil motility. This response to Bb was also complement-dependent. Preventing complement factor 5 cleavage decreased spontaneous neutrophil motility in Bb-spiked blood . Moreover, we found that neutrophils in blood samples from acute LD patients displayed spontane...
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Thursday 18 March 2021
by Lin Zhang, Xiong Zhu, Xuexia Hou, Huan Li, Xiaona Yang, Ting Chen, Xiaoying Fu, Guangqing Miao, Qin Hao, Sha Li Lyme disease (LD) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases worldwide. However, there is limited information on the prevalence and risk analysis using correlated factors in the tropical areas. A total of 1583 serum samples, collected from five hospitals of Hainan Province, were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and western blot (WB) analyses using anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies. Then, we mapped the distribution of positive rate (by IFA) and the spread of confirmed Lyme patients (by WB). Using ArcGIS, we compiled host-vector-human interactions and correlated data as risk factor layers to predict LD risk in Hainan Province. There are three LD hotspots, des...
Tuesday 16 March 2021
(The Translational Genomics Research Institute) The findings of a recent analysis conducted by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, suggest that ecosystems suitable for harboring ticks that carry debilitating Lyme disease could be more widespread than previously thought in California, Oregon and Washington. Bolstering the research were the efforts of an army of " citizen scientists " who collected and submitted 18,881 ticks over nearly three years. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Monday 15 March 2021
The successful treatment of Lyme disease (LD) is contingent on accurate diagnosis. However, current laboratory detection assays lack sensitivity in the early stages of the disease. Because delayed diagnosis of LD incurs high healthcare costs and great suffering, new highly sensitive tests are in need. To overcome these challenges, we developed an internally controlled quantitative PCR (Ter-qPCR) that targets the multicopy terminase large subunit (terL) gene encoded by prophages that are only found in LD-causing bacteria. The terL protein helps phages pack their DNA. Strikingly, the detection limit of the Ter-qPCR was analytically estimated to be 22 copies and one bacterial cell in bacteria spiked blood. Furthermore, significant quantitative differences was observed in terms of the amount o...
Friday 12 March 2021
Authors: Acharya Park Limited data are available on the current status of Lyme disease in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Lyme disease infection among forestry workers in National Park Offices in South Korea. We enrolled National Park Office forestry workers (NPOFWs) who had worked for ≥1 year. Participants completed questionnaires that addressed various subjects including work types and work hygiene-related factors. Collected serum samples were tested using immunofluorescence assay to detect anti-Borrelia antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors of seroprevalence. Of 1,410 NPOFWs, 655 (46.5%) participated in this study, and an overall seroprevalence of Ly...
Tuesday 9 March 2021
(TellMed Strategies) Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a leading sponsor of Lyme disease research in the U.S., today announced the publication of new data finding that five herbal medicines had potent activity compared to commonly-used antibiotics in test tubes against Babesia duncani, a malaria-like parasite found on the West Coast of the U.S. that causes the disease babesiosis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Tuesday 9 March 2021
We report for the first time in Romania the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia felis. Overall, from the infected engorged ticks, 69.2% showcased co-infections. In Ixodes spp., dual co-infections, namely Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia helvetica and A. phagocytophilum were the most prevalent. Given the outcome, we underline the need to establish proper tick-surveillance programs in cities and include co-infections in the management plan of tick-borne diseases in Romania. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Monday 8 March 2021
CONCLUSION: The results of our study will support public health authorities and decision-makers in targeting those sectors and occupations that are particularly at risk for the acquisition of zoonoses. Doing so will ultimately optimize the public health practices of those responsible for the health of workers.PMID:33679248 | PMC:PMC7919776 | DOI:10.14745/ccdr.v47i01a08 (Source: Can Commun Dis Rep)
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Monday 8 March 2021
Although widely prevalent, Lyme disease is still under-diagnosed and misunderstood. Here we followed 73 acute Lyme disease patients and uninfected controls over a period of a year. At each visit, RNA-sequencing was applied to profile patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells in addition to extensive clinical phenotyping. Based on the projection of the RNA-seq data into lower dimensions, we observe that the cases are separated from controls, and almost all cases never return to cluster with the controls over time. Enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes between clusters identifies up-regulation of immune response genes. This observation is also supported by deconvolution analysis to identify the changes in cell type composition due to Lyme disease infection. Importantly...
Monday 8 March 2021
ConclusionsISSNHL and NISSNHL show no relevant baseline differences. ISSNHL tends to have a higher initial hearing loss. NISSHNL shows a better outcome than ISSNHL. (Source: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology)
Sunday 7 March 2021
ConclusionsGiven that EM remains a clinical diagnosis, it is essential that both physicians and the general public are aware of its varied manifestations. Our findings suggest possible patterns within this variability, with implications for prompt diagnosis and treatment initiation, as well as an understanding of the clinical spectrum of EM. (Source: Infection)
Saturday 6 March 2021
Conclusions: According to the prevalence of B. garinii and B. afzelii in Europe, previously it was thought that Lyme disease presented as erythema migrans, and less frequently as neuroborreliosis; however, this study revealed that other syndromes may also be seen. In addition, we revealed that the longer it takes for erythema migrans to appear, the greater the likelihood of Lyme arthritis developing.PMID:33669940 | DOI:10.3390/medicina57020184 (Source: Medicina (Kaunas))
Friday 5 March 2021
Lyme borreliosis is a multi-organ disease primarily transmitted by ticks. The condition is endemic in different parts of Europe and North America, and is caused by the spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii. Nervous system manifestations termed Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) are seen in 10 –15% of all borrelia infections in adults. The most common manifestations are meningoradiculitis and cranial neuritis (Summer and Rupprecht, 2019). Rarer neurological complications include brain and spinal cord involvement, cerebral vasculitis and peripheral neuropathies (Moser, Bubel et al. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 4 March 2021
Child abuse is one of the most common causes for child fatality in the United States. Inaccurate reporting of child abuse combined with scarcity of resources for child abuse evaluations can lead to unintended consequences for children and their families. T... (Source: SafetyLit)
Thursday 4 March 2021
Lyme disease (LD) caused by Borrelia burgdorferi is the most prevalent tick-borne disease. There is evidence that vaccines based on tick proteins that promote tick transmission of B. burgdorferi could prevent LD. (Source: BMC Genomics)
Tuesday 2 March 2021
Blood-feeding arthropods are considered an enormous public health threat. They are vectors of a plethora of infectious agents that cause potentially fatal diseases like Malaria, Dengue fever, Leishmaniasis, and Lyme disease. These vectors shine due to their own physiological idiosyncrasies, but one biological aspect brings them all together: the requirement of blood intake for development and reproduction. It is through blood-feeding that they acquire pathogens and during blood digestion that they summon a collection of multisystemic events critical for vector competence. The literature is focused on how classical immune pathways (Toll, IMD, and JAK/Stat) are elicited throughout the course of vector infection. Still, they are not the sole determinants of host permissiveness. The dramatic c...
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Monday 1 March 2021
No abstract available (Source: RETINA)
Monday 1 March 2021
Tick saliva is a rich source of pharmacologically and immunologically active molecules. These salivary components are indispensable for successful blood feeding on vertebrate hosts and are believed to facilitate the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Here we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-3, a protein expressed in the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Belonging to the serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors, Iripin-3 strongly inhibited the proteolytic activity of serine proteases kallikrein and matriptase. In an in vitro setup, Iripin-3 was capable of modulating the adaptive immune response as evidenced by reduced survival of mouse splenocytes, impaired proliferation of CD4+ T ly...
Friday 26 February 2021
A 49-year-old healthy woman presented with exertional shortness of breath and palpitations of 3 months ’ duration. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal. Figure 1 shows selected tracings recorded during treadmill stress testing. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed no structural abnormalities. Cardiac positron emission tomogram showed normal myocardial perfusion and no abnormal fluorodeoxyglu cose uptake. Antibody titers for Lyme disease were undetectable. Figure 2 shows selected tracings from an invasive electrophysiological (EP) study. (Source: Heart Rhythm)
Thursday 25 February 2021
Special 50p coins will feature some of the Jurassic creatures discovered by 19th-century palaeontologistOne of the most terrifying Jurassic sea creatures is to appear on commemorative 50p coins to celebrate the work of thepioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning.The temnodontosaurus coins will shine a light on the 19th-century palaeontologist, who made a series of discoveries near her home in Lyme Regis, Dorset.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
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Thursday 25 February 2021
ConclusionA DNA tattoo vaccine against OspC induced high specific IgG titers and provided near total protection against B. burgdorferi ss infection by tick challenge. In contrast, DNA tattoo vaccines against tick proteins TSLPI, Salp15, tHRF, and Tix-5 induced low to moderate IgG titers and did not provide protection. Therefore, DNA tattoo vaccination does not seem a suitable vaccine strategy to identify, or screen for, tick antigens for anti-tick vaccines. However, DNA tattoo vaccination is a straightforward and effective vaccination platform to assess novel B. burgdorferi sl antigen candidates in a relevant tick challenge model. (Source: Frontiers in Immunology)
Wednesday 24 February 2021
This article reviews the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient with disseminated Lyme disease complicated by doxycycline-induced IIH. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants)
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Wednesday 24 February 2021
Publication date: Available online 24 February 2021Source: Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and StrabismusAuthor(s): Frederick M. Wang, Gerald W. Zaidman, Karen B. Onel, Erin Kelleher (Source: Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Wednesday 24 February 2021
The incidence of Lyme borreliosis varies over time and space through as yet incompletely understood mechanisms. In Europe, Lyme borreliosis is caused by infection with a Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) genospecies, w... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Monday 22 February 2021
CONCLUSIONS: Our modified ranges are more suitable for our pediatric population while reducing overdiagnosis, unnecessary treatment, diagnostic uncertainty, and turnaround time.PMID:33617846 | DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2021.02.005 (Source: Clinical Biochemistry)
Friday 19 February 2021
CONCLUSIONS: Our modified ranges are more suitable for our pediatric population while reducing overdiagnosis, unnecessary treatment, diagnostic uncertainty, and turnaround time. PMID: 33617846 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Biochemistry)
Friday 12 February 2021
Title: What Is Lyme Disease in Humans?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/12/2021 12:00:00 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Friday 12 February 2021
Authors: Pham Underwood Oliva Chávez Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and are important vectors of a wide variety of pathogens. These pathogens include spirochetes in the genus Borrelia that cause Lyme disease, rickettsial pathogens, and tick-borne encephalitis virus, among others. Due to their prolonged feeding period of up to two weeks, hard ticks must counteract vertebrate host defense reactions in order to survive and reproduce. To overcome host defense mechanisms, ticks have evolved a large number of pharmacologically active molecules that are secreted in their saliva, which inhibits or modulates host immune defenses and wound healing responses upon injection into the bite site. These bioactive molecules in tick saliva can create a privileged environment in the...
Friday 12 February 2021
Borrelia-specific antibodies in serum did not contribute to the diagnosis of Borrelia arthritis or Borrelia-associated dermatitis in a young woman with ongoing treatment with rituximab due to multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of Borrelia-DNA in a skin punch biopsy. The patient history did not reveal any tick exposure. She had suffered for several months from fluctuating pain and swelling of the right knee as well as skin involvement with redness and oedema around the ankle of the same leg. Monoarthritis was confirmed by a rheumatologist. Knee puncture was performed but the synovial fluid was only sufficient for microscopic examination of crystals. Neither monosodium urate crystals nor calcium pyrophosphate crystals were found. Borrelia serology in blood revea...
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Sunday 7 February 2021
CONCLUSIONS: Many providers evaluate patients for tick bites and treat patients for Lyme disease, but knowledge about appropriate testing is low. Providers may benefit from tailored education about appropriate Lyme disease diagnosis, testing, and effective tick-bite prevention. PMID: 33541229 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Public Health Reports)
Thursday 4 February 2021
Global synthesis reveals bird traits that promote Lyme and flags high-risk species More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=302052&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item. (Source: NSF Discoveries)
Thursday 4 February 2021
Lyme borreliosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by spirochetes Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. In Europe, Lyme borreliosis is predominantly caused by Borrelia afzelii and transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Although Borrelia behavior throughout tick development is quite well documented, specific molecular interactions between Borrelia and the tick have not been satisfactorily examined. Here, we present the first transcriptomic study focused on the expression of tick midgut genes regulated by Borrelia. By using massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE), we searched for tick transcripts expressed differentially in the midgut of unfed, 24h-fed, and fully fed I. ricinus nymphs infected with B. afzelii. In total, we identified 553 upregulated and 530 downregulated tick genes and demonstrated ...
Tuesday 2 February 2021
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Tuesday 2 February 2021
This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a pre-pubertal (onset at age 7) Caucasian female with serological evidence of Lyme disease accompanied by multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms 6 months following a vacation in a tick endemic area of the United States. Prior to the diagnosis of Lyme disease, the patient also met the clinical diagnostic criteria for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep), with serological evidence of three distinct episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis. All three episodes of strep occurred during the 6-months interval between suspected Lyme disease exposure and the onset of multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms. Her sometimes incapacitating symptoms followed a relapsing and remitting course that impacted her personal,...
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Tuesday 2 February 2021
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Saturday 30 January 2021
Authors: Branda JA, Steere AC Abstract SUMMARYLyme borreliosis is caused by a growing list of related, yet distinct, spirochetes with complex biology and sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms. It may result in a range of clinical manifestations involving different organ systems, and can lead to persistent sequelae in a subset of cases. The pathogenesis of Lyme borreliosis is incompletely understood, and laboratory diagnosis, the focus of this review, requires considerable understanding to interpret the results correctly. Direct detection of the infectious agent is usually not possible or practical, necessitating a continued reliance on serologic testing. Still, some important advances have been made in the area of diagnostics, and there are many promising ideas for future assay d...
Thursday 28 January 2021
(PLOS) A new analysis suggests that north-south differences in ticks' host choice, density, and host-seeking behaviors may explain why Lyme disease is more prevalent in the northeastern U.S. than in the southeast. Howard Ginsberg of the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and colleagues present these findings in an article publishing January 28th in the open-access journalPLOS Biology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Thursday 28 January 2021
Authors: Millins C, Leo W, MacInnes I, Ferguson J, Charlesworth G, Nayar D, Davison R, Yardley J, Kilbride E, Huntley S, Gilbert L, Viana M, Johnson P, Biek R Abstract Lyme disease is usually associated with forested habitats but has recently emerged on treeless islands in the Western Isles of Scotland. The environmental and human components of Lyme disease risk in open habitats remain unknown. We quantified the environmental hazard and risk factors for human tick bite exposure among treeless islands with low and high Lyme disease incidence in the Western Isles. We found a higher prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato-infected ticks on high-incidence than on low-incidence islands (6.4% vs. 0.7%); we also found that residents of high-incidence islands reported increased tick ...
Thursday 28 January 2021
Authors: Price KJ, Graham CB, Witmier BJ, Chapman HA, Coder BL, Boyer CN, Foster E, Maes SE, Bai Y, Eisen RJ, Kyle AD Abstract We collected questing Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from southeastern counties of Pennsylvania, USA. Of 263 ticks tested by PCR for pathogens, 1 adult female was positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, yielding a 0.4% infection rate. Continued monitoring of this invasive tick is essential to determine its public health role. PMID: 33496234 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)
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Thursday 28 January 2021
Authors: Kugeler KJ, Schwartz AM, Delorey MJ, Mead PS, Hinckley AF Abstract By using commercial insurance claims data, we estimated that Lyme disease was diagnosed and treated in ≈476,000 patients in the United States annually during 2010-2018. Our results underscore the need for accurate diagnosis and improved prevention. PMID: 33496229 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 28 January 2021
by Howard S. Ginsberg, Graham J. Hickling, Russell L. Burke, Nicholas H. Ogden, Lorenza Beati, Roger A. LeBrun, Isis M. Arsnoe, Richard Gerhold, Seungeun Han, Kaetlyn Jackson, Lauren Maestas, Teresa Moody, Genevieve Pang, Breann Ross, Eric L. Rulison, Jean I. Tsao Lyme disease is common in the northeastern United States, but rare in the southeast, even though the tick vector is found in both regions. Infection prevalence of Lyme spirochetes in host-seeking ticks, an important component to the risk of Lyme disease, is also high in the northeast and northern midwest, but declines sharply in the south. As ticks must acquire Lyme spirochetes from infected vertebrate hosts, the role of wildlife species composition on Lyme disease risk has been a topic of lively academic discussion. We compared...
Wednesday 27 January 2021
(Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies) A new study published in the journalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography used machine learning to identify bird species with the potential to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) to feeding ticks. The team developed a model that identified birds known to spread Lyme disease with 80% accuracy and flagged 21 new species that should be prioritized for surveillance. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 27 January 2021
In Reply We thank Fallon et al for their interest in our nationwide population-based matched cohort study on the risk of psychiatric disorders, psychiatric hospital contacts, and receipt of psychiatric medication among Danish patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis. We agree with Fallon et al that our study is limited by the fact that the indication for prescription of psychiatric medicine could not be analyzed. We also agree that part of the increased redemption of psychiatric medication might be driven by pain management. However, owing to the observational nature of our study, any theory regarding the cause of the increased redemption remains speculative. Nonetheless, it is reassuring that the increased redemption of psychiatric medicine is temporary and that the level subsides to baseline ...
Monday 25 January 2021
Borrelia burgdorferi is the spirochete that causes Lyme Borreliosis (LB), which is a zoonotic tick-borne disease of humans and domestic animals. Hard ticks are obligate haematophagous ectoparasites that serve as ... (Source: BMC Veterinary Research)
Thursday 21 January 2021
C. Millins et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
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Thursday 21 January 2021
Widely employed diagnostic antibody serology for Lyme disease, known as standard two-tier testing (STTT), exhibits insufficient sensitivity in early Lyme disease, yielding many thousands of false-negative test results each year. Given this problem, we applied serum antibody repertoire analysis (SERA), or next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based serology, to discover IgG and IgM antibody epitope motifs capable of detecting Lyme disease-specific antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. Iterative motif discovery and bioinformatic analysis of epitope repertoires from subjects with Lyme disease (n = 264) and controls (n = 391) yielded a set of 28 epitope motifs representing 20 distinct IgG antibody epitopes and a set of 38 epitope motifs representing 21 distinct IgM epitopes, which perfo...
Thursday 21 January 2021
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Wednesday 20 January 2021
Publication date: Available online 20 January 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Lars Eisen (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 19 January 2021
Crowdfunder led by schoolgirl raises £70,000 for sculpture of pioneering palaeontologist in Lyme Regis, DorsetA statue toMary Anning, a fossil hunter and palaeontologist once “lost to history” but now considered a significant female force in science, is finally to be erected after a crowdfunding campaign by a teenage girl.Evie Swire, 13, was nine years old when she first heard of Anning, who was born into a humble family in 1799 near Evie ’s Lyme Regis home in Dorset. The schoolgirl was outraged to discover there was no statue.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
Friday 15 January 2021
CONCLUSIONS: Dermacentor reticulatus from north-eastern Poland were found to carry three of the most common tick-borne pathogens (B. burgdorferi s.l., Babesia canis, A. phagocytophilum) which lead to single and mixed infections. Babesia canis was the most prevalent pathogen identified in D. reticulatus. PMID: 33461099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Advances in Medical Sciences)
Wednesday 13 January 2021
Roughly 500,000 people across the United States are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, according to new estimates released Wednesday by the CDC, but researchers raise concern that some people may be misdiagnosed. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
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Wednesday 13 January 2021
A. M. Schwartz et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
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Wednesday 13 January 2021
A. M. Schwartz et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Wednesday 13 January 2021
K. J. Kugeler et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Tuesday 12 January 2021
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Alexandra N. Cumbie, Erin L. Heller, Zachary J. Bement, Anna Phan, Eric L. Walters, Wayne L. Hynes, Holly D. Gaff (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 12 January 2021
K. J. Price et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Thursday 7 January 2021
In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of IgM analysis in serum and IgM antibody index (AI) in LB diagnosis. This was a retrospective observational study regardingBorrelia-specific antibodies in serum andBorrelia-specific AI in LB investigations being made during 2017 in J önköping County, Sweden. Medical records of 610 patients with detectable anti-Borrelia antibodies in serum (IgM and/or IgG) and 15 patients with elevatedBorrelia-specific AI were retrospectively scrutinized, and the compliance to current European recommendations was assessed. Among the 610 patients, only 30% were tested according to the European recommendations. Within this group of tests taken correctly, 50% of the LB diagnoses in patients with isolated IgM reactivity in serum were retrospectively assessed a...
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Wednesday 6 January 2021
Dogs in the US are commonly infected with vector-borne pathogens, including heartworm and tick-borne disease agents. The geographic distribution of both arthropod vectors and the pathogens they transmit contin... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Monday 4 January 2021
by Diego Barriales, Itziar Mart ín-Ruiz, Ana Carreras-González, Marta Montesinos-Robledo, Mikel Azkargorta, Ibon Iloro, Iraide Escobés, Teresa Martín-Mateos, Estibaliz Atondo, Ainhoa Palacios, Monika Gonzalez-Lopez, Laura Bárcena, Ana R. Cortázar, Diana Cabrera, Ainize Peña-Cearra, Sebastiaan M. van Liempd, Juan M. Falcón- Pérez, Miguel A. Pascual-Itoiz, Juana María Flores, Leticia Abecia, Aize Pellon, Maria Luz Martínez-Chantar, Ana M. Aransay, Alberto Pascual, Felix Elortza, Edurne Berra, José Luis Lavín, Héctor Rodríguez, Juan Anguita Lyme carditis is an extracutaneous manifestation of Lyme disease characterized by episodes of atrioventricular block of varying degrees and additional, less reported cardiomyopathies. The molecular changes associated with the response toBor...
Saturday 2 January 2021
This study was performed retrospectively on CSF and serum samples collected from children evaluated for LNB (n = 233) and controls with other specific neurological disorders (n = 59) in a Swedish Lyme endemic area. For anti-Borrelia antibody index, the IDEIA Lyme Neuroborreliosis kit (Oxoid) was used. Two in-house real-time PCR assays targeting the16S rRNA gene were evaluated (TaqMan ® and LUX™). Among patients classified as LNB cases (n = 102), five children (5%) wereBorrelia PCR-positive in CSF with the TaqMan ® assay. In the Non-LNB group (n = 131), one patient wasBorrelia PCR positive with the TaqMan ® assay. Among controls (n = 59), all CSF samples were PCR negative. When amplifying and sequencingospA, we foundB. garinii (n = 2),B. afzelii (n = 2),B. bavarien...
Thursday 31 December 2020
ConclusionNo significant differences in systemic immune responses represented by selected cytokines or chemokines in serum samples of patients with EM infected withB. afzelii suggest that systemic mediators are not pivotal in the pathogenesis of dissemination of early infection in the form of MEM or LB ‐associated symptoms. Localized immune responses in the skin or other pathogenetic mechanisms may be more important in this regard. (Source: Immunity, Inflammation and Disease)
Saturday 26 December 2020
Authors: Kuhn HW, Aranjuez GF, Jewett MW Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the leading tick-borne illness in the United States. However, due to, in part, to the significant number of proteins of unknown function encoded across the complex fragmented genome, the molecular mechanisms of B. burgdorferi infection remain largely undefined. Previous work identified the virulence determinant gene, bbk13, which is critical for B. burgdorferi's ability to establish a productive disseminated infection. BBK13 is an immunogenic, non-surface exposed protein of unknown function predicted to harbor an N-terminal transmembrane domain and annotated as a member of the SIMPL domain protein superfamily (PF04402). In eukaryotes, SIMPL domain proteins have been show...
Wednesday 23 December 2020
A new model helps identify areas with high populations of the ticks that carry Lyme disease, a study published Tuesday by the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Wednesday 23 December 2020
Authors: Coburn J, Garcia B, Hu LT, Jewett MW, Kraiczy P, Norris SJ, Skare J Abstract Lyme disease Borrelia are obligately parasitic, tick- transmitted, invasive, persistent bacterial pathogens that cause disease in humans and non-reservoir vertebrates primarily through the induction of inflammation. During transmission from the infected tick, the bacteria undergo significant changes in gene expression, resulting in adaptation to the mammalian environment. The organisms multiply and spread locally and induce inflammatory responses that, in humans, result in clinical signs and symptoms. Borrelia virulence involves a multiplicity of mechanisms for dissemination and colonization of multiple tissues and evasion of host immune responses. Most of the tissue damage, which is seen in non-r...
Wednesday 23 December 2020
Authors: Julien DA, Sargeant JM, Filejski C, Versluis AM, Waind V, Harper SL Abstract Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) provide important benefits to human beings but can also transmit pathogens. Information on the breadth of canine zoonoses and vectorborne research in North America is scarce. A scoping review was conducted to examine (1) the number and type of canine zoonoses and vectorborne studies in domestic dogs conducted in North America since the start of the 21st century; (2) the main research methods reported; (3) the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) countries in which research was conducted; and (4) whether collaborative integrated terminology was reported in objectives or methods sections. Title/abstract screening, full-text screening, and data-charting ...
Wednesday 23 December 2020
Authors: Tran T, Prusinski MA, White JL, Falco RC, Vinci V, Gall WK, Tober K, Oliver J, Sporn LA, Meehan L, Banker E, Backenson PB, Jensen ST, Brisson D Abstract Many species have experienced dramatic changes in both geographic range and population sizes in recent history. Increases in the geographic range or population size of disease vectors have public health relevance as these increases often precipitate the emergence of infectious diseases in human populations. Accurately identifying environmental factors affecting the biogeographic patterns of vector species is a long-standing analytical challenge, stemming from a paucity of data capturing periods of rapid changes in vector demographics. We systematically investigated the occurrence and abundance of nymphal Ixodes scapularis ...
Tuesday 22 December 2020
The meeting will bring together researchers and scientists from across the SUNY system. (Source: SUNY Upstate Medical)
Tuesday 22 December 2020
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau) By drawing from decades of studies, scientists created a timeline marking the arrival of black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, in hundreds of counties across 10 Midwestern states. They used these data - along with an analysis of county-level landscape features associated with the spread of ticks - to build a model that can predict where ticks are likely to appear in future years. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Tuesday 22 December 2020
Contributors : Diego Barriales ; Itziar Mart ín ; Ana Carreras-González ; Marta Montesinos-Robledo ; Mikel Azkargorta ; Ibon Iloro ; Iraide Escobés ; Teresa Martín-Mateos ; Estibaliz Atondo ; Ainhoa Palacios ; Monika Gonzalez ; Diana Cabrera ; Ainize Peña-Cearra ; Sebastiaan M van Liempd ; Juan M Falcón-Pérez ; Miguel A Pascu al-Itoiz ; Leticia Abecia ; Aize Pellon ; Maria L Martínez-Chantar ; Ana M Aransay ; Alberto Pascual ; Felix Elortza ; Edurne Berra ; José L Lavín ; Héctor Rodríguez ; Juan AnguitaSeries Type : Expression profiling by high throughput sequencingOrganism : Mus musculusLyme carditis is an extracutaneous manifestation of Lyme disease characterized by episodes of atrioventricular block of varying degrees and other less reported cardiomyopathies. The molecular c...
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Monday 21 December 2020
Syphilis is a global, re-emerging sexually transmitted infection and congenital syphilis remains a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to bacterial infection in developing nations with a high rate of fetus loss. The molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of the causative agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum remain poorly understood due to the difficulties of working with this pathogen, including the inability to grow it in pure culture. To reduce the spread of syphilis, we must first increase our knowledge of the virulence factors of T. pallidum and their contribution to syphilis manifestations. Tp0954 was predicted to be a surface lipoprotein of T. pallidum. Therefore, we experimentally demonstrated that Tp0954 is indeed a surface protein and further investigated its...
Friday 18 December 2020
The letter by Dr Stricker regarding Radonjic's analysis of Christina's World,1 which casts the famous work of art in a new light, is certainly welcome. Rather than accepting the usual diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, Dr Stricker proposes Lyme disease as the condition that leads the woman to take such a vulnerable pose. Although such a novel interpretation is an important part of the ongoing discourse on this piece, upon deeper analysis there are several aspects to further explore. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Friday 18 December 2020
Radonjic's article about Andrew Wyeth's masterpiece, Christina's World,1 is thought-provoking even though it simply covers old ground about the possible diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) polyneuropathy in the woman who is the subject of the painting.2 As is often the case in art and medicine, however, viewing a picture with fresh eyes may reveal new possibilities. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider a different diagnosis in this young woman of Scandinavian descent lying in a lush New England field of grass. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Friday 18 December 2020
(Source: Journal of AAPOS)
Thursday 17 December 2020
Authors: Schwartz I, Margos G, Casjens SR, Qiu WG, Eggers CH Abstract All members of the Borrelia genus that have been examined harbour a linear chromosome that is about 900 kbp in length, as well as a plethora of both linear and circular plasmids in the 5-220 kbp size range. Genome sequences for 27 Lyme disease Borrelia isolates have been determined since the elucidation of the B. burgdorferi B31 genome sequence in 1997. The chromosomes, which carry the vast majority of the housekeeping genes, appear to be very constant in gene content and organization across all Lyme disease Borrelia species. The content of the plasmids, which carry most of the genes that encode the differentially expressed surface proteins that interact with the spirochete's arthropod and vertebrate hosts, is mu...
Thursday 17 December 2020
Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Current diagnosis of early Lyme disease relies heavily on clinical criteria, including the presence of an erythema migrans rash. The sensitivity of current gold-standard diagnostic tests relies upon antibody formation, which is typically delayed and thus of limited utility in early infection. We conducted a study of blood and skin biopsy specimens from 57 patients with a clinical diagnosis of erythema migrans. Samples collected at the time of diagnosis were analyzed using an ultrasensitive, PCR-based assay employing an isothermal amplification step and multiple primers. In 75.4% of patients, we directly detected one or more B. burgdorferi genotypes in the skin. Two-tier testing showed that 20 (46.5%) of tho...
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Tuesday 15 December 2020
Publication date: Available online 14 December 2020Source: Journal of Microbiological MethodsAuthor(s): Meri Rouhiainen, Annukka Pietikäinen, Elisa Kortela, Mari J. Kanerva, Jarmo Oksi, Jukka Hytönen (Source: Journal of Microbiological Methods)
Monday 14 December 2020
Publication date: Available online 13 December 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Anna Beltrame, Paola Rodari, Luisa Mauroner, Francesca Zanella, Lucia Moro, Giulia Bertoli, Filippo Da Re, Francesca Russo, Giuseppina Napoletano, Ronaldo Silva (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Monday 14 December 2020
Publication date: Available online 13 December 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Derick Thompson, John A. Watt, Catherine A. Brissette (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Monday 14 December 2020
CONCLUSION: CaLSeN provides the first coordinated national active surveillance initiative for tick-borne disease in Canada. Through multidisciplinary collaborations between experts in each province, the pilot year was successful in establishing a baseline for Lyme disease risk across the country, allowing future trends to be detected and studied.PMID:33315999 | PMC:PMC7723316 | DOI:10.14745/ccdr.v46i10a08 (Source: Can Commun Dis Rep)
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Friday 11 December 2020
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2020 -- In new evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, published online Nov. 30 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, recommendations are presented for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease. The guidelines were... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Friday 11 December 2020
Authors: Radolf- JD, Strle K, Lemieux JE, Strle F Abstract Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a tick-borne, zoonosis of adults and children caused by genospecies of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The ailment, widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, continues to increase globally due to multiple environmental factors, coupled with increased incursion of humans into habitats that harbor the spirochete. B. burgdorferi sensu lato is transmitted by ticks from the Ixodes ricinus complex. In North America, B. burgdorferi causes nearly all infections; in Europe, B. afzelii and B. garinii are most associated with human disease. The spirochete's unusual fragmented genome encodes a plethora of differentially expressed outer surface lipoproteins that play a seminal role in...
Thursday 10 December 2020
(University of California - San Francisco) Ticks live dangerous lives, spending most of their time questing for a host across wildly different habitats and seasons. Once they encounter a reptile, bird, or a mammal like us, they become intimately connected with it -- and all of its bacteria and viruses -- for days on end. Though ticks are notorious for transmitting pathogens such as the Lyme disease bacterium, how does their immune system keep them safe from contracting pathogens themselves? (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
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Thursday 10 December 2020
Authors: Telford SR, Goethert HK Abstract With one exception (epidemic relapsing fever), borreliae are obligately maintained in nature by ticks. Although some Borrelia spp. may be vertically transmitted to subsequent generations of ticks, most require amplification by a vertebrate host because inheritance is not stable. Enzootic cycles of borreliae have been found globally; those receiving the most attention from researchers are those whose vectors have some degree of anthropophily and, thus, cause zoonoses such as Lyme disease or relapsing fever. To some extent, our views on the synecology of the borreliae has been dominated by an applied focus, viz., analyses that seek to understand the elements of human risk for borreliosis. But, the elements of borrelial perpetuation do not nec...
Thursday 10 December 2020
Authors: Samuels DS, Lybecker MC, Yang XF, Ouyang Z, Bourret TJ, Boyle WK, Stevenson B, Drecktrah D, Caimano MJ Abstract Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi, along with closely related species, is the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The spirochete subsists in an enzootic cycle that encompasses acquisition from a vertebrate host to a tick vector and transmission from a tick vector to a vertebrate host. To adapt to its environment and persist in each phase of its enzootic cycle, B. burgdorferi wields three systems to regulate the expression of genes: the RpoN-RpoS alternative sigma (σ) factor cascade, the Hk1/Rrp1 two-component system and its product c-di-GMP, and the stringent response mediated by RelBbu and DksA. These regulatory systems respond to enzootic phase-specific signals ...
Wednesday 9 December 2020
New clinical practice guidelines on Lyme disease place a strong emphasis on antibody testing to assess for rheumatologic and neurologic syndromes.Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Authors: O'Bier NS, Hatke AL, Camire AC, Marconi RT Abstract Lyme disease (LD) is an emerging zoonotic infection that is increasing in incidence in North America, Europe, and Asia. With the development of safe and efficacious vaccines, LD can potentially be prevented. Vaccination offers a cost-effective and safe approach for decreasing the risk of infection. While LD vaccines have been widely used in veterinary medicine, they are not available as a preventive tool for humans. Central to the development of effective vaccines is an understanding of the enzootic cycle of LD, differential gene expression of Borrelia burgdorferi in response to environmental variables, and the genetic and antigenic diversity of the unique bacteria that cause this debilitating disease. Here we review thes...
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Authors: Oppler ZJ, O'Keeffe KR, McCoy KD, Brisson D Abstract The genus Borrelia consists of evolutionarily and genetically diverse bacterial species that cause a variety of diseases in humans and domestic animals. These vector-borne spirochetes can be classified into two major evolutionary groups, the Lyme borreliosis clade and the relapsing fever clade, both of which have complex transmission cycles during which they interact with multiple host species and arthropod vectors. Molecular, ecological, and evolutionary studies have each provided significant contributions towards our understanding of the natural history, biology and evolutionary genetics of Borrelia species; however, integration of these studies is required to identify the evolutionary causes and consequences of the ge...
Tuesday 8 December 2020
Authors: Pal U, Kitsou C, Drecktrah D, Yaş ÖB, Fikrig E Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato causes Lyme borreliosis in a variety of animals and humans. These atypical bacterial pathogens are maintained in a complex enzootic life cycle that primarily involves a vertebrate host and Ixodes spp. ticks. In the Northeastern United States, I. scapularis is the main vector, while wild rodents serve as the mammalian reservoir host. As B. burgdorferi is transmitted only by I. scapularis and closely related ticks, the spirochete-tick interactions are thought to be highly specific. Various borrelial and arthropod proteins that directly or indirectly contribute to the natural cycle of B. burgdorferi infection have been identified. Discrete molecular interactions between spirochetes and t...
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Tuesday 8 December 2020
Authors: Bockenstedt LK, Wooten RM, Baumgarth N Abstract The mammalian host responds to infection with Borrelia spirochetes through a highly orchestrated immune defense involving innate and adaptive effector functions aimed toward limiting pathogen burdens, minimizing tissue injury, and preventing subsequent reinfection. The evolutionary adaptation of Borrelia spirochetes to their reservoir mammalian hosts may allow for its persistence despite this immune defense. This review summarizes our current understanding of the host immune response to B. burgdorferi sensu lato, the most widely studied Borrelia spp. and etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis. Pertinent literature will be reviewed with emphasis on in vitro, ex vivo and animal studies that influenced our understanding of both the...
Monday 7 December 2020
Authors: Lobo-Prat D, Corominas H, Pomar V PMID: 33279209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medicina Clinica)
Thursday 3 December 2020
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Monday 30 November 2020
Authors: Takacs CN, Scott M, Chang Y, Kloos ZA, Irnov I, Rosa PA, Liu J, Jacobs-Wagner C Abstract The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, an increasingly prevalent infection. While previous studies have provided important insight into B. burgdorferi biology, many aspects, including basic cellular processes, remain underexplored. To help speed up the discovery process, we adapted a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) platform for use in B. burgdorferi For efficiency and flexibility of use, we generated various CRISPRi template constructs that produce different basal and induced levels of dcas9 and carry different antibiotic resistance markers. We characterized the effectiveness of our CRISPRi platform by targeting the motility and cell morphogenesis genes flaB, mreB, rodA...
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Sunday 29 November 2020
Arthritis& Rheumatology, EarlyView. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology)
Monday 23 November 2020
Authors: Nigrovic LE, Neville DN, Balamuth F, Levas MN, Bennett JE, Kharbanda AB, Thompson AD, Branda JA, Garro AC, Pedi Lyme Net Working Group Abstract In 2015, we founded Pedi Lyme Net, a pediatric Lyme disease research network comprising 8 emergency departments in the United States. Of 2,497 children evaluated at 1 of these sites for Lyme disease, 515 (20.6%) were infected. This network is a unique resource for evaluating new approaches for diagnosing Lyme disease in children. PMID: 33219811 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)
Monday 23 November 2020
ConclusionThis case report shows that abdominal radiculitis, although extremely rare, could be the first manifestation of early Lyme neuroborreliosis in pediatric patients. Pediatricians must consider Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain of unknown origin in children, especially in countries where the infection is endemic. (Source: Italian Journal of Pediatrics)
Thursday 19 November 2020
Publication date: January 2021Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): C.C. Nawrocki, A.F. Hinckley (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
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Tuesday 17 November 2020
Publication date: Available online 15 November 2020Source: Journal of Minimally Invasive GynecologyAuthor(s): Shana Miles, Suketu Mansuria (Source: Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)
Monday 16 November 2020
During the natural enzootic life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi (also known as Borreliella burgdorferi), the bacteria must sense conditions within the vertebrate and arthropod and appropriately regulate expression of genes necessary to persist within these distinct environments. bb0345 of B. burgdorferi encodes a hypothetical protein of unknown function that is predicted to contain an N-terminal helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain. Because HTH domains can mediate protein-DNA interactions, we hypothesized that BB0345 might represent a previously unidentified borrelial transcriptional regulator with the ability to regulate events critical for the B. burgdorferi enzootic cycle. To study the role of BB0345 within mammals, we generated a bb0345 mutant and assessed its virulence potential in immunocomp...
Monday 16 November 2020
Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, the most common tick-transmitted illness in North America. When Ixodes scapularis feed on an infected vertebrate host, spirochetes enter the tick gut along with the bloodmeal and colonize the vector. Here, we show that a secreted tick protein, I. scapularis protein disulfide isomerase A3 (IsPDIA3), enhances B. burgdorferi colonization of the tick gut. I. scapularis ticks in which ispdiA3 has been knocked down using RNA interference have decreased spirochete colonization of the tick gut after engorging on B. burgdorferi-infected mice. Moreover, administration of IsPDIA3 antiserum to B. burgdorferi-infected mice reduced the ability of spirochetes to colonize the tick when feeding on these animals. We show that IsPDIA3 modulates inflammatory responses...
Sunday 15 November 2020
40-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with redness, swelling, and pain surrounding her umbilical incision 6 weeks after a laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy and treated with cephalexin. Two days later, she was switched to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) due to worsening redness. Initially, the area improved, but day 9 of TMP/SMX, she noticed expanding abdominal erythema and patches of erythema on left inguinal fold and right forearm. Over the next 24 hours, there was rapid expansion of abdominal redness and patchy areas of redness on left groin and right forearm. (Source: The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)
Thursday 12 November 2020
In Europe, ticks are responsible for the transmission of several pathogens of medical importance, including bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) complex, the agents of Lyme borreliosis. In France, the Auve... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
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Wednesday 11 November 2020
The newly identified protein acts like an early warning signal to the immune system when exposed to the bacteria at causes Lyme disease. (Source: Yale Science and Health News)
Wednesday 11 November 2020
(Yale University) Yale researchers have discovered a protein that helps protect hosts from infection with the tick-borne spirochete that causes Lyme Disease, a finding that may help diagnose and treat this infection, they report Nov. 11 in the journalPLOS Pathogens. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Tuesday 10 November 2020
L. E. Nigrovic et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Tuesday 10 November 2020
In Finland, the routine surveillance of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is laboratory-based. In addition, we have well established national health care registers where countrywide data from patient visits in public heal... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Monday 9 November 2020
Authors: Bernard Q, Hu LT Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Once inoculated into the host dermis, it disseminates to various organs including distant skin sites, the heart, the joint and the nervous system. Most humans will develop an early skin manifestation called erythema migrans at the tick bite site. This can be followed by symptoms such as carditis, neuritis, meningitis, or arthritis if not treated. A specific mouse strain, C3H/HeN develops arthritis with B. burgdorferi infection whereas another strain, C57BL/6, develops minimal to no arthritis. Neither strain of mice show any skin signs of rash or inflammation. Factors that determine the presence of skin inflammation and the joint arthritis sus...
Friday 6 November 2020
Authors: Goethert HK, Mather TN, Buchthal J, Telford SR Abstract Deer tick transmitted Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Lyme disease) and Babesia microti (babesiosis) increasingly burden public health across eastern North America. The white-footed mouse is considered to be the primary host for subadult deer ticks and the most important reservoir host for these and other disease agents. Local transmission is thought to be modulated by less reservoir competent hosts such as deer diverting ticks from feeding on mice. We measured the proportion of mouse fed or deer fed host-seeking nymphs from 4 sites during 2 transmission seasons by bloodmeal remnant analysis using a new retrotransposon-based qPCR assay. We then determined the host that was associated with the infection status of t...
Monday 2 November 2020
This case report describes man in his 20s with no documented medical history presented to the emergency department after an unwitnessed syncopal event who was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease. (Source: JAMA Internal Medicine)
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Saturday 31 October 2020
Pediatric bilateral facial nerve paralysis (FNP) is a rare condition, representing less than 2% of all cases of FNP. The differential diagnosis of FNP is extensive (ranging from infectious, traumatic, neurologic, to idiopathic) and often can present as a diagnostic challenge. In contrast to unilateral presentation, bilateral FNP presents as a manifestation of serious systemic conditions, including meningitis (infectious and neoplastic), brain stem encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, sarcoidosis, Lyme disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, leukemia, and vasculitis. In the evaluation of a child who presents with bilateral FNP, history plays the utmost role in the diagnosis. A history of rash consistent with erythema chronicum migrans, recent tick exposure, or travel to a Lyme di...
Thursday 29 October 2020
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick. Preventing tick bites is the best defense against the disease. And now there is good news for those looking for an alternative insect repellant to fight off ticks, says Dr. Omar Abu Saleh, a Mayo Clinic [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
Thursday 29 October 2020
Vector-borne illnesses comprise a significant portion of human maladies, representing 17% of global infections. Transmission of vector-borne pathogens to mammals primarily occurs by hematophagous arthropods. It is speculated that blood may provide a unique environment that aids in the replication and pathogenesis of these microbes. Lipids and their derivatives are one component enriched in blood and are essential for microbial survival. For instance, the malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparum and the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi, among others, have been shown to scavenge and manipulate host lipids for structural support, metabolism, replication, immune evasion, and disease severity. In thisReview, we will explore the importance of lipid hijacking for the growth and persisten...
Thursday 29 October 2020
Authors: Tufts DM, Goodman LB, Benedict MC, Davis AD, VanAcker MC, Diuk-Wasser M Abstract Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, is an invasive ixodid tick that has rapidly spread across the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States since first reported in 2017. The emergence of H. longicornis presents a potential threat for livestock, wildlife, and human health as the host associations and vector potential of this invasive pest in the United States are poorly understood. Previous field data from the United States has shown that H. longicornis was not associated with natural populations of small mammals or birds, but they show a preference for medium sized mammals in laboratory experiments. Therefore, medium and large sized mammals were sampled on St...
Tuesday 27 October 2020
CONCLUSION: Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of Lyme borreliosis put patients at risk of undiagnosed illnesses and multiple adverse effects of unjustified treatments. The clinical management of such patients requires a comprehensive approach including expertise in mental disorders. PMID: 33098950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Monday 26 October 2020
DiscussionMusculoskeletal problems are common problems in pediatric practice with up to 15% of acute care visits being for this problem. Joint pain is a common concern for families but the differential diagnosis is extensive and needs thoughtful consideration. History is a key to discerning the potential diagnosis but also in guiding the physical examination and laboratory examination. Family history especially for systemic diseases should be considered. On physical examination all joints should be examined include sacroiliac and temporomandibular joints. Is this arthritis or arthralgia? Distinction between inflammatory and non-inflammatory joints is important. Joints with inflammation are painful or stiff after rest and improve with activity. Joints without inflammation are better afte...
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Monday 26 October 2020
In conclusion, based on these findings, combining untreated and on-treatment groups of patients with erythema migrans for research study analyses may have limitations and, depending on the study objectives, might not be preferred. Additional studies are warranted to better understand the day-to-day impact of antibiotic treatment on the presence, type, and severity of symptoms in patients with early Lyme disease. PMID: 33106261 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)
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Monday 19 October 2020
The symptoms of Lyme disease are caused by inflammation induced by species of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The various presentations of Lyme disease in the population suggest that differences exist in the intensity and regulation of the host response to the spirochete. Previous work has described correlations between the presence of regulatory T cells and recovery from Lyme arthritis. However, the effects of Foxp3-expressing CD4+ T cells existing prior to, and during, B. burgdorferi infection have not been well characterized. Here, we used C57BL/6 "depletion of regulatory T cell" mice to assess the effects these cells have on the arthritis-resistant phenotype characteristic of this mouse strain. We showed that depletion of regulatory T cells prior to infection with B. burgd...
Monday 19 October 2020
Lyme disease, spread by the Ixodes tick, is typically associated with a single “bull's eye rash” that emergency physicians are comfortable recognizing and treating during the summer months when this disease is most prevalent. However, Lyme disease can also present in disseminated forms that are more difficult to diagnose. (Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Friday 16 October 2020
Patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis, a late-stage manifestation of Lyme disease, may develop psychiatric illness, but new research suggests that when symptoms do develop, they tend to resolve within a year.Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines)
Friday 16 October 2020
A few years ago, Jaime Seltzer was helping coordinate research projects, grant applications and funding for a Stanford research group studying a condition called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Up to 2.5 million Americans, including Seltzer, have ME/CFS, and yet it felt like almost no one paid attention to her group’s research. “What is it going to take for researchers to take ME seriously?” she and her colleagues often wondered aloud. The morbid answer, they hypothesized, was a pandemic. Since ME/CFS often follows viral infections, they feared it would take something as destructive as mass illness for the larger scientific community to take notice. Unfortunately, this year they were proven right. As the COVID-19 pandemic presses on, doctors ...
Friday 16 October 2020
In this study, we modelled the spatial distribution of I. ricinus and associated Chlamydiales over Switzerland from 2009 to 2019. We used a total of 2293 ticks and 186 Chlamydiales occurrences provided by a Swiss Army field campaign, a collaborative smartphone application and a prospective campaign. For each tick location, we retrieved from Swiss federal datasets the environmental factors reflecting the topography, climate and land cover. We then used the Maxent modelling technique to estimate the suitability for I. ricinus and to subsequently build the nested niche of Chlamydiales bacteria. Results indicate that I. ricinus high habitat suitability is determined by higher temperature and vegetation index (NDVI) values, lower temperature during driest months and a higher percentage of artif...
Wednesday 14 October 2020
CONCLUSIONS: Deconstructing chronic Lyme disease with empathy and conviction is in patients' best interests. PMID: 33045319 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Wednesday 14 October 2020
(University of Arizona College of Engineering) In her Little Sensor Lab, University of Arizona professor Judith Su is working to sense single molecule amounts of 'anything worth sensing' -- including biomarkers for cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Lyme disease and even COVID-19. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Tuesday 13 October 2020
Publication date: Available online 13 October 2020Source: Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesAuthor(s): M.M. Obaidat, M.A. Alshehabat, W.A. Hayajneh, A.A. Roess (Source: Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases)
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Tuesday 13 October 2020
This study examined the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in Jordan and potential demographic and zoonotic risk factors for seropositivity. Serum samples of 824 apparently healthy participants from 11 governorates in Jordan were tested for B. burgdorferi s.l. using Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE/IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic and animal exposure data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with seropositivity. The results showed that 11.7 % (95 % CI, 9.3-14.0 %) of the participants were seropositive for B. burgdorferi s.l.. There was a bimodal age distribution of seroprevalence with higher seroprevalence among individuals <20 and>60 years old. After controlling for govern...
Sunday 11 October 2020
This study aimed to assess the incidence, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of serologically confirmed paediatric LD in the Republic of Ireland over a 5-year period. A retrospective review of records from accredited laboratories performingBorrelia burgdorferi serological testing was undertaken. Proformas were distributed to clinicians of children and adolescents with positive Lyme serology. Data were requested regarding clinical presentation, treatment and outcome. Updated NICE guidelines were used to classify clinical cases. Serology testing forB. burgdorferi was performed on 2908 samples. Sixty-three (2.2%) children were two-tier positive, generating a crude annual incidence rate of 1.15/100,000. Proformas were returned for 55 (87%) and 47 met clinical and laboratory criteria ...
Saturday 10 October 2020
Publication date: Available online 10 October 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Robert E. Rollins, Zehra Yeyin, Maja Wyczanska, Nikolas Alig, Sabrina Hepner, Volker Fingerle, Gabriele Margos, Noémie S. Becker (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Saturday 10 October 2020
We aimed to describe the use and findings of cranial computerized tomography (CT-head), spine and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-spine/MRI-brain) in Lyme neuroborreliose (LNB). (Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences)
Thursday 8 October 2020
Borrelia bavariensis is one of the agents of Lyme Borreliosis (or Lyme disease) in Eurasia. The genome of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex, that includes B. bavariensis, is known to be very com... (Source: BMC Genomics)
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Wednesday 7 October 2020
The incidence of Lyme disease (LD) in North America has increased substantially in the past two decades. Concomitant with the increased incidence of infection has been an enhancement in the recognition of LD c... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 7 October 2020
This cohort study uses data from Danish national registries to examine the risk of psychiatric disease, the percentage of psychiatric hospital inpatient and outpatient contacts, and the receipt of prescribed psychiatric medications among patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis in Denmark. (Source: JAMA Psychiatry)
Tuesday 6 October 2020
(Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Monday 5 October 2020
ConclusionInfectious causes for non-idiopathic FP like VZV reactivation and Lyme disease had best probability for complete recovery. Post-surgery FP had a worse prognosis.Level of evidence2 (Source: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology)
Saturday 3 October 2020
(Natural News) You probably know that Lyme disease comes from ticks, but if you don’t personally suffer from it, you’d be forgiven for not knowing much more about it. However, there is one aspect of this disease that everyone should be concerned about, and that’s the possibility that it originated as a biological weapon developed... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Friday 2 October 2020
(Virginia Tech) Renowned tick immunobiologist Utpal Pal wants to adapt the rabies vaccination platform to produce antibodies that can protect against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. The intention is to apply this work to other tick-borne diseases in the future. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
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Thursday 1 October 2020
Conclusion: CaLSeN provides the first coordinated national active surveillance initiative for tick-borne disease in Canada. Through multidisciplinary collaborations between experts in each province, the pilot year was successful in establishing a baseline for Lyme disease risk across the country, allowing future trends to be detected and studied. PMID: 33315999 [PubMed] (Source: Can Commun Dis Rep)
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Wednesday 30 September 2020
The objective of the study was to determine the infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, a causative agent of Lyme disease, in the province's ticks and the seroprevalence in its dogs. It was found that 97.8% (n = 368) of ticks submitted were Ixodes scapularis, a species capable of transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi; 10.3% of these ticks [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6% to 17.0%] were infected. Provincial canine seroprevalence for the 199 submitted samples was estimated at 3.0% (95% CI: 1.0% to 5.1%). PMID: 33012828 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Canadian Veterinary Journal)
Wednesday 30 September 2020
CONCLUSIONS: Lyme disease is rare, but must be kept in mind when investigating the etiology of chorioretinitis and retinal vasculitis. The patient reported here is, to our knowledge, the second case reported in literature that shows atypical clinic for Lyme disease with unilateral chorioretinitis without Erythema chronicum migrans (ECM). PMID: 32998513 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)
Monday 28 September 2020
Pharmacist Arlene Brailey continues to fight for better testing and diagnosis of Lyme disease, after a tick bite left her son chronically ill. (Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal)
Sunday 27 September 2020
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Saturday 26 September 2020
Authors: O'Keeffe KR, Oppler ZJ, Brisson D Abstract The bacterial genus, Borrelia, is comprised of vector-borne spirochete species that infect and are transmitted from multiple host species. Some Borrelia species cause highly-prevalent diseases in humans and domestic animals. Evolutionary, ecological, and molecular research on many Borrelia species have resulted in tremendous progress toward understanding the biology and natural history of these species. Yet, many outstanding questions, such as how Borrelia populations will be impacted by climate and land-use change, will require an interdisciplinary approach. The evolutionary ecology research framework incorporates theory and data from evolutionary, ecological, and molecular studies while overcoming common assumptions within each ...
