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Many human clinical cases attributed to vector-borne pathogens are underreported in Malaysia, especially in rural localities where healthcare infrastructures are lacking. Here, 217 small mammals, consisting of rodents and tree shrews, were trapped in oil palm plantations in the Peninsular Malaysia states of Johor and Perak. Species identification was performed using morphological and DNA barcoding analyses, and 203 small mammals were included in the detection of selected vector-borne bacteria. The DNA extracted from the spleens was examined for Orientiatsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. using established PCR assays. The small mammals collected in this study included Rattus tanezumi R3 mitotype (n = 113), Rattus argentiventer (n = 24), Rattus tiomanicus (n = 22), Rattus exulans (n = 17), Rattus tanezumi sensu stricto (n = 1) and Tupaia glis (n = 40). Orientiatsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonellaphoceensis were detected in the small mammals with the respective detection rates of 12.3%, 5.9% and 4.9%. Rickettsia spp., however, was not detected. This study encountered the presence of both Lyme disease and relapsing fever-related borreliae in small mammals collected from the oil palm plantation study sites. All three microorganisms (Orientiatsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella phoceensis) were detected in the R. tanezumi R3 mitotype, suggesting that the species is a competent host for multiple microorganisms. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the relationships between the ectoparasites, the small mammals and the respective pathogens.

Background: The red fox, Vulpes vulpes is the most widely distributed terrestrial carnivore species in Europe, which is parasitized by exophilic as well as nidicolous Ixodes ticks. However, the role of these canids and their tick fauna in the maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) is still insufficiently understood. Results: A total of 1,583 ticks were removed from ears of 120 infested animals and were identified to species using a nested PCR targeting the ITS2 and cox1 fragments of Ixodes DNA. Ixodes kaiseri prevailed (76%), followed by I. canisuga (12%), I. ricinus (10%), and I. hexagonus (2%). In total, 32.4% of 943 ticks yielded Borrelia DNA and ten species of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex were identified. Borrelia garinii and B. afzelii composed 70% of all infections. The other eight species included B. americana, B. bissettiae, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. californiensis, B. carolinensis, B. lanei, B. spielmanii, and B. valaisiana. Analysis of 229 foxes showed that 25% were infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. Borrelia garinii was detected in 91% of the infected animals, including 31% of mixed infections with B. afzelii, the second most prevalent species, followed by B. spielmanii. Conclusions: The clear predominance of B. garinii in PCR-positive animals and infected larval ticks (38.1%), suggests that this spirochete and B. afzelii are preferentially associated with these wild canids. Although red foxes are exposed to high diversity of B. burgdorferi s.l. species found in engorged Ixodes ticks, their reservoir competence for most of them appears to be low.

Ticks are hematophagous parasites that can transmit a variety of human pathogens, and their life cycle is dependent on several climatic factors for development and survival. We conducted a study in Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Italy, between 2009 and 2018. The study matched human sample serologies for Borrelia spp. with publicly available climatic and meteorological data. A total of 12,928 serological immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and Western blot (WB) tests were analysed. The median number of IFA and WB tests per year was 1236 (range 700–1997), with the highest demand in autumn 2018 (N = 289). In the study period, positive WB showed an increasing trend, peaking in 2018 for both IgM (N = 97) and IgG (N = 61). These results were consistent with a regional climatic variation trending towards an increase in both temperature and humidity. Our results suggest that coupling data from epidemiology and the environment, and the use of a “one health” approach, may provide a powerful tool in understanding disease transmission and strengthen collaboration between specialists in the era of climate instability.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:33:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-11-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundação de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul The emergence of tick-borne diseases has been reported as a serious problem in public health worldwide and many aspects of its epidemiology and effects on the health of its hosts are unclear. We aimed to perform an epidemiological study of tick-borne zoonotic Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Anaplasmataceae in horses from Midwestern Brazil. We also evaluated whether Borrelia spp. and Anaplasmataceae may be associated with hematological disorders in the sampled animals. Blood and serum samples as well as ticks were collected from 262 horses. Serum samples were used to perform serological tests, and hematological analyses were made using whole blood. Furthermore, DNA extracted from whole blood and ticks was used for molecular tests. Campo Grande is enzootic for tick-borne studied bacteria, since we found an overall exposure of 59.9% of the sampled horses, 28.7% of them presented co-exposure. Seropositivity rates of 20.6% for Borrelia spp., 25.6% for Rickettsia spp., and 31.6% for Anaplasmataceae were found in the sampled horses. Considering both molecular and serological tests for Borrelia spp., the infection rate was 48.0% (126/262). None of the tested horses showed molecular positivity for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The horses sampled displayed 7.2% of parasitism by ixodid ticks in single and coinfestations. We did not find DNA of any studied bacteria in the sampled ticks. Positive horses for Borrelia spp. and Anaplasmataceae agents displayed leukopenia, monocytopenia, and lymphopenia. Together, our results suggest that horses may play a role as sentinel host for zoonotic bacteria and Borrelia spp. and Anaplasmataceae agents can impair the health of horses. Laboratory Insana Huna Interface Between Animal Environmental and Human Health Department of Biosaúde University Católica Dom Bosco Immunoparasitology Laboratory Department of Pathology University Estadual Paulista, Campus Jaboticabal Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases University Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health University of São Paulo Immunoparasitology Laboratory Department of Pathology University Estadual Paulista, Campus Jaboticabal CNPq: 302420 / 2017-7 CNPq: 308768/2017-5 FAPESP: 59/300.187/2016 Fundação de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul: 59/300.187/2016

In Europe, Ixodes ricinus is the main vector for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), the most common tick species in Italy, particularly represented in pre-alpine and hilly northern areas. From 2011 to 2017, ticks were collected by dragging in Belluno province (northeast Italy) and analyzed by molecular techniques for TBP detection. Several species of Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. Anaplaspa phagocitophilum, Neoerlichia mikurensis and Babesia venatorum, were found to be circulating in the study area carried by I. ricinus (n = 2668, all stages). Overall, 39.1% of screened pools were positive for at least one TBP, with a prevalence of 12.25% and 29.2% in immature stages and adults, respectively. Pathogens were detected in 85% of the monitored municipalities, moreover the presence of TBPs varied from one to seven different pathogens in the same year. The annual TBPs prevalence fluctuations observed in each municipality highlights the necessity of performing continuous tick surveillance. In conclusion, the observation of TBPs in ticks remains an efficient strategy for monitoring the circulation of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in a specific area.