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Wednesday 23 September 2020
In this study, cases submitted with a serologically confirmed, clinically unequivocal, or highly suspicious diagnosis of ECM/Lyme disease between January 01, 2016, and September 01, 2018, were retrieved from the electronic database system and reviewed to delineate the histopathologic features of ECM. The series consisted of 14 cases. A superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate was noted in all biopsies, accompanied by a deep and/or interstitial inflammatory infiltrate in 9 cases (64%). The inflammation ranged from relatively sparse to dense and prominent. At least focal interface changes were noted in 12 biopsies (86%). Eosinophils and plasma cells were noted in 7 (50%) and 10 (71%) cases, respectively. From a histologic standpoint, ECM is a protean entity and may manifest with a var...
Monday 21 September 2020
Etiologies for Bell's palsy include herpes viruses and Lyme disease, with highest incidence in the colder and warmer months, respectively. In New Jersey, a Lyme-endemic area, the months with the most Lyme disease (80% of cases) are May through October ( “Lyme months”). (Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Monday 21 September 2020
Recent evidence suggests that climate change and other factors are leading to the emergence of Lyme disease in the province of Quebec, where it previously did not exist. As risk areas expand further north, the... (Source: BMC Public Health)
Thursday 17 September 2020
We report a case of acute neuroborreliosis that manifested as extended isolated cervical myelitis. Not only the manifestation as isolated myelitis in the early stages of borreliosis represents a rarity, but also the strong contrast between mild clinical symptoms and pronounced imaging findings in this case is remarkable.Case Rep Neurol 2020;12:276 –281 (Source: Case Reports in Neurology)
Wednesday 16 September 2020
Infection with tick borne Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme disease) can without treatment rarely develop into a chronic phase. Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (sNPH) based on chronic infection with Borrelia ... (Source: BMC Neurology)
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Sunday 13 September 2020
Authors: Cormode EJ PMID: 32928805 [PubMed - in process] (Source: cmaj)
Thursday 10 September 2020
CONCLUSIONS: Cats can be infected with both <i>Bb</i>sl and <i>Li</i>sl. The obtained results are exclusive to the city of Brno and its environs, and are comparable to the limited previous studies. There is a need for further studies of clinical signs of both infections and the possible transmission of Leptospira by ticks. PMID: 32955214 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM)
Wednesday 9 September 2020
(Rutgers University) A tick species associated with bats has been reported for the first time in New Jersey and could pose health risks to people, pets and livestock, according to a Rutgers-led study in the Journal of Medical Entomology. This species (Carios kelleyi) is a " soft " tick. Deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease, are an example of " hard " ticks. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Thursday 3 September 2020
Authors: Howarth M, Rahikainen R, Rijal P, Tan T, Draper S, Townsend A, Wu HJ, Bowden T, Andersson AM, Barrett J Abstract Matching of symmetry at interfaces is a fundamental obstacle in molecular assembly. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are important platforms to generate vaccines against pathogenic threats including Covid-19. However, symmetry mismatch between multimeric antigens and VLP subunits can prohibit vaccine nanoassembly. Here we explore spontaneous amidation to establish principles for coupling VLPs to diverse antigen symmetries. SpyTag003/SpyCatcher003-mediated decoration enabled efficient VLP conjugation and extreme thermal resilience. Many people showed pre-existing antibodies to SpyTag:SpyCatcher, but decreased antibodies against 003 variants. We coupled efficiently to ...
Thursday 3 September 2020
Lyme disease is on the rise. How can you prevent it? What are the symptoms, and what should you do if you think you or your pet have it? (Source: FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research - What's New)
Tuesday 1 September 2020
It ’s not just Covid-19. Pathogens once confined to nature are making their way into humans on a more regular basis. And it’s our fault. (Source: NYT Health)
Tuesday 1 September 2020
No abstract available (Source: Point of Care: The Journal of Near-Patient Testing and Technology)
Tuesday 1 September 2020
neuroborreliosis-related CNS vasculitis is believed to be a manifestation of Lyme disease [1,2]. We here report the case of a patient, diagnosed with neuroborreliosis and a fusiform cerebral aneurysm. We made use of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to better visualize the aneurysm and discriminate between a congenital and an infectious malformation. The ultra-high resolution imaging permitted the representation of the vessel wall and showed accumulation of contrast medium, which, along with localization and form of the malformation, reinforced the suspicion of an infectious cause of the aneurysm. (Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences)
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Monday 31 August 2020
neuroborreliosis-related CNS vasculitis is believed to be a manifestation of Lyme disease [1,2]. We here report the case of a patient, diagnosed with neuroborreliosis and a fusiform cerebral aneurysm. We made use of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to better visualize the aneurysm and discriminate between a congenital and an infectious malformation. The ultra-high resolution imaging permitted the representation of the vessel wall and showed accumulation of contrast medium, which, along with localization and form of the malformation, reinforced the suspicion of an infectious cause of the aneurysm. (Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences)
Sunday 30 August 2020
Authors: Seto J, Tanaka S, Kawabata H, Ito Y, Ikeda T, Mizuta K Abstract Companion animals can become infected with tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and can become hosts of transmission to humans, thereby damaging human health. To clarify whether companion animals are infested by ticks harboring TBD pathogens in humans, we detected TBD pathogens in ticks collected from dogs and cats brought to animal hospitals in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Investigation of 164 adult ticks collected from 88 dogs and 41 cats during March-July 2018 revealed the predominant tick species as Ixodes ovatus (n = 95, 57.9%), followed by Ixodes nipponensis (37, 22.6%) and Haemaphysalis flava (10, 6.1%). The results of our genetic tests targeting spotted fever group rickettsiae, Lyme disease borreliae, relapsing f...
Wednesday 26 August 2020
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Malte M. Tetens, Rasmus Haahr, Ram B. Dessau, Karen A. Krogfelt, Jacob Bodilsen, Nanna S. Andersen, Jens K. Møller, Casper Roed, Claus B. Christiansen, Svend Ellermann-Eriksen, Jette M. Bangsborg, Klaus Hansen, Thomas L. Benfield, Christian Østergaard Andersen, Niels Obel, Lars H. Omland, Anne-Mette Lebech (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Wednesday 26 August 2020
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Chinar Osman, Liam S. Carroll, Christina Petridou, Mark Walker, Louis W. Merton, Haider Katifi (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 25 August 2020
Preema Sinha, Bhavni Oberoi, Yadvendra S Sirohi, Aradhana Sood, Saikat BhattacharjeeNeurology India 2020 68(4):916-918 Lyme disease is a multi-organ infectious disease caused by the spirochete “Borrelia burgdorferi,” and transmitted by the “Ixodes” tick. Early disseminated Lyme disease can have varied central nervous system manifestations ranging from meningitis to radiculopathy and cranial neuropathy. If not suspected, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can prove to be fatal. Erythema migrans is the most common clinical presentation, thereby, making dermatological examination extremely crucial in early diagnosis and treatment. (Source: Neurology India)
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Monday 24 August 2020
Credit: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)By Lawrence SurendraBANGKOK, Thailand, Aug 24 2020 (IPS) The COVID 19 Pandemic continues relentlessly. Deaths approaching a million globally, 22 million infected and growing. Brazil, India, the US and Russia accounting for almost 50% of the total cases in the world. Medically the promise of a vaccine is given as signs of hope; what surprises awaits us when such a vaccine is available, would be another story. Economically, to address the uncertainty and the grim future ahead, the UN, some governments and even Joe Biden the US Presidential hopeful, are waving “Build Back better” as ways to achieve ‘a new normal’ out of the current pandemic. “Build Back Better” emerged out of the 3rd International Conference on Disa...
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Sunday 23 August 2020
Diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is challenging, as long as Borrelia-specific intrathecal antibodies are not yet detectable. The chemokine CXCL13 is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of LNB patients. Here, we compared the performances of the Euroimmun CXCL13 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CXCL13 ELISA) and the ReaScan CXCL13 lateral flow immunoassay (CXCL13 LFA), a rapid point-of-care test, to support the diagnosis of LNB. In a dual-center case-control study, CSF samples from 90 patients (34 with definite LNB, 10 with possible LNB, and 46 with other central nervous system [CNS] diseases [non-LNB group]) were analyzed with the CXCL13 ELISA and the CXCL13 LFA. Classification of patients followed the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines on LNB. T...
Saturday 22 August 2020
Borreliosis (Lyme disease) is a spirochetal disease caused by the species complex ofBorrelia burgdorferi transmitted byIxodes spp. ticks. Recorded to be the most common tick ‐borne disease in the world, the last two decades have seen an increase in disease incidence and distribution, exceeding 360 000 cases in Europe alone. If untreated, infection may cause skin symptoms, arthritis, and neurological or cardiac complications. Borrelia spirochetes have developed strate gies to evade the mammalian host immune system. These include the complement system, which is an important first‐line defense mechanism against invading microbes. To evade the complement, spirochetes bind soluble complement regulators factor H (FH), factor H‐like protein, and C4bp to their outer surfaces.B. burgdorf...
Saturday 22 August 2020
We report on a patient in Austria with scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy. Rickettsial etiology was excluded by culture, PCR, and serologic tests. Borrelia afzelii was identified from the eschar swab by PCR. Lyme borreliosis can mimic rickettsiosis; appropriate tests should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with eschars. PMID: 32818412 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 19 August 2020
In conclusion, These results reveal new possibilities for the treatment of Lyme arthritis. PMID: 32829087 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Immunopharmacology)
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Tuesday 18 August 2020
Authors: Chhuy E, Trone MC, Vergnon Miszczycha D, Thuret G, Gain P PMID: 32800421 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal Francais d Ophtalmologie)
Tuesday 18 August 2020
Lyme and Covid-19 are replacing syphilis as the great masquerader. They share many puzzling symptoms and are all easily missed. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Monday 17 August 2020
LYME DISEASE is normally harmless, but if it is left untreated it can be deadly. How do you get Lyme disease? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Thursday 13 August 2020
Publication date: 8 August 2020Source: New Scientist, Volume 247, Issue 3294Author(s): Alice Klein (Source: New Scientist)
Thursday 13 August 2020
Background: Nonspecific symptoms in children suspected of Lyme borreliosis (LB) are challenging for clinicians. We assessed whether nonspecific symptoms are more prevalent among children with positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) serology or a history of clinical LB. Methods: We included children ( (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Wednesday 12 August 2020
The E.P.A. has approved nootkatone, which is found in cedars and grapefruit. It repels ticks, mosquitoes and other dangerous bugs for hours, but is safe enough to eat. (Source: NYT Health)
Monday 10 August 2020
Mi Soo Choi, Gi Hyun Seong, Myeong Jin Park, Minkee Park, Seung Phil Hong, Byung Cheol Park, Myung Hwa KimIndian Journal of Dermatology 2020 65(5):432-434 (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology)
Monday 10 August 2020
To predict the risk of tick-borne disease, it is critical to understand the ecological factors that determine the abundance of ticks. In Europe, the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) transmits a number of important dis... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Monday 10 August 2020
Platinum Seal allows donors to focus on progress and results for top Lyme disease organization(PRWeb August 10, 2020)Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/global_lyme_alliance_reaches_guidestars_highest_seal_of_transparency/prweb17313403.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)
Saturday 8 August 2020
Insects can pass along serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Because of covid-19, health agencies are focusing less on these problems. (Source: Washington Post: To Your Health)
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Friday 7 August 2020
EXCLUSIVE: Kelly Brooks, 27, of Hampshire, suffers from chronic Lyme disease - a tick-borne condition that has severe symptoms including agonising joint pain, fatigue and headaches. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Monday 3 August 2020
AbstractBorreliosis (Lyme disease) is a spirochetal disease caused by the species complex ofBorrelia burgdorferi transmitted byIxodes spp. ticks. Recorded to be the most common tick ‐borne disease in the world, the last two decades have seen an increase in disease incidence and distribution, exceeding 360 000 cases in Europe alone. If untreated, infection may cause skin symptoms, arthritis, neurological or cardiac complications. Borrelia spirochetes have developed strategies to evade the mammalian host immune system. These include the complement system, which is an important first‐line defence mechanism against invading microbes. To evade the complement, spirochetes bind soluble complement regulators FH, FHL‐1 and C4bp to their outer surfaces.B. burgdorferi spirochetes can inhibit th...
Monday 3 August 2020
LYME disease is a debilitating bacterial infection and with lockdowns easing and more people venturing outside, knowing the potential risks and symptoms is extremely important. If you experience any of these six, lesser-known warning signs you may be at risk. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Monday 3 August 2020
This study aimed to asse... (Source: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica)
Saturday 1 August 2020
SATURDAY, Aug. 1, 2020 -- Summer means higher odds of getting Lyme disease, so know how to avoid it, health experts say. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium carried by some ticks and, if left untreated, can cause severe health problems. Ticks can... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Friday 31 July 2020
Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the USA with cases continuing to increase. Current control measures have not been shown to be impactful, and therefore alternatives are needed. Treati... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Thursday 30 July 2020
A vaccine against Lyme disease that is safe and stimulated immune protection in 82 to 96 per cent of clinical trial participants could be available by 2025 (Source: New Scientist - Health)
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Tuesday 28 July 2020
This article synthesizes the individual approaches of neurologists, psychiatrists, radiologists, infectious disease specialists, and psychologists when presented with the same case and the effective multidisciplinary integration of these efforts even when the exact diagnosis remains unknown. PMID: 32706944 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders)
Monday 27 July 2020
M. Markowicz et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Saturday 25 July 2020
Publication date: Available online 24 July 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Gebbiena M. Bron, Maria del P. Fernandez, Scott R. Larson, Adam Maus, Dave Gustafson, Jean I. Tsao, Maria A. Diuk-Wasser, Lyric C. Bartholomay, Susan M. Paskewitz (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Friday 24 July 2020
Publication date: Available online 24 July 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Annetta Zintl, Taher Zaid, Fiona McKiernan, Amalia Naranjo-Lucena, Jeremy Gray, Sorcha Brosnan, John Browne, Jack O’Connor, John Mee, Barbara Good, Emma L. Gillingham, Alexander G.C. Vaux, Jolyon Medlock (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Wednesday 22 July 2020
New Hampshire has signed into law a bill that establishes a commission to study the limitations of current testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses and available treatment.Associated Press (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)
Sunday 19 July 2020
With no vaccine against Lyme right now, the author and his colleagues are working to create seasonal protection. (Source: Washington Post: To Your Health)
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Friday 17 July 2020
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which is transmitted by a tick bite. Feeling this sensation in your head could mean you're at risk. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Friday 17 July 2020
Publication date: August 2020Source: The Veterinary Journal, Volume 262Author(s): A.L. Hatke, D.R. Green, K. Stasiak, R.T. Marconi (Source: The Veterinary Journal)
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Thursday 16 July 2020
by Sarah Elizabeth Adler, AARP, Updated July 14, 2020 | ... En espa ñol | Ticks: They're the tiny pests that stop outdoor fun in its tracks — and experts say they stay active well into fall, making ... (Source: AARP.org News)
Thursday 16 July 2020
Pasos para ayudar a prevenir las picaduras y las enfermedades. ... por: Sarah Elizabeth Adler, AARP, 14 de julio de 2020 | ... In English | Garrapatas: Son las peque ñas plagas que interrumpen la di... (Source: AARP.org News)
Wednesday 15 July 2020
In this study, we took advantage of the recently compiled spatial dataset of distribution and diversity of ticks in China, analyzed the environmental determinants of ten frequently reported tick species and mapped the spatial distribution of these species over the country using the MaxEnt model. We found that presence of urban fabric, cropland, and forest in a place are key determents of tick occurrence, suggesting ticks were likely inhabited close to where people live. Besides, precipitation in the driest month was found to have a relatively high contribution in mapping tick distribution. The model projected that theses ticks could be widely distributed in the Northwest, Central North, Northeast, and South China. Our results added new evidence on the potential distribution of a variety of...
Wednesday 15 July 2020
(NEW YORK) — WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne was shocked and hurt when her request to be medically excused for the season was denied by an independent medical panel. Having battled Lyme disease for more than a decade and now taking 64 pills a day, she thought she was definitely going to be considered high-risk to get severe illness if she contracted the coronavirus. The panel of independent doctors the league and union agreed upon to make that decision thought otherwise, ruling Monday that she was not “high risk, and should be permitted to play in the bubble.” The disease is not included on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of underlying conditions that could put someone at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The Washington Mystics st...
Wednesday 15 July 2020
This study was undertaken with the aim of a comparative and quantitative analysis of the epidemiological aspects of LD infections in Korea and Japan from 2011 to 2016. The raw data analyzed in this study were obtained from the websites of the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), Korea, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Japan. In total 65 cases of LD were observed with a cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of 0.22 per million population in Korea from 2011 to 2016. During the same period in Japan, there were 75 cases of LD with a CIR of 0.10 [significantly higher than that in Korea (p <0.01)]. Further, the results showed that in Korea, LD incidence was slightly higher in women than in men; but in Japan, the case was reverse, with incidence much highe...
Wednesday 15 July 2020
Her lethargy and joint pain suggested a tick-borne illness. Adding to the mystery, was a recent trip abroad a clue or a red herring? (Source: NYT Health)
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Wednesday 15 July 2020
Eur Neurol (Source: European Neurology)
Wednesday 15 July 2020
Publication date: December 2020Source: Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery, Volume 22Author(s): Rahul Rahangdale, Arthur Alcantara Lima, Ashis Tayal, Nitin Bhanot, Thomas Scott (Source: Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery)
Tuesday 14 July 2020
IJERPH, Vol. 17, Pages 5105: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Tick-Borne Diseases in North-Central Wisconsin from 2000–2016 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph17145105 Authors: Austin Rau Claudia Munoz-Zanzi Anna M. Schotthoefer Jonathan D. Oliver Jesse D. Berman Lyme disease is a well-recognized public health problem in the USA, however, other tick-borne diseases also have major public health impacts. Yet, limited research has evaluated changes in the spatial and temporal patterns of non-Lyme tick-borne diseases within endemic regions. Using laboratory data from a large healthcare system in north-central Wisconsin from 2000–2016, we applied a Kulldorf’s scan statistic to analyze spatial, temporal an...
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Monday 13 July 2020
Harms and colleagues advised a single dose of doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease from a Ixodes ricinus tick bite.1 Using a modified-intention-to-treat analysis, the authors that reported a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline resulted in a 67% relative risk reduction for the subjects in the treatment arm. (Source: Journal of Infection)
Friday 10 July 2020
We report the results of gene expression profiling via RNA-sequencing of primary human choroid plexus epithelial cells in vitro that were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Epithelial cells were cultured with B. burgdorferi for 48 hours prior to RNA isolation. Following high-throughput sequencing via Illumina HiSeq 4000, a total of 258 differentially expressed genes were identified. Subsequent data analysis indicates an inflammatory and immune response generated by the epithelial cells following infection, marked by chemotactic cytokines and interferon stimulated genes. Several genes associated with tight and adherens junctions were found to be downregulated. These data represent the first study to investigate the impact of B. burgdorferi on choroid pl...
Thursday 9 July 2020
The financial implications of Lyme disease (LD) can vary widely for both the health system and the individual patients experiencing the disease. The aim of this review was to summarize published data on clinic... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Wednesday 8 July 2020
We examined the effect of a positive serostatus at baseline for selected pathogens associated with chronic infections (Helicobacter pylori,Borrelia burgdorferi sensulato,Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus 1/2, and human herpesvirus 6) on all-cause mortality with multivariable parametric survival models. We found a reduced survival time in individuals with a positive serostatus forHelicobacter pylori (accelerated failure time (AFT) − 15.92, 95% CI − 29.96; − 1.88), cytomegalovirus (AFT − 22.81, 95% CI − 36.41; − 9.22) andBorrelia burgdorferi sensulato (AFT − 25.25, 95% CI − 43.40; − 7.10), after adjusting for potential confounders. The number of infectious agents an individual was seropositive for had a linear eff...
Tuesday 7 July 2020
(CNN) — After more than three months of shutdowns, mandatory quarantines, self-imposed exile from society and working from home, nature-lovers looking for a well-earned breath of fresh air could face a possible collision course between coronavirus and tick-borne illnesses this summer. A “perfect storm,” warns Eva Sapi, a University of New Haven biology professor and group director for the Lyme Disease Research Group. Noting the mild winter on the East Coast, Sapi says, “We do have a bad year for the ticks.” Hikers, campers and anyone else eager for an escape could “just explode into the outdoors. And there may not be the same thoughtful approach” to preventing exposure, explains Dr. Sorana Segal-Maurer, director of the Dr. James J. Rahal, Jr. Divi...
Tuesday 7 July 2020
Publication date: Available online 5 July 2020Source: The Veterinary JournalAuthor(s): A.L. Hatke, D.R. Green, K. Stasiak, R.T. Marconi (Source: The Veterinary Journal)
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Monday 6 July 2020
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Monday 6 July 2020
(Harvard Medical School) A $5 million donation to Harvard Medical School will propel Lyme disease research, education (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Sunday 5 July 2020
AbstractModified two-tier testing (MTTT) for Lyme borreliosis (i.e. confirmation with an EIA instead of an immunoblot) has been shown to have improved sensitivity compared with standard two-tier testing (STTT) in samples from American patients, without losing specificity. The current study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of various algorithms of MTTT in European patients with erythema migrans (EM) as a model disease for early Lyme borreliosis, and in appropriate controls. Four different immunoassays were used in the first tier, followed by either an immunoblot or the C6-EIA, or were used as standalone single-tier test. These tests were performed on consecutively collected sera of 228 Dutch patients with physician-diagnosed EM in the setting of general practice, 231 controls from...
Friday 3 July 2020
Publication date: Available online 1 July 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Saied Reza Naddaf, Ahmad Mahmoudi, Ahmad Ghasemi, Mahdi Rohani, Ali Mohammadi, Seyyed Payman Ziapour, Amir Hesam Nemati, Ehsan Mostafavi (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 2 July 2020
Pathogen specific antibody responses need to be tightly regulated to generate protective but limit self-reactive immune responses. While loss of humoral tolerance has been associated with microbial infections, the pathways involved in balancing protective versus autoreactive antibody responses in humans are incompletely understood. Studies in classical mouse model systems have provided evidence that balancing of immune responses through inhibitory receptors is an important quality control checkpoint. Genetic differences between inbred mouse models and the outbred human population and allelic receptor variants not present in mice, however, argue for caution when directly translating these findings to the human system. By studyingBorrelia burgdorferi infection in humanized mice reconstituted...
Monday 29 June 2020
Title: What Happens if You Go Untreated for Lyme Disease?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/17/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/29/2020 12:00:00 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Sunday 28 June 2020
LOW SEROPREVALENCE OF LYME DISEASE AMONG MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PATIENTS IN NEW BRUNSWICK. Can J Neurol Sci. 2020 Jun 29;:1-11 Authors: MacLean G, Cook P, Lindsay LR, Hatchette TF, Webster D PMID: 32594964 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences)
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Thursday 25 June 2020
Authors: Franco-Avecilla D, Yeung C, Baranchuk A PMID: 32575061 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal)
Thursday 25 June 2020
Authors: Semproni M, Rusk R, Wuerz T PMID: 32575059 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal)
Wednesday 24 June 2020
LYME disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks, tiny spider-like creatures that dwell in woodland. Untreated Lyme disease can cause a host of debilitating health problems so it is vital to act on the early warning sign. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Tuesday 23 June 2020
Compared to the standard two-tiered testing (STTT) algorithm for Lyme disease serology using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) followed by Western blotting, data from the United States suggest that a modified two-tiered testing (MTTT) algorithm employing two EIAs has improved sensitivity to detect early localized Borrelia burgdorferi infections without compromising specificity. From 2011 to 2014, in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, where Lyme disease is hyperendemic, sera submitted for Lyme disease testing were subjected to a whole-cell EIA, followed by C6 EIA and subsequently IgM and/or IgG immunoblots on sera with EIA-positive or equivocal results. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of the MTTT algorithm compared to the STTT approach in a Nova Scotian population. Retrospective chart revi...
Monday 22 June 2020
Discussion Bradycardia is a heart rate below what the lowest value that is normal for age. Infants and children have higher heart rates that slowly decrease with age to adult levels. It is usually noted as an incidental finding because of increased vagal tone. Reasons for cardiology referral include associated heart murmur, syncope especially if associated with exercise or unusual triggers, other signs such as chest pain or palpitations, family history of sudden cardiac death, congenital heart disease or familial heart disease, bradycardic medication use, or unusual symptoms associated with the concern. Severe bradycardia that causes poor cardiac output is a medical emergency. Fortunately most children have mild bradycardia which may have no symptoms or can manifest as dizziness, syncope, ...
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Thursday 18 June 2020
Authors: Slater S Abstract The value of publishing case reports has long been debated and the arguments are summarised. Last year, to encourage trainees, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's Senior Fellows Club inaugurated an annual prize for the best case report or case series published in the Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh by a doctor in training. Some of the highlights of last year's entries are reviewed, commented on and developed. They include cases of myelofibrosis and cherubism due to secondary hyperparathyroidism from renal failure; reversible blindness in diabetic ketoacidosis; the long QT syndrome; ictal asystole; giant cell arteritis; tumour necrosis factor-α inhibition in Lyme borreliosis; and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. PMID: ...
Thursday 18 June 2020
The coronavirus testing debacle, much like early Lyme testing, is a reminder that diagnostics aren't perfect.Undark (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)
Wednesday 17 June 2020
Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere.1 Over the last decades, marked increases in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis have been reported in several Western European countries and the United States (US), with substantial impact on public health.2 –6 Erythema migrans is the most common early skin manifestation of the disease, and responds well to antibiotic treatment.7 However, erythema migrans is often not observed preceding disseminated Lyme borreliosis manifestations such as neuroborreliosis, Lyme arthritis and Lyme carditis. (Source: Journal of Infection)
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Wednesday 17 June 2020
Tick-borne diseases like Lyme are on the rise in the US, but a survey has found that programmes to assess and control tick populations are lacking (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Wednesday 17 June 2020
WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2020 -- Tick monitoring and control is lacking in much of the United States despite a steady increase in tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, a new study finds. In the United States, tick-borne illnesses more than doubled... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Wednesday 17 June 2020
Title: What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease by Stages?Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/17/2020 12:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/17/2020 12:00:00 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Wednesday 17 June 2020
(Cornell University) New Cornell-led research shows that inadequate funding is the main barrier to better surveillance and control of ticks, including the blacklegged tick, which spreads Lyme disease, the No. 1 vector-borne illness in the country. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
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Wednesday 17 June 2020
(Entomological Society of America) While the prevalence of Lyme disease and other illnesses spread by ticks has steadily increased in the United States over the past 20 years, a new study of the state of American tick surveillance and control reveals an inconsistent and often under-supported patchwork of programs across the country. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Tuesday 16 June 2020
This report documents a case of a patient who developed neuropathy, which presented as dental pain and was later diagnosed with Lyme disease. A healthy female patient presented to the endodontist with toothache symptoms. Her symptoms included intense pain in the left mandible irradiating into the temporalis area and through her neck, tingling on the lower left lip and left side of her tongue. She also reported feeling of sweats and chills the night before, as well as an altered sensation in her shoulder and arm. (Source: Journal of Endodontics)
Tuesday 16 June 2020
This report documents the case of a patient who developed neuropathy that presented as dental pain and was later diagnosed with Lyme disease. A healthy female patient presented to the endodontist with toothache symptoms. Her symptoms included intense pain in the left mandible irradiating into the temporalis area and through her neck and tingling on the lower left lip and left side of her tongue. She also reported feeling of sweats and chills the night before, as well as an altered sensation in her shoulder and arm. (Source: Journal of Endodontics)
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Authors: Schubert SL, Melanson VR PMID: 32514548 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Authors: Lowry L, Yabes J, Pomerantz H, Barsoumian AE PMID: 32514575 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Authors: Barsoumian AE, Okulicz JF, Yabes JM PMID: 32514564 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
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Wednesday 10 June 2020
CORONAVIRUS symptoms have been shown to range from a dry cough to conjunctivitis, but some of these symptoms are also linked to other conditions such as Lyme disease. How can you tell the difference between COVID-19 and Lyme disease? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 3 June 2020
For some people, the symptoms of Lyme disease never go away after treatment. Now we have clues about why this happens, supporting the idea that " chronic Lyme " really does exist (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Tuesday 2 June 2020
Authors: Masouris I, Klein M, Ködel U Abstract INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) infections can be life-threatening and are often associated with disabling sequelae. One important factor in most CNS infections is a timely pathogen-specific treatment. The diagnostic methods available, however, do not always reach a satisfying sensitivity and specificity. In these cases, there is need for additional diagnostic biomarkers. Chemokines represent potential candidates as biomarkers, since they are an important pillar of the host immune response. The aim of this review is to discuss the diagnostic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CXCL13 in patients with CNS infections. AREAS COVERED: Data were obtained from a literature search in PubMed up to October 2019. This review f...
Tuesday 2 June 2020
With America on lockdown the past two months, many people turned to the woods for safe isolation and social distancing. And now as sections of the country reopen and summer approaches, the outdoors...(PRWeb June 02, 2020)Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/knowing_signs_and_symptoms_of_lyme_disease_is_critical_for_early_detection_and_treatment_says_industry_leading_quidel/prweb17162063.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)
Sunday 31 May 2020
Authors: Rochlin I, Toledo A Abstract Ticks are the most important vectors of human pathogens, leading to increased public health burdens worldwide. Tick-borne pathogens include viruses (e.g. tick-borne encephalitis and Powassan); bacteria, such as the causative agents of Lyme disease, spotted fever rickettsiosis and human anaplasmosis; and malaria-like protozoan parasites causing babesiosis. Tick-borne diseases are emerging due to the geographical expansion of their tick vectors, especially in the northern hemisphere. Two examples of this phenomenon are Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum, which have expanded their ranges in the USA in recent decades and are responsible for the continuous emergence of Lyme disease and human ehrlichiosis, respectively. This phenomenon is als...
Saturday 30 May 2020
A series of cases in the Northeast of the US during 2013 –2015 described a new Borrelia species, Borrelia miyamotoi, which is transmitted by the same tick species that transmits Lyme disease and causes a relapsing... (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)
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Friday 29 May 2020
This case describes an unusual dermatologic presentation of Lyme disease, borrelial lymphocytoma, which is rare in the US but more common in Europe.Journal of Medical Case Reports (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Thursday 28 May 2020
In 2019, the tick testing program, headed by Upstate Professor Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, received 1,921 tick samples from July through late October. About 25 percent of the ticks were found to carry Lyme disease. (Source: SUNY Upstate Medical)
Thursday 28 May 2020
Mitochondria, chloroplasts and several species of bacteria have outer membrane proteins (OMPs) that perform many essential biological functions. The β -barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex is one of the OMPs of Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogenic spirochete that causes Lyme disease, and its BamA component (BbBamA) includes a C-terminal β -barrel domain and five N-terminal periplasmic polypeptide-transport-associated (POTRA) domains, which together perform a central transport function. In the current work, the production, crystallization and X-ray analysis of the three N-terminal POTRA domains of BbBamA (BbBamA-POTRA P1 – P3; residues 30 – 273) were carried out. The crystals of BbBamA-POTRA P1 – P3 belonged to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 45.353, b = 111.538, c...
Monday 25 May 2020
Lyme disease (LD) is an increasing public health problem. Current laboratory testing is insensitive in early infection, the stage at which appropriate treatment is most effective in preventing disease sequelae. The Lyme Disease Biobank (LDB) collects samples from individuals with symptoms consistent with early LD presenting with or without erythema migrans (EM) or an annular, expanding skin lesion and uninfected individuals from areas of endemicity. Samples were collected from 550 participants (298 cases and 252 controls) according to institutional review board-approved protocols and shipped to a centralized biorepository. Testing was performed to confirm the presence of tick-borne pathogens by real-time PCR, and a subset of samples was tested for Borrelia burgdorferi by culture. Serology ...
Monday 25 May 2020
The laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease relies upon serologic testing. A standard or modified two-tiered testing algorithm is used to enhance the accuracy of antibody detection. However, this approach suffers from a lack of sensitivity in early Lyme disease. Ongoing efforts to develop more sensitive antibody detection technologies and other diagnostic approaches are dependent upon the availability of quality-assured biospecimens linked to reliable clinical data. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Horn et al. (E. J. Horn, G. Dempsey, A. M. Schotthoefer, U. L. Prisco, et al., J Clin Microbiol 58:e00032-20, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00032-20) described the development of the Lyme Disease Biobank. Clinically categorized case patients with early Lyme disease and hea...
Monday 25 May 2020
As warm weather sends people outdoors, some are encountering tenacious pests. Ticks go for blood in the hardest-to-reach places on the human body and put you at risk for Lyme disease. Here's what you need to know about staying tick-safe. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Monday 25 May 2020
(Canadian Medical Association Journal) Physicians and the public should be aware of the different presentations of Lyme disease, as people spend more time outside in the warmer weather and as areas in Canada where the black legged tick is found expand. Three articles in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), which describe a fatal case in a 37-year-old man, atypical skin lesions in a 56-year-old woman and severe neurological symptoms in a 4-year-old boy, illustrate the diversity in presentations. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Friday 22 May 2020
(Virginia Tech) With a $661,216 grant from the Steven& Alexandra Cohen Foundation, Brandon Jutras, an assistant professor of biochemistry in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will study Lyme arthritis, including the cellular component that contributes to it. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Wednesday 20 May 2020
In this study, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed to investigate the local population structure of B. garinii in Ixodes ricinus ticks. The study took place in a natural wetland in Slovakia, temporally encompassing spring and autumn bird migration periods as well as the breeding period of resident birds. In total, we examined 369 and 255 ticks collected from 78 birds and local vegetation, respectively. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 43.4% (160/369) of ticks recovered from birds and in 26.3% (67/255) of questing ticks, respectively. Considering the ticks from bird hosts, the highest prevalence was found for single infections with B. garinii (22.5%). Infection intensity of B. garinii in bird-feeding ticks was significantly higher than that in questing ticks. We identified ten...
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Tuesday 19 May 2020
Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a functional homolog of canonical Lon protease termed Lon-2. In addition, B. burgdorferi encodes a second Lon homolog called Lon-1. Recent studies suggest that Lon-1 may function differently from the prototypical Lon protease. However, the function of Lon-1 in B. burgdorferi biology remains virtually unknown. Particularly, the contribution of Lon-1 to B. burgdorferi fitness and infection remains hitherto unexplored. Herein, we show that Lon-1 plays a critical role for the infection of B. burgdorferi in a mammalian host. We found that lon-1 was highly expressed during animal infection, implying an important function of this protein in bacterial infection. We further generated a lon-1 deletion mutant and an isogenic complemented strain. Relative to that of the wi...
Monday 18 May 2020
Spirochetes of the genus Borrelia are divided into relapsing fever borreliae and Lyme disease borreliae. Immunoserological assays have been poorly developed for relapsing fever borreliae, where direct detection methods are more adapted to the pathophysiology of these infections presenting with massive bacteraemia. However, emergence of the novel agent of relapsing fever B. miyamotoi has renewed interest in serology in this context. In Lyme disease, because direct detection methods show low sensitivity, serology plays a central role in the diagnostic strategy. This diagnostic strategy is based on a two-tier methodology involving a first test (ELISA) with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity and a second, more specific test (western blot) for diagnostic confirmation. The most frequent...
Monday 18 May 2020
Committee Opinion No. 399: Management of Tick Bites and Lyme Disease During Pregnancy: (En français : Prise en charge des morsures de tiques et de la maladie de Lyme pendant la grossesse). J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2020 May;42(5):644-653 Authors: Smith GN, Moore KM, Hatchette TF, Nicholson J, Bowie W, Langley JM Abstract OBJECTIVE: Lyme disease is an emerging infection in Canada caused by the bacterium belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species complex, which is transmitted via the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Populations of blacklegged ticks continue to expand and are now established in different regions in Canada. It usually takes more than 24 hours of tick attachment to transfer B. burgdorferi to a human. The diagnosis of early localized Lyme di...
Monday 18 May 2020
Opinion du comité No 399 : Prise en charge des morsures de tiques et de la maladie de Lyme pendant la grossesse: (In English: Management of Tick Bites and Lyme Disease During Pregnancy). J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2020 May;42(5):654-664 Authors: Smith GN, Moore KM, Hatchette TF, Nicholson J, Bowie W, Langley JM PMID: 32414480 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC)
Thursday 14 May 2020
Authors: Melenotte C, Mezouar S, Mège JL, Gorvel JP, Kroemer G, Raoult D Abstract One quarter of all cancers are linked to infectious diseases. The link between viral infection and cancer has been widely studied, but few reports have focused on the carcinogenic role of bacterial infection. Nonetheless, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni are bacteria that can be associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), the most common haematologic malignancy. Here, we review the evidence in favour of a link between these bacterial infections and NHL. Sero-epidemiological observation makes it possible to identify a link between H. pylori, C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi infection and NHL. Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci,...
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Tuesday 12 May 2020
Publication date: Available online 11 May 2020Source: IDCasesAuthor(s): Cynthia Yeung, Naomi Gazendam, Adrian Baranchuk (Source: IDCases)
Wednesday 6 May 2020
Conclusion: Diagnostic improvements in sensitivity of LD testing without significant loss of specificity have been consistently reported when MTTT is compared with STTT in studies conducted in highly LD endemic regions. Our working group agrees with the recommendation by the United States Centers for Disease Control that serological testing for LD using MTTT is an acceptable alternative to STTT. This recommendation is contingent on development and implementation of comprehensive validation studies on the performance of MTTT vs STTT within the Canadian context, including evaluation of the test performance in areas of low endemicity for LD. PMID: 32558809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Can Commun Dis Rep)
Monday 4 May 2020
We report the case of an older patient presenting with bilateral facial palsy due to Lyme disease. Multiple non-specific clinical signs preceded facial palsy with falls, fatigue and pain of both legs especially during the night. Our case illustrates the difficulty to diagnose this infectious disease, especially in older patients who have rare outdoor activities and a low risk of tick exposure. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Sunday 3 May 2020
"Candidatus Borrelia ibitipoquensis," a Borrelia valaisiana-Related Genospecies Characterized from Ixodes paranaensis in Brazil. Microb Ecol. 2020 May 04;: Authors: Muñoz-Leal S, Ramirez DG, Luz HR, Faccini JLH, Labruna MB Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) spirochetes include the agents of Lyme borreliosis in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and merge their transmission cycles mainly with ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Twenty genospecies compose Bbsl currently, and with the exception of Borrelia chilensis, and Borrelia garinii, all have been described only for North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Here, we collected specimens of Ixodes paranaensis, a tick associated with swifts in a Brazilian natural park from the state of Min...
Friday 1 May 2020
BOSTON (CBS) — As Massachusetts continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic, the public has plenty of questions. Dr. Mallika Marshall answered some of those sent to WBZ-TV’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. With the upcoming season, we already have troubles with ticks and Lyme disease and mosquitoes and their diseases. How is the coronavirus going to affect this problem? – Ken from north of Boston Coronavirus is not spread by mosquitoes or ticks, but you’re right, we still have to protect ourselves from insect-borne diseases like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus. So I would do what we normally do to avoid these insects: use protective clothing and insect repellant and avoid the times of day and locations where they thrive. If I self-isolate for more than two ...
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Thursday 30 April 2020
Authors: Pace EJ, O'Reilly M Abstract Tickborne diseases that affect patients in the United States include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and tickborne relapsing fever. Tickborne diseases are increasing in incidence and should be suspected in patients presenting with flulike symptoms during the spring and summer months. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and death. Location of exposure, identification of the specific tick vector, and evaluation of rash, if present, help identify the specific disease. Lyme disease presents with an erythema migrans rash in 70% to 80% of patients, and treatment may be initiated based on this finding alone. RMSF presents with a macular rash...
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Thursday 30 April 2020
Authors: Rauer S, Kastenbauer S, Hofmann H, Fingerle V, Huppertz HI, Hunfeld KP, Krause A, Ruf B, Dersch R, Consensus group Abstract Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Europe. A neurological manifestation occurs in 3-15% of infections and can manifest as polyradiculitis, meningitis and (rarely) encephalomyelitis. This S3 guideline is directed at physicians in private practices and clinics who treat Lyme neuroborreliosis in children and adults. Twenty AWMF member societies, the Robert Koch Institute, the German Borreliosis Society and three patient organisations participated in its development. A systematic review and assessment of the literature was conducted by the German Cochrane Centre, Freiburg (Cochrane Germany). The main objectives of this gu...
Thursday 30 April 2020
(Washington State University) The next time a tick feeds on you, Washington State University researchers hope to make sure persistent arthritis caused by Lyme disease doesn't linger for a lifetime. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 29 April 2020
Publication date: 2020Source: Methods in Microbiology, Volume 47Author(s): Charles S. Pavia (Source: Methods in Microbiology)
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Bio-Rad Laboratories has developed a fully automated multiplex bead-based assay for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi. The BioPlex 2200 Lyme Total assay exhibits an improved rate of seropositivity in patients with early Lyme infection. Asymptomatic subjects from endemic and nonendemic origins demonstrated a seroreactivity rate of approximately 4% that was similar to other commercial assays evaluated in this study. Coupled to this result was the observation that the Lyme Total assay retained a high first-tier specificity of 96% while demonstrating a relatively high sensitivity of 91% among a well-characterized CDC Premarketing Lyme serum panel. The Lyme Total assay also pe...
Wednesday 22 April 2020
The cover image is based on the Original Research Patient ‐reported outcome after treatment for definite Lyme neuroborreliosis by Randi Eikeland et al.,https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1595 (Source: Brain and Behavior)
Monday 20 April 2020
In this study, we developed a new filter-based chemical extraction technique that allows measurement of high quality Borrelia spp. spectra from less than 100,000 bacteria per spot in MALDI-TOF MS. We used 49 isolates of 13 different species to produce the largest mass-library for Borrelia spp. so far and to validate the protocol. The library was successfully established and identifies >96% of used isolates correctly to species level. Cluster analysis on the sum spectra was applied to all the different isolates, which resulted in tight cluster generation for most species. Comparative analysis of the generated cluster to a phylogeny based on concatenated multi-locus sequence typing genes provided a surprising homology. Our data demonstrate that the technique described here can be used for...
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Sunday 19 April 2020
In this study, we demonstrated that immunization with CspZ-YA, a CspZ mutant protein with no FH-binding activity, protected mice from infection by several spirochete genotypes introduced via tick feeding. We found that the sera from CspZ-YA-vaccinated mice more efficiently eliminated spirochetes and blocked CspZ FH-binding activity than sera from CspZ-immunized mice. We also found that vaccination with CspZ, but not CspZ-YA, triggered the production of anti-FH antibodies, justifying CspZ-YA as an LD vaccine candidate. The mechanistic and efficacy information derived from this study provides insights into the development of a CspZ-based LD vaccine. (Source: Infection and Immunity)
Friday 17 April 2020
Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever Borrelia species transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Human disease caused by B. miyamotoi was first described in Russia and later in the USA and Japan. Addi... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Thursday 16 April 2020
Primary care is likely to see the highest number of Lyme disease patients. Despite this, there is limited published data regarding Lyme disease patients accessing primary care in the UK. We aim to describe tre... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 15 April 2020
ConclusionsBorrelial lymphocytoma is a rare manifestation of Lyme disease in North America, although not uncommon in Europe. Diagnosis is made by the presence of a painless erythematous swelling typically found on the ear lobe, nipples, or testes. Laboratory tests are available but with low sensitivity, therefore, a high index of suspicion is necessary for a clinical diagnosis to be made. Treatment for isolated borrelial lymphocytoma is doxycycline 4 mg/kg up to 100 mg twice daily, whereas for children less than 8 years of age amoxicillin 50 mg/kg divided three times daily, for 3–4 weeks, is preferred. (Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports)
Wednesday 15 April 2020
The B-cell chemoattractant CXCL13 has been suggested as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker for Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). Our aim was to substantiate the value of CXCL13 in a large unselected cohort and determine a practical cut-off value to diagnose LNB. (Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences)
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Tuesday 14 April 2020
(Source: Annals of Hematology)
Tuesday 14 April 2020
(Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)
Sunday 12 April 2020
This study compared 113 patients with AF to 109 patients without AF from a convenience sample of routine ambulatory care patients treated in one outpatient cardiology clinic. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)
Sunday 12 April 2020
WASHINGTON — Blood tests for the coronavirus could play a key role in deciding whether millions of Americans can safely return to work and school. But public health officials warn that the current “Wild West” of unregulated tests is creating confusion that could ultimately slow the path to recovery. More than 70 companies have signed up to sell so-called antibody tests in recent weeks, according to U.S. regulators. Governments around the world hope that the rapid tests, which typically use a finger-prick of blood on a test strip, could soon ease public restrictions by identifying people who have previously had the virus and have developed some immunity to it. But key questions remain: How accurate are the tests, how much protection is needed and how long will that protec...
Friday 10 April 2020
To monitor the adoption of climate change adaptive behaviors in the population, public health authorities have to conduct national surveys, which can help them target vulnerable subpopulations. To ensure relia... (Source: BMC Medical Research Methodology)
Thursday 9 April 2020
With Lyme disease on the rise, people need to take special care to avoid tick encounters amid the COVID-19 crisis. (Source: Science - The Huffington Post)
Wednesday 8 April 2020
Publication date: Available online 8 April 2020Source: IDCasesAuthor(s): Brian Cheung, Larry Lutwick, Michelle Cheung (Source: IDCases)
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Wednesday 8 April 2020
(Bloomberg) — There are four critical facets of pandemic prevention, according to Lee Hannah, senior scientist at Conservation International. Three of them make immediate sense against the backdrop of our current emergency: stockpile masks and respirators; have testing infrastructure ready; and ban the global wildlife trade, including the open animal markets where COVID-19 may have first infected people. His fourth recommendation is more grandiose: “Take care of nature.” The assault on ecosystems that allowed COVID-19 to jump from animals to humans went far beyond merchants hunting and selling rare wildlife. Biodiversity—that is, the health of the entire ecosystem—can restrain pathogens before they ever leave the wild. “We need to tell people right now t...
Tuesday 7 April 2020
The deer tick Ixodes scapularis transmits a variety of disease agents in the United States, spreading the bacteria that causes Lyme borreliosis, the protozoan agent of babesiosis, and viruses such as Powassan. However, a variety of other organisms have also evolved symbiotic relationships with this tick species, and it seems likely that some of these microbes have simultaneously coevolved mechanisms to impact each other and their tick host. The number of organisms identified as I. scapularis symbionts has increased seemingly exponentially with the advent of PCR and next generation sequencing technologies, but convincing arguments have proposed that some of these are of environmental origin, unadapted to surviving the physiological conditions of the tick or that they are artifacts of ultras...
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Ixodes ricinus constitutes the main European vector tick for the Lyme borreliosis pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), the relapsing fever borrelia Borrelia miyamotoi, as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum ... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Monday 6 April 2020
Prepare for tick season by reviewing these five things to know about Lyme disease testing.CDC Expert Commentary (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)
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Sunday 5 April 2020
Authors: Duan J, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Xie B, Zhao T, Zhao F Abstract Leptospira interrogans, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Treponema pallidum are important pathogenic spirochetes. The incidence of human diseases caused by pathogenic spirochetes, e.g., leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and syphilis, has been recently increasing, posing a threat to public health. Mechanisms of spirochete pathogenicity are not yet fully understood, and no safe and effective vaccine to prevent and control the infection by pathogenic spirochetes is currently available.In this article, we review the progress of research into the pathogenic spirochete vaccine, mainly in terms of vaccine types.The development of relevant vaccines against pathogenic spirochetes has generally proceeded via several stages, such a...
Sunday 5 April 2020
I read with interest the editorial by Strom1 about functional neurologic disorders (FNDs). As a treating physician, I have struggled with the multiple diagnostic labels attached to these patients by physicians of different medical specialties during the course of their clinical disease presentation. A neurologist may assign a patient who presents with chronic fatigue the diagnostic labels of narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, or chronic Lyme disease. A rheumatologist may assign the label of collagen vascular disease, and a psychiatrist may diagnose depression. This diagnostic ambiguity is troublesome for patients and clinicians alike. I contend that even the term FND needs to be revisited. A patient should be broadly labeled as having a functional disorder and only after characterization ...
Friday 3 April 2020
We examined gene expression patterns in the blood of individuals with early disseminated LD at the time of diagnosis (Acute LD) and also at approximately 1 month and 6 months following antibiotic treatment. A distinct acute LD profile was observed that was sustained during early convalescence (1 month) but returned to control levels six months after treatment. Using a computer learning algorithm, we identified sets of 20 classifier genes that discriminate LD from other bacterial and viral infections. In addition, these novel LD biomarkers are highly acurate in distinvuishing patients with acute LD from healthy subjects and in discriminating between individuals with active and resolved infecitons. This computational approach offers the potential for more accurate diagnosis of early dissmina...
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Saturday 28 March 2020
Purpose of review Lyme disease is an important, vector-borne infection found throughout the temperate Northern hemisphere. The disease causes rash, acute systemic illness, and in some untreated patients, inflammatory arthritis. This review examines the emergence, clinical features and management of early Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis. Recent findings There has been continuing progress in characterizing the clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing and treatment of Lyme disease. Almost all patients with early Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotic treatment. In most cases, Lyme arthritis also responds to antibiotics, but some patients require additional treatment approaches. Summary The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on clinical manifestations and adjunctive laboratory te...
Tuesday 24 March 2020
Publication date: Available online 23 March 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Aris Garro, Miriam Dash, John M. VanBuren, Lise E. Nigrovic, for Pedi Lyme Net (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 24 March 2020
Credit: United Nations By Thalif DeenUNITED NATIONS, Mar 24 2020 (IPS) When US President Donald Trump repeatedly characterized the fast-spreading COVID-19 as a “Chinese virus” last week, it prompted some white supremacists to resurrect an age old ethnic slur against Chinese and East Asians: the “Yellow Peril” which, in a bygone era, was touted as a xenophobic threat to the Western world. But Tendayi Achiume, UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination and Xenophobia, is highly critical of the racist interpretation to a disease which has claimed over 16,500 deaths worldwide and accounted for more than 378,000 infections, with the epicenter shifting from China to Europe. Singling out Trump, she said: it’s dismaying, however, “to witness State off...
Sunday 22 March 2020
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of tick-borne Lyme borreliosis (LB), has a limited metabolic capacity and needs to acquire nutrients, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleic acids, from the host environment. Using X-ray crystallography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, microscale thermophoresis, and cellular localization studies, we show that basic membrane protein D (BmpD) is a periplasmic substrate-binding protein of an ABC transporter system binding to purine nucleosides. Nucleosides are essential for bacterial survival in the host organism, and these studies suggest a key role for BmpD in the purine salvage pathway of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Because B. burgdorferi sensu lato lacks the enzymes required for de novo purine synthesis, BmpD may play a v...