The horse industry has grown rapidly as a leisure industry in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in parallel with an increased demand for equestrian activities. As a result, there has been an increase in horse breeding and equestrian population and potential exposure to ticks and their associated pathogens. To provide a better understanding of the potential disease risks of veterinary and medical importance, a study was conducted to determine the geographical distribution and diversity of ticks collected from horses and vegetation associated with horse racetracks/ranches throughout the ROK. This included a survey of five associated common pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia spp., Babesia caballi, and Theileria equi. A total 9220 ticks were collected from horses and associated pastures. Ticks were identified to species, stage of development, and sex. Two species of ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis (99.9%) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%) were identified. Two of the target pathogens, A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp., were detected in 5/1409 tick pools (0.35%) and 4/1409 pools (0.28%) of H. longicornis, respectively, both of which are zoonotic pathogens of medical importance. The results of 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis of A. phagocytophilum showed a close relationship to strains distributed in China, USA, Germany, Italy, Turkey, and Poland. Borrelia spp. showed a close relationship, based on 16S rRNA gene, to the strains reported from the USA (B. burgdorferi and B. americana) and Japan (B. tanukii and B. garinii). These results provide information about the potential risks of veterinary and medical importance and the development of mitigation strategies for disease prevention.

Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and environmental pollution lead to a reduction in the spatial boundary between wild animals, domestic animals and humans. These activities increase the risk for the emergence of pathogens from the sylvatic cycle in the population of domestic animals and humans. Foxes are recognized as potential reservoirs for a number of bacterial pathogens of medical and public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and spatial distribution of bacterial tick-borne pathogens from the Anaplasmataceae family, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp., in the red fox population from Serbia and to discuss the obtained results from the epidemiological point of view. Legally hunted red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from 14 localities in Serbia were included in the study and spleen samples from 129 animals were tested with conventional PCR assays for the presence of bacterial tick-borne pathogens. DNA of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia garinii was detected in 6 (4.7%), 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.6%) and 1 (0.8%) animals, respectively. Co-infection by Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and B. garinii was detected in one animal. All samples were negative for other tested bacterial tick-borne pathogens. The results of the present study indicate the potential role of foxes in natural cycles of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and causative agents of Lyme borreliosis in the investigated areas. Further research is required to elucidate the role of foxes in the epidemiology of these and other tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in the Republic of Serbia.

Background Tick-borne diseases are common throughout Europe. Ticks transmit pathogens to the host while feeding and together with mosquitoes, they are major vectors of infectious agents worldwide. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of tick-bite events and tick-borne disease in northwest Italy, but information on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans remains scarce. To fill this gap, we report here the prevalence of tick bites and tick-borne pathogens documented for humans in Piedmont, northwest Italy, in the 3-year period 2017–2019. Methods Ticks attached to humans during 2017–2019 were collected from residents of urban and rural area by physicians and veterinarians working with local veterinary agencies. All ticks (n = 1290) were morphologically identified to the species level. A subset of ticks removed from children (age 0–18 years) and the elderly (> 70 years), both age groups considered to be at-risk populations, was screened by biomolecular analysis to detect pathogens (e.g. Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp.). Pathogen identity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results Ticks were taxonomically assigned to ten species of six genera (Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus). Most belonged to the genus Ixodes: 1009 ticks (78.22%) were classified as Ixodes ricinus. A subset of 500 ticks collected from the two at-risk populations were subjected to PCR assay to determine the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasma spp. The overall prevalence of infection was 22.8% (n = 114; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.19–26.73%), meaning that at least one pathogen was detected: Rickettsia spp. (prevalence 15%, n = 76; 95% CI 12.17–18.65%); Borrelia spp. (prevalence 6.4%, n = 32; 95% CI 4.42–8.92%); and Anaplasma spp. (prevalence 1.2%, n = 6; 95% CI 0.44–2.6%). Conclusions Our data underline the importance of surveillance in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases and the implementation of strategies to control tick infestation and associated pathogens. Graphical Abstract

Ticks have a great importance in human and veterinary medicine but general knowledge about tick fauna in different hosts in Serbia is lacking. Since research on ticks that parasitize foxes has not been done systematically, the goal of this study was to research the tick fauna in Red Fox population and identify the most important tick-borne pathogens that can be transmitted to other mammals, including humans. For the purpose of this study 129 red foxes and 113 ticks parasitizing on them were collected. A total of six tick species was identified. The most abundant species was Ixodes ricinus (69%), followed by I. hexagonus (11.5%), I. canisuga (5.3%), I. kaiseri (5.3%), Dermacentor reticulatus (4.4%) and Haemaphysalis concinna (4.4%). Spleen samples from 129 collected red foxes were individually tested for presence of following tick-borne pathogens: Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp. DNA of pathogenic microorganisms was detected in spleen samples of 94 out of 129 animals (72.9%). DNA of Hepatozoon spp. was detected in 79 analyzed animals (61.2%). H. canis was identified after sequencing and analyzing the data. DNA of Babesia spp. was detected in 38 analyzed animals (29.5%). Presence of two Babesia species was confirmed: B. vulpes in 37 samples (28.7%) and B. canis in one sample (0.8%). Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. complex revealed presence of the pathogen in 7 samples (5.4%) from 5 localities. The obtained sequences from sequencing of 5S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region confirmed presence of three B. burgdorferi s. l. species: B. burgdorferi s. s., B. lusitaniae and B. garinii. Finally Candidatus Neoerlichia sp. (FU98) was confirmed in 6 Red Fox individuals. Крпељи имају велики значај у хуманој и ветеринарској медицини, али генерално недостају информације о фауни крпеља код различитих домаћинима у Србији. Будући да истраживање на крпељима који паразитирају на лисицама није рађено систематски, циљ ове студије је био да истражити фауну крпеља у популацији лисице, и да идентификује најважније патогене који преносе крпељи, а који се се могу пренети на друге сисаре, укључујући и људе. За потребе ове студије прикупљено је 129 лисица и 113 крпеља који паразитирају на њима. Идентификовано је укупно шест врста крпеља. Ixodes ricinus (69%), је била најбројнија врста, и прате је I. hexagonus (11.5%), I. canisuga (5.3%), I. kaiseri (5.3%), Dermacentor reticulatus (4.4%) и Haemaphysalis concinna (4.4%). Прикупљени узорци слезине од 129 лисица појединачно су тестирани на присуство следећих патогена који преносе крпељи: Anaplasmataceae, Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis и Bartonella spp. ДНК патогених микроорганизама је детектована у узорцима слезине код 94 од 129 анализираних животиња (72.9%). ДНК пореклом од Hepatozoon spp. jе детектована у 79 анализираних животиња (61.2%). H. canis је идентификован након секвенцирања и анализирања података. ДНК Babesia spp. је детектована код 38 анализираних животиња (29.5%). Потврђено је присуство две врсте Babesia: B. vulpes код 37 узорака (28.7%), и B. canis у једном узорку (0.8%). Присуство Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. комплекса је откривено код 7 узорака (5.4%) на 5 локалитета. Секвенцирањем добијених секвенци 5S-23S rRNA интергенског региона потврђено је присуство три B. burgdorferi s. l. врсте: B. burgdorferi s. s., B. lusitaniae и B. garinii. Коначно, Candidatus Neoerlichia sp. (FU98) је потврђена код 6 јединки лисица.

In mountain areas of northwestern Italy, ticks were rarely collected in the past. In recent years, a marked increase in tick abundance has been observed in several Alpine valleys, together with more frequent reports of Lyme borreliosis. We then carried out a four-year study to assess the distribution and abundance of ticks and transmitted pathogens and determine their altitudinal limit in a natural park area in Piedmont region. Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor marginatus were collected from both the vegetation and hunted wild ungulates. Tick abundance was significantly associated with altitude, habitat type and signs of animal presence, roe deer’s in particular. Ixodes ricinus prevailed in distribution and abundance and, although their numbers decreased with increasing altitude, we recorded the presence of all active life stages of up to around 1700 m a.s.l., with conifers as the second most infested habitat after deciduous woods. Molecular analyses demonstrated the infection of questing I. ricinus nymphs with B. burgdorferi sensu lato (15.5 %), Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis (20.7 %), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.9 %), Borrelia miyamotoi (0.5 %) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (0.5 %). One third of the questing D. marginatus were infected with R. slovaca. We observed a spatial aggregation of study sites infested by B. burgdorferi s.l. infected ticks below 1400 m. Borrelia-infected nymphs prevailed in open areas, while SFG rickettsiae prevalence was higher in coniferous and deciduous woods. Interestingly, prevalence of SFG rickettsiae in ticks doubled above 1400 m, and R. helvetica was the only pathogen detected above 1800 m a.s.l. Tick infestation on hunted wild ungulates indicated the persistence of tick activity during winter months and, when compared to past studies, confirmed the recent spread of I. ricinus in the area. Our study provides new insights into the population dynamics of ticks in the Alps and confirms a further expansion of ticks to higher altitudes in Europe. We underline the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach in order to develop effective strategies for the surveillance of tick-borne diseases, and inform the public about the hazard posed by ticks, especially in recently invaded areas.

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 warming Lyme disease is a growing problem. Rising number of Lyme disease cases we can expect and rising number of Lyme endocarditis.

In den letzten Jahrzehnten sind Zecken und die von ihnen übertragenen Pathogene zunehmend ins Blickfeld der Öffentlichkeit gerückt. Zecken gehören zu den blutsaugenden Arthropoden, die in der nördlichen Hemisphäre, Europa und Nord-Amerika, die größte Bandbreite an humanpathogenen Erregern übertragen und mehr Krankheitsfälle verursachen als jeder andere Vektor. Es gibt Hinweise darauf, dass medizinisch bedeutsame Zeckenarten ihre Verbreitungsgebiete ausweiten und daraus ein höheres gesundheitliches Risiko für den Menschen resultiert. Dennoch gibt es wenig Untersuchungen, die das Vorkommen von Zecken, ihre Populationsdynamik und die Interaktionen zwischen Zecken und Wirten in natürlicher Umgebung eingehend untersuchen. Gleichzeitig fehlen Studien, die das komplexe Zusammenspiel zwischen Zecken und zecken-übertragenen Pathogenen untersuchen, vor allem wenn Reservoir-Wirte in den Transmissions-Zyklus eingebunden sind. Zahlreiche Studien aus den USA und Europa verweisen auf eine besondere Bedeutung von Kleinsäugern für die Entwicklung von Zeckenpopulationen und den von ihnen übertragenen Pathogenen. Für den Erhalt eines Pathogens in natürlicher Umgebung muss dieses von einer Zecke entweder über Blutmahlzeit an einem infizierten Wirt oder mittels Ko-Feeding an ein und demselben Wirt aufgenommen werden. Dabei parasitieren die unterschiedlichen Stadien an verschiedenen Wirten. Die ersten Entwicklungsstadien, Larve und Nymphe, suchen kleinere Säuger für ihre Blutmahlzeit auf, während die adulten Stadien an größeren Wirten wie Rehen oder Hirschen saugen. Der Einfluss dieser Wirte auf die Zeckenabundanz und die von ihnen übertragenen Pathogene sollte in der vorliegenden Studie in verschiedenen Habitaten untersucht werden. Dazu wurden an drei Standorten im Bienwald, Rheinland-Pfalz, in drei aufeinander folgenden Jahren (2014-2016) Kleinsäuger mit Lebend-Fallen gefangen und auf Zecken untersucht. Die abgesammelten Zecken wurden hinsichtlich Art und Stadium bestimmt und anschließend auf drei Erreger, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp. und Anaplasma phagocytophilum, untersucht. Ergänzend wurden wirtssuchende Zecken mittels Flaggen von der Vegetation abgesammelt und ebenfalls auf die genannten Pathogene getestet. Die gewonnenen Ergebnisse wurden durch weitere Daten zur Zeckenfauna aus dem Bienwald ergänzt und mit einer methodisch identischen Studie zu Kleinsäugern und deren Zecken sowie Pathogenen aus Baden-Württemberg verglichen. In meiner Studie konnte gezeigt werden, dass deutlich geringe Abundanzen von Kleinsäuger-Populationen an den beprobten Standorten im Bienwald als in der Studie in Baden-Württemberg vorlagen, was auf besondere Bedingungen in den Habitaten des Bienwaldes zurückgeführt werden kann. Dennoch war die Kleinsäuger-Gemeinschaft in ihrer Zusammensetzung mit der der Habitate in Baden-Württemberg vergleichbar. Trotz geringerer Abundanz der Kleinsäuger wiesen diese einen annähernd gleichen Befall mit Zeckenarten und -stadien auf, wie er an den Standorten in Baden-Württemberg festgestellt wurde. Damit wird das Ergebnis der baden-württembergischen Studie, dass Kleinsäuger-Populationen nur einen geringen Einfluss auf die Zeckendichte in den Untersuchungsgebieten haben, bestätigt und erneut herausgestellt, dass Zecken-Wirts-Interaktionen in Europa anderen Mechanismen unterliegen als die in den USA. Daraus resultiert eine besondere ökologische und epidemiologische Bedeutung der hauptsächlich gefundenen Art I. ricinus, die stabile Populationen im Bienwald ausbildet, unabhängig von Kleinsäuger- oder Rehwild-Aufkommen. Da diese Art Vektorpotenzial für alle getesteten Pathogene besitzt, ergibt sich trotz geringerer Abundanzen als in Baden-Württemberg ein hohes Infektionsrisiko für den Menschen. Dabei zeigten sich spezifische Reservoir-Vektor-Pathogen-Systeme: Während die Prävalenzen für Borrelia spp. wegen der geringen Kleinsäuger-Abundanz im Bienwald niedrig lagen und wegen fehlender transovarialer Transmission auch im Vektor gering waren, zeigte sich für Rickettsia spp. ein von Kleinsäugern unabhängiger Zyklus, der unter natürlichen Bedingungen allein durch den Vektor erhalten bleibt. Daraus resultiert ein hohes Infektionsrisiko für den Menschen. Die Prävalenzen für A. phagocytophilum schwankten in den drei Beprobungsjahren stark und lassen den Schluss zu, dass dieses Pathogen offenbar zur Resistenzbildung im Wirt führt und daher nur in bestimmten Jahren im Vektor auftritt und auf den Menschen übertragen werden kann. Die Ergebnisse meiner Studie verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit von Langzeitstudien zu Zecken, ihren Wirten und den zeckenübertragenen Pathogenen. Da in meiner Studie zahlreiche Erst-Nachweise für Pathogene in bestimmten Zeckenarten sowie zahlreiche Ko-Infektionen von Pathogenen in Zecken nachgewiesen werden konnten, bestätigt sich die bedeutende epidemiologische Rolle von Zecken und zeckenübertragenen Pathogenen.