Sunday 22 March 2020
This article presents the proof-of-concept study for a multivalent OspA vaccine targeting a wide range of pathogenic LB Borrelia species with a single recombinant antigen for prevention of Lyme borreliosis. (Source: Infection and Immunity)
Sunday 22 March 2020
SUNDAY, March 22, 2020 -- Where you put leaves raked from your yard last fall could affect your family's risk of bites from ticks that transmit Lyme disease-causing bacteria, a new study suggests. In areas where Lyme-causing ticks are prevalent,... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Thursday 19 March 2020
Publication date: 17 March 2020Source: Cell Reports, Volume 30, Issue 11Author(s): Abdul G. Lone, Troy Bankhead (Source: Cell Reports)
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Tuesday 17 March 2020
CONCLUSIONS: The intrathecal immune reaction in LNB is characterized by B cell associated chemokines. Whether the combination CXCL13/CCL19 further improves discrimination between LNB and NLAM beyond the diagnostic improvements by CXCL13 alone needs to be tested in new studies. PMID: 32199247 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cytokine)
Monday 16 March 2020
Authors: Ettischer-Schmid N, Preyer R Abstract We have read the research article entitled "Prospective comparison of two enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays for the diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis" by van Gorkom T, Voet W, Sankatsing SUC, Nijhuis CDM, Ter Haak E, Kremer K and Thijsen SFT published in Clinical and Experimental Immunology (2019 Oct 30. https://doi.org/10.1111/cei.13393) (1). We want to congratulate the authors for the publishing of this article, and make some remarks and contributions. PMID: 32180218 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)
Sunday 15 March 2020
Authors: Yeung C, Al-Turki M, Baranchuk A Abstract Lyme carditis (LC) is an early-disseminated manifestation of Lyme disease, most commonly presenting as high-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). The degree of AVB can fluctuate rapidly within minutes, and progression to third-degree AVB is potentially fatal if not recognized and managed promptly. However, the AVB in LC is often transient, and usually resolves with appropriate antibiotic therapy. LC should be on the differential diagnosis in young patients presenting with new high-degree AVB and factors that increase the index of suspicion for Lyme disease. The Suspicious Index in Lyme Carditis (SILC) score helps clinicians risk stratify for LC. A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of LC minimizes the unnecessary imp...
Saturday 14 March 2020
Lyme disease is a tick-borne spirochete illness with multi-system involvement. Although neurological manifestations of Lyme disease are becoming increasingly well recognized, its psychiatric presentations are not well known. Physicians need to be aware of its neuropsychiatric symptoms that may present months to years later. Endemic areas to Borellia Burgdorferi also have higher rates of schizophrenia. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment is need to to avoid irreversible neuropsychiatric complications. (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)
Friday 13 March 2020
AbstractThe role of CXCL13 as a marker of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is under investigation, and CXCL13 is not part of routine diagnostics in suspicion of LNB. Our aim was to find the optimal cut-off value of CXCL13 for LNB in a Danish population and to investigate the role of CXCL13 both in early LNB and as a discriminatory marker between LNB and other neuroinflammatory disorders. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including all patients with a cerebrospinal CXCL13 test performed at the Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018. We included 619 patients, of which 51 had definite LNB, 14 patients had possible LNB with neurological symptoms suggestive of LNB and pleocytosis but no intrathecalBorrelia ...
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Friday 13 March 2020
Lyme disease experts are not surprised by CDC's failure to ensure quick diagnosis of COVID-19. It's failed for 25 years to fix a broken Lyme test. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Thursday 12 March 2020
This study aimed to assess whether the serological history of Borrelia infection was associated with the risk of AF. The study included 113 AF patients and 109 patients in sinus rhythm. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation, echocardiography and had t heir blood taken for the assessment of anti-Borrelia IgG antibodies. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)
Thursday 12 March 2020
Conclusion: Both diagnosis and ruling out of disseminated Lyme Borreliosis can be difficult for general practitioners. General practitioners use serological tests to reassure patients and rule out Lyme Borreliosis, thereby deviating from the national guideline. Interpretation of test results in these cases can be difficult. PMID: 32157944 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of General Practice)
Wednesday 11 March 2020
Authors: Jiří Černý Geoffrey Lynn Johana Hrnková Maryna Golovchenko Natalia Rudenko Libor Grubhoffer Ticks are important human and animal parasites and vectors of many infectious disease agents. Control of tick activity is an effective tool to reduce the risk of contracting tick-transmitted diseases. The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the most common tick species in Europe. It is also a vector of the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, which are two of the most important arthropod-borne diseases in Europe. In recent years, increases in tick activity and incidence of tick-borne diseases have been observed in many European countries. These increases are linked to many ecological and anthropogenic factors such as landscape management, c...
Wednesday 11 March 2020
Publication date: Available online 10 March 2020Source: Journal of Theoretical BiologyAuthor(s): Daniel Carrera-Pineyro, Harley Hanes, Adam Litzler, Andrea McCormack, Josean Velazquez-Molina, Anuj Mubayi, Karen Ríos-Soto, Christopher Kribs (Source: Journal of Theoretical Biology)
Wednesday 11 March 2020
Supporting entrepreneurs can take many forms from grants to providing access to capital and from expanding their networks of mentors and peers to providing training that addresses both hard and soft skills. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Tuesday 10 March 2020
ConclusionsResults on validated PROM questionnaires measuring fatigue, anxiety, depression, self ‐reported somatic symptom burden, and physical health‐related quality did not differ between persons treated for definite NB 1–10 years earlier and reference scores. NB‐treated persons tended to report a slightly poorer mental health‐related quality of life than found in normative data, b ut when adjusting for confounders the causative connection is questionable. Overall, the long‐term prognosis of definite NB seems to be good. (Source: Brain and Behavior)
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Monday 9 March 2020
Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, EarlyView. (Source: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface)
Sunday 8 March 2020
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Thursday 5 March 2020
(Columbia University) A new model based on 17 years of data can help predict the trajectory of where Lyme disease will spread. Identifying high-risk areas can lead to surveillance in counties and areas where infections are likely to emerge. It also allows authorities to alert physicians and the public, which can lead to early treatment, when it is most effective. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
Conclusions: This study found a high incidence of Lyme disease in Lithuania. We elucidated the baseline characteristics regarding the infected Lithuanian population which may ease medical clinicians' work on new Lyme diagnoses. PMID: 32151097 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medicina (Kaunas))
Tuesday 3 March 2020
The reach of Lyme disease is expanding across the U.S., and cases may be under-reported. A recent CDC case report describes the experiences of two patients with fatal cases of Lyme carditis... (Source: The Rheumatologist)
Monday 2 March 2020
Authors: Strnad M, Rego ROM Abstract Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne infection caused by bacteria under the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, both in Europe and North America. Differential gene expression at different times throughout its infectious cycle allows the spirochete to survive very diverse environments within different mammalian hosts as well as the tick vector. To date, the vast majority of data about spirochetal proteins and their functions are from genetic studies carried out on North American strains of a single species, i.e. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. The whole-genome sequences recently obtained for several European species/strains make it feasible to adapt and use genetic techniques to study inherent differences between them. This review highlights the...
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Monday 2 March 2020
Publication date: Available online 2 March 2020Source: Journal of Structural BiologyAuthor(s): Kalvis Brangulis, Inara Akopjana, Ivars Petrovskis, Andris Kazaks, Kaspars Tars (Source: Journal of Structural Biology)
Sunday 1 March 2020
The black-legged (or deer) tick, Ixodes scapularis, commonly infests dogs in the USA and is the vector of important zoonotic pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Rapid o... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Saturday 29 February 2020
Authors: Cairns V PMID: 32107217 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)
Saturday 29 February 2020
CONCLUSIONS: This review has concentrated on I scapularis-transmitted diseases affecting the Upper Midwest and has explored the ecology of the I scapularis vector and its role in pathogen transmission. PMID: 32348066 [PubMed - in process] (Source: WMJ)
Thursday 27 February 2020
In this study, we explored and compared the climatic and landscape factors that shape the spatial patterns of human Lyme cases in these two regions, using the generalized linear mixed models. Our results showed that climatic variables generally had opposite correlations with Lyme disease risk, while landscape factors usually had similar effects in these two regions. High precipitation and low temperature were correlated with high Lyme disease risk in the Upper Midwest, while with low Lyme disease risk in the Northeast. In both regions, size and fragmentation related factors of residential area showed positive correlations with Lyme disease risk. Deciduous forests and evergreen forests had opposite effects on Lyme disease risk, but the effects were consistent between two regions. In general...
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Thursday 27 February 2020
Publication date: Available online 26 February 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Seunghee Lee, Hyunkyoung Lee, Jung-Won Park, Soon-Seek Yoon, Hyun-Ji Seo, Jinhyeong Noh, Mi-Sun Yoo, Keun-Ho Kim, Yeojin Park, Yun Sang Cho, Byung Jae So (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Wednesday 26 February 2020
Mainstream medicine has failed many Lyme disease patients. It's fast becoming irrelevant. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Lyme endocarditis is extremely rare manifestation of Lyme disease. The clinical manifestations of Lyme endocarditis are non-specific and can be very challenging diagnosis to make when it is the only manifestation of the disease. Until now, only a few cases where reported. Physicians should keep in mind the possibility of borrelial etiology of endocarditis in endemic areas. Appropriate valve tissue sample should be sent for histopathology, culture, and PCR especially in case of endocarditis of unknown origin PCR on heart valve samples is recommended. With more frequent PCR, Borrelia spp. may be increasingly found as a cause of infective endocarditis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of Lyme carditis may prevent surgical treatment and pacemaker implantations. Due to climate change and global w...
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Publication date: Available online 24 February 2020Source: IDCasesAuthor(s): Abhimanyu Aggarwal, Denzil Reid, Durane Walker (Source: IDCases)
Monday 24 February 2020
In conclusion, a European cohort of adult patients with LNB diagnosed between 2015 to 2017 presented with classic symptoms and CSF findings. However, a substantial diagnostic delay was still observed. In disagreement with current guidelines, a substantial part of LNB patients were treated with antibiotics longer than 14 days and/or intravenously as route of administration. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Monday 24 February 2020
This cluster of Lyme disease cases in North Carolina indicates that the disease may be expanding further south.Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Sunday 23 February 2020
The incidence of tick-borne infections in the United States has risen significantly in the past decade. Ticks can transmit a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, that can cause serious illnesses. Therefore, the use of rapid, sensitive, and specific multiplex tests is important to identify the pathogen(s) in the acute phase and determine appropriate treatment to minimize the severity of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ChromaCode’s research use only (RUO) nine-target high-definition PCR (HDPCR) tick-borne pathogen (TBP) panel using 379 retrospective, remnant whole-blood and synovial fluid specimens previously submitted to Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP) Laboratories and tested by clinically validated real-time PC...
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Sunday 23 February 2020
(Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology)
Saturday 22 February 2020
LYME disease is a bacterial infection that is passed on to humans by infected ticks. High-risk areas include grassy and wooded areas, making that leisurely stroll not seem so idyllic any more. Look for a sign on your knee that you may be needing a visit to your doctors pronto. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Friday 21 February 2020
(Frontiers) A preclinical in vitro study shows that selected plant-based herbal medicines, especially Ghanaian quinine and Japanese knotweed, work better than antibiotics against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. These findings represent an important step towards the development of treatments that might be better tolerated and more effective than the current standard of care. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Thursday 20 February 2020
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which could lead to severe physical and mental problems if not diagnosed at an early stage. Spotting the early warning signs will ensure prompt treatment and noticing this peculiar feeling in the head could mean you're at risk. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Wednesday 19 February 2020
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which could lead to severe physical and mental problems if not diagnosed at an early stage. Spotting the early warning signs will ensure prompt treatment and noticing this peculiar feeling in the head could mean you're at risk. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Friday 14 February 2020
Authors: Nijman G, van Kooten B, Vermeeren YM, van Hees BC, Zomer TP PMID: 32070633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)
Thursday 13 February 2020
We present a suspected pediatric case of POWV infection in northern Wisconsin. PMID: 32060042 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Medicine and Research)
Thursday 13 February 2020
Lyme disease (LD) is an increasing public health threat in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, yet relatively few methods exist for reducing LD risk in endemic areas. Disrupting the LD transmission cyc... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Tuesday 11 February 2020
ORONO, Maine (AP) — More than a third of the deer ticks submitted to a Maine lab last year tested positive for Lyme disease, a surveillance report from the lab said. The report is from the University of Maine Tick Lab. The lab found that a smaller percentage of ticks tested positive for anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which are other tick-borne diseases. The tick lab’s manager, Griffin Dill, said the information will help authorities learn how fast the ticks are spreading in the state. The study is the first of its kind in Maine, the Bangor Daily news reported. The report found that just shy of 39% of deer ticks tested positive for Lyme. The data also show ticks were more frequently found higher on the bodies of children than adults. Lyme disease can cause symptoms such as neck stiffn...
Tuesday 11 February 2020
Conclusions: The interleukin-6/interleukin-10 ratio can be used as a rapid diagnostic cue upon suspected tick-borne infection, enabling fast and correct treatment. Also, in serology-negative results, such information may strengthen a clinical suspicion. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
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Saturday 8 February 2020
Climate change could nearly double new cases of Lyme disease by the end of the century in the US, even if the world manages to limit warming to levels agreed under the Paris climate deal (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Friday 7 February 2020
We report here the validation of a duplex real-time PCR assay using whole blood specimens on the Luminex ARIES® instrument, combining DNA extraction, amplification and detection into a one-step process. This method allows for rapid and sensitive detection of acute infections with Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using whole blood specimens. We included A. phagocytophilum to monitor emergence of this pathogen in Kentucky, since surrounding states have reported many more cases than Kentucky. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 6 February 2020
(Natural News) Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases in the US. The CDC reports that around 30,000 Americans get infected by Lyme every year. However, other data gathering methods suggest that this number can rise to 300,000 cases each year. Because of the rising number of Lyme disease cases, scientists have... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Thursday 6 February 2020
Engineers with the University of Cincinnati have created a tiny portable lab that plugs into your phone, connecting it automatically to a doctor's office through a custom app UC developed. The lab the size of a credit card can diagnose infectious diseases such as coronavirus, malaria, HIV or Lyme disease or countless other health conditions like depression and anxiety. (Source: eHealth News EU)
Thursday 6 February 2020
Engineers with the University of Cincinnati have created a tiny portable lab that plugs into your phone, connecting it automatically to a doctor's office through a custom app UC developed. The lab the size of a credit card can diagnose infectious diseases such as coronavirus, malaria, HIV or Lyme disease or countless other health conditions like depression and anxiety. (Source: World Pharma News)
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Wednesday 5 February 2020
AbstractInterdisciplinary approaches are merited when attempting to understand the complex and idiosyncratic processes driving the spillover of pathogens from wildlife and vector species to human populations. Public health data are often available for zoonotic pathogens but can lead to erroneous conclusions if the data have been spatially or temporally aggregated. As an illustration, we use human Lyme disease incidence data as a case study to examine correlations between mammalian biodiversity, fried chicken restaurants and obesity rates on human disease incidence. We demonstrate that Lyme disease incidence is negatively correlated with mammalian biodiversity, the abundance of fried chicken restaurants and obesity rates. We argue, however, that these correlations are spurious, representing...
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Publication date: Available online 4 February 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Emma L. Gillingham, Kayleigh M. Hansford, Scott Meadows, Julia Henney, Filip Wieckowski, Luis M. Hernández-Triana, Ivan Muscat, Joseph Muscat, Clara Beckert, Nadya I. Nikolova, Ben Cull, Jolyon M. MedlockAbstractThe Channel Islands are British Crown dependencies located in the English Channel to the west of the Normandy coast in northern France. Whilst there have been studies investigating tick occurrence and distribution in different habitats on the mainland of the UK and in France, the Channel Islands have been relatively understudied. As such, little is known about whether the sheep tick, Ixodes ricinus, is present, and whether there is a potential risk of Lyme borreliosis on the Channel I...
Tuesday 4 February 2020
Publication date: Available online 3 February 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Mariska Kerstholt, Mihai G. Netea, Leo A.B. JoostenAbstractChanges in cellular metabolism have proven to be important factors in driving cell behavior. It has been shown that cellular metabolism of immune cells changes when exposed to or infected by several pathogens: while this is often an adaptation of the host cells to the infection, sometimes it represents a mechanism through which the pathogens evade immune activation. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, is a pathogen that highly depends on the host to survive, as the bacterium lacks many central metabolic pathways to generate its own nutrients. It is therefore quite likely that the bacterium interact...
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Sunday 2 February 2020
AbstractLyme disease (LD) is endemic in many regions of the Northeastern United States. Given the elusive nature of the disease, a systematic approach to identify efficient interventions would be useful for policymakers in addressing LD. We used Markov modeling to investigate the efficiency of interventions. These interventions range from awareness-based to behavioral-based strategies. Targeting animal reservoirs of LD using fungal spray or bait boxes did not prove to be an effective intervention. Results of awareness-based interventions, including distribution of signage, fliers, and presentations, implementable in different geographical scales, suggest that policymakers should focus on these interventions, as they are both cost-effective and have the highest impact on lowering LD risk. P...
Sunday 2 February 2020
We report here the validation of a duplex real-time PCR assay using whole blood specimens on the Luminex ARIES® instrument, combining DNA extraction, amplification and detection into a one-step process. This method allows for rapid and sensitive detection of acute infections with Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum using whole blood specimens. We included A. phagocytophilum to monitor emergence of this pathogen in Kentucky, since surrounding states have reported many more cases than Kentucky. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Friday 31 January 2020
Authors: Lefeuve F, Baseggio L PMID: 32108574 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)
Friday 31 January 2020
ConclusionData show that in addition to the clinical presentation of patients with symptoms suggesting central or peripheral nervous system manifestation, serum IgG- and IgM-titers help to identify LNB-patients. The results should guide physicians counseling patients with suspected LNB about further diagnostic steps and treatment. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
Thursday 30 January 2020
Authors: Barbarin AM, Seagle SW, Creede S PMID: 31999682 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)
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Thursday 30 January 2020
The recent discovery of Lyme-infected ticks at the location of an outdoor wilderness program in North Carolina highlights the importance of vectorborne disease prevention. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Wednesday 29 January 2020
Lyme disease (LD), which is caused by genospecies of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. Spirochetes are transmitted by Ixodes ticks and maintained in diverse vertebrate animal hosts. Following tick bite, spirochetes initially establish a localized infection in the skin. However, they may also disseminate hematogenously to several distal sites, including heart, joints, or the CNS. Because they need to survive in diverse microenvironments, from tick vector to mammalian hosts, spirochetes have developed multiple strategies to combat the numerous host defense mechanisms. One of these strategies includes the production of a number of complement-regulator acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs) which encompass CspA, CspZ, ...
Wednesday 29 January 2020
ConclusionA discriminant analysis was shown to be useful to distinguish the independently most important cytokines/chemokines (CXCL1, GM-CSF, IL-7 and IL-10) in CSF, in order to discriminate LNBtot patients from Non-LNB patients. An IL-10/CXCL1 ratio was shown to have a promising diagnostic profile with a better performance than the chemokine CXCL13 in CSF. However, further evaluation is required to address future possible usefulness of these cytokines and chemokines in laboratory diagnostics in LNB, including control groups with neuro-inflammation. No significant associations were found between CSF immune mediator levels and clinical presentation or recovery in pediatric LNB patients. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 28 January 2020
Authors: Song S, Wood TK Abstract Stress is ubiquitous for bacteria and can convert a subpopulation of cells into a dormant state known as persistence, in which cells are tolerant to antimicrobials. These cells revive rapidly when the stress is removed and are likely the cause of many recurring infections such as those associated with tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and Lyme disease. However, how persister cells are formed is not understood well. Here we propose the ppGpp ribosome dimerization persister (PRDP) model in which the alarmone guanosine pentaphosphate/tetraphosphate (henceforth ppGpp) generates persister cells directly by inactivating ribosomes via the ribosome modulation factor (RMF), the hibernation promoting factor (Hpf), and the ribosome-associated inhibitor (RaiA). W...
Saturday 25 January 2020
This study investigated Borrelia prevalence and species distribution in ticks removed from humans and sent as diagnostic material to the Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, in 2013-2017. A probe-based real-time PCR was carried out and Borrelia-positive samples were subjected to species determination by reverse line blot (RLB), including a B. miyamotoi-specific probe. The overall Borrelia-infection rate as determined by real-time PCR was 20.02 % (510/2547, 95 % CI: 18.48–21.63 %), with annual prevalences ranging from 17.17 % (90/524, 95 % CI: 14.04–20.68 %) in 2014 to 24.12 % (96/398, 95 % CI: 19.99–28.63 %) in 2015. In total, 271/475 (57.1 %) positive samples available for RLB were successfully differentiated. Borrelia afzelii was detected in 30.53...
Saturday 25 January 2020
Authors: Pokutnaya D, Molaei G, Weinberger DM, Vossbrinck CR, Diaz AJ Abstract Ixodes scapularis is currently known to transmit 7 pathogens responsible for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tick-borne relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, and Powassan encephalitis. Ixodes scapularis can also be colonized by endosymbiotic bacteria including those in the genus of Rickettsia. We screened 459 I. scapularis ticks submitted to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Tick Testing Laboratory with the objectives to (1) examine differences in infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia miyamotoi, (2) evaluate whether prevalence of co-infections occur at the same frequency that would be expected based on single infection, and (...
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Monday 20 January 2020
The prevalence of tickborne diseases worldwide is increasing virtually unchecked due to the lack of effective control strategies. The transmission dynamics of tickborne pathogens are influenced by the tick microbiome, tick co-infection with other pathogens, and environmental features. Understanding this complex system could lead to new strategies for pathogen control, but will require large-scale, high-resolution data. Here, we introduce Project Acari, a citizen science-based project to assay, at single-tick resolution, species, pathogen infection status, microbiome profile, and environmental conditions of tens of thousands of ticks collected from numerous sites across the United States. In the first phase of the project, we collected more than 2,400 ticks wild-caught by citizen scientists...
Monday 20 January 2020
Publication date: Available online 20 January 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Tom G. Schwan, Sandra J. Raffel, James M. BattistiAbstractThe relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia hermsii and the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto each produces an abundant, orthologous, outer membrane protein, Vtp and OspC, respectively, when transmitted by tick bite. Gene inactivation studies have shown that both proteins are essential for spirochete infectivity when transmitted by their respective tick vectors. Therefore, we transformed a vtp-minus mutant of B. hermsii with ospC from B. burgdorferi and examined the behavior of this transgenic spirochete in its soft tick vector Ornithodoros hermsi. IFA staining indicated up to 97.8% of the transgenic B. hermsii upre...
Friday 17 January 2020
(Source: Journal of Neurology)
Friday 17 January 2020
Publication date: Available online 15 January 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Dana Zubriková, Maria Wittmann, Václav Hönig, Pavel Švec, Bronislava Víchová, Sandra Essbauer, Gerhard Dobler, Libor Grubhoffer, Kurt PfisterAbstractLyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the most common tick-borne diseases in Germany. We collected Ixodes ricinus ticks from 16 high-risk and four low-risk sites distributed in Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate based on the number of human TBE cases recorded at the Robert Koch Institute from 2001 to 2009. A total of 8805 questing ticks (8203 nymphs, 602 adults) were collected in 2010 and examined in pools for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) using real-time RT–PCR. Overall TBEV prevalence evaluated as ...
Thursday 16 January 2020
Authors: Strnad M, Grubhoffer L, Rego ROM Abstract Lyme borreliosis is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks and may severely affect many organs and tissues. Nearly four decades have elapsed since the discovery of the disease agent called Borrelia burgdorferi. Although there is a plethora of knowledge on the infectious agent and thousands of scientific publications, an effective way on how to combat and prevent Lyme borreliosis has not been found yet. There is no vaccine for humans available, and only one active vaccine program in clinical development is currently running. A spirited search for possible disease interventions is of high public interest as surveillance data indicates that the number of cases of Lyme borreliosis is steadily increasing in...
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Thursday 16 January 2020
This study highlights the ability of OspC chimeritopes to serve as vaccinogens that trigger potentially broadly protective Ab responses. In addition to the current use of an OspC chimeritope in a canine LD vaccine, chimeritopes can serve as key components of human LD subunit vaccines. PMID: 31959423 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)
Thursday 16 January 2020
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine reported a record number of Lyme disease cases last year, and the number could rise as data continues to trickle in, officials said Thursday. There were at least 2,079 cases in 2019, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported. It’s too early to say why the numbers grew last year. But the numbers underscore the importance of taking precautions to avoid tick bites, said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine CDC. Winter is a time of low ticket activity. But ticks can be active when the temperature climbs above 40, as it did last weekend in Maine. The state also experienced increases in two other tickborne diseases, with 685 cases of anaplasmosis and 138 cases of babesiosis. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by infected deer ticks....
Wednesday 15 January 2020
This study also revealed the presence of the close ecological and evolutionary relationships between two important vector ticks, Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. aegyptium and determined genetic variations (distinct phylogenetic divergences inside the main clades) in some pathogenic SFG rickettsiae that are found in these ticks. Additionally, the presence of two Babesia species described very recently in hares with unknown vectors, namely Babesia sp. tavsan1 and Babesia sp. tavsan2, were detected for the first time in ticks. Finally, two unnamed Hepatozoon spp. were detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and their phylogenetic positions were demonstrated. Consequently, this study provides important data on the diversity of tick-borne microorganisms in host-seeking ticks and on potentially novel microo...
Wednesday 15 January 2020
The pensioner, from Castelo Branco, Portugal, went to hospital with excruciating pains in his chest and extremely low blood pressure. Justin Bieber announced he had the illness last week. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Wednesday 15 January 2020
A engineer forced to quit work hopes pop star Justin Bieber will raise awareness of the condition. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
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Sunday 12 January 2020
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Sunday 12 January 2020
. (Source: Critical Public Health)
Saturday 11 January 2020
For now, the only prevention lies in avoiding tick contact but one company, Valneva, is working fervently to develop what they believe will be the world ’s first vaccine against Lyme’s disease. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Friday 10 January 2020
Publication date: Available online 9 January 2020Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Vesta Matulaityte, Algimantas Paulauskas, Maksim Bratchikov, Jana RadzijevskajaAbstractIxodes lividus Koch, 1844 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks are parasites specific to the sand martin (Riparia riparia). The distribution range of I. lividus covers Europe and Asia and they are found wherever sand martins nest. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Rickettsia vini have recently been detected in I. lividus ticks in Central Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and Borrelia spp. (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in I. lividus ticks in Lithuania. A total of 2622 non-engorged I. lividus from two different coloni...
Thursday 9 January 2020
Ixodes ticks are the main vectors for a number of zoonotic diseases, including Lyme disease. Ticks secrete saliva directly into a mammalian host while feeding on the host's blood. This action serves to modulate host immunity and coagulation, thus allowing ticks to attach and feed upon their host. One of the most extensively studied components of tick saliva is Salp15. Research has shown that this protein binds specifically to CD4 molecules on the surface of T lymphocytes, interferes with TCR-mediated signaling transduction, inhibits CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation, and impedes the secretion of interleukin 2 (IL-2). Salp15 also binds specifically to dendritic cell dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) to up-regulate the expression...
Thursday 9 January 2020
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is the most common tick-transmitted disease in the Northern Hemisphere. The disease is caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and other related Borrelia species. One of the many fascinating features of this unique pathogen is an elaborate system for antigenic variation, whereby the sequence of the surface-bound lipoprotein VlsE is continually modified through segmental gene conversion events. This perpetual changing of the guard allows the pathogen to remain one step ahead of the acquired immune response, enabling persistent infection. Accordingly, the vls locus is the most evolutionarily diverse genetic element in Lyme disease–causing borreliae. Small stretches of information are transferred from a series of silent cassettes...
Thursday 9 January 2020
Here is why Lyme Disease is tough to diagnose, tough to understand, and tough to have. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Thursday 9 January 2020
Singer Justin Bieber says he has Lyme disease, revealing his condition Wednesday in an Instagram post addressing comments people have made about his appearance in recent months. (Source: WebMD Health)
Thursday 9 January 2020
More details about his affliction will be unveiled in an upcoming documentary series, Bieber said. (Source: Washington Post: To Your Health)
Thursday 9 January 2020
(NEW YORK) — Justin Bieber says that he has been battling Lyme disease. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the pop star wrote that “it’s been a rough couple years but (I’m) getting the right treatment that will help treat this so far incurable disease and I will be back and better than ever.” Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. Lyme can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint paint and other symptoms. “While a lot of people kept saying justin Bieber looks like (expletive), on meth etc. they failed to realize I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my, skin, brain function, energy, and overall health,” Bieber wrote. Th...
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Thursday 9 January 2020
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: Justin Bieber Reveals He Has Lyme Disease Singer Justin Bieber says he has Lyme disease. He revealed his condition Wednesday in an Instagram... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Thursday 9 January 2020
Journal of Proteome ResearchDOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00470 (Source: Journal of Proteome Research)
Thursday 9 January 2020
Lyme disease is the most common illness spread by ticks in North America and Europe. View Lyme disease symptoms, treatments and prevention tips. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Wednesday 8 January 2020
Several well-controlled clinical trials have shown that prolonged antibiotic therapy has no benefit in relieving posttreatment Lyme disease symptoms. However, some insist that such symptoms are due to a persistent Borrelia burgdorferi infection requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy to resolve. This unproven view is bolstered by the results of in vitro experiments where small numbers of viable B. burgdorferi can be detected after treatment with antibiotics. The results described in the present work suggest that the presence of persisters can best be explained by classic biochemical kinetics and that there are alternative explanations for this phenomenon that appears to have no clinical significance. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Wednesday 8 January 2020
Five clinical trials show that prolonged antibiotic therapy has no clear and lasting benefit in relieving post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms, a condition often called “chronic Lyme disease”1-4; no evidence of active infection was found in any of these studies by culture or molecular methods. Despite such findings, as well as the fact that evidence of harm was unambiguous,2,3 some still insist that these symptoms are due to a persistent Borrelia burgdorferi in fection that can be eliminated only by several months of additional treatment with different kinds of antibiotics, given either singly or in combination. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
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Monday 6 January 2020
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSince recognition in 1975, Lyme disease has become the most common vector-borne illness in North America and Europe. The clinical features are well-characterized and treatment is usually curative, but misperceptions about morbidity persist. The purpose of this review is to examine advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, as well as ongoing management challenges.Recent FindingsIt is useful to recognize that Lyme disease occurs in stages, with early- and late-stage disease. Clinical expression is in part determined by Borrelial variability. For example, some strains ofBorrelia burgdorferi, the causative organism in North America, are particularly arthritogenic. Most patients with early Lyme disease can be cured with a single course of oral antibiotic ...
Saturday 4 January 2020
Authors: Sarah E. St. Pierre Odette N. Gould Vett Lloyd As the prevalence of Lyme disease increases across Canada, it is imperative that the educational needs of at-risk groups be identified. The current study compared the level of knowledge and the knowledge needs about Lyme disease among individuals that spend time outdoors for work and for recreational purposes. Between December 2018 and February 2019, a survey was distributed to outdoor organizations across New Brunswick, Canada. Within the current sample of 137 individuals, 36% spent time outdoors for their occupation and 64% for recreational activities. Results showed no significant difference between these groups with regard to their level of knowledge, perceived efficacy and performance of various methods of prevention, a...
Wednesday 1 January 2020
Publication date: Available online 31 December 2019Source: Methods in MicrobiologyAuthor(s): Charles S. PaviaAbstractLyme disease and the relapsing fever borrelioses are caused by spirochetal bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. They have a partially restricted worldwide distribution depending upon their species. They are transmitted to people following exposure to the following arthropod vectors: ticks (for Lyme disease and endemic relapsing fever) and lice (for epidemic relapsing fever). Soon after a cutaneous infection becomes established, these spirochetes disseminate via the haematogenous route and are capable of causing multi-system disturbances that can vary in their degree of morbidity. Unlike most bacteria, the Borrelia are somewhat difficult to culture, which often makes iso...
Monday 30 December 2019
In conclusion, Lu59 induced higher complement activation than ACA1 and individuals with previous SB showed increased generation of C3a compared with patients with previous LNB. In our study population, this mechanism could lead to less elimination of spirochetes in LNB patients and thereby be a factor contributing to the clinical outcome. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases)
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Thursday 26 December 2019
Theodore “Ted” Van Itallie (shown above), an intellectual giant and pioneer in the field of nutrition, metabolism, obesity, and cognitive function research, professor emeritus, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, former editor-in chief of the journals Metabolism and the American Journ al of Nutrition, and a former director of medicine at St. Luke's Hospital Center in New York City (1957–75), died at his home in Old Lyme, CT on September 14th 2019 at the age of 99 years. A special memorial service was held for him at Saint Ann's Episcopal Church in Old Lyme on November 8th 201 9, the day that would have been his 100th birthday. (Source: Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental)
Tuesday 24 December 2019
This study investigated Borrelia prevalence and species distribution in ticks removed from humans and sent as diagnostic material to the Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, in 2013-2017. A probe-based real-time PCRwas carried out and Borrelia-positive samples were subjected to species determination by reverse line blot (RLB), including a B. miyamotoi-specific probe. The overall Borrelia-infection rate as determined by real-time PCR was 20.02% (510/2547, 95% CI: 18.48-21.63%), with annual prevalences ranging from 17.17% (90/524, 95% CI: 14.04-20.68%) in 2014 to 24.12% (96/398, 95% CI: 19.99-28.63%) in 2015. In total, 271/475 (57.1%) positive samples available for RLB were successfully differentiated. Borrelia afzelii was detected in 30.53% of cases (145/4...
Saturday 21 December 2019
This study indicates that woodchip borders may be an effective strategy to suppress questing tick density along trail margins where recreational trail users are more active, thereby reducing the likelihood of tick encounters. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Friday 20 December 2019
Conclusions: In children, NB more frequently presented as meningitis, and in adults in the form of Bannwarth’s syndrome. CSF pleocytosis in children with NB was higher than in adults, while the protein concentration in children was lower. Outcomes in children and adults were favorable and did not differ after standard NB treatment. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Thursday 19 December 2019
Publication date: Available online 19 December 2019Source: IDCasesAuthor(s): Karen Beltran, Rita Wadeea, Karen L. HerbstABSTRACTDercum Disease (DD) is a rare inflammatory disease of painful subcutaneous fat masses with known alterations in lymphatic vessels. DD masses vary from pearl to walnut-size or larger and occur anywhere in body fat. Signs and symptoms of DD are similar to fibromyalgia. While the etiology of DD is unknown, metabolic, autoimmune, or autosomal genetic transmission has been proposed. This series presents 7 cases where DD followed an infection either histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or Lyme disease. Known changes in fat by infectious agents are reviewed. Early diagnosis and treatment of infections may prevent further damage to fat. (Source: IDCases)
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Thursday 19 December 2019
Combatting Lyme disease myths and the "chronic Lyme industry". CMAJ. 2019 Dec 16;191(50):E1389 Authors: PMID: 31844026 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal)
Wednesday 18 December 2019
Conclusion: There is a high seroprevalence of infection with B. burgdorferi in the forest areas of Nagarahole and Bandipur ranges in south India. (Source: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology)
Wednesday 18 December 2019
CONCLUSIONS: Of the ten ticks infected with <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s. l., <i>B. afzelii</i> was found in seven, undefinied genospecies in two, and mixed infection with <i>B. afzelii</i> and <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s. s. in one. The study demonstrated the potential risk of exposure of humans and animals to infections of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s. l., <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> and <i>B. microti</i> in the examined area of Poland. PMID: 31885226 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM)
Wednesday 18 December 2019
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—In Lyme disease-endemic areas, a C6 peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test may help guide initial management of children with acute arthritis, an observational study suggests.1 “Children with Lyme disease frequently present to the emergency department with an inflamed joint,” Lise Nigrovic, MD, MPH, of Boston Children’s Hospital tells Reuters Health by email.... [Read More] (Source: The Rheumatologist)
Wednesday 18 December 2019
In Lyme disease-endemic areas, a C6 peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test may help guide initial management of children with acute arthritis, an observational study suggests.Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Orthopaedics Headlines)
Wednesday 18 December 2019
ACS NanoDOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b08151 (Source: ACS Nano)
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Tuesday 17 December 2019
We present an adult case of chronic Lyme disease, who developed pseudotumor cerebri and who needed supplementary surgical treatment. We compare it to the existing published literature, reviewed by a systematic approach. AbstractIt is important to recognize the rare manifestations of chronic Lyme disease to prevent permanent disabilities. We present an adult case of chronic Lyme disease, who developed pseudotumor cerebri and who needed supplementary surgical treatment. We compare it to the existing published literature, reviewed by a systematic approach. (Source: Clinical Case Reports)
Tuesday 17 December 2019
Tuesday 17 December 2019
Tuesday 17 December 2019
. (Source: Acta Clinica Belgica)
Monday 16 December 2019
Mother ’s fundraising campaign in Lyme Regis has been backed by likes of David AttenboroughEvie Swire was nine years old when she first heard the story of a woman who had lived near her home in Dorset and, in her own way, changed the world.Mary Anning was born into a humble family in Lyme Regis in 1799 and grew up hunting for fossils in the area ’s cliffs to supplement their meagre income. When she was 12, she and her brother discovered one of the first ichthyosaurus skeletons, and she would go on to make many other pioneering finds and become immensely knowledgeable in the emerging field of palaeontology.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
Monday 16 December 2019
Publication date: Available online 14 December 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Eisen LarsAbstractUse of emerging technology allowing for identification of genetic material from pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks collected from humans, domestic animals, wildlife, or the environment has resulted in an avalanche of new data on tick-microorganism associations. This rapidly growing stream of new information is a tremendous resource but also presents challenges, including how detection of pathogen genetic material in ticks should best be interpreted. There is a tendency in the more recent published literature to incorrectly use the term “vector” based on detection of pathogen genetic material from tick species not experimentally confirmed to serve as vectors of the path...
Thursday 12 December 2019
SUMMARY: Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Canada and the United States, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which affects multiple organ systems. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and neuroimaging findings are reviewed. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)
Wednesday 11 December 2019
Conclusions: A significant increase (P = .02) in Lyme arthritis cases was observed at Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo. Lyme arthritis may clinically present similarly to other forms of arthritis, such as oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, so health care providers should be aware of distinguishing clinical features, which include rapid onset of swelling and patient age. Because the geographic area of endemic Lyme disease is expanding, all health care providers need to be aware of Lyme arthritis as a possible diagnosis. PMID: 31819695 [PubMed] (Source: Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders)
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Tuesday 10 December 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Tuesday 10 December 2019
Insurance claim lines related to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of black-legged ticks, increased by 117 percent across the country between 2007 and 2018, according to new research. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Tuesday 10 December 2019
NEW YORK (CBS) – The United States has seen a big rise in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new study finds that the number of Americans diagnosed with the illness more than doubled over the past decade. Researchers at FAIR looked at private health insurance claims from 2007 to 2018. They found the biggest increase was in urban areas where claims for Lyme disease increased by more than 120%. Read The Report (PDF) “Lyme disease is the nation’s predominant tick-borne disease, and it is growing,” FAIR said in its report. Massachusetts was among the Top 10 states with the highest percentages of insurance claims for Lyme. The infection is spread through tick bites and can affect joints, the nervous system and heart if it goes untreated. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Spo...
Tuesday 10 December 2019
(FAIR Health) From 2007 to 2018, claim lines with diagnoses of Lyme disease increased nationally 117%. The new FAIR Health Study Uncovers Geographic, Age and Gender Variation, among Other Notable Statistics. Comparing Lyme disease to other tick-borne diseases, the study draws on data from FAIR Health's comprehensive repository of over 29 billion private healthcare claim records -- the largest in the country. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Sunday 8 December 2019
In conclusion, we show in this study that DCs respond to and mount an immune response against B. miyamotoi that is similar to the response to B. burgdorferi and is able to induce T cell proliferation. PMID: 31818980 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Immunology)
Sunday 8 December 2019
Publication date: Available online 6 December 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Hein Sprong, Sander Moonen, Sipke E. van Wieren, Tim R. HofmeesterAbstractCattle grazing has been suggested to reduce the risk for Lyme borreliosis by decreasing the density of questing Ixodes ricinus infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. We tested the hypotheses that cattle grazing used in woodland management decreases the density of questing I. ricinus, and that it decreases the nympal infection prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. We further expected the nympal infection prevalence of tick-borne pathogens that utilize cattle as amplifying hosts, namely Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia sensu stricto, to increase. To test these hypotheses, we compared the densities of quest...
Sunday 8 December 2019
Publication date: Available online 6 December 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Amber M. Frye, Thomas M. Hart, Danielle M. Tufts, Sanjay Ram, Maria A. Diuk-Wasser, Peter Kraiczy, Anna M. Blom, Yi-Pin LinAbstractComplement is a key first line innate host defense system in the blood of vertebrates. Upon activation, this powerful defense mechanism can elicit inflammatory responses, lyse non-self-cells, or mark them for opsonophagocytic removal. Blood-feeding arthropods thus require the ability to block host complement activation in the bloodmeal to prevent undesired cell or tissue damage during feeding. The soft tick Ornithodoros moubata produces a complement inhibitory protein, OmCI. This protein binds to a mammalian complement protein C5 and blocks further activation of co...
Friday 6 December 2019
Authors: Perea AE, Hinckley AF, Mead PS PMID: 31800351 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Public Health Reports)
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Friday 6 December 2019
(Natural News) A person can just be enjoying a day outdoors before he finds himself face-to-face with the last creature he wants to see crawling around on their body — a tick. An encounter with this particular insect could lead to an infectious disease called Lyme disease. While people have discovered plenty of ways to protect themselves from Lyme... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Thursday 5 December 2019
(CNN/CBS) — The climate crisis is making us more vulnerable to ticks in an unprecedented and growing threat to public health, according to a new report. Bacterial and protozoan tick-borne diseases doubled in the United States between 2004 and 2016, the report notes, and in 2017, more than 90% of the 60,000 vector-borne diseases in the United States were linked to these particular bloodsucking bugs. The warmer temperatures brought by the climate crisis, in addition to ecological changes and reforestation, have extended the bugs’ range into regions that had not seen certain types of ticks for many decades, if ever. And the report published in the New England Journal of Medicine Tuesday warns that we should be “bracing for the worst.” The lone star tick, a tick disting...
Tuesday 3 December 2019
Scientists at Columbia University, New York, are developing test that uses microchips to detect antibodies against Lyme disease. The condition, spread by ticks, can be fatal to humans. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Monday 2 December 2019
Authors: Margos G, Fedorova N, Becker NS, Kleinjan JE, Marosevic D, Krebs S, Hui L, Fingerle V, Lane RS Abstract Borrelia species are vector-borne parasitic bacteria with unusual, highly fragmented genomes that include a linear chromosome and linear as well as circular plasmids that differ numerically between and within various species. Strain CA690T, which was cultivated from a questing Ixodes spinipalpis nymph in the San Francisco Bay area, CA, was determined to be genetically distinct from all other described species belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The genome, including plasmids, was assembled using a hybrid assembly of short Illumina reads and long reads obtained via Oxford Nanopore Technology. We found that strain CA690T has a main linear chromosome c...
Saturday 30 November 2019
CONCLUSION: Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for IIH and brain tumours in children presenting with papilledema. Patients with craniosynostosis should have routine eye examinations to monitor for asymptomatic papilledema. Understanding the relative incidence of etiologies for papilledema highlights the urgency of appropriate work-up and the need to consider low-frequency etiologies. PMID: 31836094 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology)
Saturday 30 November 2019
ConclusionThis study of the clinical spectrum of LD in Canadian children underlines the need for preventive measures to protect children in Canada from emerging LD, and the need for health care provider awareness. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 28 November 2019
I’m always so proud of what our union stands for and what we can achieve when we stand together. But sometimes there are days when that’s particularly true – and earlier this week I had one of those days. It started early on a picket line at Whiston Hospital. The strikers – employed by Compass – have a simple demand, to get the same pay and conditions as those they work alongside in our NHS. Their energy, their passion and their unwillingness to give in are truly inspiring. These are the people who keep our NHS – our nation’s greatest achievement – running each day. They clean, they cook and they make sure patients are where they’re meant to be. They embody the incredible values of the NHS and our union, and it’s time that Compass (a company whic...
Thursday 28 November 2019
In this study, we determined the crystal structures of the key outer surface protein BBE31 from B. burgdorferi and its orthologous protein BSE31 (BSPA14S_RS05060 gene product) from B. spielmanii. BBE31 is known to be important for the transfer of B. burgdorferi from the gut to the hemolymph in the tick after a tick bite. While BBE31 exerts its function by interacting with the Ixodes scapularis tick gut protein TRE31, structural and mass spectrometry data revealed that BBE31 has a glutathione (GSH) covalently attached to Cys142 suggesting that the protein may have acquired some additional functions in contrast to its orthologous protein BSE31, which lacks any interactions with GSH. In the current study, in addition to analyzing the potential reasons for GSH binding, the three-dimensional st...
Tuesday 26 November 2019
Fundamental misunderstandings exist among both patients and practitioners about the nature of tick-borne infections. This review aims to address these issues from the neurologist's perspective.Seminars in Neurology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Monday 25 November 2019
We report a case of suspected Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) where the patient's sole symptom was chronic, intermittent episodes of unilateral ear pain. This case was unusual because this patient did not show any other neurological or extraneurological symptoms of Lyme disease. LNB is a manifestation of infection by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes that can manifest in a number of different clinical presentations depending on the nervous system dissemination of the bacteria. Most commonly, these neurological findings present as peripheral nerve radiculopathies, but rarer involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) can occur if a patient goes untreated. Most often, CNS involvement presents as meningitis with increased lymphocytes but can, in rarer cases, involve the spinal cord ...
Monday 25 November 2019
In conclusion, here we describe the molecular mechanism utilized by B. mayonii to resists complement-mediated killing by capturing human immune regulators. (Source: Frontiers in Immunology)
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Monday 25 November 2019
Chronic Lyme disease occurs when a person who has already received treatment for Lyme disease continues to have symptoms in the long term. Learn more about this condition here. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
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Monday 25 November 2019
Fewer than 40% of those bitten by a tick transmitting Lyme disease will have a bullseye rash, and ticks are incredibly small (about the size of a sesame seed), so are easily missed. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Friday 22 November 2019
We present a case of a man with genital condyloma acuminatum with a positive T. pallidum IHC stain but negative T. pallidum serologies and no syphilitic symptoms. It has been shown that the T. pallidum antibody IHC can cross-react, staining other spirochetes, including Borrelia burgdorferi and the Brachyspira family of intestinal spirochetes. Because of the proximity of our patient's lesions to the anus, and the persistently negative T. pallidum serologies, we believe nontreponemal spirochetes colonized the condyloma, giving a false-positive T. pallidum IHC. This cross-reactivity is a potential diagnostic pitfall and is important for the dermatopathologist to recognize, thereby avoiding false diagnosis of syphilis. (Source: The American Journal of Dermatopathology)
Thursday 21 November 2019
Single multiplexed assays could replace the standard 2-tiered (STT) algorithm recommended for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease if they perform with a specificity and a sensitivity superior or equal to those of the STT algorithm. We used human serum rigorously characterized to be sera from patients with acute- and convalescent-phase early Lyme disease, Lyme arthritis, and posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome, as well as the necessary controls (n = 241 samples), to select the best of 12 Borrelia burgdorferi proteins to improve our microfluidic assay (mChip-Ld). We then evaluated its serodiagnostic performance in comparison to that of a first-tier enzyme immunoassay and the STT algorithm. We observed that more antigens became positive as Lyme disease progressed from early to late stage...
Thursday 21 November 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Wednesday 20 November 2019
The Quarterly Review of Biology,Volume 94, Issue 4, Page 448-449, December 2019. (Source: QRB Latest Issue)
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Tuesday 19 November 2019
Conclusions: Because serum serology can be negative at presentation, lumbar puncture is a valuable tool when diagnosing LB among children with facial palsy. Pleocytosis and increased protein and CXCL13 values in the CSF suggest LB as the cause of facial palsy. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Monday 18 November 2019
. (Source: Acta Clinica Belgica)
Monday 18 November 2019
(Natural News) After going outside, it may be best to do a tick check. Lyme disease is a dangerous condition that causes fever, rashes, face paralysis, and arthritis. Without proper care, it can even lead to death. Interestingly, something so deadly comes from the bite of something so small: ticks. Ticks are tiny arachnids commonly found... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Monday 18 November 2019
A novel PET imaging technique has uncovered high levels of ischemia in patients...Read more on AuntMinnie.comRelated Reading: PET/MRI sheds light on cerebral vascular risk factors Flortaucipir-PET shows tau accumulation after one TBI PET, MRI show physical activity aids brain health Carbon-11 PET detects brain inflammation after Lyme disease SNMMI: Cerebrovascular risk tied to Alzheimer's disease (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)
Sunday 17 November 2019
(Natural News) Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis are two different diseases that share many symptoms. A patient will benefit from knowing how to tell them apart. The diseases have different origins. Lyme disease is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which infect humans via tick bites. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis stems from a mixture of... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Friday 15 November 2019
CONCLUSION: In patients consulting for presumed LB, patients diagnosed with LB had fewer and shorter functional symptoms than patients without LB. PMID: 31722861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Thursday 14 November 2019
Authors: Lourdes Lledó Consuelo Giménez-Pardo María Isabel Gegúndez Exposure to Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), hantaviruses, Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi among forestry workers from a province in central Spain (Guadalajara) was examined by serological screening. This is the first such study in this rural area, where people often live and work in proximity to domestic and wild animals. Immunofluorescent analyses of the serum of 100 forestry workers detected IgG antibodies to LCMV in 2% (CL 95% 0.55%–7.0%) of this population, to hantaviruses in 4% (CL 95% 1.6%–8.3%) for the serum amyloid A (SAA) serotype, and 2% (CL 95% 0.55%–7.0%) for the Seoul virus (SEO) serotype (samples also positive for SAA), to Rickettsia ...
Wednesday 13 November 2019
Abstract16 ‐year‐old boy with severe obesity presented to the pediatric rheumatology clinic with a 1.5‐year history of right knee swelling. Laboratory findings were unremarkable other than mildly elevated inflammatory markers. Lyme screen was negative. A previous knee MRI reported a large joint effusion with synovitis and few punctate foci of low signal intensity throughout the synovium, concerning for pigmented villondodular synovitis. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology)
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Tuesday 12 November 2019
This study is registered with the Netherlands Trial Registry, number NTR5263.FindingsWe screened patients for enrolment between Dec 3, 2015, and May 31, 2018. Patients completed baseline visits and started treatment between Dec 14, 2015, and July 2, 2018, and the last study visit of the last patient was Oct 4, 2018. Of 149 patients assessed for eligibility, 57 (38%) patients were excluded (predominantly because they did not meet one or several inclusion criteria, most often because of an absence of synovial inflammation or of flare-ups after NSAID washout) and 92 (62%) patients were eligible for inclusion. We randomly assigned 46 (50%) patients to receive prednisolone and 46 (50%) patients to receive placebo, all of whom were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis of the prim...
Tuesday 12 November 2019
Publication date: Available online 10 November 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Yamato Sajiki, Satoru Konnai, Akie Ochi, Tomohiro Okagawa, Naftaly Githaka, Masayoshi Isezaki, Shinji Yamada, Takuya Ito, Shuji Ando, Hiroki Kawabata, Carlos Logullo, Itabajara da Silva Vaz, Naoya Maekawa, Shiro Murata, Kazuhiko OhashiAbstractTick saliva contains immunosuppressants which are important to obtain a blood meal and enhance the infectivity of tick-borne pathogens. In Japan, Ixodes persulcatus is a major vector for Lyme borreliosis pathogens, such as Borrelia garinii, as well as for those causing relapsing fever, such as B. miyamotoi. To date, little information is available on bioactive salivary molecules, produced by this tick. Thus, in this study, we identified two proteins, I. ...
Monday 11 November 2019
Authors: Johnstone-Robertson SP, Diuk-Wasser MA, Davis SA Abstract Tick-borne pathogens pose a considerable disease burden in Europe and North America, where increasing numbers of human cases and the emergence of new tick-borne pathogens has renewed interest in resolving the mechanisms underpinning their geographical distribution and abundance. For Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, transmission of infection from one generation of ticks to another occurs when older nymphal ticks infect younger larval ticks feeding on the same host, either indirectly via systemic infection of the vertebrate host or directly when feeding in close proximity. Here, expressions for the basic reproduction number, R0, and the related tick type-reproduction number, T, are derived...
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Monday 11 November 2019
Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne bacterium Borrelia sp. This zoonotic infection is common in the Northern Hemisphere, e.g., Europe. Clinical presentation may involve multisystem symptoms and depends on the stage of the disease. The involvement of nervous system in Lyme disease is commonly referred to as neuroborreliosis. Neuroborreliosis may involve meningitis, mononeuritis multiplex, or cranial neuritis including the inflammation of vestibulocochlear nerve. In the late or chronic stage of Lyme disease, vestibular involvement may be the sole presentation, although such cases are rare. Our study was designed to present our own case and review the available literature reporting cases of neuroborreliosis with vertigo/dizziness and severe balance instability as a main disease symptom. Th...
Monday 11 November 2019
The Journal of Physical Chemistry LettersDOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b02978 (Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters)
Sunday 10 November 2019
Authors: Federizon J, Frye A, Huang WC, Hart TM, He X, Beltran C, Marcinkiewicz AL, Mainprize IL, Wills MKB, Lin YP, Lovell JF Abstract Outer surface protein A (OspA) is a Borrelia lipoprotein and an established Lyme disease vaccine target. Admixing non-lipidated, recombinant B. burgdorferi OspA with liposomes containing cobalt porphyrin-phospholipid (CoPoP) resulted in rapid, particulate surface display of the conformationally intact antigen. Particleization was serum-stable and led to enhanced antigen uptake in murine macrophages in vitro. Mouse immunization using CoPoP liposomes that also contained a synthetic monophosphoryl lipid A (PHAD) elicited a Th1-biased OspA antibody response with higher IgG production compared to other vaccine adjuvants. Antibodies were reactive with in...
Thursday 7 November 2019
No abstract available (Source: Neurology Today)
Tuesday 5 November 2019
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential danger from the inadvertent introduction of novel disease pathogens and vectors. Awareness of co-infections and Dermacentor reticulatus-related pathogens needs to be increased. PMID: 31694625 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biomed Res)
Friday 1 November 2019
To evaluate occurrence and extent of CSF CXCL13 elevations beyond Lyme neuroborreliosis, we investigated CXCL13 in an unselected patient cohort with neuroinflammatory disease. From March 2016 to March 2017, 180 in-patients with CSF pleocytosis were categorized into following groups: pyogenic CNS infections, aseptic meningoencephalitis, neuroimmunological diseases, and reactive pleocytosis. We provide evidence that CXCL13 elevation occurs at variable extent in the majority of neuroinflammatory diseases. (Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology)
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Friday 1 November 2019
Rationale: Both Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group Rickettsiae (SFGR) are pathogens carried by ticks. There is a possibility of co-infection with these tick-borne diseases. Patient concerns: Male patient, 63 years-of-age, admitted to hospital with skin rash presenting for 1 week and fever with cough and expectoration for 3 days before admission. Diagnoses: We diagnosed that the patient was co-infected by B burgdorferi sl and SFGR using laboratory test results and the patient's clinical manifestations. Interventions: The patient started therapy with oral minocycline, then levofloxacin by intravenous injection for SFGR. Meanwhile, he was treated with penicillin G sodium, cefoperazone sulbactam sodium and ceftriaxone by intravenous injection for B burgdorferi s...
Friday 1 November 2019
Journal of Proteome ResearchDOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00569 (Source: Journal of Proteome Research)
Thursday 31 October 2019
ConclusionB. burgdorferi is unusual in that it expresses three distinct MTNs (cytoplasmic, membrane bound, and secreted) that are effectively inactivated by nucleoside analogs.General significanceThe Borrelia MTNs appear to be promising targets for developing new antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. (Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) General Subjects)
Thursday 31 October 2019
LYME disease is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium named Borrelia, spread by ticks found in the woods. It can easily be caught and if a person experiences this one particular sign it could be a major warning that you may be at risk of having the disease. What is it? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Monday 28 October 2019
First ever cases in Britain, says Public Health England Related items fromOnMedica Vaccine linked to earlier onset of seizures in Dravet syndrome Scans show severe brain damage in Zika-affected babies Lyme disease may be three times more common in UK than previously thought Single-dose malaria drug eliminates parasite from liver Common anti-parasitic could be new tool for malaria control (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Monday 28 October 2019
Authors: Sabrina H, Volker F, Gerhard DG, Gerit F, Durdica M, Ethan RR, Mercy O, Andreas S, Gabriele M Abstract Borrelia turcica, a member of the reptile-associated Borrelia clade, is vectored by Hyalomma aegyptium. The only suggested reservoir hosts of B. turcica are tortoises of the genus Testudo. Borrelia turcica has been described to occur in several Southeastern European countries including Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece but so far nothing is known about the relationship of these populations and whether or how they are structured. Using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) on eight chromosomally located housekeeping loci (clpA, clpX, nifS, pepX, pyrG, recG, rplB and uvrA) we analyzed 43 B. turcica isolates from Serres, Greece (n = 15) collected in 2017 and Izmir, Turkey...
Monday 28 October 2019
As vectors for Lyme disease, black-legged ticks present a public health crisis in North America. Are current prevention recommendations appropriate? Where should prevention efforts be focused?American Journal of Epidemiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Saturday 26 October 2019
Two newly reported cases of fatal Lyme carditis serve as a reminder of the importance of prompt identification and treatment of this potentially life-threatening infection.Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)
Monday 21 October 2019
Authors: Marx GE, Leikauskas J, Lindstrom K, Mann E, Reagan-Steiner S, Matkovic E, Read JS, Kelso P, Kwit NA, Hinckley AF, Levine MA, Brown C PMID: 31634915 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)
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Monday 21 October 2019
Waiting for test results before initiating therapy for patients suspected of having Lyme carditis may result in death, data from two recent cases show.Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines)
Saturday 19 October 2019
Publication date: 19 October 2019Source: New Scientist, Volume 244, Issue 3252Author(s): Clare Wilson (Source: New Scientist)
Saturday 19 October 2019
Conclusions: In Slovenia, LNB in children is more often caused by B. garinii, followed by B. afzelii. The clinical picture of LNB in children caused by B. garinii is not more often suggestive of CNS involvement, but CNS inflammation is more pronounced in children infected with B. garinii, compared with children infected with B. afzelii. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Saturday 19 October 2019
The frequency of permanent staining of teeth of young children from doxycycline is thought to be lower than from older tetracyclines, but the precise risk is uncertain. Until more definitive data become available, doxycycline should not be used routinely to treat young children with erythema migrans, a manifestation of Lyme disease for which other antimicrobials are highly effective. (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Saturday 19 October 2019
This study documents a high prevalence in ticks of Rickettsia spp. thought to be endosymbionts, a low prevalence of relapsing fever group Borrelia in ticks, and a lack of detection of Lyme disease-group Borrelia in both ticks and mammals in an east Texas forested recreation area. Additionally, we observed low questing tick density in areas with a history of controlled burns. These results expand knowledge of tick-borne disease ecology in east Texas which can aid in directing future investigative, modeling, and management efforts. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 17 October 2019
Authors: Knödlseder JM, Fell SF, Straubinger RK Abstract A total of 143 horses were included in a study to test a commercial vaccine against Lyme borreliosis. The vaccine contained three different antigens (outer surface protein A, OspA) to prevent the infection with spirochetes - B.burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii and B. garinii. Horses in Group A (49 animals) received two vaccinations on days 0 and 14 and a booster on day 365, whereas 50 horses in Group B received an additional booster vaccination on day 180. Group C (44 animals) was not immunized. Total antibody levels and specific OspA antibody responses were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively in two-month intervals over 13-month period. Vaccinees in Groups A and B developed high OspA antibodies levels, whereas hor...
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Thursday 17 October 2019
Publication date: Available online 16 October 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Nicole E. Breuner, Shelby L. Ford, Andrias Hojgaard, Lynn M. Osikowicz, Christina M. Parise, Maria F. Rosales Rizzo, Ying Bai, Michael L. Levin, Rebecca J. Eisen, Lars EisenAbstractThe invasive, human-biting Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, was detected in New Jersey in the eastern United States in August of 2017 and by November of 2018 this tick had been recorded from 45 counties across 9 states, primarily along the Eastern Seaboard. The establishment of H. longicornis in the United States has raised the questions of how commonly it will bite humans and which native pathogens may naturally infect this tick. There also is a need for experimental vector competence studies with ...
Thursday 17 October 2019
LYME disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures found in woodland and heath areas. They feed on the blood of birds, mammals and humans. Feeling this sensation in your head could mean you have Lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Wednesday 16 October 2019
Rapid assay for Lyme disease could lead to a practical test for use by healthcare providers. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)
Tuesday 15 October 2019
DR MARTIN SCURR: Pat Toovey from Norfolk found a tick on his wife's back two years ago and she is constantly in pain and struggles to get out of bed. He fears she has Lyme disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Monday 14 October 2019
CONCLUSION: Different specific molecules of the vector, pathogen and host result in LNB establishment. After B. burgdorferi species penetrate host skin through a tick bite, they are confronted by the immune defenses of the host. However, they are helped by specific proteins in different interactions, and the disease is established. The interactions between the vector, pathogen and host are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1. Knowledge of these molecular interactions can aid development of therapeutics against LNB and LD. Others: We systematically describe the different molecular tick-pathogen-host interactions. PMID: 31613726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Protein and Peptide Science)
Monday 14 October 2019
Authors: Norte AC, Lopes de Carvalho I, Núncio MS, Araújo PM, Matthysen E, Albino Ramos J, Sprong H, Heylen D Abstract Wild birds are frequently exposed to the zoonotic tick-borne bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and some bird species act as reservoirs for some Borrelia genospecies. Studying the tropism of Borrelia in the host, how it is sequestered in different organs, and whether it is maintained in circulation and/or in the host's skin is important to understand pathogenicity, infectivity to vector ticks and reservoir competency.We evaluated tissue dissemination of Borrelia in blackbirds (Turdus merula) and great tits (Parus major), naturally and experimentally infected with Borrelia genospecies from enzootic foci. We collected both minimally invasive biologica...
Monday 14 October 2019
Discussion Lyme disease (LD) is caused by several genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi senu lato that are transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. In the U.S. and Europe it is the most common vector-borne disease. It is named for Lyme, Connecticut in the 1970s when it was “discovered,” but there are reports of LD-type disease in Europe since 1883. There are 18 distinct genospecies with B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto being the 3 most common ones causing human infection. There are many species of Ixodes ticks but only 4 commonly bite humans. Ixodes ricinus mainly in Europe, I, persultcatus in Asia, I. scapularis in the eastern and central US, and I. pacificus in the western US and Canada. However I. pacificus is rarely infected and accounts for ...
Monday 14 October 2019
Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum are tick-borne infections transmitted by Ixodes scapularis in the eastern USA; both agents cause disease in dogs and people. To characterize changes in seropreva... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Friday 11 October 2019
With an increase of nearly 10,000 cases of tickborne disease from 2016 to 2017 -- mostly lyme disease -- the National Institutes of Health announced a five-year plan to expand research and reduce infections. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Friday 11 October 2019
(Source: BMJ News)
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Thursday 10 October 2019
Most people who think they have chronic Lyme disease are more likely to have chronic fatigue syndrome, say experts. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
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Thursday 10 October 2019
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which is spread to humans via tick bites. The most notable symptom is the rash that develops, but not all symptoms associated with the condition necessarily point to Lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Thursday 10 October 2019
Combatting Lyme disease myths and the "chronic Lyme industry". CMAJ. 2019 Oct 07;191(40):E1111-E1112 Authors: Glauser W PMID: 31591102 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal)
Wednesday 9 October 2019
People who think they have a long-lasting form of Lyme disease are taking antibiotics for many months and may be treating the wrong disease (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Monday 7 October 2019
The first human Lyme vaccine was pulled off the market nearly 20 years ago. A new effort faces lingering suspicions.Undark (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)
Monday 7 October 2019
Persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme borreliosis often include self-reported cognitive impairment. However, it remains unclear whether these symptoms can be substantiated by objective cognitive testing. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Friday 4 October 2019
CONCLUSIONS: Lyme disease is a serious health risk in Bulgaria especially in its northern part - regions on the north are the most vulnerable to a higher incidence of the disease. PMID: 31580560 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Central European Journal of Public Health)
Friday 4 October 2019
Authors: Rifkin LM, Vadboncoeur J, Minkus CC, Dunn EN, Moorthy RS, Bhatt N, Sen HN, Taggart MG, Vitale AT, Goldstein DA PMID: 31577476 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ocular Immunology and Inflammation)
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Thursday 3 October 2019
CONCLUSIONS: This report provides an important complementary source of data to best understand trends in and spread of NLTBI. PMID: 31584611 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)
Wednesday 2 October 2019
This article provides an update on changes in case definitions that have been made since the case definitions were last published in 2009, and describes updates that have been made to the interactive website since 2013. Changes were made to the case definitions of five diseases. For hepatitis C, the new case definition now distinguishes between acute and chronic infection. For cyclosporiasis, the probable case definition requires an epidemiologic link, with the clarification that this would likely be due to exposure to a common food source. For rabies, the probable case definition now refers to detection of rabies-neutralizing antibody instead of specific antibody titres. For Lyme disease, the revised confirmed and probable case definitions now identify five options for Lyme disease risk a...
Wednesday 2 October 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Tuesday 1 October 2019
Publication date: Available online 30 September 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): P. Letertre-Gibert, G. Vourc’h, I. Lebert, M. Rene-Martellet, V. Corbin-Valdenaire, D. Portal-Martineau, J. Beytout, O. LesensAbstractThe incidence of Lyme borreliosis remains a matter of debate, but it can be estimated using the incidence of erythema migrans (EM), which is pathognomonic of the first phase. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess the feasibility of the on-line declaration of EM in rural areas where the incidence of Lyme borreliosis was previously estimated at 85 per 100,000 inhabitants per year.The study was limited to a rural area (Les Combrailles, Auvergne) of approximately 52,800 inhabitants and was preceded by an information campaign for the inhabitants a...
Monday 30 September 2019
Conclusions: S. pneumoniae remains the most frequently observed causative bacterial pathogen associated with community-acquired CNS infections. Incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in our county is higher than the national average (2.3 versus 0.35/100 000 person/year). Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(40): 1574-1583. PMID: 31565975 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Orvosi Hetilap)
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Monday 30 September 2019
. (Source: Infectious Diseases)
Monday 30 September 2019
. (Source: Infectious Diseases)
Sunday 29 September 2019
Authors: Nakayama S, Kobayashi T, Nakamura A, Yoshitomi H, Song Y, Ashizuka Y Abstract We surveyed the presence of Borrelia spp. in ticks collected from vegetation by flagging and from wild animals from May 2017 to November 2018 in Fukuoka, located in the northern Kyushu area of Japan. A total of 1,601 ticks were collected and morphologically separated into 9 species: Ixodes turdus, I. ovatus, Amblyomma testudinarium, Haemaphysalis flava, H. formosensis, H. kitaokai, H. longicornis, H. hystricis, and H. megaspinosa. The ticks were segregated into 561 pools and nested PCR was used to detect borrelial DNA. Borrelia turdi and Borrelia sp. HM were identified in two of the 561 pools. This is the first report on the presence of Lyme diseases group of Borrelia and Relapsing fever group of...
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Saturday 28 September 2019
ConclusionsAlthough peripheral facial palsy was predominantly idiopathic (75.3%) in our cohort, the disease was caused in approximately 25% of the patients by factors which require specific treatment. In the present study, CSF analysis proved to be the leading method for the diagnosis of Ramsay-Hunt-Syndrome, Lyme Neuroborreliosis, and other CNS infections. These subgroups made up approximately 15% of our cohort. To detect these subgroups reliably, routine use of CSF analysis in peripheral facial palsy may be advisable, whereas MRI proved to be useful for exclusion of otogenic and neoplastic processes with a sensitivity of 83% and 88%. We found that the use of MRI with contrast-enhancing compounds does not provide additional diagnostic information on the day of hospital admission. Hence, t...
Friday 27 September 2019
This prospective cohort study examines the association between seropositivity to Borrelia burgdorferi and incidental neuropsychiatric disorders and functional decline in rural southwestern France. (Source: JAMA Neurology)
Tuesday 24 September 2019
Abstract: Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative organism of Lyme disease, has been linked to the development of scleroatrophic skin conditions including morphea, although this association remains controversial. The possibility that tick bite with or without concurrent Borrelia infection instigates that morphea development is important to recognize because this could prompt further workup for Lyme disease, or other tick-borne illness, which, when untreated, can have devastating consequences. Here, we report a case of a woman with a history of previous tick bite in the location of morphea. This prompted further workup, including serologies that were negative for borrelia. The patient declined empiric treatment with doxycycline. It is important to be aware that morphea may represent a consequ...
Tuesday 24 September 2019
[Erratum to "Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases. Guidelines from the French scientific societies" [Med. Mal. Infect. 49 (2019) 296-317]]. Med Mal Infect. 2019 Oct;49(7):558-559 Authors: Gocko X, Lenormand C, Lemogne C, Bouiller K, Gehanno JF, Rabaud C, Perrot S, Eldin C, de Broucker T, Roblot F, Toubiana J, Sellal F, Vuillemet F, Sordet C, Fantin B, Lina G, Sobas C, Jaulhac B, Figoni J, Chirouze C, Hansmann Y, Hentgen V, Caumes E, Dieudonné M, Picone O, Bodaghi B, Gangneux JP, Degeilh B, Partouche H, Saunier A, Sotto A, Raffetin A, Monsuez JJ, Michel C, Boulanger N, Cathebras P, Tattevin P, endorsed by the following scientific societies PMID: 31542149 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Monday 23 September 2019
Just over 20 years ago, a Lyme disease vaccine called LYMErix was approved for sale in the United States. Researchers designed the vaccine to prevent the transmission of the tick-borne pathogen Borellia burgdorferi, which spurs a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headaches, and joint pain if left untreated. The... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
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Monday 23 September 2019
Conventional two-tiered testing (CTTT) for Lyme disease includes a first-tier enzyme immunoassay (EIA) followed by a supplemental immunoblot, and modified two-tiered testing (MTTT) relies on two different sequential EIAs without the inclusion of an immunoblot. MTTT has shown promising results as an alternative strategy for the diagnosis of Lyme disease in adults but has not yet been evaluated in children. We performed a cross-sectional study of children and adolescents ≤21 years of age undergoing clinical investigation for suspected Lyme disease. Serum specimens were analyzed with both a whole-cell sonicate (WCS) and a C6 EIA, with a supplemental immunoblot if either EIA was positive or equivocal. We compared CTTT (WCS EIA followed by supplemental immunoblot) to MTTT (WCS EIA followed b...
Monday 23 September 2019
Publication date: Available online 23 September 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Goudarz Molaei, Eliza AH Little, Kirby C. Stafford, Holly GaffAbstractCases of morphological anomalies in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae), have recently been reported from the Northeastern and upper Midwestern United States, potentially complicating identification of this important vector of human disease-causing pathogens. We hereby report a case of a morphological anomaly in I. scapularis, biting a human host residing in Norwich, Connecticut. Using a dichotomous morphological key, high-resolution and scanning electron microscopy images, as well as DNA sequencing, the tick was identified as an adult female I. scapularis with three legs on the left side of the abdom...
Sunday 22 September 2019
Authors: Collins C, Lui Y, Santos AM, Ballif BA, Gogerly-Moragoda AM, Brouwer H, Ross R, Balagurunathan K, Sharma S, Wright GJ, Davis S, Budd RC Abstract Lack of understanding of the nature and physiological regulation of γδ T cell ligands has considerably hampered full understanding of the function of these cells. We developed an unbiased approach to identify human γδ T cells ligands by the production of a soluble TCR-γδ (sTCR-γδ) tetramer from a synovial Vδ1 γδ T cell clone from a Lyme arthritis patient. The sTCR-γδ was used in flow cytometry to initially define the spectrum of ligand expression by both human tumor cell lines and certain human primary cells. Analysis of diverse tumor cell lines revealed high ligand expression on several of epithelial or fibroblast or...
Friday 20 September 2019
No abstract available (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Friday 20 September 2019
In this study, we used PCR-based methods to provide the first evidence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) infections in the three bat-associated tick species collected from ten bat species sampled in Poland and Romania. B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 24% (64/266) of tick samples, and 40.3% (60/149) of the bats carried infected chiropterophilic ticks.In Poland, the B. burgdorferi s.l. infection prevelance of I. ariadnae ticks parasitizing Myotis species was four times higher compared to the I. vespertilionis ticks derived from Rhinolophus hipposideros bats (44.4% vs.10%, respectively). The observed differences in infection prevalence could be explained by differences in reservoir potential between bat species. Bats from the genus Myotis and Miniopterus schreibersii carried more ...
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Thursday 19 September 2019
Authors: Gomez-Chamorro A, Heinrich V, Sarr A, Roethlisberger O, Genné D, Bregnard C, Jacquet M, Voordouw MJ Abstract Multiple-strain microbial pathogens often induce strain-specific antibody responses in their vertebrate hosts. Mothers can transmit antibodies to their offspring, which can provide short-term, strain-specific protection against infection. Few experimental studies have investigated this phenomenon for multiple-strain zoonotic pathogens occurring in wildlife reservoir hosts. The tick-borne bacterium Borrelia afzelii causes Lyme disease in Europe and consists of multiple strains that cycle between the tick vector (Ixodes ricinus) and vertebrate hosts such as the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). We used a controlled experiment to show that female bank voles infected with ...
Wednesday 18 September 2019
A basic feature of infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme borreliosis, is that persistent infection is the rule in its many hosts. The ability to persist and evade host immune clearance poses a challenge to effective antimicrobial treatment. A link between therapy failure and the presence of persister cells has started to emerge. There is growing experimental evidence that viable but noncultivable spirochetes persist following treatment with several different antimicrobial agents. The current study utilized the mouse model to evaluate if persistence occurs following antimicrobial treatment in disease-susceptible (C3H/HeJ [C3H]) and disease-resistant (C57BL/6 [B6]) mouse strains infected with B. burgdorferi strains N40 and B31 and to confirm the generality o...
Tuesday 17 September 2019
Semin Neurol 2019; 39: 440-447 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692143Tick-borne infections—including tick-borne encephalitis viruses, represented in the United States by rare infections with Powassan and deer tick viruses, and more often Lyme disease—are of increasing importance to neurologists. Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) causes all or part of a triad including meningitis, radiculoneuritis, and cranial neuritis. Rarely, parenchymal brain and spinal cord involvement occur, with focal findings on examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). LNB diagnosis requires plausible exposure, objective evidence of nervous system involvement, and, generally, positive two-tier serology. Central nervous system (CNS) LNB is almost always accompanied by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (cells, protein), o...
Tuesday 17 September 2019
Authors: Brodziński S, Nasierowski T Abstract Borreliosis is a multisystem, bacterial, zoonotic infectious disease with diversified spectrumof symptoms, which may also include psychotic disorders. Clinical picture of the disease is often unspecific, which makes the diagnosis relatively difficult. Uncharacteristic process of borreliosis is a result of complex molecular strategies used by spirochetes to infect, disseminate and survive in host organism. Part I of the article is focused on the current knowledge about pathogenesis of Lyme Borreliosis (LB), especially neuroborreliosis. Additionally, epidemic situation in Poland and in Europe was presented. Also, typical clinical manifestations of LB were described. In the article, the crucial pathogenic cell mechanisms were depicted. Th...
Tuesday 17 September 2019
Authors: Brodziński S, Nasierowski T Abstract In the second part of the article case reports of three patients were presented. All patientswere treated for Borrelia infection and all of them developed psychotic disorders. History of each patient was different, as well as the probability of causal relationship between neuroborreliosis and psychosis. The first case concerns a female patient with no former psychiatric history, who developed psychotic episode secondary to neuroborreliosis. Psychotic disorders resolved after antibiotic treatment. In the second case, a male patient was previously twice hospitalized in psychiatric ward due to psychosis. During the third psychiatric hospitalization suspicion of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) was propounded. Patient's health state improved af...
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Tuesday 17 September 2019
Four existing laboratory tests used to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease recently received FDA market clearance for new testing indications that may help streamline the diagnostic process. (Source: JAMA)
Sunday 15 September 2019
Publication date: Available online 14 September 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Howard S. Ginsberg, Eric L. Rulison, Jasmine L. Miller, Genevieve Pang, Isis M. Arsnoe, Graham J. Hickling, Nicholas H. Ogden, Roger A. LeBrun, Jean I. TsaoAbstractIxodes scapularis is the primary vector of Lyme disease spirochetes in eastern and central North America, and local densities of this tick can affect human disease risk. We sampled larvae and nymphs from sites in Massachusetts and Wisconsin, USA, using flag/drag devices and by collecting ticks from hosts, and measured environmental variables to evaluate the environmental factors that affect local distribution and abundance of I. scapularis. Our sites were all forested areas with known I. scapularis populations. Environmental varia...
Saturday 14 September 2019
Three medical stories that we didn't cover, explained.Medscape (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)
Friday 13 September 2019
ConclusionsC. burnetii is rarely transmitted by ticks, but we proved that it is present in the environment, so it may be a danger to humans. The most common co-occurrence after tick bite concernsC. burnetii andB. burgdorferi. (Source: Infection)
Friday 13 September 2019
Dr Paul Auwaerter comments on the newly approved, modified two-tier approach for diagnosing Lyme disease.Medscape Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)
Thursday 12 September 2019
The periplasmic lipoprotein BB0365 of the Lyme disease agentBorrelia burgdorferi is expressed throughout mammalian infection and is essential for all phases of Lyme disease infection; its function, however, remains unknown. In the current study, our structural analysis of BB0365 revealed the same structural fold as that found in the NqrC and RnfG subunits of the NADH:quinone and ferredoxin:NAD+ sodium ‐translocating oxidoreductase complexes, which points to a potential role for BB0365 as a component of the sodium pump. Additionally, BB0365 coordinated Zn2+ by the His51, His55, His140 residues, and the Zn2+‐binding site indicates that BB0365 could act as a potential metalloenzyme; therefore, this structure narrows down the potential functions of BB0365, an essential protein forB. bur...
Tuesday 10 September 2019
Authors: Ahmed S, Okon L, Keller M Abstract A 68-year-old Indian man presented with a pruritic eruption on his neck, back, elbows, knees, and the dorsum of his hands. He was initially treated for possible Lyme's disease by his primary care physician, but without improvement. Then he developed daily chills and fevers up to 101 °F, as well as shortness of breath. A chest radiograph showed patchy airspace opacities suggestive of atypical pneumonia, and the patient was treated with levofloxacin and prednisone. Although prednisone diminished the eruption, the patient continued to experience fever, malaise, and generalized weakness, at which point he was hospitalized. Blood cultures and an antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were negative and extensive lab workup was only notable for an elevat...
Monday 9 September 2019
Publication date: Available online 9 September 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Alaa M. Al-Khafaji, Stuart D. Armstrong, Ilaria Varotto Boccazzi, Stefano Gaiarsa, Amit Sinha, Zhiru Li, Davide Sassera, Clotilde K.S. Carlow, Sara Epis, Benjamin L. MakepeaceAbstractVertically-transmitted bacterial symbionts are widespread in ticks and have manifold impacts on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. For instance, they may provide essential nutrients to ticks, affect vector competence, induce immune responses in vertebrate hosts, or even evolve to become vertebrate pathogens. The deer or blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis harbours the symbiont Rickettsia buchneri in its ovarian tissues. Here we show by molecular, proteomic and imaging methods that R. buchneri is also capable...
Friday 6 September 2019
Recently, the FDA cleared several Lyme disease serologic assays with new indications for use, allowing for an EIA rather than western immunoblot assay as a confirmatory test.Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
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Wednesday 4 September 2019
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: FEBS Letters)
Wednesday 4 September 2019
Analysis (n=2361) noted significant increase (p (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Tuesday 3 September 2019
John St Julien, now 34, moved to east Africa in 2014 to launch a charity helping local children be educated. He soon started to feel run down but dismissed it as the pressure of his job. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Sunday 1 September 2019
The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is internalized by macrophages and processed in phagolysosomes. Phagosomal compaction, a crucial step in phagolysosome maturation, is driven by contact of Rab5a-positive vesicles with the phagosomal coat. We show that the sorting nexin SNX3 is transported with Rab5a vesicles and that its PX domain enables vesicle–phagosome contact by binding to PI(3)P in the phagosomal coat. Moreover, the C-terminal region of SNX3 recruits galectin-9, a lectin implicated in protein and membrane recycling, which we identify as a further regulator of phagosome compaction. SNX3 thus forms a hub for two distinct vesicle populations, constituting a convergence point for the endosomal recycling machinery, to contribute to phagosome m...
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Sunday 1 September 2019
A 60-year-old woman with a history of Lyme disease presents with polydipsia and polyuria and a thickening and enhancement of the pituitary gland, stalk, and hypothalamus. What would you do next? (Source: JAMA Ophthalmology)
Friday 30 August 2019
Dr. Derek Monette: Today's case is that of a 46-year-old male with recent diagnoses of Lyme disease and babesiosis who presented to our emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The patient was previously healthy and had been well until approximately 2 weeks before the day of ED presentation, when he developed headache, fatigue, and myalgias. He also noticed that his right calf “looks sunburned,” and was warm to the touch. He was evaluated by his primary care physician (PCP) after 1 week of symptoms. (Source: The Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Wednesday 28 August 2019
This study was aimed to know epidemiological aspects of Borrelia spp. in a protected urban area of Buenos Aires city, Argentina, where thousands of people visit this area for recreational purposes. Ticks were collected from vegetation, birds and dogs. Three hundred and forty birds belonging to 43 species, 41 genera, 18 families and six orders were captured (90.3% corresponded to the order Passeriformes). One hundred and twenty ticks were collected from 47 birds (13.8%) belonging to 10 species (23.2%), all of them from to the order Passeriformes (Emberizidae, Furnariidae, Parulidae, Thraupidae, Troglodytidae, Turdidae). Ticks were identified as Ixodes auritulus (56 larvae, 44 nymphs and 8 females) and Amblyomma aureolatum (1 larva and 11 nymphs).One thousand and ninety-one ticks collected f...
Monday 26 August 2019
Finding an effective way to prevent the spread of tick-borne illness such as Lyme disease has been quite challenging over the past several decades. Researchers have now developed a new approach that goes right to the place where a tick transmits disease: its salivary glands. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Sunday 25 August 2019
AbstractPurpose of ReviewElectronic health records (EHRs) are an excellent source of data for disease symptoms, laboratory results, and medical treatments. Thus, EHR data may improve the completeness of notifiable disease case reporting and enable longitudinal collection of disease data. The purpose of this review is to examine the current state of EHR use in public health infectious disease surveillance in the USA.Recent FindingsA wide variety of EHR data is used in infectious disease surveillance. EHR data were used to assess the incidence of Lyme disease and identify newly diagnosed HIV infections. EHR disease detection algorithms combined laboratory reports, diagnosis codes, and medication orders to identify cases and, in the case of Lyme disease, found incidence rates 4 –7 times hig...
Sunday 25 August 2019
In this study, B. burgdorferi-negative dogs were inoculated with B. turicatae, and seroconversion was confirmed by the rBipA (recombinant Borrelia immunogenic protein A) Western blot. Seropositive samples were tested with commercial and veterinary diagnostic laboratory B. burgdorferi-based tests. Borrelia turicatae-seroreactive samples cross-reacted with a whole-cell indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test and two multiantigen tests, but not with single-antigen tests using C6. Cross-reactivity with TBRF can confound epidemiology and surveillance efforts and confuse recommendations made by veterinarians for prevention and control. These findings demonstrate the need to critically evaluate results from B. burgdorferi diagnostic tests in the context of the assay type and the animal’s g...
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Saturday 24 August 2019
LYME disease may have an innocent sounding name, but it ’s a nasty condition transmitted by ticks which, left untreated, can lead to severe health problems. Here are three parts of body you should always check after visiting grassy and woodland areas, as well as other symptoms you should look out for. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 21 August 2019
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi after it is transmitted to a mammalian organism during a tick blood meal. B. burgdorferi encodes at least 140 lipoproteins located on the outer or inner membrane, thus facing the surroundings or the periplasmic space, respectively. However, most of the predicted lipoproteins are of unknown function, and only a few proteins are known to be essential for the persistence and virulence of the pathogen. One such protein is the periplasmic BB0323, which is indispensable for B. burgdorferi to cause Lyme disease and the function of which is associated with cell fission and outer membrane integrity. After expression and transport to the periplasm, BB0323 is cleaved into C-terminal and N-terminal domains by the periplasmic...
Wednesday 21 August 2019
Introduction: Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) is a late cutaneous manifestation of Lyme disease characterized by inflammatory lesions that slowly progress to atrophic plaques. The vast majority of ACA cases have been described in Europe and are associated to the genospecies Borrelia afzelii (B. afzelii). We hereby report the first case in Northern Mexico of ACA caused by locally acquired B. afzelii. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Wednesday 21 August 2019
Malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Lyme disease are common causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. While arthropod bites may cause local inflammation and discomfort, a greater concern is the potential to develop deadly systemic infection. Prevention of systemic infections by use of insect repellent (IR) constitutes one of the most critical aspects of public health efforts. Cost-effectiveness, availability, and high-efficacy against arthropod vectors are the key characteristics of an ideal IR. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Tuesday 20 August 2019
Maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi within its enzootic cycle requires a complex regulatory pathway involving the alternative factors RpoN and RpoS and two ancillary trans-acting factors, BosR and Rrp2. Activation of this pathway occurs within ticks during the nymphal blood meal when RpoS, the effector factor, transcribes genes required for tick transmission and mammalian infection. RpoS also exerts a ‘gatekeeper’ function by repressing 70-dependent tick phase genes (e.g., ospA, lp6.6). Herein, we undertook a broad examination of RpoS functionality throughout the enzootic cycle, beginning with modeling to confirm that this alternative factor is a ‘genuine’ RpoS homolog. Using a novel dual color reporter system, we established at the single spirochete level that ospA ...
Tuesday 20 August 2019
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-borne disease caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species. Due to a variety of clinical manifestations, diagnosing LB can be challenging, and lab... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
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Monday 19 August 2019
(Natural News) Patients who have Lyme disease might have an alternative to the ineffective antibiotic-based approach. Ozone therapy offers a more natural and effective way of alleviating the effects of the illness. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the microbe Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads to humans through the bites of blood-sucking tick species, such as the black-legged tick and... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Monday 19 August 2019
Public comments are still being accepted, but antibiotic treatment options for children are likely to be expanded to include the use of doxycycline. (Source: NYT Health)
Friday 16 August 2019
Publication date: Available online 16 August 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Ilaria Pascucci, Marco Di Domenico, Giulia Capobianco Dondona, Annapia Di Gennaro, Andrea Polci, Andrea Capobianco Dondona, Elisa Mancuso, Cesare Cammà, Giovanni Savini, Jacopo G. Cecere, Fernando Spina, Federica MonacoAbstractThe continuous flow of billions of birds between Africa and Europe creates an “ecological bridge” between physically remote areas. Migratory birds fly south from their breeding grounds during late summer/fall and fly back in spring. These movements regulate the spread of internal and external parasites, as well as pathogens of potential public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible introduction of exotic tick species and tick-bor...
Friday 16 August 2019
FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American College of Rheumatology have released a draft of their joint clinical practice guidelines for the management of Lyme... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Thursday 15 August 2019
Authors: Mead P, Petersen J, Hinckley A Abstract Lyme disease is a tickborne zoonosis for which serologic testing is the principal means of laboratory diagnosis. In 1994, the Association of State and Territorial Public Health Laboratory Directors, CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards convened the Second National Conference on Serologic Diagnosis of Lyme Disease (1). PMID: 31415492 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)
Thursday 15 August 2019
Disease most common in women aged 61 to 65 Related items fromOnMedica Not tackling infections in homeless could spark epidemics Concerns over UK young adults ’ readiness for first sex Malaria cases rise sharply Texting can improve flu jab uptake HPV programme linked to dramatic fall in cervical disease (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Thursday 15 August 2019
Lyme disease is a tickborne zoonosis for which serologic testing is the principal means of laboratory diagnosis. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Thursday 15 August 2019
White older women in south-west England appear most likely to contract the disease, a study suggests. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
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Thursday 15 August 2019
Scientists from the National Institute for Health Research in London analysed 2,361 patients who were admitted to hospital with the bacterial infection between 1998 and 2015. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Thursday 15 August 2019
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease of increasing global importance. There is scant information on Lyme disease patient demographics in England and Wales, and how they interact with the National Health Servic... (Source: BMC Public Health)
Wednesday 14 August 2019
An analysis of hospital records has found that people with Lyme disease in hospitals in England and Wales tend to be white, female and relatively affluent (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Monday 12 August 2019
Horm Metab Res 2019; 51: 554-554 DOI: 10.1055/a-0976-7010 © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Full text (Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research)
Monday 12 August 2019
Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), characterized by recurring febrile episodes, is globally distributed and among the most common bacterial infections in some African countries. Despite the public health concern that this disease represents, little is known regarding the virulence determinants required by TBRF Borrelia during infection. Because the chromosomes of TBRF Borrelia show extensive colinearity with those of Lyme disease (LD) Borrelia, the exceptions represent unique genes encoding proteins that are potentially essential to the disparate enzootic cycles of these two groups of spirochetes. One such exception is a gene encoding an HtrA family protease, BtpA, that is present in TBRF Borrelia, but not in LD spirochetes. Previous work suggested that btpA orthologs may be important for ...
Monday 12 August 2019
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis review describes mosquito- and tick-borne diseases found in the Western Hemisphere. It focuses on emerging diseases and recent geographic shifts in the presence of disease vectors.Recent FindingsMosquito and tick vectors have become more widespread as environmental conditions have become more favorable. Zika recently has emerged as a concern for fetal anomalies. West Nile Virus has become widespread. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are more prevalent in areas previously inhospitable to these ticks.SummaryHealthcare providers must consider the possibility of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases in broader geographic areas and council patients traveling to endemic areas on precautions against these diseases. Treatment for suspected cases of serious tick-...
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Monday 12 August 2019
LYME disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks. The condition can be treated effectively if detected early, but a delay in recognising it can increase the risk of developing long-lasting symptoms. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Sunday 11 August 2019
Listen: Mayo Clinic Radio 8/10/19 On the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases and vaccine expert, gives an update on infectious disease hot topics, including Lyme disease, the ongoing concern about measles, the hope for a universal flu vaccine and new age guidelines for the HPV vaccine. Also on the podcast, Dr. John Lieske explains how kidney stones form and how [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
Sunday 11 August 2019
Some tick-spread bacteria could be weaponized — but this would be a pretty useless choice. (Source: Washington Post: To Your Health)
Sunday 11 August 2019
Authors: Serra V, Krey V, Daschkin C, Cafiso A, Sassera D, Maxeiner HG, Modeo L, Nicolaus C, Bandi C, Bazzocchi C Abstract Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick species parasitizing humans in Europe, and the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme disease in the continent. This tick species also harbors the endosymbiont Midichloria mitochondrii, and there is strong evidence that this bacterium is inoculated into the vertebrate host during the blood meal. A high proportion of tick bites remains unnoticed due to rarity of immediate symptoms, implying the risk of occult tick-borne infections in turn a potential risk factor for the onset of chronic-degenerative diseases. Since suitable tools to determine the previous exposure to I. ricinus bites are...
Saturday 10 August 2019
Publication date: 10 August 2019Source: New Scientist, Volume 243, Issue 3242Author(s): (Source: New Scientist)
Thursday 8 August 2019
The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivities and specificities) of serological tests that are currently in use for diagnosis of LB in clinical laboratories in Northern Europe, by use of a large serum panel. The panel consisted of 195 serum samples from well-characterized and classified patients under investigation for clinically suspected LB (n = 59) including patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis, Lyme arthritis, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, erythema migrans or other diseases (n = 112). A total of 201 serum samples from healthy blood donors were also included. The panel (396 serum samples altogether) was sent to 12 clinical laboratories (using five different ELISA methods) as blinded for group affiliation and the laboratories ...
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Wednesday 7 August 2019
LYME DISEASE is a tick-borne infectious disease. Initial symptoms are usually mild, but if left untreated, more serious symptoms may reveal themselves. Have you spotted these serious signs? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Wednesday 7 August 2019
Steph Todd, from Thornbury in Gloucestershire, said people say her seizures make it look like she is 'possessed' and that she desperately wants treatment in the US. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Wednesday 7 August 2019
An Ontario health advocacy group is calling for more action to protect children from the harmful impacts of climate change. The group says cases of asthma, heat stroke and Lyme disease could all be on the rise in the coming decades. (Source: CBC | Health)
Tuesday 6 August 2019
Authors: Summer G, Rupprecht TA Abstract In the first part of this review, a summarized description of the typical clinical manifestation as well as less frequent symptoms of early (acute) Lyme Neuroborreliosis (LNB) are presented. In the second part, insights into the controversial topic of "Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome" are given and the quite rare, but clearly defined picture of late (chronic) LNB is described. PMID: 31376993 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revue Neurologique)
Saturday 3 August 2019
We know far too little about Lyme and how to diagnose it, let alone have agreement between major advisory groups as to how to treat the disease. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Friday 2 August 2019
Several groups have differing guidelines for diagnosing and treating Lyme. Too much is in dispute, since our knowledge is so limited. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Friday 2 August 2019
As tick populations take hold permanently in large swaths of Canada, more people will be exposed and contract Lyme disease. (Source: CBC | Health)
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Thursday 1 August 2019
UK cohort study (n=8.4 million) found that the number of cases of Lyme disease has increased rapidly since 2001, resulting in an incidence of 12.1 per 100,000 per year in 2012. Authors state that this should lead to increased awareness and the need for preventative measures. (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Thursday 1 August 2019
LYME DISEASE is on the rise according to Doctor Hilary on Lorraine with new cases of the disease everyday. What is it and how to know if you might have it? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Thursday 1 August 2019
Cases of a nasty infection passed on through tick bites may be much higher in the UK than previously thought, according to new research. (Source: Nursing Times)
Wednesday 31 July 2019
Authors: Steere AC PMID: 31371661 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Rheumatol)
Wednesday 31 July 2019
LYME DISEASE is currently on the rise, as scientists have found there could be far more cases of the disease than previously estimated. What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 31 July 2019
Researchers say tick-borne disease ‘is everywhere’ with 8,000 diagnoses likely in 2019Cases of Lyme disease in the UK may be three times higher than previous estimates, according to new research.After analysing the anonymous medical records of 8.4 million people from across the UK, scientists forecast that the total number of Lyme disease diagnoses in the UK could top 8,000 in 2019, compared withpreviousestimates of between 2,000 and 3,000 annual diagnoses.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
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Wednesday 31 July 2019
Lexington sepsis and lyme disease diagnostics maker T2 Biosystems will need a new CEO to lead it through its ongoing financial struggles. T2 Biosystems (Nasdaq: TTOO) reported after markets closed Tuesday that CEO John McDonough will be stepping down from his role to become executive chairman of the company's board of directors. He will stay in the CEO role until the company hires his successor, according to a press release. McDon ough has been in the top job at T2 since 2007, leading T2 Biosystems… (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)
Wednesday 31 July 2019
WEDNESDAY, July 31, 2019 -- The incidence of Lyme disease (LD) increased from 2001 to 2012 in the United Kingdom, with an estimated incidence rate of 12.1 per 100,000 individuals per year, according to a study published online July 30 in BMJ... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Tuesday 30 July 2019
New cases of tick-borne Lyme disease might top 8000 in 2019, researchers estimate Related items fromOnMedica Well over half of people have never had an STI test HPV programme linked to dramatic fall in cervical disease Should we have compulsory measles vaccination at school entry? Promise to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 Decision to give boys HPV jab will save thousands of lives (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Tuesday 30 July 2019
The modified approach for detecting exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi uses two enzyme immunoassays, with no need for Western blot.FDA Approvals (Source: Medscape Emergency Medicine Headlines)
Tuesday 30 July 2019
Publication date: Available online 29 July 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Sara Niesobecki, AmberJean Hansen, Heather Rutz, Shaylee Mehta, Katherine Feldman, James Meek, Linda Niccolai, Sarah Hook, Alison HinckleyAbstractAs part of a TickNET collaboration we evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tick-borne disease (TBD) prevention among persons living in endemic areas of Connecticut (CT) and Maryland (MD). Up-to-date information on the use of various prevention methods, as well as attitudes toward available and potential prevention options, is critical for effective promotion of recommended behaviors.During 2016-2017, printed invitations were mailed via the post office to 27,029 households requesting participation in an online survey regarding kno...
Tuesday 30 July 2019
Kate Allen, 28, from Leicester, spotted raised bumps on her skin after walking her dog through long grass in the park in 30°C. Lyme disease is spread by tick bites. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Monday 29 July 2019
Research has found strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to the carbapenems spreading through hospitals Related items fromOnMedica GPs given help to spot Lyme disease Single-dose malaria drug eliminates parasite from liver Antibiotic research programme launched Measles cases triple in Europe but immunisation rates grow Chief medical officer launches push for flu jab drive (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Monday 29 July 2019
An analysis of Lyme disease cases in the UK suggests that the infection may be three times more common than the current estimates (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Monday 29 July 2019
The biggest problem is that there is no way to test, unequivocally, for the presence of the bacteria that cause the disease. (Source: NYT Health)
Monday 29 July 2019
Discussion Dengue is an important arboviral infection that affects about 40% of the world population. It is found mainly in topical and subtropical areas of the world mainly in developing countries but it range is spreading including the United States. A review of common arboviruses can be found here. It is a flaviavirus with 4 distinct serotypes named DENV-1 through DENV-4 and is spread by A. aegypti a day biting mosquito. Infection with one serotype confers immunity to that serotype but not the others. It does offer some protection for cross-infection but this only lasts a few months. Incubation period is 3-14 days with an average of 7 after exposure. A primary infection is usually benign. A second infection with another serotype or multiple infections with different serotypes can caus...
Friday 26 July 2019
LYME DISEASE is known as a form of arthritis caused by bacteria that is transmitted by ticks. If detected early it can often be treated effectively. What are the three signs you may have Lyme disease? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Friday 26 July 2019
Carly Ellis, from Gloucester, was diagnosed with the infection in 2011, with doctors saying a two-week course of antibiotics would 'clear' her. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Thursday 25 July 2019
(CNN) — Health officials in Maine are warning about the potential for more cases of Powassan virus disease after one person was confirmed to be sick with the rare tick-borne illness, the first reported case in the state since 2017. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that a person in the southern part of the state had Powassan encephalitis, a severe disease that causes inflammation in the brain. The agency said the patient showed symptoms in late June and was hospitalized. The Maine CDC issued an advisory to physicians that more cases could be possible and suggested that doctors consider testing for the disease in patients with unexplained encephalitis, meningitis or high fever during the summer and early fall. Powassan virus disease is spread by three ...
Thursday 25 July 2019
Health officials have confirmed that an individual in Maine is sick with Powassan virus disease, marking the first time since 2017 that a person in the state has come down with the rare and serious tick-borne illness. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that a southern Maine resident was hospitalized for Powassan encephalitis—brain inflammation associated with the virus—after showing symptoms in late June. The announcement did not specify the individual’s current condition, but health officils doctors to stay vigilant about the potential spread of Powassan throughout the summer and early fall. Here’s what to know about the tick-borne Powassan virus disease. What is Powassan virus disease? Like Lyme disease, Powassan is spread by ...
Wednesday 24 July 2019
Date: August 26, 2019 Issue #: 1579Summary: Use of insect repellents is strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent infections transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Insect repellents applied to exposed skin should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures such as wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting times. Mosquitoes can transmit Zika, chikungunya, dengue, West Nile, eastern equine encephalitis, and yellow fever viruses, as well as malaria. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, rickettsial diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and viruses such as Powassan virus. (Source: The Medical Letter)
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Wednesday 24 July 2019
(University of California - Irvine) As Lyme disease increases, researchers have taken a significant step toward finding new ways to prevent its transmission. The experts, who include a pioneer in Lyme disease discovery, have sequenced the genome of the animal carrying the bacteria that causes the illness. The advance by researchers at the University of California, Irvine and colleagues provides a launching pad for fresh approaches to stopping Lyme disease from infecting people. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Tuesday 23 July 2019
The ideal test for Lyme disease needs to be direct and highly sensitive in specific areas of detection. A new review highlights the 5 key criteria. (Source: ConsultantLive)
Monday 22 July 2019
This study is significant because it now allows us to systematically test the putative epitopes for their protective efficacy with an ultimate goal of selecting the most efficacious targets for development of a long-awaited LD vaccine. (Source: Infection and Immunity)
Monday 22 July 2019
(Natural News) Lyme disease is one of the many epidemics that has plagued the United States in recent years. Residents of areas infested by ticks are at considerable risk of contracting the illness. Fortunately, homeopathy offers natural and effective ways. First identified in 1883, Lyme disease originated from pathogenic bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks serve... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Sunday 21 July 2019
The tick-borne illness, which is on the rise, can have chronic side-effects. So why hasn ’t more effort been put into a cure?As a former martial arts world champion, who trained daily and enjoyed camping and hiking at weekends, Stephen Bullough had always prided himself on leading a healthy life.Like most people, he thought very little when he was bitten by a tick on a camping holiday close to home in Wigan in 2014, never suspecting that this tiny bite would unleash an infection in his body that would one day leave him permanently incapacitated.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
Saturday 20 July 2019
Ottawa Public Health has stopped collecting ticks after it found a high number of the arachnids within the city carry Lyme disease. (Source: CBC | Health)
Saturday 20 July 2019
(Source: BMJ News)
Friday 19 July 2019
After my tick bite I realised that the climate crisis was a more likely culprit than any conspiracy theory about weaponisationThe first indication I ’d picked up a tick-borne disease three years ago was the excruciating arthritic pain in my feet as I hobbled to a dinner party at a neighbour’s house in Jerusalem.Later that night I experienced flu-like symptoms, including a raging fever that, even with antibiotics, would last for more than a week.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
Thursday 18 July 2019
Clare Haworth, from North Lanarkshire, first became ill six years ago but doesn't remember ever being bitten by a tick, which is how people catch Lyme disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Thursday 18 July 2019
Politicians in the US have ordered the military to reveal details of a programme believed to have tried to 'weaponise' ticks, which may have led to them escaping and spreading Lyme disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Wednesday 17 July 2019
The bacterial flagellar motor is a molecular machine that can rotate the flagellar filament at high speed. The rotation is generated by the stator-rotor interaction, coupled with an ion flux through the torque-generating stator. Here we employed cryo-electron tomography to visualize the intact flagellar motor in the Lyme disease spirochete,Borrelia burgdorferi. By analyzing the motor structures of wild-type and stator-deletion mutants, we not only localized the stator complexin situ, but also revealed the stator-rotor interaction at an unprecedented detail. Importantly, the stator-rotor interaction induces a conformational change in the flagella C-ring. Given our observation that a non-motile mutant, in which proton flux is blocked, cannot generate the similar conformational change, we pro...
Saturday 13 July 2019
The “Christmas tree” orientation of scaling lesions along the skin tension (Langer) lines in pityriasis rosea is well known. This pattern is best appreciated on complete examination of the trunk, in which the eruption follows the long axis of the V-shaped lines of the upper chest and back, emanating around the axillae, and running transversely along the abdominal wall and lower back. Secondary syphilis has a similar presentation. When patients present with asymptomatic, larger, nonscaling patches along Langer lines, another condition deserves diagnostic consideration. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Friday 12 July 2019
This quality standard covers diagnosing and managing Lyme disease in people of all ages. It also includes raising public awareness about prevention. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement. It was published in July 2019. (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Thursday 11 July 2019
People presenting erythema migrans, the characteristic skin rash associated with Lyme disease, can be diagnosed and treated without the need for blood tests, NICE has said in a final quality standard published this week. (Source: NHS Networks)
Wednesday 10 July 2019
The American Lyme Disease Foundation is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease which, in the United States, has been defined historically as a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Through its website, the Foundation plays a major role in providing reliable and scientifically accurate information to the public, medical community and various public health agencies about Lyme disease and its impact on human health. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Wednesday 10 July 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
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Tuesday 9 July 2019
This study demonstrates the effect of only simultaneous infection by B. burgdorferi and B. microti on each pathogen, immune response and on disease manifestations with respect to infection by the spirochete and the parasite. In our future studies, we will examine the overall effects of sequential infection by these pathogens on host immune responses and disease outcomes. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Tuesday 9 July 2019
Lab tests not needed if rash is present, says NICE Related items fromOnMedica TB could be cured by four months ’ treatment in many patients Antibiotics courses often longer than guidelines Doctors call for StrepB screening in late pregnancy JCVI recommends universal HPV vaccination New ‘treadmill test’ can predict mortality (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Monday 8 July 2019
AbstractExogenous anabolic androgen steroid use is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A 53 ‐year‐old bodybuilder presented with 3 months of exertional dyspnoea. Physical examination showed tachycardia and pan‐systolic murmur; an echocardiogram showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) of 15%. Evaluations included normal coronary angiogram, iron panel and thyroid studies, a n egative viral panel (human immunodeficiency virus, Lyme disease, and hepatitis), and urine toxicology. He admitted to intramuscular anabolic steroid use; his testosterone level was 30 160.0 ng/dL (normal 280–1100 ng/dL). In addition to discontinuation of anabolic steroid use, he was treated wit h guideline‐directed heart failure medical therapy. Repeat echocardiogram at 6 months show...