Background Pediculus humanus, which includes two ecotypes (body and head lice), is an obligate bloodsucking parasite that co-evolved with their human hosts over thousands of years, thus providing a valuable source of information to reconstruct the human migration. Pediculosis due to head lice occurred each year throughout the world and several pathogenic bacteria, which are usually associated with body lice, are increasingly detected in them. In Gabon, where this pediculosis is still widespread, there is a lack of data on genetic diversity of head lice and their associated bacteria. Methods This study aimed to investigate the phylogeny of head lice collected in Gabon and their associated bacteria, using molecular tools. Between 26 March and 11 April 2018, 691 head lice were collected from 86 women in Franceville. We studied the genetic diversity of these lice based on the cytochrome b gene, then we screened them for DNA of Bartonella quintana, Borrelia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Yersinia pestis, Rickettsia spp., R. prowazekii, Anaplasma spp. and C. burnetii, using real time or standard PCR and sequencing. Results Overall 74.6% of studied lice belonged to Clade A, 25.3% to Clade C and 0.1% to Clade E. The phylogenetic analysis of 344 head lice yielded 45 variable positions defining 13 different haplotypes from which 8 were novel. Bacterial screening revealed the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA in 3 (0.4%) of 691 head lice belonging to Clade A and infesting one individual. This Borrelia is close to B. theileri (GenBank: MN621894). Acinetobacter spp. DNA has been detected in 39 (25%) of the 156 screened lice; of these 13 (8.3%) corresponded to A. baumannii. Acinetobacter nosocomialis (n = 2) and A. pittii (n = 1) were also recorded. Conclusions To of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice from Gabon. It appears that Clade C is the second most important clade in Gabon, after Clade A which is known to have a global distribution. The detection of Borrelia spp. DNA in these lice highlight the potential circulation of these bacteria in Gabon.

Background: Pediculus humanus, which includes two ecotypes (body and head lice), is an obligate bloodsucking parasite that co-evolved with their human hosts over thousands of years, thus providing a valuable source of information to reconstruct the human migration. Pediculosis due to head lice occurred each year throughout the world and several pathogenic bacteria, which are usually associated with body lice, are increasingly detected in them. In Gabon, where this pediculosis is still widespread, there is a lack of data on genetic diversity of head lice and their associated bacteria. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the phylogeny of head lice collected in Gabon and their associated bacteria, using molecular tools. Between 26 March and 11 April 2018, 691 head lice were collected from 86 women in Franceville. We studied the genetic diversity of these lice based on the cytochromebgene, then we screened them for DNA of Bartonella quintana, Borreliaspp., Acinetobacterspp.,Yersinia pestis, Rickettsiaspp., R. prowazekii, Anaplasmaspp. and C. burnetii, using real time or standard PCR and sequencing. Results: Overall 74.6% of studied lice belonged to Clade A, 25.3% to Clade C and 0.1% to Clade E. The phylogenetic analysis of 344 head lice yielded 45 variable positions defining 13 different haplotypes from which 8 were novel. Bacterial screening revealed the presence of Borreliaspp. DNA in 3 (0.4%) of 691 head lice belonging to Clade A and infesting one individual. This Borreliais close to B. theileri(GenBank: MN621894).Acinetobacterspp. DNA has been detected in 39 (25%) of the 156 screened lice; of these 13 (8.3%) corresponded toA. baumannii. Acinetobacter nosocomialis(n = 2) andA. pittii(n = 1) were also recorded. Conclusions: To of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice from Gabon. It appears that Clade C is the second most important clade in Gabon, after Clade A which is known to have a global distribution. The detection ofBorreliaspp. DNA in these lice highlight the potential circulation of these bacteria in Gabon.