Sunday 7 July 2019
Publication date: Available online 3 July 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Sergio A. Zanzani, Sara G. Rimoldi, MariaTeresa Manfredi, Romualdo Grande, Alessia L. Gazzonis, Stefania Merli, Emanuela Olivieri, Vania Giacomet, Spinello Antinori, Giuliana Cislaghi, Giovanna Bestetti, Katiuscia Nan, Vittorio Sala, Maria R. Gismondo, Chiara Atzori, Eleonora De FaveriAbstractLyme borreliosis cases have been reported from Lombardy in northern Italy, where Ixodes ricinus is the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. However, spatial and temporal variation in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis is not well understood. In the present study, based on new notified cases of Lyme borreliosis from 2000 to 2015, an average of 1.24 new cases per million residents per year was documen...
Friday 5 July 2019
LYME DISEASE is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium named Borrelia, spread by ticks. It can easily be caught and having a feeling in your head could mean you have the disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Friday 5 July 2019
Find out how park connectivity and landscape composition may contribute to Lyme disease risk in urban areas.Emerging Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
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Thursday 4 July 2019
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo explore and critically appraise the published data on the current and emerging treatment modalities for neuroretinitis.Recent findingsThe optimum treatment strategy for neuroretinitis due toBartonella henselae in immunocompetent individuals is not clear and a matter of debate. The role of systemic corticosteroids in infectious neuroretinitis and the optimum immunosuppressive regimen for use in recurrent idiopathic neuroretinitis also remains ill defined.SummaryThere is no class 1 evidence to support a specific treatment strategy for neuroretinitis. For uncomplicatedB. henselae–associated neuroretinitis in immunocompetent patients, initiation of antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy remains controversial. In patients with severe vision loss and/or moderate to s...
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Thursday 4 July 2019
Publication date: Available online 3 July 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Sergio A. Zanzani, Sara G. Rimoldi, MariaTeresa Manfredi, Romualdo Grande, Alessia L. Gazzonis, Stefania Merli, Emanuela Olivieri, Vania Giacomet, Spinello Antinori, Giuliana Cislaghi, Giovanna Bestetti, Katiuscia Nan, Vittorio Sala, Maria R. Gismondo, Chiara Atzori, Eleonora De FaveriAbstractLyme borreliosis cases have been reported from Lombardy in northern Italy, where Ixodes ricinus is the main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. However, spatial and temporal variation in the incidence of Lyme borreliosis is not well understood. In the present study, based on new notified cases of Lyme borreliosis from 2000 to 2015, an average of 1.24 new cases per million residents per year was documen...
Wednesday 3 July 2019
With the start of peak tick season, check here to spot some of the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. (Source: ConsultantLive)
Wednesday 3 July 2019
(Source: Neurological Sciences)
Wednesday 3 July 2019
Authors: Gocko X, Lenormand C, Lemogne C, Bouiller K, Gehanno JF, Rabaud C, Perrot S, Eldin C, de Broucker T, Roblot F, Toubiana J, Sellal F, Vuillemet F, Sordet C, Fantin B, Lina G, Sobas C, Jaulhac B, Figoni J, Chirouze C, Hansmann Y, Hentgen V, Caumes E, Dieudonné M, Bodaghi B, Gangneux JP, Degeilh B, Partouche H, Saunier A, Sotto A, Raffetin A, Monsuez JJ, Michel C, Boulanger N, Cathebras P, Tattevin P, endorsed by the following scientific societies PMID: 31257066 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Wednesday 3 July 2019
Publication date: Available online 1 July 2019Source: Protein Expression and PurificationAuthor(s): G. Brown, A.H. Broxham, S.E. Cherrington, D.C. Thomas, A. Dyer, L. Stejskal, R.J. BinghamAbstractBorrelia are microaerophilic spirochetes capable of causing multisystemic diseases such as Lyme disease and Relapsing Fever. The ubiquitous Fe/Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD) provides essential protection from oxidative damage by the superoxide anion. Borrelia possess a single SOD enzyme - SodA that is essential for virulence, providing protection against host-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we present a method for recombinant expression and purification of Borrelia burgdorferi SodA in E. coli. Metal exchange or insertion into the Fe/Mn-SOD is inhibited in the folded state. We...
Tuesday 2 July 2019
This week's NYTimes did a disservice to readers by minimizing the severity of Lyme disease. Here's why. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Monday 1 July 2019
Lyme disease is a multisystem disorder caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. A common late-stage complication of this disease is oligoarticular arthritis, often involving the knee. In ∼10% of cases, arthritis persists after appropriate antibiotic treatment, leading to a proliferative synovitis typical of chronic inflammatory arthritides. Here, we provide evidence... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
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Sunday 30 June 2019
Authors: Miller R PMID: 31259503 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Family Physician)
Friday 28 June 2019
We report a case series of seven children admitted to a tertiary level pediatric ward for long-lasting physical symptoms with a previous diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. In these children, medical history and clinical features were strongly suggestive of a psychopathological disorder, mainly a somatic symptom disorder.What is Known:• There is an increasing number of diagnoses of chronic Lyme disease both in North America and in Europe. Adults receive this diagnosis to explain chronic physical complaints often with negative history and serology.What is New:• Somatic symptom disorder should be suspected in children and adolescents with non-specific symptoms diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease. (Source: European Journal of Pediatrics)
Friday 28 June 2019
We report the identification and successful treatment of an adolescent male with Lyme arthritis who recently relocated with his family from a US Military base in Japan to Virginia. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a travel history from military members and their families who frequently relocate due to military orders. Military medical providers must be aware of tropical and travel-related illnesses and infections that may have been acquired at a prior duty station. PMID: 31247111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
Friday 28 June 2019
CONCLUSIONS: While this study was unable to capture the military specific occupational exposure to I. scapularis, it does show a difference in period prevalence between service members and family members with the family members being at higher risk to contract Lyme instead of service members as is commonly suggested in the literature. Additional studies may be conducted to see if this holds true across service member Military Occupational Specialties as a proxy for occupational exposure. Similar studies should be conducted at military installations situated in Lyme endemic areas to determine if these results are comparable across the military or specific to West Point. Future research should attempt to identify all the service member protective factors against Lyme with attribution to perm...
Friday 28 June 2019
Lyme disease is emerging in Canada due to expansion of the range of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis from the United States. National surveillance for human Lyme disease cases began in Canada in 2009. Reported n... (Source: BMC Public Health)
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Thursday 27 June 2019
BOSTON (CBS) – After more than a decade, experts are issuing new guidelines for the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease. Even though many of the recommendations are geared toward medical professionals, there are some key takeaways for the general public. Namely, the best way to protect yourself is to wear protective clothing and insect repellent with DEET and do frequent tick checks if you’ve been outdoors. Bathing within two hours of an outdoor activity can reduce the risk of Lyme disease. And if you have pets, you should check them regularly for ticks to prevent the ticks from falling off and reattaching to humans. If you are bitten by a deer tick, it’s engorged, and it has been attached for 36 hours or more, you should call your doctor or get to an urgent care fac...
Thursday 27 June 2019
Horror stories about lingering Lyme disease proliferate, but the illness is easily treated. (Source: NYT Health)
Wednesday 26 June 2019
We describe a 20-year-old woman with left seventh nerve palsy secondary to latent syphilis of unknown duration, with complete recovery after penicillin G benzathine. In addition to reactive rapid plasma reagin and positive T. pallidum particle agglutination testing, Lyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was equivocal, and Lyme Western blot was positive for immunoglobulin M. In syphilis, Lyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay may be falsely positive, but Western blot is known to remain negative. Similarly, in LD, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption testing may be falsely positive, but rapid plasma reagin remains nonreactive. Careful interpretation of these serologic tests is of utmost importance in differentiating between the 2, especially in areas with low prevalence of LD. (Source...
Tuesday 25 June 2019
CONCLUSION: Lyme-associated uveitis appears varied. Hyalitis and involvement of the posterior segment and retinal vasculitis seem to be rather frequent. Its prognosis is mainly good, even if inflammation can be resistant or recurring. PMID: 31238716 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)
Tuesday 25 June 2019
Joseph Leone seemed to have a mild cold in the summer of 2013. A month later, he collapsed on the front lawn of his home in Poughkeepsie, New York. He died of Lyme disease that attacked his heart. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Sunday 23 June 2019
A 6-year-old girl was presented with a rash on the left side of her face (Fig. 1a). Her primary care pediatrician assumed this to be allergic dermatitis and treated it with topical steroids, but there was no improvement. Over the next 1.5 months, the rash spread to the back of the head (Fig. 1b). The patient also had systemic manifestations, including low-grade fever (up to 37.7 °C) and malaise. Because the patient lived in an endemic area, the rash was deemed suspicious for erythema migrans associated with Lyme disease. (Source: Pediatrics and Neonatology)
Friday 21 June 2019
New Yale research offers insight into why some Lyme disease patients continue to suffer from debilitating arthritis even after antibiotic treatment. (Source: Yale Science and Health News)
Friday 21 June 2019
Katherine Wood, 37, of Stow, Massachusetts, was bitten on a tick while on a nature walk in November 2016. Doctors dismissed her symptoms, until she was diagnosed with Lyme disease in July 2017. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Thursday 20 June 2019
Authors: Conforti C, Vezzoni R, Retrosi C, Longone M, Corneli P, Magaton-Rizzi G, Nan K, Di Meo N, Zalaudek I Abstract Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness, which is tipically caused by Borrelia Burgdoferi. Over time, a typical Borreliosis skin reaction takes shape, i.e. the formation of an annular erythema that tends to expand centrifugally with erythematous edges whose diameter can reach up to 20 cm. The symptoms of Lyme disease are not only cutaneous but there may be a systemic involvement. Obviously, this disease can also affect pregnant women and for this reason this review aims to summarize the main ways of treatment to avoid worsening of the clinical condition in the mother and an eventual, albeit rare, involvement of the fetus. PMID: 31210468 [PubMed - as supplied by pu...
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Wednesday 19 June 2019
Borrelia burgdorferi is a tick-borne bacterium responsible for approximately 300,000 annual cases of Lyme disease (LD) in the United States, with increasing incidences in other parts of the world. The debilitating nature of LD is mainly attributed to the ability of B. burgdorferi to persist in patients for many years despite strong anti-Borrelia antibody responses. Antimicrobial treatment of persistent infection is challenging. Similar to infection of humans, B. burgdorferi establishes long-term infection in various experimental animal models except for New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, which clear the spirochete within 4 to 12 weeks. LD spirochetes have a highly evolved antigenic variation vls system, on the lp28-1 plasmid, where gene conversion results in surface expression of the antigen...
Wednesday 19 June 2019
Lyme disease can cause long-term joint inflammation that lasts long after the body has cleared the infection. A new study uncovers how this might happen. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Monday 17 June 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Monday 17 June 2019
(Virginia Tech) Virginia Tech biochemist Brandon Jutras has discovered the cellular component that contributes to Lyme arthritis, a debilitating and extremely painful condition that is the most common late stage symptom of Lyme disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Monday 17 June 2019
Authors: Campbell AW Abstract No Abstract Available. PMID: 31202204 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine)
Monday 17 June 2019
Morven-May MacCallum speaks out as GPs are urged to be vigilant about the infection spread by ticks. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
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Sunday 16 June 2019
CONCLUSIONS: Considering the fact that the surveyed people were the students of medical fields of studies, and in the future became qualified medical personnel, the frequency of using the analyzed methods of prophylaxis of LB appears to be too small. The results obtained can help in the education of students of medical fields. PMID: 31232048 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM)
Saturday 15 June 2019
It got its start in developing a urine test for human growth hormones. But it hopes to go well beyond that now. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)
Friday 14 June 2019
Journal Name: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) Issue: Ahead of print (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)
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Friday 14 June 2019
This study assessed the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s. l. among four non-Peromyscus rodents in a prairie ecosystem in the Midwestern United States over a four-year period. We found high prevalences of the bacteria in all four species studied. Our results help to support the roles of Microtus species as reservoirs of B. burgdorferi and add to the literature that suggests Zapus hudsonius may also be a reservoir. Additionally, we identified a previously unknown possible reservoir, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. Our study also identifies the need to study the dynamics of Lyme borreliosis in habitats and areas outside of the typical range of P. leucopus. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 13 June 2019
Authors: Bulteel NS, Russell CD, Perry MR, Koch O Abstract The importance of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the human immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi is uncertain. Murine models suggest a critical role, including spirochaete reactivation following TNF-α inhibition. Our case, combined with a review of the clinical and scientific literature, provides reassurance that TNF-α inhibition can be safely reinstituted after treatment of disseminated borreliosis with standard duration antimicrobial chemotherapy. PMID: 31188340 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh)
Wednesday 12 June 2019
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTicks are the most important vectors of human diseases after mosquitoes. Emergency physicians throughout the USA can be expected to encounter Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and other disorders based upon geographic location.Recent FindingsThe number of identifiable disorders transmitted by these arthropods has increased in recent years. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome has only been described within the past decade, and the new millennium has seen over 10 new species of rickettsial disease discovered.SummaryTicks transmit more pathogenic species than any other group of blood-feeding arthropods. This review provides an update on the diagnosis and management of the diseases most likely to be encountered in clinical practice. (Sou...
Wednesday 12 June 2019
Publication date: Available online 11 June 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Kalvis Brangulis, Inara Akopjana, Ivars Petrovskis, Andris Kazaks, Kaspars TarsAbstractThe spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis – the most common tick-borne disease in Europe and the United States. Spirochetes are transmitted from infected Ixodes ticks to the mammalian host when the ticks feed. In general, the transfer process of the borreliae is quite complicated, as the environments in the tick and the new mammalian host differs significantly. Therefore, Borrelia changes the expression profile of dozens of proteins, mainly outer surface proteins, to adapt to the new tasks and needs in the new organism. In the transfer process from the tick to t...
Tuesday 11 June 2019
ConclusionsThis Top-5 list provides an opportunity to discuss appropriate use of health care practices in internal medicine. (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)
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Monday 10 June 2019
The identification of microbial biomarkers is critical for the diagnosis of a disease early during infection. However, the identification of reliable biomarkers is often hampered by a low concentration of microbes or biomarkers within host fluids or tissues. We have outlined a multi-platform strategy to assess microbial biomarkers that can be consistently detected in host samples, using Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, as an example. Key aspects of the strategy include the selection of a macaque model of human disease, In vivo Microbial Antigen Discovery (InMAD), and proteomic methods that include microbial biomarker enrichment within samples to identify secreted proteins circulating during infection. Using the described strategy, we have identified 6 biomarkers f...
Monday 10 June 2019
The tick that carries Lyme can also transmit the rare but serious powassan virus believed to have killed one man and sickened another in New Jersey (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
Monday 10 June 2019
Being outdoors during the warm weather season carries with it the risk of bites of all kinds – insects, animals, ticks and others. Here is some helpful advice for treating bites and itching. Check the symptoms. Most insect bites and stings are mild, causing minor symptoms like itching, redness, stinging or a small degree of swelling around the bite. In some rare cases, stings from hornets, bees, wasps, scorpions or fire ants may lead to more serious reactions, including mosquito-borne West Nile virus. The Mayo Clinic advises moving away from the area where you were stung or bitten to prevent further injury. Then, try to remove the stinger if needed, and wash the wound with soap and water. For tick bites, remove the tick immediately. The Cleveland Clinic says the longer a tick...
Monday 10 June 2019
There are new concerns about previously-rare types of tick-borne diseases being seen more frequently in the United States. The blacklegged tick not only spreads Lyme disease, it can also transmit a serious virus that may have killed one man and made another sick in New Jersey. In Kentucky, a two-year-old boy is reportedly recovering from another tick-borne disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning" from Los Angeles to discuss how to protect yourself from ticks, how to remove them and the consequences of some tick-borne diseases. (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
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Monday 10 June 2019
(Natural News) Lyme disease is far more common than many of us realize. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 300,000 people are diagnosed with this bacterial infection each year. That’s over 1.5 times more people than the total number of women diagnosed with breast cancer, and about six times... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Sunday 9 June 2019
Publication date: Available online 8 June 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Amira Nebbak, Handi Dahmana, Lionel Almeras, Didier Raoult, Nathalie Boulanger, Benoit Jaulhac, Oleg Mediannikov, Philippe ParolaAbstractFifty nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Alsace, France, identified by morphological criteria and using MALDI-TOF MS, were tested by PCR to detect tick-associated bacteria and protozoan parasites. Seventy percent (35/50) of ticks contained at least one microorganism; 26% (9/35) contained two or more species. Several human pathogens were identified including Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. (4%), Borrelia afzelii (2%), Borrelia garinii (2%), Borrelia valaisiana (4%), Borrelia miyamotoi (2%), Rickettsia helvetica (6%) and “Babesia venatorum” (2%). Bartonella sp...
Sunday 9 June 2019
In this study, we identify an Ixodes scapularis salivary gland protein, Salp12, that is a chemoattractant for the spirochete. We demonstrate that Salp12 is expressed in the I. scapularis salivary glands and midgut and expression is not impacted by B. burgdorferi s.s. infection. Knockdown of Salp12 in the salivary glands or passive immunization against Salp12 reduces acquisition of the spirochete by ticks but acquisition is not completely prevented. Knockdown does not impact transmission of B. burgdorferi s.s. This work suggests a new role for chemotaxis in acquisition of the spirochete and suggests that recognition of Salp12 contributes to this phenomenon.Graphical abstract (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Friday 7 June 2019
BOSTON (CBS) — Looking back at baby pictures reminds Brandi Dean of a terrifying scare during her second pregnancy. It turns out the Wellesley mom had Lyme disease. “All of a sudden, the right side of my body was completely numb. My heart was racing. I was disoriented and I said, ‘I think you need to take me to the hospital,’” she remembered. After the standard antibiotic treatment, Dean still didn’t feel right. “I’d gone to 12 different specialists and they all had diagnosed me with anxiety.” She had what the Centers for Disease Control calls Post-Treatment Lyme Syndrome. She eventually found a doctor who understood her condition and recovered. Brandi Dean (WBZ-TV) Doctors don’t always know what causes the lingering symptoms, making the diagnosis controversial ...
Friday 7 June 2019
-- Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that may be acquired from the bite of an infected tick. Left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and cause serious complications, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Friday 7 June 2019
Tick selenoproteins are involved in regulating oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress during prolonged tick feeding on mammalian hosts. How selenoproteins are activated upon tick-borne pathogen infection i... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Thursday 6 June 2019
AbstractPrimary Sj ögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder associated with a variety of systemic presentations. Varied neurological dysfunctions of newly diagnosed adult patients with pSS have been observed in recent years. We aimed to describe a rare case of acute bilateral facial paralysis diagnos ed with pSS for the first time and review the previous studies including similar cases. A 69-year-old female, who had experienced ocular and oral dryness for more than 10 years, presented with bilateral facial palsy. Her laboratory test results showed positive anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-Ro-52 antibodie s. Ophthalmic examination and test of saliva secretion verified xerophthalmia and xerostomia, respectively. Other possibilities of Lyme disease, Möbius syndrome, tumor, bilateral...
Thursday 6 June 2019
Authors: Kurt J. Vandegrift Amit Kapoor Ticks are vectors of several pathogens that can be transmitted to humans and their geographic ranges are expanding. The exposure of ticks to new hosts in a rapidly changing environment is likely to further increase the prevalence and diversity of tick-borne diseases. Although ticks are known to transmit bacteria and viruses, most studies of tick-borne disease have focused upon Lyme disease, which is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Until recently, ticks were considered as the vectors of a few viruses that can infect humans and animals, such as Powassan, Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses. Interestingly, however, several new studies undertaken to reveal the etiology of unknown human ...
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Thursday 6 June 2019
Publication date: Available online 5 June 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Benjamin A. Tonelli, Donald C. DearbornAbstractIxodes scapularis is responsible for the transmission of a variety of pathogens in North America, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. Songbirds have previously been described as agents of tick dispersal, and a combination of empirical data and modeling efforts have implicated songbirds in the range expansion of I. scapularis northward into Canada during spring bird migration. The role of fall bird migration has received comparatively less attention, particularly at a continental scale. The aim of the current research was to use a novel individual-based modeling approach (IBM) to investigate the ...
Thursday 6 June 2019
CONCLUSION: We identified a majority of panuveitis, which is explained by our inclusion criteria. Fifty-two percent of our series remained idiopathic, with an improvement in the diagnostic yield over time. This could be related to both repeated etiological assessments and better diagnostic performance. The study of this large cohort of patients improved our knowledge of the characteristics of uveitis in our center. PMID: 31164299 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal Francais d Ophtalmologie)
Wednesday 5 June 2019
We would like to thank Crinionet al.1 at Queen ’s university for their interest in our case report2 and for taking the time to contribute to the discussion. Crinionet al.1 discusses the role of permanent pacing in Lyme carditis and puts forth a systematic approach in such cases. (Source: Europace)
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Wednesday 5 June 2019
We read with great interest the recently published case report by Isathet al.1 entitled; ‘Leadless pacemaker used as long-term temporary therapy in Lyme carditis with high-grade atrioventricular block’. They report a novel pacing strategy to manage the unpredictable recovery of the cardiac conduction system in Lyme disease. Increased detection and climate factors have resulted in a marked increase in the global incidence of Lyme disease.2 However, pacing guidelines have yet to adequately address these challenging cases. Our device clinic is located in South Eastern Ontario, the region which reports the highest incidence of Lyme disease in Canada.2 We commend Isathet al. for promoting discussion on this topic and wish to contribute to additional aspects of the case. (Source: Europace)
Wednesday 5 June 2019
Authors: Jaulhac B, Saunier A, Caumes E, Ouiller K, Gehanno JF, Rabaud C, Perrot S, Eldin C, de Broucker T, Roblot F, Toubiana J, Sellal F, Vuillemet F, Sordet C, Fantin B, Lina G, Sobas C, Gocko X, Figoni J, Chirouze C, Hansmann Y, Hentgen V, Cathebras P, Dieudonné M, Bodaghi B, Gangneux JP, Degeilh B, Partouche H, Lenormand C, Sotto A, Raffetin A, Monsuez JJ, Michel C, Boulanger N, Lemogne C, Tattevin P, société française de dermatologie (SFD), société française de rhumatologie (SFR), fédération française de neurologie (FFN), société française de neurologie (SFN), collège national des généralistes enseignants (CNGE), collège de la médecine générale (CMG), société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI), société française de microbiologie (SFM), collège...
Tuesday 4 June 2019
We present the case of an atypical papillitis, probably caused by this bacterium. We suspected this because of the results on the indirect test bloods and the improvement of the symptoms after treatment. This entity should be considered as a possible diagnosis of atypical optical neuropathies, particularly if it occurs in an endemic area. PMID: 31167569 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)
Tuesday 4 June 2019
Christine Jennings, 57, of Leicester, was bitten by an infected tick 25 years ago and her life has never been the same. The disease affected every part of her health leaving her barely holding on to life. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Tuesday 4 June 2019
We describe the process which led us to make the diagnosis of Psychotic Disorder due to Medical Condition (Multiple Sclerosis). Because her criminal charges brought significant attention to her case, we also address the difficulty in treating a neurological condition with psychiatric features within the forensic context. Moreover, one of the main concerns of the patient was that Lyme Disease was the correct diagnosis as opposed to MS. We also report the difficulty of treating and initiating successful follow-up for a patient whose paranoia is enabled by the opinions of certain health advocacy groups. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders)
Monday 3 June 2019
Publication date: Available online 2 June 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Andrés M. López-Pérez, Sokani Sánchez-Montes, Janet Foley, Carmen Guzmán-Cornejo, Pablo Colunga-Salas, Emily Pascoe, Ingeborg Becker, Jesús Delgado-de la Mora, Jesús D. Licona-Enriquez, Gerardo SuzanABSTRACTSixty-five wild carnivores and twenty free-roaming dogs from the Janos Biosphere Reserve (JBR), northwestern Chihuahua, Mexico, were inspected for ticks which were tested by molecular assays to identify Borrelia and Rickettsia infections. Overall, 45 ticks belonging to five taxa, including Dermacentor parumapertus, Ixodes hearlei, Ixodes kingi, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., and Ornithodoros sp. were collected from 9.2 % of the wild carnivores and 60% of the free-roaming dogs. Borrelia b...
Monday 3 June 2019
Discussion Facial nerve palsy has been known for centuries, but in 1821 unilateral facial nerve paralysis was described by Sir Charles Bell. Bell’s palsy (BP) is a unilateral, acute facial paralysis that is clinically diagnosed after other etiologies have been excluded by appropriate history, physical examination and/or laboratory testing or imaging. Symptoms include abnormal movement of facial nerve. It can be associated with changes in facial sensation, hearing, taste or excessive tearing. The right and left sides are equally affected but bilateral BP is rare (0.3%). Paralysis can be complete or incomplete at presentation. All ages can be affected but there are increased risks in the 15-45 year age group and those with diabetes, immunodeficiency or are pregnant. Etiology is specif...
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Sunday 2 June 2019
Authors: Kluger N, Keinonen A, Jeskanen L, Lappalainen K PMID: 31171389 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Cenereologie)
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Saturday 1 June 2019
Publication date: 1 June 2019Source: New Scientist, Volume 242, Issue 3232Author(s): Chelsea Whyte (Source: New Scientist)
Saturday 1 June 2019
ConclusionThe application of C. creticus preparations by Lyme disease self-help groups may be considered as a reasonable therapy approach. For the first time, isolated epi-manoyloxide and carvacrol could be evaluated as most promising candidates for drug development and labdanum based phytomedicine development, respectively. They should serve as vital active markers for quality assessments of C. creticus preparations.Graphical abstract (Source: Phytomedicine)
Friday 31 May 2019
Authors: Self SCW, Liu Y, Nordone SK, Yabsley MJ, Walden HS, Lund RB, Bowman DD, Carpenter C, McMahan CS, Gettings JR Abstract Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vector-borne disease (VBD) in pets is one cornerstone of companion animal practices. Veterinarians are facing new challenges associated with the emergence, reemergence, and rising incidence of VBD, including heartworm disease, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Increases in the observed prevalence of these diseases have been attributed to a multitude of factors, including diagnostic tests with improved sensitivity, expanded annual testing practices, climatologic and ecological changes enhancing vector survival and expansion, emergence or recognition of novel pathogens, and increased movement of pets as trav...
Friday 31 May 2019
Authors: Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Pantchev N Abstract Lyme borreliosis, granulocytic anaplasmosis and monocytic ehrlichiosis are well studied in humans and dogs. In horses, these diseases are not widely investigated and limited information is available about their occurrence. The purpose of this study was to present the first ELISA-based report on the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi in horses from Northern Bulgaria. A total of 192 horses were investigated from three regions in Northern Bulgaria (Northwestern, North-Central and Northeastern Bulgaria). All equine sera were tested for A. phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp. and B. burgdorferi antibodies by a commercial rapid ELISA test. Antibodies against A. phagocytophilum were found in ...
Friday 31 May 2019
Conclusion: Results of the present study support earlier findings thatB. burgdorferiinfection among Malaysians is currently under-recognized. Further studies will be needed at these locations to confirm the presence of Lyme disease among these populations. (Source: The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries)
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Thursday 30 May 2019
Publication date: Available online 30 May 2019Source: Meta GeneAuthor(s): Joanna Lyon, Hyunuk SeungAbstractPost Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) poses a difficult to understand health issue. This multi-centered, randomized control trial studied the possible correlation between ABCB1 (MDR1) gene variants and the incidence of PTLDS in affected patients. Genomic DNA was isolated and analyzed for four ABCB1 gene SNPs (rs1128503, rs1045642, rs2235067, and rs4148740). Significant findings include the association of rs1128503 TC variant with PTLDS status. Additionally, the rs1128503+ rs1045642+ rs2235067 SNP combination increased rs1128503 genotype TC significance to 3.83 times the rs1128503 genotype CC. The TT variant of rs4148740 in conjunction with rs1128503 reduced the odds ratio and a...
Wednesday 29 May 2019
With climate change, we are seeing more tick-borne diseases. Where is the funding to address this urgent crisis? (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Tuesday 28 May 2019
Authors: Guillén Martín S, Núñez Cuadros E, Tagarro García A, Calvo Rey C, en representación de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología Pediátrica (SERPE) y la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP) PMID: 31153796 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)
Monday 27 May 2019
UK researchers discover new compound which kills antibiotic-resistant superbugs Related items fromOnMedica GPs given help to spot Lyme disease Single-dose malaria drug eliminates parasite from liver TB could be cured by four months ’ treatment in many patients Antibiotics courses often longer than guidelines 'Keep Antibiotics Working' campaign resurfaces (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Saturday 25 May 2019
LYME disease is a relatively unknown condition with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each year in England and Wales. For an unknown disease however, anyone can develop the condition as its caught by a tick. This major symptom could mean you might have Lyme disease. Do you have it? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Thursday 23 May 2019
Tick bites: First aid Most tick bites are painless and cause only minor symptoms, such as redness, swelling or a sore on the skin. But some ticks transmit bacteria that cause illnesses, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Learn the correct way to remove and handle a tick, and when you need to [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
Wednesday 22 May 2019
Journal of Vector Ecology, Volume 44, Issue 1, Page 201-204, June 2019. (Source: Journal of Vector Ecology)
Wednesday 22 May 2019
Lyme disease is spreading as the climate warms. An analysis of veterinary records suggests our dogs ’ annual health checks can track infection’s across the US (Source: New Scientist - Health)
Tuesday 21 May 2019
Authors: Thurston R PMID: 31104048 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Work)
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Monday 20 May 2019
Quantitative and microscopic tracking of Borrelia afzelii transmission from infected Ixodes ricinus nymphs has shown a transmission cycle different from that of Borrelia burgdorferi and Ixodes scapularis. Borrelia afzelii organisms are abundant in the guts of unfed I. ricinus nymphs, and their numbers continuously decrease during feeding. Borrelia afzelii spirochetes are present in murine skin within 1 day of tick attachment. In contrast, spirochetes were not detectable in salivary glands at any stage of tick feeding. Further experiments demonstrated that tick saliva is not essential for B. afzelii infectivity, the most important requirement for successful host colonization being a change in expression of outer surface proteins that occurs in the tick gut during feeding. Spirochetes in ver...
Monday 20 May 2019
Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) have been identified in several invertebrates, particularly insects, and work on these ILPs has revealed many roles including regulators of energy homeostasis, growth, development and lifespan to name a few. However, information on arthropod ILPs outside of insects is sparse. Studies of Ixodid tick ILPs are particularly scarce, despite their importance as vectors of infectious agents, most notably Lyme disease. The recent publication of the genome of the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, has advanced opportunities to study this organism from a molecular standpoint, a resource sorely needed for an organism with challenging life history requirements for study in the laboratory, such as a long life cycle and obligate, prolonged, blood-feeding at each life stag...
Monday 20 May 2019
Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis are both conditions that can affect the nervous system and cause joint pain and swelling. Learn about their similarities and differences here. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
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Monday 20 May 2019
(Natural News) If you go out in the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise. That line from a favorite children’s nursery rhyme is certainly true when it comes to ticks. Those creepy little critters carry some seriously nasty diseases, including Lyme disease, and they’re most active between April and September. In other words,... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Sunday 19 May 2019
This study presented examples of base-calling DNA sequencing electropherograms routinely generated in a clinical diagnostic laboratory on DNA extracts of human blood specimens and ticks collected from human skin bites and from the environment. Since some of the tick samples tested were collected in Ireland, borrelial species or strains not known to exist in the United States were also detected by analysis of this 16S rRNA “core genome”. We recommend that hospital laboratories located in Lyme disease endemic areas begin to use a “core genome” sequencing test to routinely diagnose spirochetemia caused by various species of borreliae for timely management of patients at the early stage of infection. (Source: International Journal of Envi...
Saturday 18 May 2019
Authors: Figoni J, Chirouze C, Hansmann Y, Lemogne C, Hentgen V, Saunier A, Bouiller K, Gehanno JF, Rabaud C, Perrot S, Caumes E, Eldin C, de Broucker T, Jaulhac B, Roblot F, Toubiana J, Sellal F, Vuillemet F, Sordet C, Fantin B, Lina G, Gocko X, Dieudonné M, Bodaghi B, Gangneux JP, Degeilh B, Partouche H, Lenormand C, Sotto A, Raffetin A, Monsuez JJ, Michel C, Boulanger N, Cathebras P, Tattevin P, endorsed by scientific societies Abstract Lyme borreliosis is transmitted en France by the tick Ixodes ricinus, endemic in metropolitan France. In the absence of vaccine licensed for use in humans, primary prevention mostly relies on mechanical protection (clothes covering most parts of the body) that may be completed by chemical protection (repulsives). Secondary prevention relies on e...
Friday 17 May 2019
Serological surveillance, based on the measurement of the presence of specific antibodies in a given population, can be used in addition to traditional and routine disease surveillance methods. The added value... (Source: BMC Public Health)
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Thursday 16 May 2019
We report the case of a 67-year-old man with a consumptive syndrome with two subpleural pulmonary opacities. A transthoracic lung biopsy revealed a Dirofilaria worm. Myocardial nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) demonstrated dilated cardiomyopathy after myocarditis related to dirofilariasis. Human infection is rare and occurs accidentally. The most common radiological alteration is a mainly subpleural coin lesion. Dirofilariasis is a neglected emergent disease and knowledge about it is important for differential diagnoses from neoplastic pulmonary nodules. (Source: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical)
Thursday 16 May 2019
Lyme disease (LD), is the most common vector-borne illness in the US and Europe, with predominantly cutaneous, articular, cardiac and neuro-psychiatric manifestations. LD affects all layers of the heart and ev... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 15 May 2019
The diagnosis of acute Lyme disease is not straightforward. Therefore it is important to develop new strategies to improve diagnostic processes. Detailed analysis of patients’ B cell repertoires by High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) revealed antigen-associated “signatures” which have a huge potential to support diagnosis of acute infections. The human B cell immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi – the causative agent of Lyme disease – has mainly been studied at the antibody level, while less attention has been given to the cellular part of the humoral immune response. There are indications that Borrelia actively influence the B cell immune response and that it is therefore not directly comparable to responses induced by other infections. The main goal of this study was to identif...
Wednesday 15 May 2019
Infected ticks were mostly found in forested parks with vegetation around the edges and connected to each other. (Source: WebMD Health)
Wednesday 15 May 2019
Clive Stafford Smithsays Sats are irrelevant to his son ’s life andMary Bousteddefends Labour ’s proposed assessment reforms, whileAnn MooreandRichard Wetherellhighlight the negative effects of testsAmanda Spielman may be warning the wrong people about exam anxiety, certainly as far as younger kids are concerned (Ofsted chief says teachers can cause ‘subliminal’ exam anxiety, May 14). My 10-year-old is not worried because I have told him Sats are irrelevant to his life. His secondary school will determine how best he will fit in, based on its own testing, when he gets there in September. I did ask him to do his best in sympathy with the people who are sweating it out this week: his excellent teachers, whose lives – and the rating of the school – depend on how he does at rote no...
Wednesday 15 May 2019
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 -- As deer populations have exploded across America, moving from forests to suburbs to urban parks, they have brought the threat of Lyme disease to millions of city dwellers, a new study finds. In fact, the deer tick that... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Wednesday 15 May 2019
M. C. VanAcker et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Sunday 12 May 2019
Rajni Farmania, Prashant Jauhari, Biswaroop Chakrabarty, Sheffali GulatiNeurology India 2019 67(2):563-565 (Source: Neurology India)
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Friday 10 May 2019
LYME disease is still a relatively unknown disease with a myriad of symptoms which makes it difficult to detect. One such unusual symptom is that of losing your voice which left untreated could lead to vocal chord paralysis. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Thursday 9 May 2019
Authors: Wormser GP, Barbour AG Abstract Vancomycin is active in vitro and in vivo in mouse systems against Lyme disease borrelia; however, there are no published data on the efficacy of vancomycin in patients with Lyme disease and no convincing theoretical advantages of vancomycin over the currently used and highly effective orally administered antimicrobial agents, including doxycycline, amoxicillin and cefuroxime axetil. In addition, vancomycin may cause a wide variety of potentially serious adverse effects and requires the placement of an intravenous catheter. It is concluded that vancomycin is a much less attractive option for the treatment of patients with early Lyme disease (or any other manifestation of Lyme disease), compared with the antimicrobials currently being used....
Thursday 9 May 2019
ConclusionA significant reduction in NAA/Cr ratio in comparison with the controls suggests the presence of diffuse neuronal loss in patients with early LNB. (Source: Journal of Neurology)
Thursday 9 May 2019
In this study, we compared factors that may have an influence on DNA extraction namely commercially available DNA extraction kits vs alkaline hydrolysis for DNA extraction. The methods were applied to questing Ixodes (I.) ricinus ticks and Borrelia cultures of defined cell concentrations. A total of 69 questing I. ricinus ticks were collected. From 34 ticks, total DNA was extracted using a commercial DNA extraction kit. Thirty-five ticks were treated with 1.25 % ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). Six ticks from each batch were placed in 70 % ethanol (EtOH) for one week prior to DNA extraction to see the effect of EtOH preservation on total DNA yield. DNA yield was estimated in field-collected ticks using conventional PCR targeting the Ixodes Cytochrome C oxidase (coi) gene and in cultured Borreli...
Wednesday 8 May 2019
ConclusionsOur results show that Tp0136 facilitates differential level of binding to cell lines representing various host tissues, which highlights the importance of this protein in colonization of human organs byT.pallidum and resulting syphilis pathogenesis. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Wednesday 8 May 2019
Horm Metab Res 2019; 51: 326-329 DOI: 10.1055/a-0885-7169Dyslipidemia and dyslipoproteinemia are common causes of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, intracellular bacteria, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, utilize host lipids to survive and disseminate within the host. Recent data suggest that elevated lipids are a contributing factor to the maintenance and severity of Lyme disease and its complications. Here we review and discuss the role of lipids in Borreliosis and report on a pilot trial to examine the potential roles of circulating lipids and lipoproteins in patients with Borrelia infection. In this analysis we assessed the clinical and lipid profiles of 519 patients (319 women, 200 men) with a proven history of Lyme disease, before and after an extracorporeal doub...
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Wednesday 8 May 2019
Dr Tillmann Jacobi considers red flag symptoms in erythema and details three of the most common causes; Lyme disease, erythema infectiosum and erythema multiforme. (Source: GP Online Education)
Tuesday 7 May 2019
Researchers from across Europe, including the University of East London, mapped reports of the Lyme disease-causing Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in ticks from 2010 to 2017. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Sunday 5 May 2019
Authors: Nuttall PA Abstract Tick saliva is a complex mixture of peptidic and non-peptidic molecules that aid engorgement. The composition of tick saliva changes as feeding progresses and the tick counters the dynamic host response. Ixodid ticks such as Ixodes ricinus, the most important tick species in Europe, transmit numerous pathogens that cause debilitating diseases, e.g. Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Tick-borne pathogens are transmitted in tick saliva during blood feeding; however, saliva is not simply a medium enabling pathogen transfer. Instead, tick-borne pathogens exploit saliva-induced modulation of host responses to promote their transmission and infection, so-called saliva-assisted transmission (SAT). Characterization of the saliva factors that facili...
Sunday 5 May 2019
We report the case of a 62-year-old woman presenting with asymmetrical tetraparesis and hyporeflexia. Initially the presumed diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome with a possible functional component was suspected and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was initiated. Due to partial response to therapy and further test results including positive serologies and cerebrospinal fluid antibodies for Borrelia, the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis was considered. Furthe r exploring revealed the possibility of exposure to ticks although there was no report of typical skin lesions. Daily physical therapy and appropriate antibiotic treatment with parenteral ceftriaxone resulted in significant improvement of motor symptoms and functional status. The patient was dischar ged with marked functional i...
Friday 3 May 2019
Might some patients with early Lyme disease show evidence of co-infection with other tickborne pathogens?Emerging Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Thursday 2 May 2019
Conclusion In conclusion, our data show that R. rickettsii exerts a modulatory effect on the transcriptional profile the SG of A. aureolatum. Moreover, RNAi experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of one microplusin increases the susceptibility of ticks to infection, suggesting that this is one important factor for the control of R. rickettsii. The functional characterization of the additional CDSs modulated by infection is warranted and might reveal other factors that interfere with the acquisition and/or transmission of this tick-borne pathogen. Ethics Statement All procedures involving vertebrate animals were carried out according to the Brazilian National Law number 11794 and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and...
Thursday 2 May 2019
Authors: PMID: 31038163 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
Thursday 2 May 2019
LYME DISEASE is a bacterial infection that affects up to 3,000 people in the UK every year. ITV This Morning ’s Dr Ranj has revealed the lyme disease signs and symptoms to watch out for, including a characteristic rash. Watch out for these symptoms are a tick bite. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 1 May 2019
This article describes what the Observatory is, what it does and outlines its plans for the future. PMID: 31285705 [PubMed] (Source: Can Commun Dis Rep)
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Wednesday 1 May 2019
An 8-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with swelling and pain of his left knee and calf for approximately 1 week. His examination was significant for moderate knee effusion and swelling of the posterior calf with erythema and warmth of the affected areas. An ultrasound obtained at an outside hospital showed a large heterogeneous mass in the gastrocnemius, and a magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, heterogeneous, rim-enhancing collection in the medial head of the left gastrocnemius muscle with surrounding myositis involving the gastrocnemius muscle. The child was taken to the operating room by the orthopedic team for drainage and irrigation of the knee effusion and of the collection in the gastrocnemius. The diagnosis of Lyme pseudothrombophlebitis was made through ...
Tuesday 30 April 2019
Authors: Johann Jacob Pierre Valois Cécile Aenishaenslin Catherine Bouchard Sandie Briand Denis Talbot Maxime Tessier The aim of this study is to document climate change adaptation interventions targeting Lyme disease at the municipal level in the province of Quebec (Canada). This exploratory study relies on the theory of planned behavior and certain constructs from the health belief model to identify the factors leading municipal authorities to implement preventive interventions for Lyme disease (PILD). Data were obtained from an online survey sent, during the summer of 2018, to municipal officers in 820 municipalities in Quebec, in all health regions where the population is at risk of contracting Lyme disease (response rate = 36%). The questionnaire was used to measure...
Tuesday 30 April 2019
ConclusionsWith co-infection of tick-borne pathogens being commonplace, diagnostic improvements remain important. Developing in vivo models might allow more insight into human pathogenesis. Continued ecological and human case studies are key to better epidemiological understanding, guiding intervention strategies. PMID: 31064634 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)
Tuesday 30 April 2019
ConclusionThe hospital discharge register was unsuitable for surveillance of neuroborreliosis, whereas laboratory-based reporting was a feasible alternative. In 2018, the European Commission included Lyme neuroborreliosis on the list of diseases under epidemiological surveillance. PMID: 31115310 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)
Tuesday 30 April 2019
(Natural News) Although you’ve almost certainly heard of Lyme disease, there’s a good chance that you don’t know anyone personally who has been diagnosed with it. Most doctors are very hesitant to diagnose it, and evidence is pointing to the disease being originally developed as a biological weapon. The illness, which causes loss of memory,... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Monday 29 April 2019
This study examines potential challenges facing Lyme disease patients in Canada’s Maritime provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island—and considers how issues could be addressed. Reviews of both the academic and grey literature are complemented by surveys targeting both medical professionals and decision makers in government. Combined, the literature reviews and surveys demonstrate that there is considerable debate surrounding the effectiveness of testing, treatment options, and the existence of chronic Lyme disease. As the focus on the Maritimes demonstrates, these debates often pit the medical community against patients and patient advocates and, thus far, governments have been unable to produce policy that entirely pleases either...
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Sunday 28 April 2019
(Natural News) There is a reason why patients with Lyme disease do not recover properly despite taking tons of pharmaceutical medicines. The best way to treat the insect-borne ailment is a biocentric approach that uses your body’s natural healing processes instead of antibiotics. Lyme disease is most common along the eastern seaboard and throughout Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Friday 26 April 2019
Purpose of review To review the recent evidence clarifying the symptomatology and diagnosis of nervous system Lyme disease. Recent findings Two-tier testing combining pairs of ELISAs, using C6 or VlsE assays to replace second tier Western blots, may eliminate confusion about test interpretation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be informative in diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) Lyme disease, not peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders. CSF CXCL13 may provide useful adjunctive information in CNS infection; its specificity remains to be defined. Lyme encephalopathy is not indicative of CNS infection. Post treatment Lyme disease symptoms do not occur in patients who have had definite CNS Lyme infection. Whether post treatment Lyme disease symptom (PTLDS) is an actual entity, or ref...
Thursday 25 April 2019
In this study, the proteomic profile of the surface-associated proteins from M. bovis BCG Moreau was compared to the BCG Pasteur reference strain. The methodology used was 2DE gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI-TOF/TOF), leading to the identification of 115 proteins. Of these, 24 proteins showed differential expression between the two BCG strains. Furthermore, 27 proteins previously described as displaying moonlighting function were identified, 8 of these proteins showed variation in abundance comparing BCG Moreau to Pasteur and 2 of them presented two different domain hits. Moonlighting proteins are multifunctional proteins in which two or more biological functions are fulfilled by a single polypeptide chain. Therefore, the identification of such protein...
Wednesday 24 April 2019
There is much confusion and misinformation about the diagnosis of Lyme disease, as well as its treatment. This review explains why one cannot make a correct diagnosis of Lyme disease based on diagnosis of Lyme disease. The public health consequences of failing to consider these issues is discussed. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Wednesday 24 April 2019
Bioconjugate ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00167 (Source: Bioconjugate Chemistry)
Wednesday 24 April 2019
Lyme disease (LD) is an infectious multi-system illness caused by the bacterial genus Borrelia and spread by bites of infected ticks. Although most patients are successfully treated by timely antibiotic therapy, ... (Source: BMC Public Health)
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Wednesday 24 April 2019
Publication date: Available online 22 April 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Pavel Švec, Václav Hönig, Dana Zubriková, Maria Wittmann, Kurt Pfister, Libor GrubhofferAbstractResearch projects in the field of eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases often require extensive sampling of arthropod vectors in the field. The aim of our study was to use geographical information systems (GIS) to select appropriate sampling sites of Ixodes ricinus ticks in central European habitat for further ecological studies of vector-borne pathogens (tick-borne encephalitis virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato). The model area was the Czech-German borderland (the region of South Bohemia and two regions in Germany: the Upper Palatinate and Lower Bavaria) where numerous human tick-borne ...
Tuesday 23 April 2019
In conclusion, we unraveled the secretome of G. adiacens, an oral bacterium well-documented in infective endocarditis, but also recently shown to be involved in oral infections. Importantly, the secretome of G. adiacens comprised of a large number of putative virulence factors. Of particular importance is the finding that the G. adiacens secretome comprised of a number of “moonlighting” proteins, which in other species are shown to enhance bacterial colonization and virulence through their multifunctional roles (Pavkova et al., 2017; Graf et al., 2019). Thus, our results provide a basis for investigating the role of secreted proteins of G. adiacens in oral infections as well as in infective endocarditis. Data Availability Mass spectrometry data has been submitted to ...
Tuesday 23 April 2019
Authors: Önal U, Aytaç Erdem H, Uyan Önal A, Reşat Sipahi O Abstract A systematic review was conducted with the aim of describing the demographical data, features and outcomes of patients with Lyme disease (LD), reported from Turkey. Three international database (electronic PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and two national database (Ulakbim and Turkmedline) searches were performed using the following keywords (['Lyme' or 'Borrelia burgdorferi' or 'Borrelia' or 'Borreliosis'] and 'Turkey [and/country]'). National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNNDS) of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria were used for classification. A PRISMA-based algorithm was used for systematic review. There were a total of 75 LD cases in 36 different reports. Studies relat...
Tuesday 23 April 2019
TUESDAY, April 23, 2019 -- With growing concern about mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika, it's easy to let down your guard when it comes to ticks. But Lyme disease is still a danger, especially in the Northeast and upper Midwest. In fact, it has... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Tuesday 23 April 2019
(Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health) A new study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that a slow-growing variant form of Lyme bacteria caused severe symptoms in a mouse model. The slow-growing variant form of Lyme bacteria, according to the researchers, may account for the persistent symptoms seen in ten to twenty percent of Lyme patients that are not cured by the current Lyme antibiotic treatment. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Monday 22 April 2019
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted via the bite of an infected tick. B. burgdorferi enters the skin, disseminates via the bloodstream, and infects various distal tissues, leading to inflammatory sequelae, such as Lyme arthritis and Lyme carditis. B. burgdorferi linear plasmid 36 (lp36) is critical for mammalian infectivity; however, the full complement of genes on lp36 that contribute to this process remains unknown. Through a targeted mutagenesis screen of the genes on lp36, we identified a novel infectivity gene of unknown function, bbk13, which encodes an immunogenic, non-surface-exposed membrane protein that is important for efficient mammalian infection. Loss of bbk13 resulted in reduced spirochete loads in distal tissues in a mouse model ...
Monday 22 April 2019
CONCLUSIONS: The EIDAR Research Area is responsive to military-relevant infectious disease threats that are also frequently global public health concerns. Several new EIDAR efforts are underway that will provide Combatant Command Surgeons, Infectious Diseases Service Chiefs, and other Force Health Protection stakeholders with epidemiological information to mitigate the impact of EIDs and antimicrobial resistance on the health of U.S. military service members and their dependents. PMID: 31004432 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Military Medicine)
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Saturday 20 April 2019
Authors: Fukushima K, Yanagisawa N, Kawabata H, Yajima K PMID: 30996189 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Internal Medicine)
Friday 19 April 2019
Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019Source: Veterinary MicrobiologyAuthor(s): Min-Goo Seo, Oh-Deog Kwon, Dongmi KwakAbstractA 23-year-old male Thoroughbred horse at the Korean Military Academy appeared thin with visible rib bones and presented clinical signs of fever, anorexia, lethargy, and severe dehydration. To determine the presence of various febrile disease-causing agents, the 23 cohabiting horses at the academy, including this horse, were subjected to hematology, blood chemistry, and molecular analysis using whole blood samples collected during regular medical check-ups. On the basis of clinical history, physical examination, hematology, blood chemistry, and fecal examination, differential diagnosis using molecular analyses was performed for various febrile disease-causi...
Thursday 18 April 2019
Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Eliza A.H. Little, John F. Anderson, Kirby C. Stafford, Lars Eisen, Rebecca J. Eisen, Goudarz MolaeiAbstractLyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the United States. Ixodes scapularis, commonly referred to as the blacklegged tick, is the primary vector of Lyme disease spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), in the eastern United States. Connecticut has pervasive populations of I. scapularis and remains a hotspot for Lyme disease. A primary aim of this study was to determine if passively collected data on human-biting I. scapularis ticks in Connecticut could serve as a useful proxy for Lyme disease incidence based on the cases reported by the Connecticut Departmen...
Wednesday 17 April 2019
In this study, we aimed to identify gene expression patterns associated with the survival and re-growth of B. burgdorferi in the antibiotic environment. While a similar study in which RNASeq was applied to antibiotic treatment of B. burgdorferi was conducted (Feng et al., 2015), several important distinctions between that study and ours should be made. In that report by Feng et al, in vitro-cultured Bb were treated with either doxycycline or amoxicillin (50 μg/mL) for 6 days and then subjected to RNASeq, with comparison to the untreated control. Genes that were up-regulated by 2-fold or more were ascribed significant and the pathways affected were elucidated. In our study, we treated a slightly denser culture (5 × 107 versus 1 × 107) with doxycycline at the same dose (...
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Wednesday 17 April 2019
Conclusion Our modeling of the modulation of the tick regulome in response to A. phagocytophilum infection provided new insights into the mechanisms that target specific functions in different tick tissues. These results supported the use of network analysis for the study of regulome response to infection. Although general mechanisms affected by A. phagocytophilum infection may be conserved even between tick and human cells (de la Fuente et al., 2016b), the effect of vector-pathogen co-evolution on pathogen isolates adaptation to grow in tick cells (Alberdi et al., 2015) may result in differences between isolates in the modulation of the tick cell regulome. Future research should be directed at validating the results of the network analysis for regulomics studies and the characterization ...