Comprehensive epidemiological surveys for Lyme disease have not been conducted for the Bactrian camel in China. 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 Lyme disease and/or relapsing fever in China., Highlights • This is the first report of Borrelia pathogens using molecular tools in Bactrian camel. • Bactrian camel may play as potential natural host of Lyme disease in China. • The results revealed that the prevalence of Borrelia spp. were 3.6% based on sequences of four genes. • A novel Borrelia genespecies belong to Relapsing fever Borrelia spp. was found.

Background 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 the form of volatile and non-volatile oils, and fatty acids with proven anti-borreliae efficacy could become an additional support or an alternative for consideration in treatment approaches. Methods In this study we investigated 47 lipids (30 volatile and non-volatile oils, and 17 fatty acids) of plant and animal origin against typical motile, knob/round-shaped persisters, and biofilm-like aggregates of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. and Borrelia garinii, which are identified as pathogenic factors of Lyme disease in the USA and Europe, using direct microscopic counting and spectrofluorometric measurements. Results Out of all examined lipids, 5 oils (Bay leaf oil, Birch oil, Cassia oil, Chamomile oil German, and Thyme oil) at or below 0.25%, and 3 fatty acids (13Z,16Z Docosadienoic acid, erucic acid, and petroselinic acid) at or below 0.75 mg/ml, showed bactericidal activity against typical motile spirochetes and knob/round-shaped persisters. Only Bay leaf oil and Cassia oil, including their major constituents, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, showed to target biofilm-like aggregates of both tested Borrelia spp. at the same concentration, although with 20–30% eradication mark. Conclusion Based on obtained results, volatile oils were more potent than non-volatile oils, and unsaturated fatty acids were more effective than saturated fatty acids. Among all tested oils, Bay leaf oil and Cassia oil, with their major components eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, seem to have the highest anti-borreliae efficacy.

The first tick genome published in 2016 provided an invaluable tool for studying the molecular basis of tick–pathogen interactions. Metabolism is a key element in host–pathogen interactions. However, our knowledge of tick–pathogen metabolic interactions is very limited. Recently, a systems biology approach, using omics datasets, has revealed that tick-borne pathogen infection induces transcriptional reprograming affecting several metabolic pathways in ticks, facilitating infection, multiplication, and transmission. Results suggest that the response of tick cells to tick-borne pathogens is associated with tolerance to infection. Here we review our current understanding of the modulation of tick metabolism by tick-borne pathogens, with a focus on the model intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum., PA was funded by the Junta de Comunidades of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain).

International audience; Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a major threat to human health in Europe and the whole northern hemisphere. Despite a high prevalence of TBPs in Ixodes ricinus ticks, knowledge on the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans infested by this tick species is limited. This study was conducted in the year 2019 on patients who presented themselves to the Pasteur Institute Novi Sad with tick infestations. Ticks (n = 31) feeding on human (n = 30) and blood samples from the same individuals were collected by physicians and a microfluidic real-time high-throughput PCR system was used to test the genomic DNA of the samples for the presence of 27 bacterial and eight parasitic microorganisms in Serbia. Except for one Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. adult male tick, all ticks infesting humans were morphologically identified as I. ricinus. A high proportion of ticks (74 %, 23/31) were infected with at least one of the tested TB microorganisms, being Rickettsia helvetica (54 %, 17/31) the most common pathogen, but Borrelia afzelii (9 %, 3/31), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (6 %, 2/31), Borrelia miyamotoi (6 %, 2/31), and Francisella like-endosymbiont (6 %, 2/31), Borrelia valaisiana (3 %, 1/31), Borrelia lusitaniae (3 %, 1/31), Rickettsia felis (3 %, 1/31) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (3 %, 1/31) were also identified. Despite the high infection rate of TBPs in ticks, only two human blood samples (6 %, 2/30) tested positive for the presence of TBPs, one patient (code H12, 67 years old female) was diagnosed with Borrelia spp. and the other patient was diagnosed (code H17, 71 years old female) with R. felis infection. The tick infesting patient H12 tested positive for B. afzelii, and R. helvetica and the tick infesting patient H17 tested positive for R. felis. Upon clinical examination, both patients were diagnosed with erythema migrans. No additional discomfort was reported by the patient and no additional pathology was observed by the physician. We concluded that humans bitten by I. ricinus in Serbia are exposed to a diverse array of TBPs with clinical impact in the Serbian cohort studied.

The importance of ticks and tick-borne pathogens for human and animal health has been increasing over the past decades. For their transportation and dissemination, birds may play a more important role than wingless hosts. In this study, tick infestation of birds in Germany was examined. Eight hundred ninety-two captured birds were infested with ticks and belonged to 48 different species, of which blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) were most strongly infested. Ground feeders were more strongly infested than non-ground feeders, sedentary birds more strongly than migratory birds, and short-distance migratory birds more strongly than long-distance migratory birds. Mean tick infestation per bird ranged between 2 (long-distance migratory bird) and 4.7 (sedentary bird), in some single cases up to 55 ticks per bird were found. With the exception of three nymphs of Haemaphysalis spp., all ticks belonged to Ixodes spp., the most frequently detected tick species was Ixodes ricinus. Birds were mostly infested by nymphs (65.1 %), followed by larvae (32.96 %). Additionally, ticks collected from birds were examined for several pathogens: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Sindbisvirus with real-time RT-PCR, Flaviviruses, Simbuviruses and Lyssaviruses with broad-range standard RT-PCR-assays, and Borrelia spp. with a Pan-Borrelia real-time PCR. Interestingly, no viral pathogens could be detected, but Borrelia spp. positive ticks were collected from 76 birds. Borrelia (B.) garinii, B. valaisiaina, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. afzelii were determined. The screening of ticks and birds for viral pathogens with broad range PCR-assays was tested and the use as an “early warning system” is discussed.

Lyme borreliosis in dogs Lyme disease is characterized in dogs by fever, arthritis that induces lameness, anorexia, lethargy, adenomegaly and sometimes fatal glomerulonephritis. In the absence of direct evidence of Borrelia in the samples, the diagnosis is mainly based on a bundle of epidemiological, clinical, serological and therapeutic arguments, after exclusion of the other causes leading to the same symptoms. Therapy is based on antibiotic like doxycycline. Acaricides against Ixodes spp., vectors of Borrelia, are the main tool for prevention. Vaccines are also possibly available., La maladie de Lyme est caractérisée chez le Chien par une arthrite induisant une boiterie, de l’anorexie, de la fièvre, une léthargie, une adénomégalie et parfois une glomérulonéphrite fatale. En absence de mise en évidence de Borrelia dans les prélèvements, le diagnostic repose essentiellement sur un faisceau d’arguments épidémiologique, clinique, sérologique et thérapeutique, après exclusion des autres causes aboutissant au même tableau clinique. La thérapeutique s’appuie sur une antibiothérapie principalement à base de doxycycline. La prévention passe par l’utilisation d’acaricides contre Ixodes spp., vecteurs des Borrelia et éventuellement l’administration d’un vaccin., Boulouis Henri-Jean, Chabanne Luc. La maladie de Lyme chez le chien. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 171 n°3, 2018. pp. 181-185.