Wednesday 17 April 2019
Publication date: July 2019Source: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 115Author(s): Hua Zhao, Xiting Dai, Xinlin Han, Aihua Liu, Fukai Bao, Ruolan Bai, Zhenhua Ji, Miaomiao Jian, Zhe Ding, Manzama-Esso Abi, Taigui Chen, Lisha Luo, Mingbiao Ma, Lvyan TaoAbstractLyme disease, reffered to as Lyme borreliosis, is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. Lyme arthritis, the most common, serious and harmful manifestation during the late stages of Lyme disease, is closely associated with the Borrelia burgdorferi basic membrane protein A (BmpA). Chemokines are also reported to have an important role in Lyme arthritis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize and bind to pathogen-associated molecules which are structurally conserved among microbes, to activate transc...
Tuesday 16 April 2019
This study provides insight into the microbial diversity of I. scapularis in New York State and Connecticut. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 16 April 2019
Knowing the frequency of positive Lyme disease serology in children without signs of infection facilitates test interpretation. Of 315 asymptomatic children from Lyme disease endemic regions, 32 had positive or equivocal C6 enzyme-linked immunoassays, but only 5 had positive IgG or IgM supplemental immunoblots (1.6%; 95% confidence interval: 0.7%–3.7%). (Source: The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal)
Monday 15 April 2019
Authors: Zhao H, Dai X, Han X, Liu A, Bao F, Bai R, Ji Z, Jian M, Ding Z, Abi ME, Chen T, Luo L, Ma M, Tao L Abstract Lyme disease, reffered to as Lyme borreliosis, is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. Lyme arthritis, the most common, serious and harmful manifestation during the late stages of Lyme disease, is closely associated with the Borrelia burgdorferi basic membrane protein A (BmpA). Chemokines are also reported to have an important role in Lyme arthritis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize and bind to pathogen-associated molecules which are structurally conserved among microbes, to activate transcriptional events, including cytokine production, inflammation, and tissue damage. We speculated that BmpA could induce a storm of proinfla...
Monday 15 April 2019
Conclusion: The fHIT seems to be a feasible test to quantify oscillopsia in BV since, unlike DVAtreadmill, it correlates with the experienced oscillopsia measured by the OSQ, and more BV patients are able to complete the fHIT than DVAtreadmill. Introduction Gaze stabilization is one of the many functions of the vestibular system. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) enables gaze stabilization during high-frequency head movements by moving the eyes directly in opposite direction of the head movement. A decreased VOR therefore impairs gaze stabilization, which leads to head or body movement-induced blurred vision (oscillopsia). Oscillopsia is one of the main symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) (1). BV is a heterogeneous chronic condition in which vestibular function is severely imp...
Monday 15 April 2019
Discussion Structure-function analyses of numerous Fur proteins have revealed that Fur binds its target DNA as a dimer. Protein dimerization requires Zn, which is coordinated via the structural S1 site in the dimerization domain of Fur proteins. To date, it has been clearly demonstrated that different geometry and amino acid residues are used by Fur protein for coordinating Zn in the S1 site (Pohl et al., 2003; Lee and Helmann, 2006; Pecqueur et al., 2006; Traoré et al., 2006, 2009; Lucarelli et al., 2007; Ahmad et al., 2009; An et al., 2009; Carpenter et al., 2009; Jacquamet et al., 2009; Sheikh and Taylor, 2009; Davies et al., 2011; Dian et al., 2011; Shin et al., 2011; Butcher et al., 2012; Makthal et al., 2013; Troxell and Hassan, 2013; Fillat, 2014; Gilston et al., 2014; Lin ...
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Monday 15 April 2019
Publication date: Available online 14 April 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Elisa Martello, Alessandro Mannelli, Elena Grego, Leonardo Adrian Ceballos, Charlotte Ragagli, Maria Cristina Stella, Laura TomassoneAbstractTicks and ear biopsies were collected from wild small rodents in 2011 and 2012 in the northern Apennines (Italy), up to 1650 m above sea level. Apodemus spp. (n = 83) and Myodes glareolus (n = 22) were infested by Ixodes ricinus (192 larvae and two nymphs), Dermacentor marginatus (179 larvae and 29 nymphs), and Ixodes trianguliceps (three larvae and two nymphs). We detected several Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genospecies (B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. lusitaniae, B. valaisiana) in I. ricinus and skin biopsies....
Monday 15 April 2019
Publication date: Available online 14 April 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Xiuqin Zhong, Mehrnaz Nouri, Lars RåbergAbstractStudies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in laboratory mice and humans have shown that spirochaetes disseminate from the site of infection (skin) to internal tissues, and cause various pathological effects. However, less is known about colonization and pathology of Lyme borreliosis spirochaetes in their natural hosts. In the present study, we assessed the colonization and manifestations during B. afzelii infection in reservoir hosts (yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis; bank vole, Myodes glareolus; common shrew, Sorex araneus) infected in the wild. The infection prevalence and bacterial load was measured in skin (ear), joints and heart by ...
Monday 15 April 2019
After antibiotic treatment of Lyme borreliosis, a subset of patients report persistent symptoms, also referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The reported prevalence of persistent symptoms varies ... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Sunday 14 April 2019
CONCLUSIONS: LD testing and positivity have increased in recent years, including in states not historically associated with the disease. PMID: 30985892 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)
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Friday 12 April 2019
ConclusionA high prevalence of TMD symptoms was found in patients with Lyme disease. The results suggest that using palpation tests alone could overestimate primary TMDs when comorbid conditions are present.Clinical relevance: Dynamic/static tests should be used as part of the routine TMD assessment. In case of Lyme disease as the actual cause of the facial pain, while the dentist might be suspecting TMD when dynamic/static TMD tests are negative, referral to an appropriate specialist for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease needs to be made. (Source: Clinical Oral Investigations)
Thursday 11 April 2019
Conclusions OCB are important biomarkers that can support MRI diagnostics and help to avoid false-positive MS diagnoses. Therefore, the revised McDonalds criteria have increased the importance of the OCB. New biomarkers such as AQP4 have now established themselves in clinical practice, and others such as Anti-MOG and NfL are about to enter clinical routine. An important focus in the search for new biomarkers is the monitoring of therapy efficacy and the prediction of severe side effects. Many other CSF molecules such as CHI3L1, IL-6, or CXCL13 show potential as markers for clinical practice, but further research is needed to prove their importance. Author Contributions All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for pu...
Wednesday 10 April 2019
Conclusion and Future Directions Above we reviewed a limited set of network medicine philosophies that seek to integrate biomedical big data to uncover meaningful biology. Network medicine approaches provide customized and optimized ways to leverage biomedical data. The choice of the appropriate network method is largely dictated by the underlying biological inquiry, hypotheses, study design, and available data. Although this review is not meant to be exhaustive, our intent was to give a essence of how biomedical data requires a nuanced approach when selecting network analyses and provide a resource for both network scientists and biologists to better understand the lexicon of network modeling of biomedical data. We believe that network medicine approaches will be vital in the future wit...
Monday 8 April 2019
In conclusion, our data indicates that pDC have a protective role in limiting bacterial load in the gut and helping to maintain the intestinal barrier. As C. rodentium is closely related to the attaching and effacing human pathogens EPEC/EHEC, our work suggests that pDC may also play a role in protection from these organisms. More generally, a role for pDC in maintenance of the gut mucosal barrier and perhaps gut homeostasis would mean these cells may be important in protection from many human gut pathogens. pDC also appeared to regulate the systemic inflammatory response to pathogens released from the gut. Although pDC-depletion was found to ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, our results and those of Mizuno et al. showed that a deficit in pDC led to exacerbation of disease in infection and T...
Sunday 7 April 2019
AbstractThis Forum article synthesizes the current evidence on the links between predator-prey interactions, protected areas and spatial variations in Lyme disease risk in Fennoscandia. I suggest key research directions to better understand the role of protected areas in promoting the persistence of diverse predator guilds. Conserving predators could help reducing host populations and Lyme disease risk in northern Europe. There is an urgent need to find possible win-win solutions for biodiversity conservation and human health in ecosystems facing rapid global environmental change. (Source: EcoHealth)
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Saturday 6 April 2019
Authors: Feng J, Li T, Yee R, Yuan Y, Bai C, Cai M, Shi W, Embers M, Brayton C, Saeki H, Gabrielson K, Zhang Y Abstract Although most patients with Lyme disease can be cured with a 2-4 week antibiotic therapy, about 10-20% of patients continue to suffer prolonged persistent symptoms, a condition called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). The cause for PTLDS is unclear and hotly debated. Borrelia burgdorferi develops morphological variants under stress conditions but their significance is not clear. Here we isolated the biofilm-like microcolony (MC) and planktonic (spirochetal form and round body) (SP) variant forms from the stationary phase culture of B. burgdorferi and showed that the MC and SP variant forms were not only more tolerant to the current Lyme antibiotics but...
Friday 5 April 2019
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, VBDs continue to increase, with 9 new VBDs identified since 2004 and most recently in 2017 a new vector, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas are capable of transmitting bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This updated review of the current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and West Nile virus will help prepare nurse practitioners to provide safe, competent care for their patients and communities at large. (Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners)
Friday 5 April 2019
The Lyme disease spirochetes are a highly diverse group of bacteria with unique biological properties. Their ability to cycle between ticks and mammals requires that they adapt to variable and constantly changing environmental conditions. Outer surface protein C is an essential virulence determinant that has received considerable attention in vaccine and diagnostic assay development. Knowledge of OspC diversity, its antigenic determinants, and its production patterns throughout the enzootic cycle, as well as in the laboratory setting, is essential for understanding immune responses induced by infection or vaccination. (Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice)
Thursday 4 April 2019
Discussion. We discussed clinical implications and reviewed the relevant literature. (Source: Journal of Clinical Neuroscience)
Wednesday 3 April 2019
Authors: Ogden NH, Gachon P Abstract Global climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is being particularly felt in Canada, with warming generally greater than in the rest of the world. Continued warming will be accompanied by changes in precipitation, which will vary across the country and seasons, and by increasing climate variability and extreme weather events. Climate change will likely drive the emergence of infectious diseases in Canada by northward spread from the United States and introduction from elsewhere in the world via air and sea transport. Diseases endemic to Canada are also likely to re-emerge. This special issue describes key infectious disease risks associated with climate change. These include emergence of tick-borne diseases in addition ...
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Wednesday 3 April 2019
Authors: Bouchard C, Dibernardo A, Koffi J, Wood H, Leighton PA, Lindsay LR Abstract Climate warming and other environmental changes have contributed to the expansion of the range of several tick species into higher latitudes in North America. As temperatures increase in Canada, the environment becomes more suitable for ticks and the season suitable for tick activity lengthens, so tick-borne diseases are likely to become more common in Canada. In addition to Lyme disease, four other tick-borne diseases (TBDs) have started to emerge and are likely to increase: Anaplasmosis; Babesiosis; Powassan virus; and Borrelia miyamotoi disease. Increased temperature increases the survival and activity period of ticks, increases the range of both reservoir and tick hosts (e.g. mice and deer) and...
Monday 1 April 2019
Authors: Václav Hönig Pavel Švec Lukáš Marek Tomáš Mrkvička Zubriková Dana Maria (Vögerl) Wittmann Ondřej Masař Daniela Szturcová Daniel Růžek Kurt Pfister Libor Grubhoffer In Europe, Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are the two vector-borne diseases with the largest impact on human health. Based on data on the density of host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks and pathogen prevalence and using a variety of environmental data, we have created an acarological risk model for a region where both diseases are endemic (Czech Republic—South Bohemia and Germany—Lower Bavaria, Upper Palatinate). The data on tick density were acquired by flagging 50 sampling sites three times in a single season. Prevalence of the ...
Monday 1 April 2019
Authors: Haddad E, Caumes E PMID: 30928181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Monday 1 April 2019
When dealing with chronic pain, it is often not possible for clinicians to provide adequate answers to their patients about what might be wrong, and why they continue to have their pain. This has led to greater use of diagnostic âlabelsâ for conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic Lyme disease, and many others. Assigning such âlabelsâ to patients with chronic pain has far-reaching consequences for all stakeholders. The aim of this clinical commentary is to highlight some of the common threads among 4 particular conditions common to womenâfibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic Lyme diseaseâwhen it comes to the underlying neurobiology and its consequences for the patient ...
Sunday 31 March 2019
CONCLUSION: Overall, 182 ticks (71%) were infected with at least one pathogen; among these co-infections were found in 94 ticks. Tick borne pathogens identified were C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi s.l., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Francisella spp., and Ehrlichia spp. In R. bursa and H. marginatum, the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. was positively correlated with that of C. burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. and their coinfection probabilities were 29.8%, 22.7% and 11.7%, respectively; the probability of coinfection for Francisella spp. and Rickettsia spp. and for Francisella spp. and Bartonella spp. was 14.9% and 17.9%, respectively. In R. (Boophilus) annulatus, the probability of coinfection between C. burnetii and B. burgdorferi s.l. was 11.3%, while those between C. burn...
Sunday 31 March 2019
In this study, we investigated tick-borne bacterial pathogens in wild boar, hare, and fox and their ticks in Turkey. A total of 102 tick pools comprised of 445 ticks and blood samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA by PCRs targeted rickettsial gltA and ompA genes, 5S-23S rDNA gene for Borrelia spp., and msp4 gene for Anaplasma spp. As a result of PCR and sequence analyses, three pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, two SFG rickettsiae with unknown pathogenicity and one pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were detected in samples obtained from wild animals. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in ticks (13.7% of tick pools) collected from wild boars and blood of a wild boar. In addition, the presences of R. hoogstraalii (19.6% of tick pools), R. aeschlimannii...
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Saturday 30 March 2019
Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis was high in Erzincan, particularly among people engaged in animal husbandry in rural areas. In addition, the seroprevalence of Borrelia varied according to geographical features, increasing in areas with a lower slope and altitude. PMID: 30918907 [PubMed] (Source: Iranian Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases)
Friday 29 March 2019
Lyme Neuroborreliosis - The Mystifying Pitfall: "Neuropathology and Current Therapeutics". Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov. 2019 Mar 26;: Authors: Chavda V, Patel S Abstract Lyme's Disease (LD) is a severe rapidly growing broad spectrum chronic infection caused by the bacterium 'Borrelia (B.) burgdoferi', which can be easily transmitted through the bite of certain species of ticks. The prevalence of LD is swiftly mounting in present scenario in many countries from species to species. Although Lyme's infection is now detectable via serologic examination of early and late Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), the management of persistent symptoms is still fraught with quora of doubt and debate. LD is a multisystem spirochete which results after the dissemination of B. burgdorfe...
Thursday 28 March 2019
Authors: Jánová E Abstract Climatic changes, landscape management, massive human, animal and commodity transportation represent important factors which are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases. The environmental and socioeconomic factors affecting the incidence of vector-borne zoonoses and possibilities for the reduction of disease impacts are discussed in the article. The most important zoonoses with expanding area of incidence and/or increasing occurrence are summarized, with special emphasis on the European region. While some diseases and their respective pathogens are indigenous to Europe (e.g. Lyme disease), others have been introduced to Europe from tropical areas (e.g. chikungunya or dengue fever). These emerging diseases may represent a serious threat in near f...
Monday 25 March 2019
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is increasing in incidence in the United States. Patient education and early recognition and treatment of the disease are critical to reduce the impact of chronic long-term infection. (Source: Nursing Clinics of North America)
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Sunday 24 March 2019
This study provides insight into the antigenic structure of OspC. The results enhance our understanding of immune responses that develop during infection or upon vaccination and have implications for interpretation of LD diagnostic assays that employ OspC. PMID: 30922701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)
Saturday 23 March 2019
Authors: Begolli Gerqari A, Ferizi M, Gerqari I Abstract Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is a skin atrophy presenting as single or multiple sharply demarcated, hyperpigmented, non-indurated patches, with a slight depression of the skin, that can converge and form a confluent area with atrophy as a consequence. The condition was first described by Pasini in 1923 and subsequently by Pierini in 1936. They distinguished this form of atrophy from other diseases and conditions in which the atrophy is morphologically and clinically different. The disease was initially associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection; however, at present, various theories have emerged for the appearance of the disease, linked to genetic, neurogenetic, and immunological factors. Here we present a patient t...
Friday 22 March 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Wednesday 20 March 2019
Research ArticlesL. KRBKOV Á, L. HOMOLA, A. HLAVÁČOVÁ, P. MIKOLÁŠEK, J. BEDNÁŘOVÁ, Z. ČERMÁKOVÁ,Epidemiology& Infection,Volume 144 Issue 12, pp 2597-2604Abstract (Source: Epidemiology and Infection)
Tuesday 19 March 2019
Kate Winslet picture about renowned fossil hunter had been criticised by relatives for ‘unconfirmed’ portrait of her sexualityThe director of a new biopic about the celebrated fossil hunter Mary Anning has defended his film after criticism of its lesbian romance storyline.Ammonite, which stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, recently began filming in Lyme Regis, the coastal town in Dorset where Anning lived in the early 19th century. Anning never married and is not known to have had any direct descendants, but a report in the Telegraph suggested her distant relatives were at odds over the film ’s central relationship, a romance between Anning and Frances Bell, with whom Anning is known to have corresponded.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
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Tuesday 19 March 2019
CHICAGO—Keith Winthrop, MD, MPH, professor of public health and preventive medicine at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., began the vaccination session at the 2018 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting with a review of vaccination timing and targets. He presented a clinically relevant snapshot of the vaccines rheumatologists should consider and emphasized... [Read More] (Source: The Rheumatologist)
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Friday 15 March 2019
(Natural News) Most people use essential oils as a mood booster or stress reliever. But according to a study, a potent mix of essential oils from various herbs and medicinal plants can help eliminate the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The study, which was published in the journal Antibiotics, was conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Friday 15 March 2019
Conclusion: This study was the first to determine the frequency of hantavirus in the study region and it includes current data for B. burgdorferi. Consequently, it is recommended that similar studies be carried out on rodents in all the regions at risk. PMID: 30862151 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences)
Thursday 14 March 2019
We report nine cases of pediatric neuroborreliosis collected by the National Observatory of Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis in France between 2001 and 2012. The nine children, aged 4-13 years, were identified in northern and eastern France and had the following clinical features: meningeal irritation alone or with facial palsy, or isolated facial palsy. All cases showed anti-Borrelia antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid or serum, or with a positive Borrelia PCR in the CSF. The outcome was favorable in all cases after a 2- to 3-week course of third-generation cephalosporin. On the basis of these nine pediatric cases, this study provides an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic strategy, and treatment of neuroborreliosis, with insight into the specific features of pediatric neu...
Thursday 14 March 2019
As I struggle with chronic pain, cozy for me is less hygge and more my ex-boyfriend ’ s mother, nurses with juice and weird, sandy doughnuts. (Source: NYT Health)
Monday 11 March 2019
(Natural News) If you spend any amount of time outdoors or around animals, you’re at risk of Lyme disease. This infectious disease is transmitted by ticks, but it’s actually caused by a microbe, the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria. While many prevention methods focus on the ticks themselves, some researchers are looking into antimicrobial herbs... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Saturday 9 March 2019
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 30854633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Immunology)
Friday 8 March 2019
To what extent did the invasion of the blacklegged tick contribute to the spread of Lyme disease?Emerging Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Thursday 7 March 2019
Authors: Weiss T, Zhu P, White H, Posner M, Wickiser JK, Washington MA, Barnhill J Abstract Lyme disease is a continuing threat to military personnel operating in arboriferous and mountainous environments. Here we present the case of a 24-year-old Second Lieutenant, a recent graduate from the United States Military Academy, with a history of Lyme disease who developed recurrent knee effusions following surgery to correct a hip impingement. Although gonococcal arthritis was initially suspected from preliminary laboratory results, a comprehensive evaluation contradicted this diagnosis. Despite antibiotic therapy, aspiration of the effusions, and steroid treatment to control inflammation, the condition of the patient deteriorated to the point where he was found to be unfit for duty an...
Thursday 7 March 2019
No abstract available (Source: Neurology Today)
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Wednesday 6 March 2019
We report an unusual case of organizing pneumonia occurring as a consequence of obstruction due to a carcinoid tumour and its complete resolution by bronchoscopic relief of obstruction without the need for steroid therapy. Organizing pneumonia is a well ‐known clinical entity resulting in response to noxious stimuli causing lung injury. It is known to occur with infectious disease processes, neoplasms, post lung surgery or radiation therapy and when idiopathic, is called cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. We present an unusual case of a 48‐year‐ old woman who presented with chronic cough and progressive dyspnoea while being on macrolide therapy for Lyme disease. Computerized tomography of chest demonstrated a well‐circumscribed nodule in the lingula and bilateral central ground glas...
Tuesday 5 March 2019
EAST HADDAM, Conn. (WTNH) - A meeting is set to take place on Saturday to discuss a growing concern in East Haddam where a number of EMS volunteers resigned from their positions, putting a bit of strain on neighboring communities. Ten people have left East Haddam Ambulance since the beginning of the year. It's a non-profit organization that gets about 800 calls a year. Since they're down so many people, about 20 percent of the emergency calls in East Haddam are being taken care of by other emergency crews in neighboring towns like Haddam, Lyme, East Hampton, and Colchester. (Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News)
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Tuesday 5 March 2019
G. P. Wormser et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Tuesday 5 March 2019
(DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) A team of researchers from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Health Data Sciences Institute (HDSI) have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to better match cancer patients with clinical trials. The researchers were one of ten teams to develop a digital tool to address complex challenges relevant to medical conditions such as cancer and Lyme disease as part of The Opportunity Project (TOP) Health Sprint. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)
Monday 4 March 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Monday 4 March 2019
CONCLUSION: The results of seroprevalence obtained in the present study confirm the possibility of infection with B. burgdorferi among respondents exposed to contact with ticks. PMID: 30817876 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Central European Journal of Public Health)
Monday 4 March 2019
CONCLUSION: It should be noted that detection of antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. is only an indirect evidence of the presence of this bacterium in the development of clinical signs of LD in humans. Laboratory LD tests should be performed in accordance with valid standards, positive and uncertain results must be confirmed by the Western Blot/Immunoblot assay. PMID: 30817877 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Central European Journal of Public Health)
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Monday 4 March 2019
CONCLUSION: Older children and those with prolonged arthritis, arthritis limited to the knees, or poor initial response to antibiotics are more likely to have antibiotic-refractory disease and treatment-associated toxicity. Children with severe symptoms of systemic inflammation have more favorable outcomes. For children with persistently active Lyme arthritis after 2 antibiotic courses, pediatricians should consider starting antiinflammatory treatment and referring to a pediatric rheumatologist. PMID: 30824653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Rheumatology)
Monday 4 March 2019
CONCLUSION: IAGC injection appears to be an effective and safe second-line strategy for persistent Lyme arthritis in children, associated with rapid clinical resolution and reduced need for additional treatment. PMID: 30824649 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Rheumatology)
Monday 4 March 2019
R. P. Smith et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Thursday 28 February 2019
AbstractYears when the deer population is robust during the autumn hunting season may point toward an elevated risk of Lyme disease (LD) in the human population two summers later. We applied overdispersed Poisson regression models to county-specific data from New Jersey for each year from 2000 to 2014. The average relative risk of LD for each additional hunter-killed deer per square mile was 1.12 (1.10, 1.14) for 2000 –2007 and 1.11 (1.09, 1.13) for 2008–2014. The hunting data already collected for conservation and wildlife management purposes may be a relevant component of LD surveillance activities. (Source: EcoHealth)
Thursday 28 February 2019
CONCLUSION: Public health strategies should focus on high-incidence age groups and regions during the months with the highest incidences and should emphasise prevention measures such as regular tick checks after exposure and prompt removal to avoid infection. PMID: 30892181 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)
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Wednesday 27 February 2019
Publication date: Available online 26 February 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Lise E. Nigrovic, Desiree N. Neville, Fran Balamuth, Jonathan E. Bennett, Michael N. Levas, Aris C. Garro, for Pedi Lyme NetAbstractOf 1,770 children undergoing emergency department evaluation for Lyme disease, 362 (20.5%) children had Lyme disease. Of those with an available tick bite history, only a minority of those with Lyme disease had a recognized tick bite (60/325; 18.5%, 95% confidence interval 14.6 – 23.0%). Lack of a tick bite history does not reliably exclude Lyme disease. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Wednesday 27 February 2019
Publication date: Available online 27 February 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Ellie L. Milnes, Grace Thornton, Alexandre N. Léveillé, Pauline Delnatte, John R. Barta, Dale A. Smith, Nicole NemethAbstractCervid babesiosis, caused by the protozoan hemoparasite Babesia odocoilei and transmitted by the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis, is an emerging disease of Canadian cervids. This pathogen has not yet been described in humans. Data are lacking on the role of migratory birds in the adventitious spread of Ba. odocoilei-infected ticks, as well as on the infection status of I. scapularis in environments used by susceptible wildlife hosts. Following a high-mortality outbreak of cervid babesiosis at the Toronto Zoo [TZ], the present study was initiated to investigate Ba. ...
Wednesday 27 February 2019
Publication date: Available online 26 February 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Seungeun Han, Charles Lubelczyk, Graham J. Hickling, Alexia A. Belperron, Linda K. Bockenstedt, Jean I. TsaoAbstractBorrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by ticks in the Ixodes ricinus complex. In the eastern United States, B. miyamotoi is transmitted by I. scapularis, which also vectors several other pathogens including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. In contrast to Lyme borreliae, B. miyamotoi can be transmitted vertically from infected female ticks to their progeny. Therefore, in addition to nymphs and adults, larvae can vector B. miyamotoi to wildlife and human hosts. Two widely varying filial infection prevalence (FIP) estimates - 6% and 73% - have been reported pr...
Wednesday 27 February 2019
(Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology)
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Wednesday 27 February 2019
(Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology)
Wednesday 27 February 2019
Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) is a newly recognized borreliosis that is cotransmitted by ticks wherever Lyme disease is zoonotic. Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the agent of Lyme disease, B. miyamotoi is closely related to relapsing fever spirochetes, such as Borrelia hermsii. Some authors have suggested that the disease caused by B. miyamotoi should be considered a hard-tick-transmitted relapsing fever, and thus, the main mode of confirming a diagnosis for that infection, microscopy to analyze a blood smear, may have clinical utility. To determine whether blood smears may detect B. miyamotoi in the blood of acute BMD patients, we made standard malariological thick smears from anticoagulated blood samples that were previously determined to contain this agent (by PCR) and analyz...
Tuesday 26 February 2019
Authors: Bjark P PMID: 30808111 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening)
Wednesday 20 February 2019
CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with native antigens might not be sufficient to obtain complete protection to infection. Nonetheless we showed that non-infectious B. burgdorferi can be an effective carrier to deliver and elicit a specific host response to T. pallidum antigens to assess the efficacy of syphilis vaccine candidates. PMID: 30797635 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)
Tuesday 19 February 2019
Authors: Mendoza-Roldan JA, Colella V Abstract The castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus is one of the most abundant tick species in Europe, being able to parasitize a wide number of vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. This tick species has an important role as vector of zoonotic pathogens, including the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (i.e. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato). Here, we provide insights on a new tick-host association (i.e. I. ricinus infesting snakes) in an area recently recognized as endemic for reptile-associated zoonotic species of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.. PMID: 30794772 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Tropica)
Monday 18 February 2019
Laura Macleod, 31, tested positive for Lyme disease in 2016 but the standard treatment did nothing to alleviate her symptoms. Now, wants to travel to Germany for dangerous full body heating. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Monday 18 February 2019
(Source: International Journal of General Medicine)
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Monday 18 February 2019
(Source: Neurological Sciences)
Saturday 16 February 2019
Authors: Ranque-Garnier S, Eldin C, Sault C, Raoult D, Donnet A Abstract Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex, and can give polymorphic clinical manifestations that can affect several organs such as the skin, the central nervous system, or the joints. In recent years, patients' associations and physicians have been supporting the hypothesis that this infection would manifest as chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain symptoms, named "chronic Lyme disease". Fibromyalgia is a clinical presentation characterized by chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain with a major impact on quality of life and social and psychological functioning. We analyzed existing literature data on pain syndromes associated with Lyme disease (post-treatment Lyme diseas...
Saturday 16 February 2019
Authors: Eldin C, Jaulhac B, Mediannikov O, Arzouni JP, Raoult D Abstract Bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, responsible for Lyme disease, are members of the spirochetes phylum. Diagnostic difficulties of Lyme disease are partly due to the characteristics of spirochetes as their culture is tedious or even impossible for some of them. We performed a literature review to assess the value of the various diagnostic tests of spirochetes infections of medical interest such as Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever borreliae, syphilis, and leptospirosis. We were able to draw similarities between these four infections. Real-time PCR now plays an important role in the direct diagnosis of these infections. However, direct diagnosis remains difficult because of a persistent l...
Friday 15 February 2019
This meta-analysis suggests that when symptoms of the disease are confined to a localised skin infection, treatment failures are relatively infrequent, only 2% at 12 months. Effective antibiotics include penicillin V, doxycycline, azithromycin, cefuroxime, amoxicillin and ceftriaxone plus doxycycline.The research has significant limitations, but choice, dose and duration of antibiotics appear to have little impact on outcomes. This research does not suggest that guidelines need to be reviewed. (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Friday 15 February 2019
Contributors : Jerome Bouquet ; Charles Y ChiuSeries Type : Expression profiling by high throughput sequencingOrganism : Homo sapiensMost Lyme disease patients treated with appropriate antibiotics recover rapidly and completely, but a minority of patients develop persistent symptoms correlating with disseminated disease, a greater severity of illness at presentation, and delayed antibiotic therapy. When lingering or recurrent symptoms are associated with a functional decline and persist for greater than 6 months, patients are considered to meet clinical criteria for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), although the exact molecular mechanisms underlying this condition remain unknown. We performed longitudinal whole transcriptome sequencing of PTLDS patients' immune cells. No immune...
Thursday 14 February 2019
This study aimed to investigate the presence and perform molecular characterization of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) in tick species collected in Corsica. Ticks from cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), and rodents (Rattus rattus) were collected from May to September 2016. DNA was purified from ticks, submitted to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. In total, 660 ticks were collected from 111 animals during the study. The most abundant collected tick species from cattle was Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 495; 84.5%), followed by Hyalomma marginatum (n = 91; 15.5%). Rhipicephalus bursa and Ixodes ricinus were the only tick species collected from sheep and rodents, respectively. Ov...
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Tuesday 12 February 2019
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which is spread to humans by infected ticks. Blood tests have been available for some time to confirm or rule out the condition. But now health experts are advising doctors a ‘bull’s eye’ rash alone can diagnose Lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Tuesday 12 February 2019
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence urges medics to just look for the rash - which is present in around two-thirds of cases - due to lab tests not always picking up on the infection. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Tuesday 12 February 2019
LYME disease is a bacterial infection which is spread to humans by infected ticks. Blood tests have been available for some time to confirm or rule out the condition. But now health experts are advising doctors a ‘bull’s eye’ rash alone can diagnose Lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Tuesday 12 February 2019
The rash is diagnostic and means the patient needs urgent antibiotics, new guidelines tell doctors. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
Tuesday 12 February 2019
People showing erythema migrans, the characteristic skin rash associated with Lyme disease, can be diagnosed without the need for blood tests, NICE says in new guidance. (Source: NHS Networks)
Tuesday 12 February 2019
GPs told not to wait for the results of blood tests before starting antibiotics if rash present Related items fromOnMedica TB could be cured by four months ’ treatment in many patients Adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine best option for over-65s Rare polio-like illness on the rise MPs call for urgent action on antimicrobial resistance Chief medical officer launches push for flu jab drive (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Monday 11 February 2019
Authors: Boulanger N, Boyer P, Talagrand-Reboul E, Hansmann Y Abstract Ticks are a major group of arthropod vectors, characterized by the diversity of pathogens they transmit, by their impact on human and animal health, and by their socioeconomic implication especially in countries of the Southern Hemisphere. In Europe, Ixodes is the most important tick due to its wide distribution in the ecosystems and the variety of transmitted pathogens, in particular Borrelia (responsible for Lyme borreliosis), but also the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Their increased presence in the environment since the beginning of the 20th century is undeniable, because of major modifications in the biodiversity caused by humans. Increasing the awareness of health professionals and the general population ...
Monday 11 February 2019
Authors: Guedj E, Eldin C, Raoult D, Azorin JM, Belzeaux R Abstract Approximately 10% of patients presenting with Lyme disease experience fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, concentration disorders, or short-term memory deficits in the six months following treatment. This entity has been defined as post-Lyme disease syndrome or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is unknown, but neither persistence of the bacterium nor effectiveness of antibiotics are currently reported in the literature. The French High Council for Public Health (French acronym HCSP) has recently defined a new entity called "persistent polymorphic symptoms after a tick bite" allowing for designing studies to better understand these subjective presentations, for which objective bio...
Saturday 9 February 2019
(Natural News) A mass migration of birds may be amazing to behold, until they leave countless disease-ridden ticks in their wake. In the U.S., the disease-laden ticks spread in the Northeast and Midwest through dogs which serve as carriers for the Borrelia burgdorferi infection. In 2008, Canadian veterinarians worked on a project which looked into an... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Friday 8 February 2019
Authors: Melenotte C, Drancourt M, Gorvel JP, Mège JL, Raoult D Abstract Post-infectious chronic fatigue syndrome is a public health problem. Etiologies and physiopathological mechanisms are unknown. Some viruses are known to be involved in post-infectious chronic fatigue syndrome, but the role of bacterial infection is still questioned, especially in cases of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome where subjective symptoms are regularly attributed to the presence of the dormant bacterium without scientific evidence. However, the medical experience of recalcitrant infections, relapses, and reactivations questions the role of "dormant bacteria" in asymptomatic latent infections as well as in subjective symptoms. We summarized scientific literature data on post-bacterial infection chr...
Wednesday 6 February 2019
Publication date: Available online 6 February 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Natalia M. Pukhovskaya, Olga V. Morozova, Nelya P. Vysochina, Nadejda B. Belozerova, Leonid I. IvanovAbstractBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA was detected by PCR in Ixodes persulcatus Schulze, 1930, Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844, Haemaphysalis japonica douglasi Nuttall et Warburton, 1915 and Dermacentor silvarum Olenev, 1932 ticks collected in the Amur region, the Jewish Autonomous region, the Sakhalin region and on the Khabarovsk territory. Infection rate of I. persulcatus with B. burgdorferi s.l. 10–69% exceeded the corresponding values of three other tick species in all examined regions during 1999–2014 despite different tick abundance and ...
Wednesday 6 February 2019
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a PET imaging technique...Read more on AuntMinnie.comRelated Reading: PET's view of tau could explain women's early dementia PET in the paddock New PET tracer could aid melanoma detection PET tracers help guide breast cancer therapies C-11-based PET tracer could benefit arthritis patients (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)
Tuesday 5 February 2019
Publication date: Available online 4 February 2019Source: Veterinary MicrobiologyAuthor(s): Alena Žákovská, Hana Lya Kučerová, Jiřina Marková, Eva BártováAbstractThe aim of of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. in wild small mammals in the Czech Republic and compare sensitivity of PCR and cultivaton. Wild small mammals (n = 691) were trapped in years 2010 – 2014 in three localities of the Czech Republic. Heart rinses (n = 340) and sera (n = 351) were examined by modified indirect ELISA. Seventy animals were randomly selected for comparison of results of cultivation and PCR. Mean annual antiborelian positivity was 12 % with statistical difference (p < 0.05) between Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) and other s...
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Tuesday 5 February 2019
(Johns Hopkins Medicine) More than 1 in 10 people successfully treated with antibiotics for Lyme disease go on to develop chronic, sometimes debilitating, and poorly understood symptoms of fatigue and brain fog that may last for years after their initial infection has cleared up. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Tuesday 5 February 2019
CONCLUSION: In the presence of unilateral or bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis of undetermined aetiology, it seems relevant to perform Lyme serology in the blood and, in positive cases, to follow up with a lumbar puncture in order to detect intrathecal IgG synthesis. PMID: 30711345 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revue des Maladies Respiratoires)
Tuesday 5 February 2019
Authors: Muñoz-Leal S, Lopes MG, Marcili A, Martins TF, González-Acuña D, Labruna MB Abstract Microorganisms harbored by Chilean autochthonous ticks have been scarcely studied and current knowledge is restricted to three species of hard ticks only. The current study aimed to assess the presence of Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia and Hepatozoon agents in ticks collected directly from the environment, on reptiles, birds and mammals in twelve localities from northern, central and southern regions of the country and Antarctica. Ticks were identified by means of a morphological and molecular approach. PCR detections point the occurrence of an Anaplasma-like agent and a relapsing fever Borrelia sp. in Ornithodoros spheniscus; an Ehrlichia sp. and a Hepatozoon sp. in Ornithodoros atacamensis...
Monday 4 February 2019
AbstractCase-control study for the evaluation of innovative test formats for second-tier testing for the serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB). A head-to-head comparison was performed with the test systems ViraStripe, SeraSpot, ViraChip, and recomBead. Serum samples from 62 patients (21 erythema migrans, 33 Lyme neuroborreliosis, 8 late LB) and 91 controls (including 29 potentially c ross-reacting sera) were tested. For ViraChip and recomBead, optimised interpretation criteria were developed for both IgG and IgM. The most important modification for the proposed interpretation criteria for ViraChip is the interpretation of strong (> 2.5-fold above cutoff) singular IgG reactions against VlsE as positive. This significantly improves sensitivity (32 to 85%,p < 0.0001) without ...
Monday 4 February 2019
Borrelia sp. is a causative pathogen of Lyme disease which has become a worldwide health concern. Non-toxic approaches especially directed toward latent persistent forms of this pathogen are desired. Lipids in th... (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Thursday 31 January 2019
AbstractLyme disease (borreliosis) is one of the most common vector-borne diseases worldwide. Its incidence and geographic expansion has been steadily increasing in the last decades. Lyme disease is caused byBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, a heterogeneous group of which three genospecies have been systematically associated to Lyme disease:B. burgdorferi sensu strictoBorrelia afzelii andBorrelia garinii. Geographical distribution and clinical manifestations vary according to the species involved. Lyme disease clinical manifestations may be divided into three stages. Early localized stage is characterized by erythema migrans in the tick bite site. Early disseminated stage may present multiple erythema migrans lesions, borrelial lymphocytoma, lyme neuroborreliosis, carditis, or arthritis. Th...
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Thursday 31 January 2019
We describe a 59-year-old man with a large calcified pericardial cyst who presented with recurrent spells of presyncope and dyspnea. Presyncope occurred on several occasions and was confined to when the patient was walking. Dyspnea occurred in the supine and semirecumbent positions and unpredictably during walking, especially when in a hot or humid environment. The patient ’s medical history was notable only for Lyme disease that had occurred the previous year. (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
Thursday 31 January 2019
Purpose: The South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic is an endemic area of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In 2017, the inhabitants of Římov municipality developed a serious course of TBE and Lyme borreliosis (LB). This led experts to research and serology examinations of the inhabitants of Římov in order to detect the seroprevalence of TBE and LB. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 31 January 2019
Purpose: There are few data on the prevalence to Lyme borreliosis (LB) in Istria County. The aim of this study was to analyse, by two-tire serological strategy, the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of LB in Istria, the largest Croatian peninsula located at the westernmost part of Croatia. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 31 January 2019
Purpose: Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. A disease can affect every organ, and it is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations. Erythema migrans is the basic clinical marker of Lyme disease in acute or subacute form. Recurrences occur in 9 –30% of inadequately treated patients. The aim of this paper was to investigate the frequency and clinical forms of skin borreliosis on our material, with the presentation of four atypical cases and to draw attention to the importance of clinical recognition of the disease. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
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Thursday 31 January 2019
The objective of this study was to develop a standardised and reproducible protocol for feeding I. scapularis and I. ricinus tick larvae on mice (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 31 January 2019
Purpose: In southern Canada, Lyme disease (LD) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Cases have increased from 144 to 987 between 2009 and 2016. The infection is more frequent in children and older adults probably due to increased exposure to high risk areas during outdoor activities. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation and course of illness among children reported in Monteregie, an emerging area from Quebec province located north of New York state. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Thursday 31 January 2019
Authors: Gueye S, Seck SM, Kane Y, Tosi PO, Dahri S, Kounde C, Algouzmari I, Gouin A, Ged É, Allal A, Rostaing L Abstract Known in less than half a century, borreliosis, or Lyme disease, is a zoonosis caused by the tick bite. It is the most common vector disease in Europe and the United States. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the bacterium in question, is fitted with a "cunning device" that allows it to trick the immune system and implant the infection chronically. It causes multi-system tissue damage mediated by the inflammatory response of the host. Renal involvement is rarely reported and is better known in dogs as Lyme nephritis. The first case of kidney impairment in the human being was described in 1999, and since then eight other cases have been reported. The involvemen...
Wednesday 30 January 2019
Authors: Eldin C, Parola P, Raoult D Abstract Lyme disease diagnosis is currently based on serology - an indirect diagnostic method - as laboratory cultures are fastidious. The only direct diagnostic method that can be useful with some specimens (cutaneous biopsies or aspiration fluid) is PCR. We aimed to detail the main limitations of serology and PCR testing in the diagnosis of bacterial infections. Limitations are supported by examples from the recent history of microbiology. The main limitation of bacterial serology is the presence of numerous cross-reactions due to many genes that are common to various bacterial species. Some serological techniques, such as those used for the diagnosis of rickettsioses mainly, have even been based on the existence of cross-reactions. The m...
Wednesday 30 January 2019
Publication date: Available online 30 January 2019Source: Veterinary ParasitologyAuthor(s): David W. Ramilo, Carla Monteiro, Marrion Carreira, Isabel Pereira da Fonseca, Luís CardosoAbstractTrombiculids parasitize a wide variety of terrestrial vertebrates, including domestic animals, throughout the world. They are parasites only during their larval stages, causing several dermatological lesions on their hosts, such as acute dermatitis, erythema, excoriation, erosion, papules, crusts and alopecia on the ear margins, face, interdigital spaces and abdomen. Neotrombicula is one of the several genera in Trombiculidae family, which cause trombiculosis. The most common species implicated in clinical cases is Neotrombicula autumnalis. However, several reports have shown that Neotrombicula inopina...
Wednesday 30 January 2019
Treatment of Borrelia burgdorferi-Infected Mice with Apoptotic Cells Attenuates Lyme Arthritis via PPAR-γ. J Immunol. 2019 Jan 30;: Authors: Hilliard KA, Brown CR Abstract Infection of mice with Borrelia burgdorferi causes an inflammatory arthritis that peaks 3-4 wk postinfection and then spontaneously resolves. Although the recruitment of neutrophils is known to drive the development of arthritis, mechanisms of disease resolution remain unclear. Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells (AC) is likely an important component of arthritis resolution. In this article, we show the number of AC increases in the joints of B. burgdorferi-infected mice around day 21 postinfection and peaks around day 28. Injection of AC directly into the ankles of B. burgdorferi-infected mice l...
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Tuesday 29 January 2019
Authors: Gentilini M, Bricaire F PMID: 30685081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Monday 28 January 2019
Vector-borne pathogens are emerging concerns in multiple regions of Canada. Determining regional prevalence of canine vector-borne pathogens and documenting change will improve clinician awareness, enable targ... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
Sunday 27 January 2019
Publication date: January 2019Source: Journal of Comparative Pathology, Volume 166Author(s): S. Lee, H. Lee, J. Park, S. Yoon, B. So, H. Seo, K. Kim, M. Yoo, Y.S. Cho, B. Hyun (Source: Journal of Comparative Pathology)
Saturday 26 January 2019
We describe a case of mitral regurgitation with a preoperative diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. During surgery, the surgeon suspected infective rather than degenerative; etiology; tissue cultures were negative. However, universal bacterial PCR on explanted valve tissue detected Borrelia burgdorferi Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA). If a surgeon suspects infective endocarditis at the time surgery, appropriate specimens should be sent for histopathology, culture, and PCR. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Friday 25 January 2019
We describe a case of mitral regurgitation with a preoperative diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. During surgery, the surgeon suspected infective rather than degenerative; etiology; tissue cultures were negative. However, universal bacterial PCR on explanted valve tissue detected Borrelia burgdorferi Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA). If a surgeon suspects infective endocarditis at the time surgery, appropriate specimens should be sent for histopathology, culture, and PCR. PMID: 30690018 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
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Sunday 20 January 2019
Publication date: Available online 19 January 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Isis Arsnoe, Jean I. Tsao, Graham J. HicklingAbstractMost people who contract Lyme borreliosis in the eastern United States (US) acquire infection from the bite of the nymphal life stage of the vector tick Ixodes scapularis, which is present in all eastern states. Yet <5% of Lyme borreliosis cases are reported from outside the north-central and northeastern US. Geographical differences in nymphal questing (i.e., host-seeking behavior) may be epidemiologically important in explaining this latitudinal gradient in Lyme borreliosis incidence. Using field enclosures and a ‘common garden’ experimental design at two field sites, we directly tested this hypothesis by observing above-litter que...
Saturday 19 January 2019
This article is a selective literature review of social science works published on Lyme disease that draws on other articles published on similar health hazards. These works present Lyme borreliosis as an "archetypal" example of modern infectious risks. It is an "invisible" risk resulting from interactions between human activities, ecosystems, and pathogens. To tackle this risk, health authorities promote individual-based prevention measures. Perceptions of the general population should thus be better understood: different from the perceptions of experts, the general population's perceptions are socially differentiated, inclined to an "optimism bias", and influenced by personal stories. One should also not forget the dilemmas faced by the general population when contemplating preventive be...
Saturday 19 January 2019
The chemokine CXCL13 is an intensively investigated biomarker in Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). Its role in other neuroinfections is increasingly recognized but less clear. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)
Thursday 17 January 2019
We report a 37-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was repeatedly misdiagnosed for a chronic Lyme disease and treated with tetracycline antibiotics before she developed an acute exacerbation of SLE and finally died due to multi-organ failure.The internet encourages patients to ask physicians for serology testing for Lyme disease and to demand further antibiotic treatment. However, there is clear evidence that positive serology does not indicate infection with B.burgdorferi and most importantly, antibiotic therapy for PTLDS is potentially harmful for patients.It is crucial to follow the recent guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and PTLDS to avoid the repetition of antibiotic regimens and misdiagnosing patients. (Source: Joint Bone Spine)
Wednesday 16 January 2019
Review in-depth clinical information, latest medical news, and guidelines on Lyme tick disease or Lyme borreliosis. Review articles on the management of Lyme disease symptoms, including Lyme disease rash, and Lyme disease treatment. (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Wednesday 16 January 2019
Alexandra Wall, 33, of south-west London, was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome decades after the ordeal when she saw a cardiologist while battling Lyme disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Tuesday 15 January 2019
Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) is a complex containing pathogenic bacteria of which some species, such as Borrelia lusitaniae, use birds, small mammals and reptiles as reservoirs. In Italy, the bacteria have b... (Source: Parasites and Vectors)
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Monday 14 January 2019
We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who suffered from headaches for several days and was shown to have opsoclonus and left peripheral facial palsy. Work-up excluded the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, but CSF analysis showed aseptic meningitis, and serology for Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) was positive. The outcome was favorable with complete regression of symptoms after treatment with ceftriaxone 2g/day for 3 weeks. Although rare, the diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis must be raised in the presence of isolated opsoclonus, particularly if the clinical picture is incomplete and if other features, such as peripheral facial palsy and pleocytosis in the CSF, are present. PMID: 30655046 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)
Saturday 12 January 2019
We report 2 cases of severe babesiosis initially mistaken as malaria. The first patient was complicated by shock and splenic infarction, the other co-infected with Lyme disease. As the population traveling abroad increases every year, physicians should be aware of babesiosis which mimics malaria, co-infection with other diseases, and its complications. PMID: 30630283 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Korean Journal of Parasitology)
Saturday 12 January 2019
Publication date: Available online 12 January 2019Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): William J. Landesman, Kenneth Mulder, Brian F. Allan, Laura A. Bashor, Felicia Keesing, Kathleen LoGiudice, Richard S. OstfeldAbstractTick microbiomes may play an important role in pathogen transmission. However, the drivers of microbiome variation are poorly understood, and this limitation has impeded mechanistic understanding of the functions of microbial communities for pathogen acquisition. The goal of this research was to characterize the role of the blood meal host in structuring the microbiome of Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of Lyme disease in the eastern United States, and to determine if ticks that fed from different host species harbor distinct bacterial communities. We perf...
Thursday 10 January 2019
In this study, we investigated tick-borne bacterial pathogens in wild boar, hare, and fox and their ticks in Turkey. A total of 102 tick pools comprised of 445 ticks and blood samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA by PCRs targeted rickettsial gltA and ompA genes, 5S-23S rDNA gene for Borrelia spp., and msp4 gene for Anaplasma spp. As a result of PCR and sequence analyses, three pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, two SFG rickettsiae with unknown pathogenicity and one pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were detected in samples obtained from wild animals. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in ticks (13.7% of tick pools) collected from wild boars and blood of a wild boar. In addition, the presences of R. hoogstraalii (19.6% of tick pools), R. aeschlimannii...
Thursday 10 January 2019
Authors: Kotłowski R, Holec-Gąsior L Abstract It is still under investigation, whether all Borrelia sp. causing Lyme borreliosis and other diseases are already identified and properly classified as human pathogens. For this reason, it is of great importance to develop a diagnostic ELISA test that detects all Borrelia sp. The aim of this study was to identify conserved DNA and protein regions present in all currently known Borrelia sp. In experimental studies 31 available Borrelia sp. genomes were aligned and screened for the presence of evolutionary conserved regions. As a result of bioinformatics analysis, one evolutionally conserved DNA region encoding a core fragment of the S21 ribosomal protein was identified. Both a couple of genus-specific PCR primers and the S21 protein B-...
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Tuesday 8 January 2019
Purpose of review To review the clinical diagnosis, management and natural history of septic arthritis of the hip (SAH) in the pediatric patient, and to highlight new information that may improve the management of these patients. Recent findings The basics of management of possible pediatric SAH have remained largely unchanged for generations. New questions have been raised regarding the role and timing of advanced imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of patients with possible SAH. Published criteria have been derived to guide the need for MRI studies in these patients. Validation of these guidelines continues. Recent reviews have highlighted the possibility of Lyme disease as a potential cause of monoarticular pediatric hip pain. The role of PCR technology in the diagnosis and management ...
Monday 7 January 2019
M. A. Kulkarni et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
Monday 7 January 2019
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Sunday 6 January 2019
Naturalist ’s symptoms of diarrhoea, rashes, palpitations and flatulence could have been tick infection, say researchersHe travelled the world studying exotic creatures in dangerous lands, but the disease that marred Charles Darwin ’s life may have been caught closer to home as he trudged around Britain collecting insects, shooting birds, and picking up stones, researchers say.The Victorian naturalist who gave the world the theory of evolution is a strong contender for the most famously ill scientist in history. His diaries, notebooks and letters brim with despair over ailments ranging from diarrhoea, rashes and heart palpitations, to vomiting, muscle pain and incessant flatulence.Continue reading... (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)
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Thursday 3 January 2019
We describe a rare case of a 56-year-old previously healthy male who presented with thoracic paresthesias and hyperesthesias involving the T6-11 dermatomes several weeks after a febrile illness. A thoracic MRI demonstrated a T7-10 transverse myelitis and an exhaustive evaluation revealed neuroborreliosis. His symptoms improved significantly after an initial steroid course and 21 day course of ceftriaxone. We review neuroborreliosis and summarize the features of 23 previously reported cases of Lyme myelopathy. Although Lyme myelopathy is rare, including Lyme in the differential diagnosis of an acute transverse myelitis work up is important in endemic regions, as it is a potentially reversible disorder with a generally good prognosis when appropriately treated with antibiotics. (Source: Mult...
Thursday 3 January 2019
Authors: Salomon J PMID: 30600111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
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Wednesday 2 January 2019
In the United States, laboratories frequently offer multiple different assays for testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to provide laboratory support for the diagnosis of central nervous system Lyme disease (CNSLD). Often included among these diagnostic tests are the same enzyme immunoassays and immunoblots that are routinely used to detect the presence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in serum. However, performing these assays on CSF alone may yield positive results simply from passive diffusion of serum antibodies into the CSF. In addition, such tests are only U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared and well validated for testing serum, not CSF. When performed using CSF, positive results from these assays do not establish the presence of intrathecal antibody production to B...