The aim of the present study was to provide insight into the diversity of tick-borne pathogens circulating in Italy, carried/transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, one of the most abundant tick species in the country. A total of 447 specimens sampled in five areas of northeastern, central and insular Italy were analysed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing for the presence of rickettsiae, borreliae and babesiae. Several rickettsial species of the spotted fever group of zoonotic concern and other zoonotic pathogens were found, such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Babesia venatorum. These findings confirm a wide distribution of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan species in Italy, and highlight the sanitary importance of I. ricinus, often recorded as feeding on humans.

Migratory birds have an important role in transporting ticks and associated tick-borne pathogens over long distances. In this study, 2,793 migratory birds were captured by nets in a ringing station, located in northern Italy, and checked for the presence of ticks. Two-hundred and fifty-one ticks were identified as nymphs and larvae of Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and they were PCR-screened for the presence of bacteria belonging to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp., Francisella tularensis and Coxiella burnetii. Four species of Borrelia (B. garinii, B. afzelii, B. valaisiana and B. lusitaniae) and three species of Rickettsia (R. monacensis, R. helvetica and Candidatus Rickettsia mendelii) were detected in 74 (30%) and 25 (10%) respectively out of 251 ticks examined. Co-infection with Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in the same tick sample was encountered in 7 (7%) out of the 99 infected ticks. We report for the first time the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia mendelii in I. ricinus collected on birds in Italy. This study, besides confirming the role of birds in dispersal of I. ricinus, highlights an important route by which tick-borne pathogens might spread across different countries and from natural environments towards urbanised areas.

International audience; Gynecological health is a challenge in low-income countries. Personal opposition to perineal examination has been overcome by the use of vaginal self-sampling. Here, we review the use of this procedure notably in low-income countries and the main infectious causes of miscarriage. Vaginal self-sampling was mainly used for human papillomavirus detection but also to detect microorganisms causing sexually transmitted infections or bacterial vaginosis. 58 studies have been performed in low-resource countries, mainly studies performed to detect human papillomavirus in urban and peri-urban areas and demonstrating excellent acceptability. Several infectious causes of miscarriage could be tested using self-vaginal samples. In the future, such strategies coupled with a rapid-identification point-of-care method could allow the development of screening and treatment programs in rural areas in low-resource countries.

Objective: Ticksare arthropod vectors of many diseases. The prevalence of Lyme diseasetransmitted by Ixodes is not known inTurkey. The disease is caused by Borreliaspecies and can also be seen in domestic animals. The aim of this study isto identify the ticks, which are collected from the agricultural workers who admitted to hospitals duringthe hazelnut harvest season between August and September 2015, at species andgenus level and investigate whether these ticks vector of Borrelia spp.Method: Inthis study, 152 ticks collected from 134 patients were investigated. Of allsamples including larvae and nymphs, 95.24% were collected in September. Allpatients who admitted with complaints of tick bites were agricultural workerscollecting nuts in the gardens at sea level. The ticks were identified atspecies and genus level with stereomicroskop, hemolymph fluid examined directlyby dark-field microscope and cultured in the Borellia Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly(BSK-H) medium.Results: Ofall the ticks, 126 (82.9%) were adults, 13 (8.55%) were nymphs and 13 (8.55%)were larvae. Stereoscopic examination of the ticks revealed that 125 (82.2%) ofthe adults were Ixodes ricinus and 1(0.65%) was Rhipicephalus sanguineus.All of the 13 nymphs (8.55%) and 13 larvae (8.55%) were identified as Ixodes spp.. All forms of developmentcycle were detected in the samples and the forms were inconsistent with theexpected development cycle. Borreliaspp., the agent of Lyme disease, was investigated in the 146 ticks defined as I. ricinus and Ixodes spp. Borrelia spp were detected by dark fieldmicroscope in 3 (2.05%) of the 146 Ixodesand Borrelia spp. were identified in5 (3.4%) of the cultures. Conclusions: Theseresults demonstrate that Lyme disease can be seen in our region and the mostprobable vector is Ixodes ricinus., Amaç: Keneler pek çok hastalığa vektörlük eden artropodlardır. Ixodes cinsi kenelerin bulaştırdığı Lymehastalığının Türkiye’deki prevalansı bilinmemektedir. Evcil hayvanlarda dagörülebilen bu hastalığa Borrelia cinsibakteriler neden olmaktadır. Buçalışmanın amacı, 2015 Ağustos ve Eylül aylarında fındık hasat mevsiminde kenetutunma şikayeti ile hastanelere başvuran hastalardan izole edilen kenelericins ve/veya tür düzeyinde tanımlamak ve Borreliaspp. vektörü olup olmadıklarını belirlemektir. Yöntem: Çalışmamız, 134 hastadan toplanan 152 kene üzerinde yapılmıştır.Larva ve nimfler dahil örneklerin %95,24’ü Eylül ayında toplanmıştır. Kenetutma şikâyetiyle müracaat eden tüm hastalar deniz seviyesindeki bahçelerdefındık toplayan tarım işçilerinden oluşmaktadır. Keneler stereomikroskop ileincelenerek cins ve tür düzeyinde tanımlanmış, hemolenf sıvıları karanlık alanmikroskobu ile direkt olarak incelenmiş ve Borellia Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly(BSK-H) besiyerinde kültürü yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Kenelerin 126 (%82,9)’sı erişkin, 13 (%8,55)’ünimf ve 13 (%8,55)’ü larva olarak saptanmıştır. Erişkinlerin 125 (%82,2)’i Ixodes ricinus, 1 (%0,65)’i Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 13 nimf(%8,55) ve 13 larvanın (%8,55) tamamı ise Ixodesspp. olarak bulunmuştur. Bütün gelişim formları bir arada ve beklenendöngülerinin dışında saptanmıştır I.ricinus türü ve Ixodes spp.olarak tanımlanan kenelerin 146’sında Lyme hastalığı etkeni Borellia cinsi bakteriler araştırılmıştır. Ixodes cinsi 146 kenenin 3 (%2,05)’ünde karanlık alan mikroskobuile Borrelia spp görülmüş, 5(%3,4)’inde ise kültürde Borrelia spp.üremiştir. Sonuç: Bu sonuç yöremizde Lyme hastalığının görülebileceğini vebölgemizde rol alabilecek ana vektörün de Ixodesricinus olabileceğini düşündürmektedir.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi are two tick-borne bacteria that cause disease in people and animals. For each of these bacteria, there is a complex of closely related genospecies and/or strains that are genetically distinct and have been shown through both observational and experimental studies to have different host tropisms. In this review we compare the known ecologies of these two bacterial complexes in the far western USA and find remarkable similarities, which will help us understand evolutionary histories and coadaptation among vertebrate host, tick vector, and bacteria. For both complexes, sensu stricto genospecies (those that infect humans) share a similar geographic range, are vectored mainly by ticks in the Ixodes ricinus-complex, utilize mainly white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) as a reservoir in the eastern USA and tree squirrels in the far west, and tend to be generalists, infecting a wider variety of vertebrate host species. Other sensu lato genospecies within each complex are generally more specialized, occurring often in local enzootic cycles within a narrow range of vertebrate hosts and specialized vector species. We suggest that these similar ecologies may have arisen through utilization of a generalist tick species as a vector, resulting in a potentially more virulent generalist pathogen that spills over into humans, vs. utilization of a specialized tick vector on a particular vertebrate host species, promoting microbe specialization. Such tight host-vector-pathogen coupling could also facilitate high enzootic prevalence and the evolution of host immune-tolerance and bacterial avirulence.

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of homologous antibodies of IgG class against Borrelia burgdorferi in buffaloes in the state of Pará, Brazil. Blood serum samples from 491 buffaloes were analyzed by means of the indirect ELISA test, using crude antigen produced from a cultivar of the North American strain G39/40 of B. burgdorferi. There were 412 positive samples (83.91%), and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of positive animals between the 81.69% (232/284) originating from Marajó Island and the 86.96% (180/207) from the continental area of the state of Pará. In all the municipalities studied, the frequency of positive findings of antibodies against B. burgdorferi among the animals ranged from 63.6% to 92.9%. The high numbers of seropositive animals can be explained by the frequent presence of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus)microplus, and by the possible existence of spirochetes of the genus Borrelia infecting buffaloes in the region studied, although specific studies are needed to confirm this relationship. These factors suggest that a cross-reaction exists between the North American strain G39/40 of B. burgdorferi, which is used as an antigenic substrate, and the species of Borrelia spp. that possibly infects buffaloes in the state of Pará.Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência de anticorpos homólogos da classe IgG contra Borrelia burgdorferi em búfalos do estado do Pará. Amostras de soro de 491 búfalos foram analisadas por meio do teste ELISA indireto, utilizando antígeno bruto produzido a partir do cultivo da cepa norte americana G39/40 de B. burgdorferi. Foram encontrados 412 soros positivos (83,91%), não havendo diferença estatística significativa entre os 81,69% (232/284) animais positivos provenientes da Ilha de Marajó e os 86,96% (180/207) da base continental do estado do Pará. Em todos os municípios estudados os animais apresentaram frequência de anticorpos contra B. burgdorferi, com positividade variando de 63,6% a 92,9%. O alto número de soropositivos pode ser explicado pela frequente presença do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e pela possível existência de espiroquetas do gênero Borrelia infectando búfalo na região estudada, embora novos estudos sejam necessários para a confirmação desta relação. Estes fatos sugerem reação cruzada entre a cepa americana G39/40 de B. burgdorferi utilizada como substrato antigênico e a espécie de Borrelia spp. que possivelmente infecta bubalinos no estado do Pará.

Background: Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are frequently studied in developed nations but are often neglected in emerging countries. In Mongolia, TBP research is especially sparse, with few research reports focusing upon human and domestic animal disease and tick ecology. However, little information exists on TBPs in small mammals. Methods: In this 2016 cross-sectional pilot study, we sought to uniquely study wildlife for TBPs. We live-trapped small mammals, and tested their whole blood, serum and ear biopsy samples for molecular or serological evidence of Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp. Results: Of 64 small mammals collected, 56.0%, 39.0% and 0.0% of animals were positive by molecular assays for Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp./Erhlicia spp., respectively. 41.9% were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum and 24.2% of animals were seropositive for Rickettsia rickettsii. Conclusion: This pilot data demonstrates evidence of a number of TBPs among small mammal populations in northern Mongolia and suggests the need to further investigate what role these mammals play in human and domestic animal disease.

International audience; Several hypotheses are proposed for understanding the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological mechanisms, mainly the amyloid theory, but the process inducing Aß peptide deposit, tau protein degeneration, and ultimately neuronal loss, is still to be elucidated. Alteration of the blood-brain barrier and activation of neuroinflammation seem to play an important role in AD neurodegeneration, especially in the decrease of Aß peptide clearance, therefore suggesting a role of infectious agents. Epidemiological and experimental studies on cellular or murine models related to herpes simplex virus (HSV), spirochetes, Chlamydia pneumoniae or Borrelia, and systemic inflammation are reviewed. Aß peptide or tau protein could also behave like a prion protein. Infectious agents could thus have an impact on AD by direct interaction with neurotropism or systemic inflammation. Although the results of these studies are not conclusive, they may contribute to the understanding of AD pathology.

Background: The etiology of morphea is still unknown. Borrelia spp. as a causative agent of morphea has been discussed since 1985, but the relationship remains uncertain. Objectives: We aimed to find the frequency of Borrelia in morphea lesions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in northeast of Iran. Patients and Methods: Sixty six patients with morphea were prospectively included in the present study. For each patient, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of skin lesion biopsies were examined for Borrelia spp. DNA using PCR. Results: No Borrelia DNA was detected by PCR in skin lesions of patients with morphea. Conclusions: The result of this study showed no relationship between Borrelia infection and morphea lesions and in other word indicated that morphea, at least in Iran, is not caused by Borrelia spp.