Tuesday 1 January 2019
Erythema migrans is a characteristic rash that appears in approximately 70% to 80% of patients with Lyme disease.1 The ring-shaped rash usually appears at the site of the tick bite within the first 2 weeks and expands outward. (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
Monday 31 December 2018
In conclusion, the perpetrator profiles of Samento and Banderol for herb–drug interactions completely differ. Clinical studies are strongly recommended to clarify whether the effects observed in vitro are of clinical relevance. (Source: Molecules)
Saturday 29 December 2018
We report rare manifestation of a common disease and emphasize the importance of considering LD in the differential diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis, particularly in residents of endemic areas. (Source: IDCases)
Saturday 29 December 2018
This study aims to estimate the incidence of the different clinical manifestations of LB in Belgium. The incidence of erythema migrans (EM) was estimated through the network of sentinel general practices at 97.6/100,000 inhabitants (uncertainty interval [UI] 82.0–113.0) for the period 2015 to 2017. This result was used to estimate the incidence of other LB manifestations based on their proportional distribution (ratios) to EM reported in the neighboring countries of Belgium. To estimate these ratios, we performed a systematic review of studies published between February 1, 2008 and January 31, 2018 and pooled the results using a random effects meta-analysis. Six studies were retained in the systematic review, and the meta-analysis estimated the occurrence ratios for Lyme neuroborreliosis...
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Friday 28 December 2018
Authors: Feyeux D, Fantin B Abstract Lyme disease is currently a hot topic in France due to a high incidence in some areas. Its clinical polymorphism can lead to misdiagnosis on one hand and to unjustified treatment on the other hand. Clinical symptoms vary considerably according to involved organs (skin, central and/or peripheral nervous system, joints, heart, eyes) and may be limited to or associated with general non-specific signs. Biological exams must be guided by clinical symptoms to help diagnosis and treatment decision according to clinical history, presentation, time of onset and duration of symptoms. However, to date, no serologic test can discriminate between past and active disease. The role of the internist is two-fold: make a diagnosis when faced with general or focal...
Monday 24 December 2018
Publication date: Available online 23 December 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Amandine Boeuf, Gilles Schnell, Quentin Bernard, Aurelie Kern, Benoît Westermann, Laurence Ehret-Sabatier, Antoine Grillon, Frederic Schramm, Benoît Jaulhac, Nathalie BoulangerAbstractUnderstanding the mechanism of pathogen transmission is essential for the development of strategies to reduce arthropod-borne diseases. The pharmaco- and immunomodulatory properties of insect and acarine saliva play an essential role in the efficiency of pathogen transmission. The skin as the site where arthropod saliva and pathogens are inoculated - represents the key interface in vector-borne diseases. We identified tick molecules potentially involved in pathogen transmission, using micro-HPLC and mass spect...
Monday 24 December 2018
CONCLUSION: Lyme neuroborreliosis has a favorable prognosis if treated early. The long-term administration of antibiotics over many weeks or even months for putative chronic Lyme neuroborreliosis with nonspecific symptoms yields no additional benefit and carries the risk of serious adverse effects. PMID: 30573008 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Deutsches Arzteblatt International)
Thursday 20 December 2018
(Source: Blood)
Wednesday 19 December 2018
(VIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)) The immune system is composed of a wide range of different immune cells each with dedicated functions. Natural killer T cells form a specialized immune cell that protects against a variety of diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, metabolic disease or certain infections such as Lyme disease (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 19 December 2018
The pathophysiology of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) may be linked to overactive immunity including aberrant activity of the brain ’s resident immune cells, microglia. Here we used [11C]DPA-713 and ... (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)
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Wednesday 19 December 2018
Cranial polyneuropathy is commonly caused by Lyme disease. We discuss the case of a man who presented with cranial nerve deficits causing dysphagia, dysphonia and facial weakness. This diagnostic dilemma stemmed from a workup that ruled out Lyme and vascular causes leading to an expanded search for infectious explanations, which revealed varicella zoster in the cerebrospinal fluid. On review, this phenomenon is rarely reported, but has been observed with a number of herpes family viruses. In emergency department settings, clinical suspicion should be raised for VZV infection even in the absence of rash in patients that present with multiple cranial nerve palsies. (Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine)
Tuesday 18 December 2018
To the Editor There are a number of inaccuracies in the Viewpoint by Drs Shapiro and Wormser on Lyme disease. (Source: JAMA)
Tuesday 18 December 2018
In Reply Mr Tuttle and Mr Santarella and Dr Sellati cite data from passive surveillance systems as evidence that our statement that erythema migrans develops in 90% or more of patients with Lyme disease was inaccurate. However, multiple large clinical studies have estimated the proportions of pediatric and adult patients with Lyme disease with erythema migrans. These estimates, which are much more reliable because patients were carefully assessed for the presence of erythema migrans, have consistently equaled or exceeded 90%. Lower proportions (eg, 70%) among cases reported to the CDC likely reflect reporting bias toward clinical manifestations associated with seropositivity. The CDC also estimates that 90% of cases of Lyme disease go unreported. Among cases reported to the CDC, 30% had Ly...
Monday 17 December 2018
We report on five cases of patients with a diagnosis of neuroborreliosis based on clinical symptoms, serologic tests and MR imaging results. However, neither of them fulfils the diagnostic criteria for definite neuroborreliosis. Are the diagnostic criteria still valid or is there a need to revis e them? Is our diagnosis correct? Are these cases post-Lyme auto-immune neuronal inflammation, and not due to still active spirochetal infection? Do we need to consider immunosuppressive therapy instead of third-generation cephalosporins? (Source: Acta Neurologica Belgica)
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Monday 17 December 2018
Conclusions/SignificanceThese preliminary results suggest the potential utility of CSF metabolomics as a rapid screening test to enhance diagnostic accuracies and improve patient outcomes. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Saturday 15 December 2018
Publication date: Available online 14 December 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): George Psevdos, Teresa Khoo, Robert Chow, Christopher L Romano, Scott CampbellAbstractIn North America, Lyme disease (LD) is caused predominantly by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferisensu stricto, and is transmitted by blacklegged ticks. Long Island, New York, is highly endemic for the disease. The C6 peptide (C6P) is currently used as a screening test for LD in our institution. Our objective was to examine how screening with C6P concorded with diagnosis of LD at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, Long Island. A retrospective chart-review of 2558 C6P tests was performed during the period of 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2016. Patients were categorized by Lyme Disease (LD) or no LD groups. ...
Thursday 13 December 2018
Authors: Eldin C, Raffetin A, Bouiller K, Hansmann Y, Roblot F, Raoult D, Parola P Abstract Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial disease with polymorphic clinical manifestations (cutaneous, rheumatological, and neurological). In recent years the issue of the diagnosis of this infection has been highly publicized on the Internet and other media in Europe and America. Some patients and physicians may share the perception that the diagnosis of the infection is not reliable in France. We reviewed current European and American guidelines on Lyme disease and performed a methodological evaluation of all guidelines. We retrieved 16 guidelines from seven countries. Our analysis revealed a global consensus regarding diagnosis at each stage of the infection. All guidelines indicate that the...
Saturday 8 December 2018
(Natural News) Lyme disease can be difficult to treat. If caught early, a round of antibiotics can clear up the infection and resolve symptoms, but that isn’t always the case. Roughly 10 to 20 percent of sufferers go on to experience ongoing symptoms like joint pain and fatigue. Known as persistent Lyme infection, it can... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Friday 7 December 2018
Vitomir Djokic, Shekerah Primus, Lavoisier Akoolo, Monideep Chakraborti, Nikhat Parveen (Source: Frontiers in Immunology)
Friday 7 December 2018
Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Tereza Rojko, Petra Bogovič, Stanka Lotrič-Furlan, Katarina Ogrinc, Tjaša Cerar-Kišek, Urška Glinšek Biškup, Miroslav Petrovec, Eva Ružić-Sabljić, Andrej Kastrin, Franc StrleAbstractThe aims of the study were to determine the frequency of borrelial infection in patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP) and to compare clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with borrelial PFP and patients with PFP of unknown etiology.Adult patients with PFP who presented at our department between January 2006 and December 2013 qualified for the study if they had undergone lumbar puncture and also been tested for the presence of borrelial IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal ...
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Friday 7 December 2018
Conclusion: The study demonstrates an association between MD and positive tests for both Bb and RFB spirochetes. In conjunction with previous studies, our study provides corroborative evidence linking MD to Borrelia infection and tick-borne illness. PMID: 30519067 [PubMed] (Source: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology)
Thursday 6 December 2018
Septic arthritis is a dangerous medical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the differential diagnosis can be broad with conditions that mimic this disease and require different evaluation and treatment. This narrative review presents the emergency medicine evaluation and management, as well as important medical conditions that may mimic this disease. Septic arthritis commonly presents with monoarticular joint pain with erythema, warmth, swelling, and pain on palpation and movement. Fever is present in many patients, though most are low grade. Blood testing and imaging may assist with the diagnosis, but the gold standard is joint aspiration. Management includes intravenous antibiotics and orthopedic surgery consult for operative management vs. serial asp...
Thursday 6 December 2018
Authors: Burkhard JPM, Lädrach K, Iizuka T, Gerber S Abstract Lyme borreliosis is a prevalent disease with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. However, only a few pertinent references are found in the dental literature. Considering the diversity of differential diagnoses, borreliosis-associated orofacial pain may be a challenge for treatment providers and patients alike. The aim of this case report is to emphasize the importance of a sound, structured medical history and assessment to identify severe cases early and to start interdisciplinary therapy if indicated. PMID: 30509016 [PubMed] (Source: Schweizer Monatsschrift fur Zahnmedizin)
Tuesday 4 December 2018
Publication date: Available online 3 December 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Sukanya Narasimhan, Carmen J. Booth, Kathleen DePonte, Ming-Ji Wu, Xianping Liang, Subhasis Mohanty, Fred Kantor, Erol FikrigAbstractIxodes scapularis vectors several pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease. Nymphal and larval stages, and the pathogens transmitted by I. scapularis are maintained in a zoonotic cycle involving rodent reservoir hosts, predominantly Peromyscus leucopus. Humans are not reservoir hosts, however, accidental encounters of infected ticks with humans, results in pathogen transmission to the human host. Laboratory models of non-reservoir hosts such as guinea pigs develop a strong immune response to tick salivary proteins and reject ticks upon ...
Tuesday 4 December 2018
A new study finds that essential oils from garlic cloves, myrrh trees, thyme leaves, and several other herbs can kill forms of Lyme disease bacteria. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Tuesday 4 December 2018
The bacteria of the group Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. are the etiological agents of Lyme borreliosis in humans, transmitted by bites of ticks. Improvement of control measures requires a solid framework of the envir... (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)
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Monday 3 December 2018
Enea Gino Di Domenico, Ilaria Cavallo, Valentina Bordignon, Giovanna D'Agosto, Martina Pontone, Elisabetta Trento, Maria Teresa Gallo, Grazia Prignano, Fulvia Pimpinelli, Luigi Toma, Fabrizio Ensoli (Source: Frontiers in Neurology)
Monday 3 December 2018
(Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health) Oils from garlic and several other common herbs and medicinal plants show strong activity against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Friday 30 November 2018
ConclusionThe evidence base of biologic markers for A-RLA is limited. However, a range of promising biomarkers have been identified. Cytokines and chemokines related to Th17 pathway together with a number of miRNAs species (miR-146a, miR-155 and let-7a) may be promising candidates in the prediction of A-RLA. A panel of multiple biomarkers may yield clinically relevant prediction of the possible resistance at the time of LA first diagnosis.FundingPublic Health Agency of Canada. (Source: Infectious Diseases and Therapy)
Thursday 29 November 2018
Vivek Chauhan, Suman ThakurJournal of Global Infectious Diseases 2018 10(4):175-176 (Source: Journal of Global Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 28 November 2018
The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of Borrelia and Bartonella species in Ixodes spp. ticks collected from 16 USA states. Genus PCR amplification and sequence analysis of Bartonella and Borrelia 16SsRNA-23SsRNA intergenic regions were performed on DNA extracted from 929 questing adult ticks (671 Ixodes scapularis, 155 Ixodes affinis, and 103 Ixodes pacificus). Overall, 129/929 (13.9%) Ixodes ticks were PCR positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, 48/929 for B. bissettiae whereas 23/929 (2.5%) were PCR positive for a Bartonella henselae. Borrelia bissettiae or B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. henselae co-infections were found in I. affinis from North Carolina at a rate of 4.5%; in a single I. scapularis from Minnesota, but not in I. pacificus. For both bacterial gen...
Tuesday 27 November 2018
Salford University scientists made the discovery using azithromycin, which treats infections ranging from gonorrhoea to Lyme disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Monday 26 November 2018
ConclusionThe SILC risk score and COSTAR mnemonic (constitutional symptoms; outdoor activity; sex = male; tick bite; age < 50; rash = erythema migrans) may help to identify LC in patients presenting with high‐degree AVB, and ultimately, minimize the implantation of unnecessary permanent pacemakers. (Source: Clinical Cardiology)
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Thursday 22 November 2018
CONCLUSION: Despite growing global incidence of the Lyme disease, treatment has not attracted pharmaceutical investment, and the evidence base and international guidelines for treatment and management of chronic Lyme continue to be conflicting and controversial. The challenges of this immune mediated tick borne disease for public health policy and clinical practice are summarised, alongside directions for future research. PMID: 30458921 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Pharm Pharm Sci)
Thursday 22 November 2018
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Clinical Cardiology)
Thursday 22 November 2018
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Clinical Cardiology)
Tuesday 20 November 2018
Writer, journalist and columnist James Dellingpole, 53, from Worcestershire, is one of many people who struggle with Lyme Disease. This is his story. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Tuesday 20 November 2018
(University of Cincinnati) Biologists at the University of Cincinnati say the hungrier ticks are, the harder they try to find you or other hosts. The findings could have implications for the spread of tick-borne disease such as Lyme or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Monday 19 November 2018
Writer, journalist and columnist James Dellingpole, 53, from Worcestershire, is one of many people who struggle with Lyme Disease. This is his story. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Monday 19 November 2018
In this study, we investigated the mechanisms that lead to the production of proinflammatory mediators by the murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, when these cells are exposed in vitro to recombinant Borrelia burgdorferi basic membrane protein A (rBmpA). Using antibody protein microarray technology with high-throughput detection ability for detecting 25 chemokines in culture supernatant the RAW264.7 cell culture supernatants at 12 and 24 h post-stimulation with rBmpA, we identified two chemokines, a monocyte chemoattractant protein-5 (MCP-5/CCL12) and a macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2), both of which increased significantly after stimulation. We then chose these two chemokines for further study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction reve...
Saturday 17 November 2018
Conclusions: Despite raising awareness of Lyme borreliosis, late forms of the disease such as ACA are still observed. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans skin lesions may be located in non-characteristic areas, e.g. abdominal skin. Symptoms are not irritating or painful, therefore patients do not seek medical help. The effect of antibiotic treatment varies. PMID: 30429707 [PubMed] (Source: Advances in Dermatology and Allergology)
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Friday 16 November 2018
FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 -- Rising temperatures are expected to increase the number of cases of Lyme disease in the United States by more than 20 percent by mid-century, according to a study published online Oct. 24 in the Canadian Journal of... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Friday 16 November 2018
ConclusionGoogle Trends data are a good correlate of the reported incidence of Lyme disease in Germany, but it failed to significantly improve the forecasting accuracy in models based on traditional data. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Thursday 15 November 2018
(CBS News) – New government research shows that tickborne diseases like Lyme disease continue to rise. The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in 2017, state and local health departments reported a record number of cases of illnesses spread by ticks. Cases of Lyme disease, Powassan virus; spotted fever rickettsiosis, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and tularemia all increased last year. The CDC said there were 59,349 confirmed cases of tickborne diseases in 2017, up from 48,610 in 2016. In past years, health officials have acknowledged that the true number of cases is likely many times higher than the officially tally. The findings reflect an accelerating trend of tick-related diseases reported ...
Wednesday 14 November 2018
A new report from the CDC shows that tickborne diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever continue to rise (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
Wednesday 14 November 2018
The 2017 tally of more than 59,000 cases is a 22 percent increase from the previous year. Lyme disease accounted for nearly three-quarters of the illnesses. That's about 43,000 cases. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Wednesday 14 November 2018
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials say a record number of tick-borne diseases were reported last year. The 2017 tally of more than 59,000 cases is a 22 percent increase from the previous year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the numbers Wednesday. Lyme disease accounted for nearly three-quarters of the illnesses. That's about 43,000 cases. Traditionally about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the government each year, but experts believed there was underreporting and thought the actual number was more like 300,000. Experts say better reporting may be a reason for recent increases, but scientists have also discovered more diseases transmitted by ticks. Researchers also note that disease-spreading ticks have been seen over a wide range of states. Edit...
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Wednesday 14 November 2018
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 -- The number of Americans with tickborne diseases reached a record high of nearly 60,000 in 2017, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Most of those cases (42,743) were Lyme disease. There were 36,000... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Wednesday 14 November 2018
Authors: McClure M, Diuk-Wasser M Abstract The nymph of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), the primary North American vector of the causative agent of Lyme disease, must attach to a host by the end of its questing season in order to feed and subsequently molt into an adult. The proper timing of this behavior is critical both for the tick's survival and for perpetuating the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Questing also depletes limited nymphal lipid reserves and increases desiccation risk. Given this tradeoff, questingbehavior and its environmental influences can be expressed in a dynamic state variable model. We develop what we believe to be the first such model for a tick, and investigate the influence of climate on nymph fitness predictions. We apply these results to...
Tuesday 13 November 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A disability insurer's conclusion that a claimant suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, which limited long-term disability benefits to 24 months, and not from symptoms of Lyme disease was not unreasonable based on the medical evidence in the administrative record, a District of Columbia federal judge said Nov. 7 (Wesley Loucka v. Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., No. 17-1375, D. D.C., 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 190935). (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Disability Insurance Legal News)
Monday 12 November 2018
Conclusions: MDD and PTLDS can be confused neuropsychologically because both exhibit similar levels of psychomotor slowing. However, problems on memory-related tasks, though mild, are more pronounced in PTLDS. PTLDS patients with poorer memory also exhibit poorer language fluency, and less deficit in processing speed and attention compared to MDD. PMID: 30418507 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology)
Sunday 11 November 2018
Publication date: Available online 10 November 2018Source: Molecular Phylogenetics and EvolutionAuthor(s): Gabriele Margos, Noémie S. Becker, Volker Fingerle, Andreas Sing, Jaime Albino Ramos, Isabel Lopes de Carvalho, Ana Claudia NorteAbstractBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato comprises a species complex of tick-transmitted bacteria that includes the agents of human Lyme borreliosis. Borrelia turdi is a genospecies of this complex that exists in cryptic transmission cycles mainly between ornithophilic tick vectors and their avian hosts. The species has been originally discovered in avian transmission cycles in Asia but has increasingly been found in Europe. Next generation sequencing was used to sequence the genome of B. turdi isolates obtained from ticks feeding on birds in Portugal to bet...
Sunday 11 November 2018
Publication date: Available online 9 November 2018Source: Journal of Theoretical BiologyAuthor(s): Mia Åstrand, Julia Cuellar, Jukka Hytönen, Tiina A. SalminenAbstractBacteria of the genus Borrelia cause vector-borne infections like the most important hard tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere, Lyme borreliosis (LB), and soft tick or louse transmitted relapsing fevers (RF), prevalent in temperate and tropical areas. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) includes several genospecies and causes LB in humans. In infected patients, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) expresses the BmpA, BmpB, BmpC and BmpD proteins. The role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of LB remains incompletely characterized, but they are, however, closely related to Treponema pallidum PnrA (Purine ...
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Friday 9 November 2018
by Zhuan Qin, Jiagang Tu, Tao Lin, Steven J. Norris, Chunhao Li, Md A. Motaleb, Jun Liu Periplasmic flagella are essential for the distinct morphology and motility of spirochetes. A flagella-specific type III secretion system (fT3SS) composed of a membrane-bound export apparatus and a cytosolic ATPase complex is responsible for the assembly of the periplasmic flagella. Here, we deplo yed cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the fT3SS machine in the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi. We show, for the first time, that the cytosolic ATPase complex is attached to the flagellar C-ring through multiple spokes to form the “spoke and hub” structure inB.burgdorferi. This structure not only strengthens structural rigidity of the round-shaped C-ring but also appears to rotat...
Tuesday 6 November 2018
Two Frogs Healing Center to share about microparticle "liposomes" for relieving chronic Lyme disease pain, fatigue, and mental(PRWeb November 06, 2018)Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/microscopic_remedies_reduce_painful_toxins_in_persistent_lyme_disease_infections/prweb15895030.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)
Monday 5 November 2018
Blair Jollands, 47, from London, was happy and healthy until August 2015, when a tick bite changed everything - and he developed Lyme Disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Monday 5 November 2018
Canadian Journal of Microbiology, e-First Articles. Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that is emerging in Canada. The disease is caused by spirochetes of the Lyme borreliosis group, which is expanding as new species are discovered. In Canada, Lyme disease risk has so far been assessed primarily by detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Of Ixodes scapularis ticks collected between 2014 and 2016 in New Brunswick, Canada, 7 were shown to be infected with Borrelia bissettii by nested PCR and sequencing of 5 B. bissettii genes. Since different Borrelia species are associated with different clinical manifestations and are not detected with the same diagnostic tests, the identification of a previously undocumented or underreported pathogenic Borrelia species has important implication...
Saturday 3 November 2018
Publication date: Available online 3 November 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Ching-I Huang, Samantha C. Kay, Stephen Davis, Danielle M. Tufts, Kimberley Gaffett, Brian Tefft, Maria A. Diuk-WasserAbstractAn inverse relationship between biodiversity and human health has been termed the ‘dilution effect’ paradigm. In the case of tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, the key assumption is that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato abundance is increased by the loss of less competent (dilution) hosts as biodiversity declines. White-tailed deer play a dual role in the pathogen cycle, as key reproductive hosts for adult ticks and incompetent hosts for the pathogen. While the role of deer as hosts of adult ticks is well established, the extent to which deer also feed immat...
Friday 2 November 2018
Malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Lyme disease are common causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. While arthropod bites may cause local inflammation and discomfort, a greater concern is the potential to develop deadly systemic infection. The use of insect repellents (IR) to prevent systemic infections constitutes a fundamental public health effort. Cost-effectiveness, availability, and high-efficacy against arthropod vectors are key characteristics of an ideal IR. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Thursday 1 November 2018
(TellMed Strategies) To encourage greater understanding of the ability of Lyme bacteria to invade tissues and organs, Bay Area Lyme Foundation announces the addition of the Lyme Disease Tissue Collection Program to its Lyme Disease Biobank. This is the only national entity working to accelerate research by collecting surgical and post-mortem tissue samples from individuals with persistent Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. The collaboration also involves the National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) and MyLymeData Patient Registry. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 31 October 2018
The emergence of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto-infected ticks in the Tennessee Valley highlights the need for Lyme disease awareness in the region.Emerging Infectious Diseases (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Wednesday 31 October 2018
(Carnegie Mellon University) A new study looked at the relationship between climatic variables and the incidence of Lyme disease in 15 U.S. states. The study found that rising temperatures are expected to boost the number of cases of Lyme disease by more than 20 percent by mid-century. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 31 October 2018
ConclusionSymptomatic children who present with new high-grade heart block from an endemic area should be tested for Lyme disease. Antibiotic therapy provides quick and complete resolution of advanced heart block within 5 days, while steroids did not appear to shorten the time course in this case series. Importantly, no patients required a permanent pacemaker. (Source: Pediatric Cardiology)
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Tuesday 30 October 2018
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ’s guidelines describe the importance of early diagnosis and management of Lyme disease. (Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal)
Tuesday 30 October 2018
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Each summer, some friends and I spend a week camping in a wilderness area in northern Minnesota. When we got back this year, a member of our group was diagnosed with Lyme disease. As we get ready to go next time, what should we do to protect ourselves from Lyme disease? ANSWER: [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
Monday 29 October 2018
In this study, we examine the ability of spirochetes belonging to seven distinct genospecies (Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. spielmanii, B. bavariensis, B. lusitaniae and B. valaisiana) to adhere to human keratinocytes. Among the genospecies analyzed, B. valaisiana and B. spielmanii showed the strongest adherence while B. bavariensis, B. garinii and B. afzelii displayed moderate binding activity. By contrast, only a few cells of B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. lusitaniae bound to keratinocytes. Furthermore, intra-species differences have also been observed among B. garinii, B. bavariensis, B. afzelii, and in particular B. valaisiana.To further assess the role of infection-associated borrelial outer surface proteins for mediating interaction to human c...
Monday 29 October 2018
In this study, the prevalence of antibodies against two Babesia spp. was investigated in a cohort of patients that were seropositive for Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Data were compared to a control group of healthy individuals. Sera were collected from 283 individuals residing in the southernmost region of Sweden, Skåne County. Almost one third of the sera were from patients with a confirmed seropositive reaction against B. burgdorferi s.l. All sera samples were assessed for IgG antibodies against Babesia (Ba.) microti and Ba. divergens by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assays. Seropositive IgG titers for at least one of the Babesia spp. was significantly more common (p < 0.05) in individuals seropositive for Borrelia (16.3%) compared to the healthy control gr...
Sunday 28 October 2018
Authors: Rayment C, O'Flynn N PMID: 30361320 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)
Saturday 27 October 2018
Publication date: Available online 26 October 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Vera Maraspin, Tatjana Mrvič, Eva Ružić-Sabljić, Vesna Jurčić, Franc StrleABSTRACTAcrodermatitis chronica atrophicans is a late manifestation of European Lyme borreliosis and is characterized by high levels of borrelial IgG antibodies, slowly expanding skin redness usually beginning on distal parts of extremities, and corresponding histologic findings. It very rarely develops in children. The main prerequisite for the diagnosis is clinical suspicion. In the present article we report on two children with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and on the findings of a PubMed literature search on acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans in childhood, published in the past three decades. (Source: Ti...
Saturday 27 October 2018
Publication date: Available online 26 October 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Katherine A. Moon, Jonathan Pollak, Annemarie G. Hirsch, John N. Aucott, Cara Nordberg, Christopher D. Heaney, Brian S. SchwartzAbstractLyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Electronic health record (EHR)-based research on Lyme disease is limited. We used Geisinger EHR data from 479,344 primary care patients in 38 Pennsylvania counties in 2006–2014 to compare EHR-based Lyme disease incidence rates to surveillance incidence rates, evaluate individual and community risk factors for incident Lyme disease, and to characterize the proportion of cases with diagnoses consistent with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome in the EHR (PTLDSEHR). We primarily identif...
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Thursday 25 October 2018
A $1 million gift from the Steven& Alexandra Cohen Foundation will advance UCLA ’s mission to provide high-quality health care for people facing financial hardship and other challenges in access to quality care, as well as providing resources to treat children who are victims of sexual assault and victims of rape.“We are grateful to the Steven& Alexandra Cohen Foundation for its gift, and its continued support of our efforts, ” said Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health, CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, and associate vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences. “Steven and Alexandra’s previous generosity has been vital to our efforts, and this timely gift will make a profound difference in the lives of so many of ou r patients.”The gift also will benefit the Rape Treatme...
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Thursday 25 October 2018
Lyme disease rashes can change throughout the stages of the illness. Untreated Lyme disease can have serious consequences, so people should be familiar with the symptoms and types of rash. Learn to identify Lyme disease rashes here. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Thursday 25 October 2018
The study compares diagnostic parameters of different commercial serological kits based on three different antigen types and correlates test results with the status of the patient's Borrelia infection. In total, 8 IgM and 8 IgG kits were tested, as follows: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Euroimmun) based on whole-cell antigen, 3 species-specific enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) (TestLine), Liaison chemiluminescence (DiaSorin), ELISA-Viditest (Vidia), EIA, and Blot-Line (TestLine) using recombinant antigens. All tests were performed on a panel of 90 samples from patients with clinically characterized borreliosis (53 with neuroborreliosis, 32 with erythema migrans, and 5 with arthritis) plus 70 controls from blood donors and syphilis patients. ELISA based on whole-cell antigens has sup...
Thursday 25 October 2018
A mixed infection of a single tick or host by Lyme disease spirochetes is common and a unique challenge for the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of Lyme disease. Here, we describe a novel protocol for differentiating Lyme strains on the basis of deep sequencing of the hypervariable outer surface protein C locus (ospC). Improving upon the traditional DNA-DNA hybridization method, the next-generation sequencing-based protocol is high throughput, quantitative, and able to detect new pathogen strains. We applied the method to more than one hundred infected Ixodes scapularis ticks collected from New York State, USA, in 2015 and 2016. An analysis of strain distributions within individual ticks suggests an overabundance of multiple infections by five or more strains, inhibitory interactions...
Thursday 25 October 2018
We present the first analytic evaluation of the automated Borrelia B31 ViraChip IgM and IgG microarray immunoblot (MIB) assays (Viramed Biotech AG, Planegg, Germany) in comparison to two different, semiautomated blot assays for LD, including the Borrelia B31 ViraStripe IgM and IgG line immunoassays (LIAs) (Viramed) and the MarDx Borrelia burgdorferi IgM and IgG Western blot (WB) assays (Trinity Biotech, Carlsbad, CA), using prospectively collected sera (n = 411) and archived, clinically characterized samples (n = 91). We show comparable overall agreement (>84%) of the ViraChip MIB assays against the two aforementioned LD blot methods. The ViraChip MIB assays were also compared to a consensus standard, whereby samples were classified as positive or negative for IgM or IgG to B. burgdorfe...
Wednesday 24 October 2018
Neurologic manifestations of nervous system infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii are qualitatively similar, and include lymphocytic meningitis, cranial neuritis, radiculoneuritis, and other focal or multifocal mononeuropathies. Parenchymal central nervous system (CNS) infection occurs rarely. Neurobehavioral changes are common, but are rarely evidence of CNS infection. Diagnosis requires likely exposure and a finding with high diagnostic positive predictive value, specifically erythema migrans, or laboratory support, typically positive 2-tiered serologic testing. CNS infection is often evidenced by a cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and intrathecal production of specific antibody. (Source: Neurologic Clinics)
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Wednesday 24 October 2018
Authors: Bhanot P, Parveen N Abstract The incidence of babesiosis, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases has increased steadily in Europe and North America during the last five decades. Babesia microti is transmitted by species of Ixodes, the same ticks that transmit the Lyme disease-causing spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. B. microti can also be transmitted through transfusion of blood products and is the most common transfusion-transmitted infection in the U.S.A. Ixodes ticks are commonly infected with both B. microti and B. burgdorferi, and are competent vectors for transmitting them together into hosts. Few studies have examined the effects of coinfections on humans and those have had somewhat contradictory results. One study linked coinfection with B. microti to a greate...
Tuesday 23 October 2018
This study identified fundraising campaigns for unsubstantiated treatments, such as homeopathic remedies for cancer and antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme disease, on GoFundMe and other crowdfunding platforms. (Source: JAMA)
Tuesday 23 October 2018
Clinical Cardiology,Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. (Source: Clinical Cardiology)
Friday 19 October 2018
We describe a case of late neuroborreliosis in an Erasmus programme student living in Porto. We discuss the importance of the epidemiological suspicion, the clinical approach, the diagnostic criteria and the most adequate treatment. PMID: 30332376 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acta Medica Portuguesa)
Friday 19 October 2018
This guideline covers diagnosing and managing Lyme disease. It aims to raise awareness of when Lyme disease should be suspected and ensure that people have prompt and consistent diagnosis and treatment. It does not cover preventing Lyme disease. The guideline was updated in October 2018. Treatment for Lyme carditis in haemodynamically unstable children aged 9-12 was changed to IV ceftriaxone. First alternative was changed to oral doxycycline (DX). Footnote was added on using clinical judgement to determine doses of DX in children (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Friday 19 October 2018
Authors: Brown JA, Allman R, Herwaldt BL, Gray E, Rivera HN, Qvarnstrom Y, Kwit N, Schriefer ME, Hinckley A, Pontones P PMID: 30335739 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)
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Thursday 18 October 2018
In the report " Vaccination Coverage for Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten --- United States, 2017-18 School Year, " on page 1121, an incorrect figure was published. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Thursday 18 October 2018
From 2007-2008 to 2015-2016, the age-adjusted percentage of adults who tried to lose weight during the past 12 months increased from 43.3% to 49.3%. This increase was seen among both men (35.5% to 42.2%) and women (51.2% to 56.3%). The percentage of women who tried to lose weight in the past year was higher than men for each survey year from 2007-2008 to 2015-2016. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Thursday 18 October 2018
In the report " National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13-17 Years - United States, 2017, " on page 914, in Table 2, the entry for the column " Difference " and row " ≥3 Hepatitis B doses " should have read -2.6 (-4.8 to -0.3). (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
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Thursday 18 October 2018
In January 2018, a patient admitted to a Delaware hospital tested positive for hantavirus immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Thursday 18 October 2018
In June 2016, a physician in northwestern Indiana reported a high prevalence of clinically diagnosed Lyme disease among his patients. To further evaluate these findings, the Indiana State Department of Health and CDC conducted a laboratory investigation using specimens from some of the patients. (Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Thursday 18 October 2018
Publication date: Available online 17 October 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Christine A. James, David L. Pearl, L. Robbin Lindsay, Andrew S. Peregrine, Claire M. JardineAbstractIn eastern North America, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the vector for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causal agents for human and canine Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, respectively. The extensive range expansion of I. scapularis in Ontario is a growing veterinary and public health concern. However, there is limited information on the risk factors associated with I. scapularis carriage on dogs. Within an emerging area for Lyme disease risk in southeastern Ontario, we identified the tick species carried by dogs; determined the prevalence of B. ...
Thursday 18 October 2018
-- If you want to lower your risk of getting Lyme disease, keeping ticks away is your best bet. Lymedisease.org offers these suggestions for reducing the tick population near your home: Prune trees. Clear brush. Remove litter. Mow grass short, and... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Wednesday 17 October 2018
(Natural News) One fact that people know about Lyme disease is that ticks cause it. As to which tick causes the condition – which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports as the most commonly reported vector-based illness in the U.S. – is where the confusion starts. Lyme disease, of which the causative agent is the spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi,... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Tuesday 16 October 2018
In conclusion, three groups of Rickettsiales constituted the important part of the tick pathogen community in Poland, especially in the urbanized central Poland (Mazovia). In the Warsaw agglomeration, there is a greater risk of encountering the I. ricinus tick infected with Rickettsiales and co-infected with Lyme spirochaetes, in comparison to natural areas. This finding raises the question whether cities might in fact be the hot spots for TBDs. PMID: 30327827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Microbial Ecology)
Tuesday 16 October 2018
Prevention of Lyme disease in dogs in North America depends on effective vaccination against infection by the tick vector-born spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Most vaccines effectively prevent spirochete transmi... (Source: BMC Veterinary Research)
Thursday 11 October 2018
(Rutgers University) Researchers have developed techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, allowing patients to start treatment earlier. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
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Thursday 11 October 2018
Authors: Erin Schillberg Dorian Lunny L. Robbin Lindsay Mark P. Nelder Curtis Russell Mike Mackie Dave Coats Alex Berry Kit Ngan Young Hoon The range of Ixodes scapularis is expanding in Ontario, increasing the risk of Lyme disease. As an effective public health response requires accurate information on disease distribution and areas of risk, this study aims to establish the geographic distribution of I. scapularis and its associated pathogen, B. burgdorferi, in northwestern Ontario. We assessed five years of active and passive tick surveillance data in northwestern Ontario. Between 2013 and 2017, 251 I. scapularis were submitted through passive surveillance. The submission rate increased over time, and the proportion infected with B. burgdorferi was 13.5%. Active tic...
Wednesday 10 October 2018
Molecular Microbiology,Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. (Source: Molecular Microbiology)
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Tuesday 9 October 2018
-- People aren't the only ones who are vulnerable to Lyme disease. Fido or Fluffy also could contract the illness from an infected tick. The American Kennel Club says Lyme disease occurs the most often in the Northeast, the Upper Midwest and on the... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Thursday 4 October 2018
(MedPage Today) -- Meta-analysis finds little difference in efficacy, adverse effects (Source: MedPage Today Dermatology)
Thursday 4 October 2018
Publication date: Available online 26 September 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): R. Dersch, A. Sarnes, M. Maul, O. Minakowski, T. Hottenrott, O. Stich, S. RauerAbstractAbout 5–20% of the general population in endemic areas have seroprevalence for anti-borrelial antibodies. Previous studies have shown a high rate of 25–97% of persisting anti-borrelial antibodies in patients with treated Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) at follow-up. These studies used immunoblots with antigens from whole-cell sonicates, which could be less specific than modern recombinant antigens. We assessed the seroprevalence of anti-borrelial antibodies in serum from patients with definite LNB and healthy controls with a line immunoblot using highly specific recombinant antigens.We retrospectively iden...
Thursday 4 October 2018
Authors: Bowman M PMID: 30277741 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Family Physician)
Wednesday 3 October 2018
This network meta-analyses of 19 randomized clinical trials conducted in the United States and Europe examines antibiotic agents and treatment modalities to assess treatment effectiveness and drug-related adverse outcomes in early cutaneous Lyme borreliosis. (Source: JAMA Dermatology)
Wednesday 3 October 2018
Authors: Ross Russell AL, Dryden M, Pinto AA, Lovett J Abstract Lyme disease (borreliosis) is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgdoferi, transmitted by hard-backed Ixodes ticks. Actual numbers of cases are increasing and it appears that the distribution across the UK is widening; however, it occurs most frequently in area of woodland, with temperate climate. It typically presents in mid to late summer. Lyme disease is a multisystem disease. The nervous system is the second most commonly affected system after the skin. Other systemic manifestations, such as carditis, keratitis, uveitis and inflammatory arthritis, rarely occur in European Lyme disease. In 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has updated its guidelines on the...
Monday 1 October 2018
This article presents an overview of the current diagnosis and management of two spirochetal infections of the nervous system, neuroborreliosis (Lyme disease) and neurosyphilis, focusing on similarities and differences. Although neuroborreliosis was first identified almost a century ago, much confusion remains about how to accurately diagnose this quite treatable nervous system infection. Well-established diagnostic tools and therapeutic regimens exist for neurosyphilis, which has been well-known for centuries. RECENT FINDINGS Serologic testing targeting the C6 antigen may simplify diagnostic testing in neuroborreliosis while improving accuracy. Historically, screening for syphilis has used a reaginic test followed by a treponeme-specific assay; alternative approaches, including use of ...
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Monday 1 October 2018
(University of North Carolina Health Care) When patients present to providers in North Carolina for a possible tick bite, clinicians are not testing them for Ehrlichia, a tick-borne illness that occurs more frequently than Lyme disease and as frequently as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Monday 1 October 2018
In conclusion, CXCL13 is elevated in CSF in children with LNB, showing acceptable sensitivity and specificity. In patients with possible LNB, CXCL13 was elevated in a majority of cases (73%) and is suggested as a complementary diagnostic tool in pediatric LNB patients. CXCL13 was not associated with specific clinical features or recovery. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases)
Saturday 29 September 2018
Authors: Jolyon M. Medlock Kayleigh M. Hansford Alexander G. C. Vaux Ben Cull Emma Gillingham Steve Leach In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector for dengue and chikungunya virus. In 2010, Culex modestus, a principal mosquito vector for West Nile virus was detected in large numbers in the Thames estuary. For tick-borne diseases, data on the changing distribution of the Lyme borreliosis tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, has recently been published, at a time when there has been an increase in the numbers of re...
Friday 28 September 2018
This prescribing bulletin summarising key recommendations from NICE guidance on Lyme disease, covers diagnosis, laboratory investigations, treatment and management, emergency referral, and antibiotic treatment. (Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH))
Friday 28 September 2018
Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, EarlyView. (Source: Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology)
Thursday 27 September 2018
“Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, chronic Lyme disease, depression” – just some of the illnesses outlined by World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, who drove home the danger by asking delegates to stand up, when they heard the name of an illness that had killed someone they loved: One by one, every single person in the room, got to their feet. (Source: UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security)
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Thursday 27 September 2018
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Wednesday 26 September 2018
On a global scale, ticks are second only to mosquitoes as the most important of vectors of infectious disease agents of humans [1]. Ticks transmit a greater diversity of viral, bacterial and protozoan infections than any other arthropod on earth, and in many temperate regions of the world, including Europe and the United States, tick-borne diseases (TBD) are the most widespread and medically important of all vector-borne infections. Lyme borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species and transmitted by various Ixodes spp., afflicts tens and possibly hundreds of thousands of persons in the Northern Hemisphere each year and has brought the subject of TBD to general attention more than any other associated infection. (Source: Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease)
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Monday 24 September 2018
Arthritis&Rheumatology, EarlyView. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology)
Saturday 22 September 2018
Publication date: October 2018Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Volume 34, Issue 10, Supplement 1Author(s): G. Besant, C. Blakely, D. Wan, D. Redfearn, C. Simpson, B. Glover, H. Abdollah, W. Hopman, A. Baranchuk (Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology)
Saturday 22 September 2018
Zoonoses and Public Health, EarlyView. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Friday 21 September 2018
(Institut Pasteur) Lyme borreliosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia that are transmitted by a bite from a tick of the genus Ixodes. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur found evidence of rapid bacterial transmission following a bite, with infection occurring within 24 hours of an adult tick bite. This is a timely reminder of the importance of removing ticks as soon as possible after being bitten to prevent infection. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Thursday 20 September 2018
Authors: Santos AVPD, Souza AM, Bueno MG, Catao-Dias JL, Toma HK, Pissinati A, Molina CV, Kierulff MCM, Silva DGF, Almosny NRP PMID: 30231164 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo)
Thursday 20 September 2018
This article discusses case examples showing the wide range of symptoms and presentations that are possible with babesiosis. (Source: The Nurse Practitioner)
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Wednesday 19 September 2018
Delusional infestation is the conviction that one is infested with pathogens – either animate or inanimate - despite medical or microbiologic evidence to the contrary. Infestation with inanimate pathogens, specifically fibers or filaments, has been controversially termed Morgellons disease by the patients themselves, who believe that this is not a psychiatric disease but r ather a new organic condition or a skin manifestation of an infection, such as Lyme disease. A large-scale study by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on patients presenting with Morgellons symptoms did not find evidence of fibers in the skin nor an association with any infection, i ncluding Lyme disease. (Source: Clinics in Dermatology)
Tuesday 18 September 2018
Authors: Gofton AW, Margos G, Fingerle V, Hepner S, Loh SM, Ryan U, Irwin P, Oskam CL Abstract Borrelia are tick-borne bacteria that in humans are the aetiological agents of Lyme disease and relapsing fever. Here we present the first genomes of B. turcica and B. tachyglossi, members of a recently described and rapidly expanding Borrelia clade associated with reptile (B. turcica) or echidna (B. tachyglossi) hosts, transmitted by hard ticks, and of unknown pathogenicity. Borrelia tachyglossi and B. turcica genomes are similar to those of relapsing fever Borrelia species, containing a linear ~ 900 kb chromosome, a single long (> 70 kb) linear plasmid, and numerous short (< 40 kb) linear and circular plasmids, as well as a suite of housekeeping and macronutrient biosynthesi...
Saturday 15 September 2018
Cellular Microbiology,Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. (Source: Cellular Microbiology)
Thursday 13 September 2018
Parched olive groves in northern Croatia, where West Nile Virus has already claimed one victim this year. West Nile Virus infections have sharply increased in Europe this year, the World Health Organisation says, largely due to a longer transmission season in the region which this year saw high temperatures and extended rainy spells followed by dry weather, helping mosquito breeding and propagation. Credit: Ed Holt/IPSBy Ed HoltVIENNA, Sep 13 2018 (IPS)Climate change and health experts are warning of the growing threat to public health in Europe from global warming as rising temperatures help potentially lethal diseases spread easily across the continent.This summer Europe has had to contend with record temperatures, drought, and destructive storms caused by heat and wildfires as forests i...
Monday 10 September 2018
SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — New England’s hot summer might be helping keep the ticks that carry Lyme disease at bay. The Northeastern states — which are some of the worst for Lyme in the U.S., posing a hazard to residents and vacationers alike — are still totaling the number of Lyme cases from the summer months, and there will likely be more in the fall. But preliminary indicators show the disease abating, and public health authorities are finding fewer deer ticks, state officials and researchers said. In Maine, there had been a steady annual growth of Lyme cases, including a jump of 23 percent to more than 1,850 last year. But the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Lyme cases for May, June and July were below long-term averages. Those are major months for i...
Sunday 9 September 2018
New England's hot summer might be helping keep the ticks that carry Lyme disease at bay (Source: ABC News: Health)
Saturday 8 September 2018
CONCLUSIONS: This is to our knowledge the first multidisciplinary center implemented in France for the management of patients presenting with LB suspicion related to polymorphous signs and symptoms. Several diagnoses could be confirmed or corrected, although some symptoms and complaints could not be explained. This cohort could improve our knowledge of LB and its differential diagnoses. PMID: 30190164 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Friday 7 September 2018
(Source: Infection and Drug Resistance)
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Thursday 6 September 2018
[Lyme disease in Perú. A clinical and epidemiological review]. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2018 Apr-Jun;35(2):292-296 Authors: Cervantes J Abstract This is a critical and organized review of all the available and updated information on Lyme disease and Borrelia infection in Peru. Several studies of positive serology to Borrelia burgdorferi and several cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Peru in the last two decades. New information suggests that new species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato do exist in South America, and possibly in Peru. Future genetic and microbiology studies in this part of the continent, not only in cases with an indeterminate Western blot but in vectors and possible reservoirs as well, are necessary to measure the extent and clinical...
Tuesday 4 September 2018
The objectives of this study were to investigate the geographic distribution and magnitude of tick infestations in opportunistically sampled mammalian wildlife and companion animals (i.e., dogs) in southern Ontario and to test these ticks for evidence of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens. Ticks collected from wildlife carcasses, live-trapped wildlife and companion animals (2015-2016), as well as wildlife diagnostic cases (2011-2013), were identified to species and life stage. Ixodes scapularis ticks were tested by real-time PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.). Amblyomma americanum ticks were tested for Ehrlichia chaffeensis. A total of 1,687 ticks of six species were collected from 334 animals, including 224 racco...
Tuesday 4 September 2018
Charles Pavia, Maria Plummer (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Tuesday 4 September 2018
Listen: Mayo Clinic Radio 9/1/18 On the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, discuss vaccines for vector-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease and Zika virus. Dr. Poland also discusses the problem of vaccine hesitancy. Also on the podcast, Dr. Margaret Long, a gynecologist at Mayo Clinic, explains how [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
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Tuesday 4 September 2018
This article can educate those engaged in imaging of the nervous system and serve as a comprehensive tool in clinical cases.Key Points•Diagnostic criteria for LNB emphasise exclusion of an alternative cause to the clinical symptoms.•MRI makes a crucial contribution in the diagnosis and follow-up of LNB.•MRI may have normal findings, or show neuritis, meningitis, myelitis, encephalitis or vasculitis.•White matter lesions are not a prominent feature of LNB. (Source: Insights into Imaging)
Sunday 2 September 2018
Publication date: Available online 1 September 2018Source: Air Medical JournalAuthor(s): Philip S. Nawrocki, Matthew PorembaA 15-year-old male presented with exertional syncope and was found to be in an unstable regular wide complex tachyarrhythmia (WCT). After a trial of antiarrhythmic medication, his clinical condition declined, necessitating synchronized cardioversion. Although he noted symptomatic improvement after cardioversion, he was found to be in third-degree heart block. The patient was transported by rotor wing aircraft to a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit where he was ultimately diagnosed with Lyme disease. He was treated with a course of intravenous antibiotics, his heart block resolved, and he was discharged home with a good neurologic outcome. (Source: Air Medical Jour...
Sunday 2 September 2018
New diagnostic approaches bring hope for patients with debilitating tick-borne illnesses (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)
Saturday 1 September 2018
This study assessed cost-effectiveness of a potential anti-tick vaccine that would protect against both Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in a highly endemic setting of Slovenia.A Markov model was developed to estimate cost-effectiveness of a vaccine with potential combined protection against LB and TBE from the societal perspective. The model expressed time in annual cycles, followed a target population through their lifetime, and applied an annual discounting of 3%. A target population entered the model in a susceptible state, with time dependent probabilities to acquire LB/TBE. Disease manifestations were either resolved within one cycle, or a patient developed LB/TBE sequelae. The vaccination consisted of initial immunization and one revaccination. Estimates of LB...
Saturday 1 September 2018
Authors: Stolk JM, van Nieuwkoop C, van der Voorn MPJA, van Erp S, van Burgel ND Abstract Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne illness. The diagnosis of LD is difficult because of the great variation in clinical manifestations. Although abdominal pain is generally not considered a sign of LD, in this case report we describe a patient with unexplained severe abdominal pain that eventually turned out to be LD due to radiculopathy. Since the incidence of LD is rising it is important to realise that severe abdominal pain could be the first clinical manifestation of early neuroborreliosis. PMID: 30220659 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Netherlands Journal of Medicine)
Friday 31 August 2018
USDA ’s Andrew Li discusses tick pheromones and how we can turn them to our advantage (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)
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Friday 31 August 2018
S ébastien Bontemps-Gallo, Charlotte Gaviard, Crystal L. Richards, Takfarinas Kentache, Sandra J. Raffel, Kevin A. Lawrence, Joseph C. Schindler, Joseph Lovelace, Daniel P. Dulebohn, Robert G. Cluss, Julie Hardouin, Frank C. Gherardini (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Thursday 30 August 2018
We describe the clinical presentation of two children with confirmed early Lyme disease and features suggestive of infectious mononucleosis, including one case of probable Lyme and EBV co-infection. PMID: 30166498 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Medicine and Research)
Monday 27 August 2018
A lab ’s deference to the community garners a preliminary yes vote from a critic of the experiment (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)
Wednesday 22 August 2018
B. miyamotoi was detected in Ixodes scapularis ticks in Connecticut in 2001 [2], but the first human case in the United States was not reported until 2013 [3]. Unlike with Lyme disease, patients in the United States with B. miyamotoi infections typically do not have skin lesions and instead present with a non-specific febrile illness, potentially associated with leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and elevated liver function tests [4]. Highly immunocompromised patients may develop chronic meningitis [3]. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
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Wednesday 22 August 2018
In this study, we determined the effects of other physiologically relevant SCFAs in the regulation of metabolic/virulence-associated proteins using mutant borrelial strains. No apparent increase in the synthesis of outer surface protein C (OspC) was noted when a carbon storage regulator A (csrA of B. burgdorferi, or csrABb) mutant (mt) was propagated within dialysis membrane chambers implanted within rat peritoneal cavity, while the parental wild type (wt; B31-A3 strain) and csrABb cis-complemented strain (ct) had increased OspC with a reciprocal reduction in OspA levels. Growth rates of wt, mt, ct, 7D (csrABb mutant lacking 7 amino acids at the C terminus), and 8S (csrABb with site-specific changes altering its RNA-binding properties) borrelial strains were similar in the presence of acet...
Tuesday 21 August 2018
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
Monday 20 August 2018
Publication date: Available online 20 August 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Brian Stevenson, Volker Fingerle, Gary P. Wormser, Gabriele Margos (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Monday 20 August 2018
Authors: Wu X, Sharma B, Niles S, O'Connor K, Schilling R, Matluck N, D'Onofrio A, Hu LT, Lewis K Abstract Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis. Antibiotic therapy of early acute infection is effective for most patients, but 10-20% go on to develop Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. The nature of PTLDS remains unknown, but currently approved antibiotics for treatment of Lyme disease do not appear to impact these symptoms after they have developed. We reason that minimizing the time the pathogen interacts with the host will diminish the probability of developing PTLDS, irrespective of its nature. This calls for an efficient eradication of the pathogen during acute infection. In search of a superior killing antibiotic, we examined approved antibiotics fo...
Sunday 19 August 2018
We report Lyme disease in a young man from north India who presented with progressive diminution of vision, severe headache, quadriparesis, seizures, dermatological and pulmonary lesions, lymphadenopathy and a hypocellular bone marrow. This is the first case report of Lyme disease with multi-system involvement from India, confirmed twice by positive serology. PMID: 30124129 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Tropical Doctor)
Saturday 18 August 2018
ConclusionDysregulation of prostaglandins and related lipid mediators may play a role in the etiology of LB and persistence of inflammation that may lead to long-term complications. Further investigation into the precise levels of a wide range of PGs and related factors is critical as it may propose novel markers that can be used for early diagnosis. (Source: Inflammation Research)
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Thursday 16 August 2018
In this study, bird species migrating through Bulgaria were investigated as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. In total, 706 birds belonging to 46 species were checked for the presence of various bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Yersin ia, Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Brucella spp.). From 673 birds we investigated fecal samples, from the remaining 33, blood samples. We detected Campylobacter 16S rDNA gene in 1.3% of birds, but no ne were of pathogenic Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species. Escherichia coli 16S rDNA gene was found in 8.8% of the birds. Out of 34 birds that transported Yersinia enterocolitica strains (5.05%), only 1 carried a pathogenic isolate. Three birds (0...
Wednesday 15 August 2018
BOSTON (CBS) – More and more people are being afflicted by Lyme disease, not only here in New England but around the country. It begs the question, why don’t we have a vaccine to prevent this common tick-borne illness? A human vaccine was introduced in 1998. It was effective but expensive and there was public concern about its safety and sales were low, so it was yanked off the market four years later. Right now there is only a Lyme vaccine for dogs. Fortunately, there is a new vaccine for humans in the pipeline developed by a French company, which says it has received fast-track status from the FDA and hopes to get the vaccine licensed in about five years. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)
Wednesday 15 August 2018
As Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis spread to new regions in North America, physicians may ned to become aware of their signs and symptoms. Allen C. Steere, MD, says “Lyme arthritis is more complicated to treat than other manifestations of the disease.” Here are some best practices for treating Lyme arthritis... (Source: The Rheumatologist)
Tuesday 14 August 2018
The only vaccine was taken off the market more than 15 years ago. As reports of the disease skyrocket, researchers are working on a new one. (Source: NYT Health)
Friday 10 August 2018
Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)
Friday 10 August 2018
Publication date: 11–17 August 2018Source: The Lancet, Volume 392, Issue 10146Author(s): The Lancet (Source: The Lancet)
Thursday 9 August 2018
Publication date: Available online 8 August 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Fernando S. Flores, Sebastián Muñoz-Leal, Luis A. Diaz, Marcelo B. LabrunaAbstractBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.) spirochetes are associated with a wide range of vectors and hosts. Birds are important hosts in the ecology of some hard ticks (Ixodidae) in northwestern Argentina, where B. burgdorferi s.l. have been detected in Ixodes pararicinus. We evaluated Borrelia infection in ticks collected from wild birds by molecular analysis through the presence of Borrelia DNA (by nested-PCR targeting the fla gene). A total of 381 ticks (357 larvae and 24 nymphs) belonging to four species (I. pararicinus, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris and Amblyomma sp.) were collected...
Wednesday 8 August 2018
Quest Diagnostics reports that Lyme disease, a tick-borne ailment, continues to swell and is a risk to people across the United States. (Source: AARP.org News)
Wednesday 8 August 2018
Alexis Lacout, Mostafa El Hajjam, Pierre-Yves Marcy, Christian PerronneJournal of Global Infectious Diseases 2018 10(3):170-171 (Source: Journal of Global Infectious Diseases)
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Tuesday 7 August 2018
A Vermont resident has died from a rare, Lyme disease complication where bacteria gets into the heart on the heels of news that all 50 states have residents tested positive for the disease. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
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Tuesday 7 August 2018
New research finds cases of Lyme disease have exploded in unusual areas of the country (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
Tuesday 7 August 2018
A Quest Diagnostics analysis showed that the largest increases in positive Lyme Disease tests outside the Northeastern U.S. occurred in Florida (77% increase) and California (194.5% increase). (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
Monday 6 August 2018
The Asian long-horned tick, reported in New York ’ s suburbs and as far west as Arkansas, can carry lethal diseases. But no infected specimens have yet been found here. (Source: NYT Health)
Monday 6 August 2018
The chronic tick-borne illness has long been rampant across the North East, which has historically accounted for 95 percent of cases. But a new report shows a 194% rise in cases in California. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Monday 6 August 2018
In conclusion, CXCL13 is elevated in CSF in children with LNB, showing acceptable sensitivity and specificity. In patients with possible LNB, CXCL13 was elevated in a majority of cases (73%) and is suggested as a complementary diagnostic tool in pediatric LNB patients. CXCL13 was not associated with specific clinical features or recovery. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases)
Sunday 5 August 2018
Authors: Bae JM Abstract Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in North America, and it was designated as a national notifiable infectious disease in Korea in December 2010. While no cases in Jeju-do were recorded from 2012 to 2016, a recent survey reported that the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in horses in Jeju-do was 19.0% (95% confidence interval, 12.0 to 28.3%). This fact suggests that horses may be a potential reservoir of LB in Jeju-do and that individuals in close contact with horses may be a high-risk group. Thus, a serological study in this high-risk group is urgently needed. PMID: 30071709 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health)
Friday 3 August 2018
This article therefore aims to take a closer look on the biology and virulence attributes of the two suggested genera, i. e. those causing Lyme borreliosis and relapsing fever borreliosis. Both genera have much in common with similar infection biological features. They are both characterized as bacterial zoonoses, transmitted by hematophagous arthropods with almost identical microbiological appearance. Nevertheless, a closer look at the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics clearly reveals several differences that might motivate the suggested split. On the other hand, a change of this well-established classification within the genus Borrelia might impose an economical burden as well as a great confusion in society, including medical and scientific societies as well as the general ...
Thursday 2 August 2018
A new column by Yale pediatrician and epidemiologist Eugene Shapiro, M.D. sheds light on medical breakthroughs and common myths surrounding Lyme disease. (Source: Yale Science and Health News)
Thursday 2 August 2018
Introduction: Lyme disease can present itself as erythema migrans (EM). It is transmitted by Borrelia burgdoferi, a spirochete bacteria that lives in the midgut of ticks of the Ixodidae family. The diagnosis can be difficult, especially when a clear history of tick bite is lacking. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Thursday 2 August 2018
Background: Erythema migrans (EM) is the most well known cutaneous manifestation of Lyme disease. Review of the literature and the case described below suggest that atypical cutaneous presentations, such as vesiculobullous EM, can occur and must remain in the differential diagnosis in the proper clinical setting. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
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Thursday 2 August 2018
We present 3 cases of dermatitis artefacta with distinct clinical and histologic features. The first case was that of a 12-year-old right-handed boy presenting with a unilateral linear eruption involving the left arm. Histopathology revealed an unusual pattern of epidermal necrosis. Lyme serology and immunofluorescence were negative. He eventually voluntarily admitted that this was self-inflicted and was referred to the local child and adolescent mental health services. The second case involved a 37-year-old woman with Fowler syndrome presenting acutely with an extensive annular blistering rash sparing her back and posterior legs. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Thursday 2 August 2018
(Entomological Society of America) The textbook approach to managing disease outbreaks focuses on three factors -- pathogen, host, and environment--but it leaves out one critical component in the case of afflictions such as Zika, malaria, and Lyme: the insect or arthropod responsible for transmission to humans. A new report in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America proposes a new version of the classic 'epidemiologic triad' that better reflects the complexities of managing vector-borne diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Thursday 2 August 2018
This Viewpoint provides a clinical update on Lyme disease, reviewing information on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection, and discussing the role of Lyme testing in the evaluation of chronic pain and fatigue. (Source: JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association)
Thursday 2 August 2018
Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (B. b. sl) spirochetes can cause Lyme borreliosis, manifesting as localized infection (e.g. erythema migrans) or disseminated disease (e.g. Lyme neuroborreli... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
LYME disease symptoms are not always obvious. While a rash is one of the most notable signs you ’ve been bitten by an infected tick, flu-like symptoms can also develop. There are ways of preventing the disease, but is a vaccine one of them? (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in North America, with the majority of cases occurring in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Lyme arthritis is the most prevalent manifestation of late-stage Lyme disease. Lyme arthritis typically presents as a monoarthritis or oligoarthritis in large joints such as the knee. Accompanying positive 2-tier Lyme serologies or polymerase chain reaction from synovial fluid/tissue is considered diagnostic for patients from an endemic area. The mainstay of initial treatment is a prolonged course of oral antibiotics. (Source: Pediatric Emergency Care)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
This cohort study compares the development and treatment outcome of disease among European patients with Lyme borreliosis manifested as either multiple erythema migrans or as erythema migrans as well as controls without a history of the disease. (Source: JAMA Dermatology)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology,Volume 22, Issue 8, Page 565-574, August 2018. (Source: OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
The impact of a pathogen on the fitness and behaviour of its natural host depends upon the host–parasite relationship in a given set of environmental conditions. Here, we experimentally investigated the effects of Borrelia afzelii, one of the aetiological agents of Lyme disease in humans, on the fitness of its natural rodent host, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), in semi-natural conditions with two contrasting host population densities. Our results show that B. afzelii can modify the reproductive success and spacing behaviour of its rodent host, whereas host survival was not affected. Infection impaired the breeding probability of large bank voles. Reproduction was hastened in infected females without alteration of the offspring size at birth. At low density, infected males produced...
Tuesday 31 July 2018
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 -- There's been a sharp spike in Lyme disease cases in the United States, and the tick-borne illness has now spread to all 50 states, a new report shows. " Lyme disease is a bigger risk to more people in the United States than... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Tuesday 31 July 2018
Natacha Sertour, Violaine Cott é, Martine Garnier, Laurence Malandrin, Elisabeth Ferquel, Valérie Choumet (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Monday 30 July 2018
TICK bites have been labelled the most dangerous insect bites in the UK. This is because the bite could transmit lyme disease, a serious illness. It could be possible to identify a tick bite by looking in these areas. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
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Friday 27 July 2018
Background: The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing all over the world, including Georgia. In Georgia, almost only a few TBDs have been reported in animals and men, involving Lyme Borreliosis [LB], tick-borne relapsing fever [TBRF], tick-borne encephalitis [TBE], Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever [CCHF]. (Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases)
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Friday 27 July 2018
CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides insights into the alteration of the plasma phospholipid profile of LA patients, resulting from Borrelia burgdorferi infection, that may lead to improved LA diagnosis and differentiation of this disease from RA. Furthermore, LPE (14:0) was found to have a high potential to be a possible biomarker of LA. PMID: 30059653 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics)
Thursday 26 July 2018
(Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology)
Thursday 26 July 2018
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi, and it is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with an estimated incidence of 300,000 cases per year. The currently recommended approach for laboratory support of the diagnosis of Lyme disease is a standard two-tiered (STT) algorithm comprised of an enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA), followed by Western blotting (WB). The STT algorithm has low sensitivity in early infection, and there are drawbacks associated with the WB use in practice. Modified two-tiered (MTT) algorithms have been shown to improve the sensitivity of the testing in early disease while maintaining high specificity. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, A. Pegalajar-Jurad...
Thursday 26 July 2018
Standard two-tiered testing (STTT) is the recommended algorithm for laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease (LD). Several limitations are associated with STTT that include low sensitivity in the early stages of disease, as well as technical complexity and subjectivity associated with second-tier immunoblotting; therefore, modified two-tiered testing (MTTT) algorithms that utilize two sequential first-tier tests and eliminate immunoblotting have been evaluated. Recently, a novel MTTT that uses a VlsE chemiluminescence immunoassay followed by a C6 enzyme immunoassay has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the VlsE/C6 MTTT using well-characterized serum samples. Serum samples from the CDC Lyme Serum Repository were tested using three MTTTs, VlsE/C6, whole-...
Wednesday 25 July 2018
Sure, itchy bug bites are a nuisance. But for those living in parts of the country where mosquito or tick-borne illnesses are common—and these days, that’s most of us—bug-repellent sprays and liquids are an important safeguard against Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other serious health conditions. The annual number of people sickened by mosquitos or tick bites has more than tripled since 2004, according to the CDC. The World Health Organization has concluded that climate change is a likely contributor to these increases, which are predicted to continue as warmer global temperatures expand the habitats of mosquitos, ticks and other disease-spreading bugs. For all of these reasons, more and more people are looking for safe and effective ways to keep biting bugs at bay. ...
Wednesday 25 July 2018
G. J. Hickling et al. (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)
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Wednesday 25 July 2018
Trends in Urology&Men's Health,Volume 9, Issue 4, Page 29-31, July/August 2018. (Source: Trends in Urology and Men's Health)
Wednesday 25 July 2018
Authors: Kristoferitsch W, Aboulenein-Djamshidian F, Jecel J, Rauschka H, Rainer M, Stanek G, Fischer P Abstract Dementia-like syndromes are rare manifestations of Lyme neuroborreliosis. The clinical patterns are summarized using our own cases and case reports from the literature, which were diagnosed as definite Lyme neuroborreliosis according to the European guidelines. The cases disclose signs of subcortical dementia that occur more rapidly than in patients suffering from primary dementia. Gait disturbances early in the disease course is another frequently observed characteristic feature. The response to 2-4 weeks of antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone was excellent. There were no indications for a prolonged antibiotic treatment. It is essential to be aware of this manifesta...
Monday 23 July 2018
The tick-borne pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi is responsible for approximately 300,000 Lyme disease (LD) cases per year in the United States. Recent increases in the number of LD cases, in addition to the spread of the tick vector and a lack of a vaccine, highlight an urgent need for designing and developing an efficacious LD vaccine. Identification of protective epitopes that could be used to develop a second-generation (subunit) vaccine is therefore imperative. Despite the antigenicity of several lipoproteins and integral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) on the B. burgdorferi surface, the spirochetes successfully evade antibodies primarily due to the VlsE-mediated antigenic variation. VlsE is thought to sterically block antibody access to protective epitopes of B. burgdorferi. However, it i...
Sunday 22 July 2018
In this study, we performed shotgun RNA sequencing on 112 individual adult I. scapularis collected in Wisconsin, USA. We characterized the abundance, prevalence and co-infection rates of viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic microorganisms. We identified pairs of tick-infecting microorganisms whose observed co-infection rates were higher or lower than would be expected, or whose RNA levels were positively correlated in co-infected ticks. Many of these co-occurrence and correlation relationships involved two bunyaviruses, South Bay virus and blacklegged tick phlebovirus-1. These viruses were also the most prevalent microorganisms in the ticks we sampled, and had the highest average RNA levels. Evidence of associations between microbes included a positive correlation between RNA levels of South B...
Saturday 21 July 2018
Horsefly bites can become infected and swollen if not treated properly. But, what is the worst UK insect to be bitten by? This spider-relative ’s bite could cause lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Saturday 21 July 2018
Abstract: Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States. After initial antibiotic treatment for patients with Lyme disease, ongoing symptoms that may persist have considerable long-term impact on healthcare costs. Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome is characterized by a host of chronic symptoms that can leave patients physically and mentally disabled. (Source: The Nurse Practitioner)
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Saturday 21 July 2018
Publication date: Available online 20 July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Tammi L. Johnson, Christine B. Graham, Sarah E. Maes, Andrias Hojgaard, Amy Fleshman, Karen A. Boegler, Mark J. Delory, Kimetha S. Slater, Sandor E. Karpathy, Jenna K. Bjork, David F. Neitzel, Elizabeth K. Schiffman, Rebecca J. EisenAbstractIn the north-central United States, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is currently known to vector seven human pathogens. These include five bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia mayonii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis), one protozoan (Babesia microti) and one virus (Powassan). We sought to assess the prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in host-seeking nymphs collected throughout ...
Friday 20 July 2018
The device — designed to be less invasive, more accurate and faster than existing tests for Lyme disease — could make it to market as early as the end of next year. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)
Friday 20 July 2018
The device — designed to be less invasive, more accurate and faster than existing tests for Lyme disease — could make it to market as early as the end of next year. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)
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Friday 20 July 2018
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 -- Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)
Thursday 19 July 2018
(Natural News) Approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the U.S. Lyme disease is a vector borne disease spread by the black-legged (deer) ticks of the genus Ixodes. Deer ticks do not cause the infection; they are the vector. Vectors transmit an infectious pathogen into another living organism. The infection is... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Thursday 19 July 2018
Conclusions: Our results confirm national trends suggesting increasing rates of TBI and substantially increased testing. This may reflect a greater incidence of TBI in our region and/or increased awareness of these infections. PMID: 30032283 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)
Wednesday 18 July 2018
Jo Ann Simon from Bethel, Connecticut, details the battle her husband Tom faced with Lyme-disease and ALS, discussing how the boisterous chef rapidly declined from his diagnosis to his death. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Wednesday 18 July 2018
Insect bites can become infected and swollen if not treated properly. But, what is the worst UK insect to be bitten by? This spider-relative ’s bite could cause lyme disease. (Source: Daily Express - Health)
Wednesday 18 July 2018
Lisa K. Blum, Julia Z. Adamska, Dale S. Martin, Alison W. Rebman, Serra E. Elliott, Richard R. L. Cao, Monica E. Embers, John N. Aucott, Mark J. Soloski, William H. Robinson (Source: Frontiers in Immunology)
Sunday 15 July 2018
In 1977, a seminal paper described what was subsequently called Lyme arthritis1. The name “Lyme” originated from the initial investigation of the disease that was conducted in the Connecticut towns of Lyme, Old Lyme and East Haddam1. As more of the clinical manifestations of this illness were discovered, the condition became referred to as Lyme disease2-4. In 1983, the principal etio logic agent for Lyme disease in North America was identified in patients3,5. The etiologic agent became known as Borrelia burgdorferi and until fairly recently was the only species of Lyme borrelia identified to cause Lyme disease in the United States. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)
Saturday 14 July 2018
(Source: Neurological Sciences)
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Friday 13 July 2018
"Tick populations have exploded ," researchers say – even in counties where they were never seen before (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
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Friday 13 July 2018
Researchers in the Czech Republic uncovered proof ticks, which can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, may prefer type A blood. Supermodel Bella Hadid has often spoken about her battle with Lyme. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Friday 13 July 2018
In this report, we discuss the diagnosis, electrodiagnostic progression, pain management, goals for inpatient rehabilitation, and overall prognosis of NA.Level of EvidenceV (Source: PMandR)
Thursday 12 July 2018
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 -- Think you live in a place that's free from disease-carrying ticks? Don't be so sure. Citizen scientists found ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in dozens of places across the United... (Source: Drugs.com - Daily MedNews)
Thursday 12 July 2018
Given the variable clinical signs attributed to Borrelia burgdorferi, including infectious arthritis, neurologic disease, and behavioral changes, B burgdorferi is an important differential for decreased performance in sport horses. The primary vectors (Ixodes tick species) are expanding their range and thus Borrelia species are located in a wider area, making exposure more likely. Due to regionally high seroprevalence and vague clinical signs, diagnosis of Lyme disease in the horse is believed overestimated. Antibiotics are first-line treatment of confirmed Lyme disease. A single positive serologic test, by itself, is not conformation of Lyme disease but is evidence of current or past infection. (Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice)
Thursday 12 July 2018
(PLOS) A nationwide investigation of the prevalence and distribution of ticks and exposure to tick-borne diseases highlights the value of public participation in science. The study, published on July 12 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, was conducted by Nathan Nieto of Northern Arizona University and colleagues, and funded by Bay Area Lyme Foundation. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Thursday 12 July 2018
(Colorado State University) A bite from a disease-carrying tick can transmit a serious, potentially fatal infection, such as Lyme disease. But many ticks go unnoticed and unreported. Now, with the help of citizen scientists, ecologists at Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University are offering better insight into people's and animals' potential exposure to tick-borne diseases -- not just the disease reporting and prevalence that's only tracked when people get sick. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
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Wednesday 11 July 2018
Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne DiseasesAuthor(s): Nicole E. Breuner, Andrias Hojgaard, Adam J. Replogle, Karen A. Boegler, Lars EisenAbstractThe relapsing fever spirochete, Borrelia miyamotoi, is increasingly recognized as a cause of human illness (hard tick-borne relapsing fever) in the United States. We previously demonstrated that single nymphs of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, can transmit B. miyamotoi to experimental hosts. However, two recent epidemiological studies from the Northeastern United States indicate that human cases of hard tick-borne relapsing fever peak during late summer, after the spring peak for nymphal tick activity but coincident with the peak seasonal activity period of larval ticks in the Northeast. These epid...
Wednesday 11 July 2018
Jessica L. Kostick-Dunn, Jerilyn R. Izac, John C. Freedman, Lee T. Szkotnicki, Lee D. Oliver, Richard T. Marconi (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Wednesday 11 July 2018
(The University of Montana) University of Montana researchers Dan Drecktrah and Scott Samuels were recently awarded $449,998 from the National Institutes of Health for the first year of a five-year project to study the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Wednesday 11 July 2018
ConclusionsNon-specific symptoms after tick bite may be caused by uncommon pathogens or co-infection, therefore it should be considered in differential diagnosis after tick bite. (Source: Advances in Medical Sciences)
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Wednesday 11 July 2018
With a prevalence of 4.7 –13% in Danish Ixodes ricinus ticks, Rickettsia helvetica is one of the most frequently detected tick-borne organisms in Denmark. Most reports of human exposure have described asymptomatic... (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Wednesday 11 July 2018
Molecular Microbiology,Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. (Source: Molecular Microbiology)
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: May 2018Source: Joint Bone Spine, Volume 85, Issue 3Author(s): Marie Schmitt, Benoît Daubail, Amélie Bohm (Source: Joint Bone Spine)
Tuesday 10 July 2018
We present the case of a 10-year old patient from southeastern Ontario with severe bilateral facial palsy. MRI was performed that showed extensive symmetric enhancement of cervical cranial nerve roots and multiple cranial nerves (III, V, VI, VII, VIII, X and XII). Lumbar puncture was performed that revealed pleocytosis and elevated proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid. Serology confirmed the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis. The patient was treated with a 4-week course of IV ceftriaxone, following which he returned to baseline. (Source: IDCases)
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: August 2018Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, Volume 8, Issue 2Author(s): Shogo Furutani, Makoto Ihara, Kristin Lees, Steven D. Buckingham, Frederick A. Partridge, Jonathan A. David, Rohit Patel, Scott Warchal, Ian R. Mellor, Kazuhiko Matsuda, David B. SattelleAbstractA novel L-glutamate-gated anion channel (IscaGluCl1) has been cloned from the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, which transmits multiple pathogens including the agents of Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. When mRNA encoding IscaGluCl1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we detected robust 50–400 nA currents in response to 100 μM L-glutamate. Responses to L-glutamate were concentration-dependent (pEC50 3.64 ± 0.11). Ibotenate was a p...
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Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Sanne C. Ruyts, Dries Landuyt, Evy Ampoorter, Dieter Heylen, Steffen Ehrmann, Elena C. Coipan, Erik Matthysen, Hein Sprong, Kris VerheyenAbstractAn increasing number of studies have investigated the consequences of biodiversity loss for the occurrence of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. As host species differ in their ability to transmit the Lyme borreliosis bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. to ticks, increased host diversity can decrease disease prevalence by increasing the proportion of dilution hosts, host species that transmit pathogens less efficiently. Previous research shows that Lyme borreliosis risk differs bet...
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Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Angélica Hernández-Jarguín, Sandra Díaz-Sánchez, Margarita Villar, José de la FuenteAbstractAn innovative metaomics approach integrating metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics was used to characterize bacterial communities in the microbiota of the Lyme borreliosis spirochete vector, Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae). Whole internal tissues and salivary glands from unfed larvae and female ticks, respectively were used. Reused I. ricinus RNA-sequencing data for metranscriptomics analysis together with metaproteomics provided a better characterization of tick bacterial microbiota by increasing bacteria identification and support for identified bacteria with putative functional implications. The ...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Samniqueka J. Halsey, Brian F. Allan, James R. MillerAbstractDue to the ongoing expansion of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) throughout the northeastern and midwestern United States, there is need to identify the role wildlife hosts play in the establishment and maintenance of tick populations. To quantify and synthesize the patterns of I. scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and sensu lato prevalence relative to wildlife hosts, we reviewed the findings of independent studies conducted throughout the United States. We performed a comprehensive literature search from 1970 to 2017 using the ISS Web of Science Core Collection and the keywords “Ixodes scapularis,” “Ixodes dammi...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Vivian Kjelland, Katrine M. Paulsen, Rikke Rollum, Andrew Jenkins, Snorre Stuen, Arnulf Soleng, Kristin S. Edgar, Heidi H. Lindstedt, Kirsti Vaino, Moustafa Gibory, Åshild K. AndreassenAbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens of medical importance in questing ticks collected from five recreationally used islands along the Norwegian coastline. Furthermore, since coinfection may affect the disease severity, this study aimed to determine the extent of coinfection in individual ticks or co-localization of tick-borne pathogens. In all, 4158 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were analyzed. For detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), nymphs (3690) were...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
In this study, we used this chamber model and showed that I. scapularis ticks will not only acquire bovine blood but human and quail blood as well. The latter two are the incidental host and an avian host of Lyme borreliae, respectively. We also investigated the roles that BBA52 and Lp6.6 play in promoting spirochete survival in nymphal ticks fed on human or quail blood. After feeding on human blood, spirochete burdens in ticks infected with an lp6.6-deficient B. burgdorferi were significantly reduced, while bba52-deficient spirochete burdens in ticks remained unchanged, similar to the wild-type strain. No strain showed a change in spirochete burdens in ticks fed on quail blood. These results indicate that Lp6.6 plays a role for B. burgdorferi in nymphs fed on human but not quail blood. Su...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Scott C. Williams, Eliza A.H. Little, Kirby C. Stafford, Goudarz Molaei, Megan A. LinskeAbstractLyme disease continues to be the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with an estimated 330,000 human cases annually. In the eastern United States, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, is a primary reservoir host. In four residential neighborhoods in Connecticut over three years, we tested the effectiveness of different low-toxicity integrated tick management approaches to control larval and nymphal I. scapularis parasitizing P. leucopus. Combinations of white...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
This study suggests that accounting for landscape connectivity may improve model-based predictions of spatial spread patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s. The findings are consistent with possible past dispersal patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s. as determined by phylogeographic studies. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 10 July 2018
This study shows that humus type can be indicative of nymph abundance. Three types of humus were observed: (1) moder, (2) mull, and (3) mull-moder humus. One of them, moder humus, which is characterized by a thick layer of fragmented leaves, was found in multivariate analyses to be strongly associated with the nymph abundance. This study demonstrates that factors such as saturation deficit do not suffice to explain the differences in nymph abundance among sites. The composition of the soil and especially the type of humus should also be taken into consideration when assessing acarological risk. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 10 July 2018
In this study, possible role of another Oligopeptide ABC transporter, OppA4 in ospC expression was investigated by construction of an oppA4 deletion mutant and the complemented strain. Inactivation of oppA4 resulted an increased production of OspC, suggesting that OppA4 has a negative impact on ospC expression. Expression of ospC is controlled by Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS, the central pathway essential for mammal infection. We showed that increased ospC expression in the oppA4 mutant was due to an increased rpoS expression. We then further investigated how OppA4 negatively regulates this pathway. Two regulators, BosR and BadR, are known to positively and negatively, respectively, regulate the Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS pathway. We found that deletion of oppA4 resulted in an increased level of BosR. Previous repo...
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Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Mateusz Markowicz, Anna-Margarita Schötta, Michael Kundi, Petra Bogovič, Katarina Ogrinc, Franc Strle, Gerold StanekAbstractThe aims of the study were to determine and compare the concentration of CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) and various other neurological disorders applying a Luminex based assay and ELISA, and to find factors associated with CXCL13 concentration. CSF samples obtained from four clinically well-defined groups of patients (proven LNB, suspected LNB, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and aseptic meningitis/meningoencephalitis other than TBE) – 25 samples per group – were analyzed. The performance of the Luminex recomBead CXCL13 a...
Tuesday 10 July 2018
Publication date: August 2018Source: Journal of Microbiological Methods, Volume 151Author(s): Zhenyu Shen, Michael Z. Zhang, Roger W. Stich, William J. Mitchell, Shuping ZhangAbstractAnaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Lyme disease associated Borrelia spp. are the most common tick-borne pathogens reported to infect human beings worldwide and other animals, such as dogs and horses. In the present study, we developed a broad-coverage SYBR Green QPCR panel consisting of four individual assays for the detection and partial differentiation of the aforementioned pathogens. All assays were optimized to the same thermocycling condition and had a detection limit of 10 copies per reaction. The assays remained sensitive when used to test canine and equine blood DNA samples spiked wit...
Monday 9 July 2018
Just in time for summer hikes and outdoor play: A study finds that the ticks that often convey Lyme disease become unable to bite, and soon die after exposure to clothing treated with permethrin.(Image credit: Pearl Mak/NPR) (Source: NPR Health and Science)
Monday 9 July 2018
Just in time for summer hikes and outdoor play, a study finds that the ticks that often convey Lyme disease become unable to bite, and soon die, after exposure to clothing treated with permethrin.(Image credit: Pearl Mak/NPR) (Source: NPR Health and Science)
Monday 9 July 2018
(Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies) In the eastern US, risk of contracting Lyme disease is higher in fragmented forests with high rodent densities and low numbers of resident fox, opossum, and raccoons. These are among the findings from an analysis of 19 years of data on the ecology of tick-borne disease in a forested landscape, recently published in the journal Ecology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Monday 9 July 2018
Cellular Microbiology, EarlyView. (Source: Cellular Microbiology)
Friday 6 July 2018
ConclusionsNon-specific symptoms after tick bite may be caused by uncommon pathogens or co-infection, therefore it should be considered in differential diagnosis after tick bite. (Source: Advances in Medical Sciences)
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: May 2018Source: Joint Bone Spine, Volume 85, Issue 3Author(s): Marie Schmitt, Benoît Daubail, Amélie Bohm (Source: Joint Bone Spine)
Thursday 5 July 2018
We present the case of a 10-year old patient from southeastern Ontario with severe bilateral facial palsy. MRI was performed that showed extensive symmetric enhancement of cervical cranial nerve roots and multiple cranial nerves (III, V, VI, VII, VIII, X and XII). Lumbar puncture was performed that revealed pleocytosis and elevated proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid. Serology confirmed the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis. The patient was treated with a 4-week course of IV ceftriaxone, following which he returned to baseline. (Source: IDCases)
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Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: August 2018Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, Volume 8, Issue 2Author(s): Shogo Furutani, Makoto Ihara, Kristin Lees, Steven D. Buckingham, Frederick A. Partridge, Jonathan A. David, Rohit Patel, Scott Warchal, Ian R. Mellor, Kazuhiko Matsuda, David B. SattelleAbstractA novel L-glutamate-gated anion channel (IscaGluCl1) has been cloned from the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, which transmits multiple pathogens including the agents of Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. When mRNA encoding IscaGluCl1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we detected robust 50–400 nA currents in response to 100 μM L-glutamate. Responses to L-glutamate were concentration-dependent (pEC50 3.64 ± 0.11). Ibotenate was a p...
Thursday 5 July 2018
This study suggests that accounting for landscape connectivity may improve model-based predictions of spatial spread patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s. The findings are consistent with possible past dispersal patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s. as determined by phylogeographic studies. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Mateusz Markowicz, Anna-Margarita Schötta, Michael Kundi, Petra Bogovič, Katarina Ogrinc, Franc Strle, Gerold StanekAbstractThe aims of the study were to determine and compare the concentration of CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) and various other neurological disorders applying a Luminex based assay and ELISA, and to find factors associated with CXCL13 concentration. CSF samples obtained from four clinically well-defined groups of patients (proven LNB, suspected LNB, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and aseptic meningitis/meningoencephalitis other than TBE) – 25 samples per group – were analyzed. The performance of the Luminex recomBead CXCL13 a...
Thursday 5 July 2018
In this study, possible role of another Oligopeptide ABC transporter, OppA4 in ospC expression was investigated by construction of an oppA4 deletion mutant and the complemented strain. Inactivation of oppA4 resulted an increased production of OspC, suggesting that OppA4 has a negative impact on ospC expression. Expression of ospC is controlled by Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS, the central pathway essential for mammal infection. We showed that increased ospC expression in the oppA4 mutant was due to an increased rpoS expression. We then further investigated how OppA4 negatively regulates this pathway. Two regulators, BosR and BadR, are known to positively and negatively, respectively, regulate the Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS pathway. We found that deletion of oppA4 resulted in an increased level of BosR. Previous repo...
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Sanne C. Ruyts, Dries Landuyt, Evy Ampoorter, Dieter Heylen, Steffen Ehrmann, Elena C. Coipan, Erik Matthysen, Hein Sprong, Kris VerheyenAbstractAn increasing number of studies have investigated the consequences of biodiversity loss for the occurrence of vector-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, the most common tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. As host species differ in their ability to transmit the Lyme borreliosis bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. to ticks, increased host diversity can decrease disease prevalence by increasing the proportion of dilution hosts, host species that transmit pathogens less efficiently. Previous research shows that Lyme borreliosis risk differs bet...
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Scott C. Williams, Eliza A.H. Little, Kirby C. Stafford, Goudarz Molaei, Megan A. LinskeAbstractLyme disease continues to be the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with an estimated 330,000 human cases annually. In the eastern United States, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, is a primary reservoir host. In four residential neighborhoods in Connecticut over three years, we tested the effectiveness of different low-toxicity integrated tick management approaches to control larval and nymphal I. scapularis parasitizing P. leucopus. Combinations of white...
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Thursday 5 July 2018
This study shows that humus type can be indicative of nymph abundance. Three types of humus were observed: (1) moder, (2) mull, and (3) mull-moder humus. One of them, moder humus, which is characterized by a thick layer of fragmented leaves, was found in multivariate analyses to be strongly associated with the nymph abundance. This study demonstrates that factors such as saturation deficit do not suffice to explain the differences in nymph abundance among sites. The composition of the soil and especially the type of humus should also be taken into consideration when assessing acarological risk. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Samniqueka J. Halsey, Brian F. Allan, James R. MillerAbstractDue to the ongoing expansion of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) throughout the northeastern and midwestern United States, there is need to identify the role wildlife hosts play in the establishment and maintenance of tick populations. To quantify and synthesize the patterns of I. scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and sensu lato prevalence relative to wildlife hosts, we reviewed the findings of independent studies conducted throughout the United States. We performed a comprehensive literature search from 1970 to 2017 using the ISS Web of Science Core Collection and the keywords “Ixodes scapularis,” “Ixodes dammi...
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Angélica Hernández-Jarguín, Sandra Díaz-Sánchez, Margarita Villar, José de la FuenteAbstractAn innovative metaomics approach integrating metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics was used to characterize bacterial communities in the microbiota of the Lyme borreliosis spirochete vector, Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae). Whole internal tissues and salivary glands from unfed larvae and female ticks, respectively were used. Reused I. ricinus RNA-sequencing data for metranscriptomics analysis together with metaproteomics provided a better characterization of tick bacterial microbiota by increasing bacteria identification and support for identified bacteria with putative functional implications. The ...
Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: July 2018Source: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5Author(s): Vivian Kjelland, Katrine M. Paulsen, Rikke Rollum, Andrew Jenkins, Snorre Stuen, Arnulf Soleng, Kristin S. Edgar, Heidi H. Lindstedt, Kirsti Vaino, Moustafa Gibory, Åshild K. AndreassenAbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens of medical importance in questing ticks collected from five recreationally used islands along the Norwegian coastline. Furthermore, since coinfection may affect the disease severity, this study aimed to determine the extent of coinfection in individual ticks or co-localization of tick-borne pathogens. In all, 4158 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were analyzed. For detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), nymphs (3690) were...
Thursday 5 July 2018
In this study, we used this chamber model and showed that I. scapularis ticks will not only acquire bovine blood but human and quail blood as well. The latter two are the incidental host and an avian host of Lyme borreliae, respectively. We also investigated the roles that BBA52 and Lp6.6 play in promoting spirochete survival in nymphal ticks fed on human or quail blood. After feeding on human blood, spirochete burdens in ticks infected with an lp6.6-deficient B. burgdorferi were significantly reduced, while bba52-deficient spirochete burdens in ticks remained unchanged, similar to the wild-type strain. No strain showed a change in spirochete burdens in ticks fed on quail blood. These results indicate that Lp6.6 plays a role for B. burgdorferi in nymphs fed on human but not quail blood. Su...
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Thursday 5 July 2018
Publication date: August 2018Source: Journal of Microbiological Methods, Volume 151Author(s): Zhenyu Shen, Michael Z. Zhang, Roger W. Stich, William J. Mitchell, Shuping ZhangAbstractAnaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Lyme disease associated Borrelia spp. are the most common tick-borne pathogens reported to infect human beings worldwide and other animals, such as dogs and horses. In the present study, we developed a broad-coverage SYBR Green QPCR panel consisting of four individual assays for the detection and partial differentiation of the aforementioned pathogens. All assays were optimized to the same thermocycling condition and had a detection limit of 10 copies per reaction. The assays remained sensitive when used to test canine and equine blood DNA samples spiked wit...
Thursday 5 July 2018
Dan Drecktrah, Laura S. Hall, Philipp Rescheneder, Meghan Lybecker, D. Scott Samuels (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Tuesday 3 July 2018
This study suggests that accounting for landscape connectivity may improve model-based predictions of spatial spread patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s.. The findings are consistent with possible past dispersal patterns of B. burgdorferi s.s. as determined by phylogeographic studies. (Source: Ticks and Tick borne Diseases)
Tuesday 3 July 2018
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Ahead of Print. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)
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Monday 2 July 2018
. (Source: International Journal of Environmental Health Research)
Sunday 1 July 2018
The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics, treatment, and outcome according to each etiology of pachymeningitis. We conducted a retrospective multicenter French nationwide study between 2000 and 2016 to describe the characteristics, outcome, and treatment of pachymeningitis. We included 60 patients (median age 55.5 years; interquartile range [IQR] 30–80, female/male ratio 0.43). Neurologic signs were present in 59 patients (98%) and consisted of headache in 43 (72%), cranial nerve palsy in 33 (55%), confusion in 10 (17%), seizures in 7 (12%), and focal neurologic signs in 9 (15%). Fever and weight loss were present in 8 (13%) and 13 cases (22%), respectively. Cerebral venous thrombosis was present in 8 cases (13%). Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid showed moderate hyperp...
Sunday 1 July 2018
AbstractThe frequency of cells with cytogenetic disorders in the synovial fluid cells of the knee joints was studied in patients of different age groups with chronic arthritis associated with Lyme borreliosis (CAALB) or posttraumatic arthritis (PTA) with respect to polymorphism in the glutathioneS-transferase geneGSTM1. One hundred thirty five residents of the north of Tomsk and Tyumen oblasts were included in the study; 68 of them suffered from CAALB, while PTA was detected in the remaining 67 patients comprising the control group. Our results indicate the presence of significant age-related differences in the frequency of cytogenetic disorders in the synovial fluid cells of the knee joints between the groups of young and elderly CAALB patients. An integrative estimation of clinical and c...
Saturday 30 June 2018
Authors: Dainsberg C PMID: 29957621 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Nursing)
Friday 29 June 2018
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is the best way to remove a tick? We live near a grassy area and find several every summer, and I worry about Lyme disease. But there is so much conflicting information online about how to remove a tick properly and what to do after. ANSWER: If you find a tick [...] (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
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Thursday 28 June 2018
Authors: Lydon EC, Ko ER, Tsalik EL Abstract INTRODUCTION: A century of advances in infectious disease diagnosis and treatment changed the face of medicine. However, challenges continue to develop including multi-drug resistance, globalization that increases pandemic risks, and high mortality from severe infections. These challenges can be mitigated through improved diagnostics, and over the past decade, there has been a particular focus on the host response. Since this article was originally published in 2015, there have been significant developments in the field of host response diagnostics, warranting this updated review. Areas Covered: This review begins by discussing developments in single biomarkers and pauci-analyte biomarker panels. It then delves into 'omics, an area where...
Thursday 28 June 2018
Rachel Gordon, 27, who is believed to be from London, was diagnosed with Lyme disease privately last year after NHS doctors told her she had chronic fatigue syndrome. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Wednesday 27 June 2018
We examined incidence rate trends of first Lyme disease diagnosis among 384,652 Maryland Medicaid members enrolled from July 2004-June 2011. Age, gender, county, season, and year-specific incidence rates were calculated, and mixed effects multiple logistic regression models were used to study the relationship between diagnosis and these variables. The incidence rate in our sample was 97.65 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 91.53, 104.06), and there was a 13% average annual increase in odds of diagnosis (odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.17, P < 0.001). Incidence rates for males and females were not significantly different, though males were significantly more likely to be diagnosed during high season months (relative risk [RR]: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.44) and less li...
Tuesday 26 June 2018
Conclusions: The current findings are consistent with the literature showing that the most robust neurocognitive deficit associated with PTLDS is in verbal memory and with variable decline in processing speed. Compared to population normative comparison standards, PTLDS-related cognitive decline remains mild. Thus, further research is needed to better understand factors related to the magnitude of subjective cognitive complaints as well as objective evidence of mild cognitive decline. PMID: 29945190 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology)
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Tuesday 26 June 2018
Authors: Antony S Abstract In the United States, tick-borne illnesses account for a significant number of patients that have been seen and treated by health care facilities. This in turn, has resulted in a significant morbidity and mortality and economic costs to the country. The distribution of these illnesses is geographically variable and is related to the climate as well. Many of these illnesses can be diagnosed and treated successfully, if recognized and started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy early in the disease process. Patient with illnesses such as Lyme disease, Wet Nile illness can result in chronic debilitating diseases if not recognized early and treated. This paper covers illnesses such as Lyme disease, West Nile illness, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Ehrlichia, ...
Monday 25 June 2018
Former model Jessica Bennett says her life has been devastated by Lyme disease. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
Saturday 23 June 2018
Cellular Microbiology,Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-. (Source: Cellular Microbiology)
Friday 22 June 2018
In this study, a total of 138 blood specimens collected from Bactrian camels from Zhangye City in Gansu Province and Yili and Aksu in Xinjiang Province, China, were examined for the presence of Borrelia spp. Species-specificity nested PCR based on the 5S-23S rRNA, OspA, flaB and 16S rRNA genes revealed that the total positive rate of Borrelia spp. was 3.6% (5/138, 95% CI = 0.2-17.9). These results were confirmed by sequence analysis of the positive PCR products or positive colonies. This is the first report of Borrelia pathogens in camels in China. Two Borrelia species that cause Lyme disease and one that causes relapsing fever were identified in the camel blood samples by sequencing. The findings of this study indicate that the Bactrian camel may serve as a potential natural host of L...
Thursday 21 June 2018
Amy B. Scher’s “This Is How I Save My Life” is the true story of a fiery young woman diagnosed with late-stage, chronic Lyme disease whose journey takes her from near-death in California to a trip around the world in search of her ultimate salvation. This excerpt coincides with the book’s release in paperback from Gallery Books, an imprint CBS sister company Simon & Schuster. I am twenty-eight years old when I arrive in magnificent India. I am here with my parents, an updated vaccine record, and a visa, searching for something I cannot find at home: a cure. In a tiny hospital on the outskirts of Delhi, a female Indian doctor is offering experimental embryonic stem cell therapy to patients from all over the world. That is what I have come for. For the past seven years, my body h...
Thursday 21 June 2018
The most common tick-borne illness in the U.S. (30,000+ new cases a year), Lyme disease produces a wide range of symptoms ranging from fever and rash to arthritis and paralysis. Thanks to biotech, genome sequencing and precision medicine, prevention, early detection and treatment are now possible. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)
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Thursday 21 June 2018
Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease (LD), uses host-derived signals to modulate gene expression during the vector and mammalian phases of infection. Microarray analysis of mutants lacking the Borrelia host adaptation regulator (BadR) revealed the downregulation of genes encoding enzymes whose role in the pathophysiology of B. burgdorferi is unknown. Immunoblot analysis of the badR mutants confirmed reduced levels of these enzymes, and one of these enzymes, encoded by bb0086, shares homology to prokaryotic magnesium chelatase and Lon-type proteases. The BB0086 levels in B. burgdorferi were higher under conditions mimicking those in fed ticks. Mutants lacking bb0086 had no apparent in vitro growth defect but were incapable of colonizing immunocompetent C3H/HeN or immunodeficient ...
Wednesday 20 June 2018
The objectives of this study were to use data from client-owned cats in an Ixodes scapularis endemic area to evaluate for clinical associations with diagnostic test results for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi and to provide information from a group of cats with possible borreliosis as the cause of clinical manifestations of disease. All cases were evaluated at one clinic, medical records were evaluated, and sera from all cats were tested using one of two commercially available assays labeled for the use with dog sera (SNAP ® 4Dx® or SNAP® 4Dx® Plus; IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME). (Source: Topics in Companion Animal Medicine)
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Wednesday 20 June 2018
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the host selection of ticks may be influenced by the physiological or biochemical profile of an individual, such as their blood group. This means that a blood group of an individual can be one of the factors that increase the risk of tick bite and the transmission of dangerous diseases and thus must not be underestimated. PMID: 29936803 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM)
Tuesday 19 June 2018
(University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences) Doctors found that cases of Lyme disease in children have increased exponentially in western Pennsylvania. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Sunday 17 June 2018
(Natural News) Research published in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology revealed yet another sweet benefit of stevia. Known for its natural sweetening properties, stevia was discovered to be a safer and even more effective alternative to conventional, toxic antibiotics in treating Lyme disease. The researchers from the University of New Haven used an alcohol extract... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Saturday 16 June 2018
Clinical Significance of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 for Breast Cancer & Adenocarcinomas of Various Internal Organs and Alzheimer's Brain with Increased β-amyloid (1-42); Combined Use of Optimal Doses of Vitamin D3 and Taurine 3 times/day Has Significant Beneficial Effects of Anti-Cancer, Anti-Ischemic Heart, and Memory & Other Brain Problems By Significant Urinary Excretion of Viruses, Bacteria, and Toxic Metals & Substances. Acupunct Electrother Res. 2016;41(2):127-134 Authors: Omura Y Abstract Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) has a significant role in various cancers and Alzheimer's disease. 500 breast cancer mammograms as well as 3 cases of adenocarcinomas of esophagus, stomach, colon, prostate gland, uterus, ovary that was examined had significa...
Saturday 16 June 2018
In this study, possible role of another Oligopeptide ABC transporter, OppA4 in ospC expression was investigated by construction of an oppA4 deletion mutant and the complemented strain. Inactivation of oppA4 resulted an increased production of OspC, suggesting that OppA4 has a negative impact on ospC expression. Expression of ospC is controlled by Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS, the central pathway essential for mammal infection. We showed that increased ospC expression in the oppA4 mutant was due to an increased rpoS expression. We then further investigated how OppA4 negatively regulates this pathway. Two regulators, BosR and BadR, are known to positively and negatively, respectively, regulate the Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS pathway. We found that deletion of oppA4 resulted in an increased level of BosR. Previous repo...
Monday 11 June 2018
Authors: Norris SJ Abstract The spirochetes that cause Lyme disease have an elaborate antigenic variation system that produces millions of variants, thus evading the immune response. Verhey et al. have applied next-generation sequencing and computational analysis to gain new insights into how these bacteria keep 'one step ahead' of elimination by the host. PMID: 29903419 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Microbiology)
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Monday 11 June 2018
Erythema migrans (EM) is the most common manifestation of Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The infection can disseminate into the nervous system and cause Lyme neur... (Source: BMC Pediatrics)
Tuesday 5 June 2018
Contributors : Timothy Casseli ; Adam ScheideggerSeries Type : Expression profiling by high throughput sequencing ; Methylation profiling by high throughput sequencingOrganism : Borreliella burgdorferiSingle Molecule Real Time (SMRT) sequencing was utilized to map the genome-wide DNA methylation pattern, and to identify consensus modified motifs in B. burgdorferi as well as isogenic methyltransferase mutants. Four conserved m6A modification motifs were identified, and were fully attributable to the presence of specific methyltransferases. Next, RNA-seq was compared between strains to determine the effects of altering global DNA methylation patterns on gene expression. Whole-genome transcriptome changes were observed in conjunction with the loss of methyltransferase enzymes, indicating that...
Tuesday 5 June 2018
(Natural News) The official stance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Lyme disease is that it is a tick-borne illness that it completely treatable by a short round (typically no more than three weeks) of antibiotics. While true in broad strokes, this position is hardly useful for those who do not... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Monday 4 June 2018
This article originally appeared on Health.com (Source: TIME: Health)
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Friday 1 June 2018
CONCLUSION: We report this case to increase awareness among clinicians to include Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis of optic neuritis for unexplained cases of vision loss, particularly in Lyme endemic areas. PMID: 30048578 [PubMed - in process] (Source: WMJ)
Thursday 31 May 2018
(Source: BMJ)
Thursday 31 May 2018
Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDKs) are implicated in a wide variety of cellular functions owing to their enzymatic conversion of NDP to NTP. NDK from Borrelia burgdorferi (BbNDK) was selected for functional and structural analysis to determine whether its activity is required for infection and to assess its potential for therapeutic inhibition. The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Diseases (SSGCID) expressed recombinant BbNDK protein. The protein was crystallized and structures were solved of both the apoenzyme and a liganded form with ADP and vanadate ligands. This provided two structures and allowed the elucidation of changes between the apo and ligand-bound enzymes. Infectivity studies with ndk transposon mutants demonstrated that NDK function was important for estab...
Thursday 31 May 2018
Authors: Sánchez-Vázquez DR, Márquez MF, Baranchuk A PMID: 29861394 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archivos de Cardiologia de Mexico)
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Wednesday 30 May 2018
Authors: Raoult D PMID: 29805049 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medecine et Maladies Infectieuses)
Wednesday 30 May 2018
[Abstract unavailable] Language: en... (Source: SafetyLit)
Wednesday 30 May 2018
We present evidence for clustering of these recombination events within the population and along the vlsE gene, a role for the direct repeats flanking the variable region in vlsE, and the importance of sequence homology in determining the location of recombination, despite RecA’s dispensability. Finally, we report that non-templated sequence variation is strongly associated with recombinational switching and occurs predominantly at the 5′ end of conversion tracts. This likely results from an error-prone repair mechanism operational during recombinational switching that elevates the mutation rate > 5,000-fold in switched regions. Graphical abstract Teaser The Lyme disease spirochete is a master of disguise and escapes the host immune system by continually changing a major surfac...
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Chrysoula Kitsou, Utpal Pal (Source: Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology)
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Publication date: Available online 28 May 2018 Source:Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Author(s): Scott C. Williams, Eliza A.H. Little, Kirby C. Stafford, Goudarz Molaei, Megan A. Linske Lyme disease continues to be the most common vector-borne disease in the United States with an estimated 330,000 human cases annually. In the eastern United States, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and the white footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, is a primary reservoir host. In four residential neighborhoods in Connecticut over three years, we tested the effectiveness of different low-toxicity integrated tick management approaches to control larval and nymphal I. scapularis parasitizing P. leucopus. Combinations of white-tail...
Tuesday 29 May 2018
Authors: Yoshii K, Sato K, Ishizuka M, Kobayashi S, Kariwa H, Kawabata H Abstract Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is widely prevalent on the Eurasian continent, including Japan, but four cases of TBE have been reported in Japan. To inspect unconfirmed TBE cases in Japan, we conducted a retrospective seroepidemiological study of a total of 158 samples from 81 meningoencephalitis patients suspected as Lyme disease. Two serum samples from one patient showed neutralizing antibodies against TBE virus. The patient with severe and progressive encephalitis had a history of tick bite in Hokkaido in 2012. These results demonstrated that tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) case was actually unconfirmed in Japan. Further seroepidemiological surveys are required to identify unconfirmed TBEV infe...
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Monday 28 May 2018
Drug company Valneva, based in Lyon, France, has successfully completed the first ever human trial for a vaccine against Lyme disease which affects 600,000 people every year. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Sunday 27 May 2018
Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018 Source:Journal of Microbiological Methods Author(s): Zhenyu Shen, Michael Z. Zhang, Roger W. Stich, William J. Mitchell, Shuping Zhang Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Lyme disease associated Borrelia spp. are the most common tick-borne pathogens reported to infect human beings worldwide and other animals, such as dogs and horses. In the present study, we developed a broad-coverage SYBR Green QPCR panel consisting of four individual assays for the detection and partial differentiation of the aforementioned pathogens. All assays were optimized to the same thermocycling condition and had a detection limit of 10 copies per reaction. The assays remained sensitive when used to test canine and equine blood DNA samples spiked wit...
Friday 25 May 2018
Cellular Microbiology, EarlyView. (Source: Cellular Microbiology)
Thursday 24 May 2018
As we enter what is expected to be the worst season for ticks in years, you may want to invest in repellent clothing to guard against Lyme disease, as a CDC study found the garments immobilize bugs. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Thursday 24 May 2018
(Indiana University) A new environmental monitoring project at Indiana University has found increased numbers of deer ticks, which often carry Lyme disease, in Southern Indiana. The presence of an organism that carries a specific disease-causing bacterium -- like deer ticks -- is commonly followed by a rise in the associated illness. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Wednesday 23 May 2018
(Natural News) Darin Ingels, N.D., FAAEM followed the alkaline diet to cure himself of Lyme disease. The naturopathic doctor said that among all the other diets that claim to improve the disease’s symptoms, he found the alkaline diet to be the most helpful. An introduction to the alkaline diet The alkaline diet is based on... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
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Wednesday 23 May 2018