Published version also available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.07.002 This is the first study to determine the density of questing Ixodes ricinus in northern Norway. It was performed at two sites in Brønnøy, which has been known for its tick permissive habitats for decades and is one of the northernmost habitats with an abundant I. ricinus population in the world. From April to November 2011, all stages of host-seeking I. ricinus were collected from the two sites. The overall prevalence of nymphs infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was 21% and that of adultticks 46%. The rates of the genospecies Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana were similar to findings in most other studies in Scandinavia, with B. afzelii by far the most prevalent at 76%. The high Borrelia-infection prevalence in ticks from Brønnøy may explain the high incidence rate of reported Lyme borreliosis in the municipality.

To estimate relative risk for exposure to ticks infected with Lyme disease-causing spirochetes in different land-use types along a trail in Germany, we compared tick density and spirochete prevalence on ruminant pasture with that on meadow and fallow land. Risk was significantly lower on pasture than on meadow and fallow land.

To better define areas of human Lyme disease risk, we compared US surveillance data with published data on the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies among domestic dogs. Canine seroprevalence >5% was a sensitive but nonspecific marker of human risk, whereas seroprevalence

As borrelioses são enfermidades infecciosas determinadas por espiroquetas do gênero Borrelia, agentes transmissíveis, principalmente, por carrapatos aos animais e/ou ao homem. Nesta revisão são apresentadas e discutidas as enfermidades determinadas por borrélias, bem como as características gerais das espiroquetas, os aspectos relacionados a transmissão por artrópodes, as enfermidades nos animais domésticos e silvestres, quanto aos aspectos biológicos e patológicos, a doença de Lyme como principal zoonose do grupo, a associação de borrélia com outros agentes hematozoários e os métodos diagnósticos e a epidemiologia comparativa entre dados obtidos no Brasil com os de outros países. Estas borrelioses possuem características patológicas, clínicas e epidemiológicas variadas de acordo à região fisiográfica, devido à existência de distintas espécies, genoespécies e cepas; estes aspectos variam ainda em função dos artrópodes vetores, da interação vetor-patógeno e dos ecossistemas distintos.Borrelioses are infectous diseases caused by spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia. They are born mainly through ticks at animals and/or human beings. In this review are shown and discussed five groups of diseases determined by borrelia, general characteristics of the spirochaetes, aspects related to transmission by arthropods, biological and pathological aspects of the diseases in domestic and wild animals, Lyme disease as an important zoonosis, the association of borrelia with other hematozoa agents, the diagnostic methods and the comparative epidemiology with data obtained from Brazil and other countries. The borrelioses have pathological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics which vary according to physiographic regions due to the existence of different species, genospecies and strains of borrelia, of arthropod vectors, vector-agent relationship and of different ecocystems.

As borrelioses são enfermidades infecciosas determinadas por espiroquetas do gênero Borrelia, agentes transmissíveis, principalmente, por carrapatos aos animais e/ou ao homem. Nesta revisão são apresentadas e discutidas as enfermidades determinadas por borrélias, bem como as características gerais das espiroquetas, os aspectos relacionados a transmissão por artrópodes, as enfermidades nos animais domésticos e silvestres, quanto aos aspectos biológicos e patológicos, a doença de Lyme como principal zoonose do grupo, a associação de borrélia com outros agentes hematozoários e os métodos diagnósticos e a epidemiologia comparativa entre dados obtidos no Brasil com os de outros países. Estas borrelioses possuem características patológicas, clínicas e epidemiológicas variadas de acordo à região fisiográfica, devido à existência de distintas espécies, genoespécies e cepas; estes aspectos variam ainda em função dos artrópodes vetores, da interação vetor-patógeno e dos ecossistemas distintos. Borrelioses are infectous diseases caused by spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia. They are born mainly through ticks at animals and/or human beings. In this review are shown and discussed five groups of diseases determined by borrelia, general characteristics of the spirochaetes, aspects related to transmission by arthropods, biological and pathological aspects of the diseases in domestic and wild animals, Lyme disease as an important zoonosis, the association of borrelia with other hematozoa agents, the diagnostic methods and the comparative epidemiology with data obtained from Brazil and other countries. The borrelioses have pathological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics which vary according to physiographic regions due to the existence of different species, genospecies and strains of borrelia, of arthropod vectors, vector-agent relationship and of different ecocystems.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo reportar a ocorrência de Borrelia spp. em culturas de células embrionárias de Boophilus microplus infectados naturalmente. Sete dias após o início de uma nova cultura primária de células embrionárias do carrapato B. microplus, incubadas a 31ºC, notou-se que as células começaram a degenerar. Ao exame em microscópio de contraste de fase detectou-se a presença de microrganismos alongado e com grande mobilidade. Lâminas de microscópio confeccionadas com amostras do sobrenadante da cultura, hemolinfa e massa de ovos, coradas pelo May Grünwald-Giemsa, permitiram a visualização de espiroquetas. O exame morfológico do microrganismo e sua visualização em B. microplus sugere ser Borrelia spp.The aim of the present work was to report the occurrence of Borrelia spp. in embryonic cell cultures from naturally infected Boophilus microplus. Seven days after the beginning of a primary culture of embryonic cells of B. microplus at 31ºC was noted that the cells start suffering degeneration. Under examination at phase contrast microscope, the presence of prolongated microorganisms with great mobility was detected. Microscopic slides of the culture supernatant, hemolymph and egg mass, were stained by May Grünwald-Giemsa, allowing the visualization of the spirochetes. The morphologic examination of the microorganism and its visualization in. B. microplus, suggest to be Borrelia spp.

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of homologous antibodies of IgG class against Borrelia burgdorferi in buffaloes in the state of Pará, Brazil. Blood serum samples from 491 buffaloes were analyzed by means of the indirect ELISA test, using crude antigen produced from a cultivar of the North American strain G39/40 of B. burgdorferi. There were 412 positive samples (83.91%), and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of positive animals between the 81.69% (232/284) originating from Marajó Island and the 86.96% (180/207) from the continental area of the state of Pará. In all the municipalities studied, the frequency of positive findings of antibodies against B. burgdorferi among the animals ranged from 63.6% to 92.9%. The high numbers of seropositive animals can be explained by the frequent presence of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus)microplus, and by the possible existence of spirochetes of the genus Borrelia infecting buffaloes in the region studied, although specific studies are needed to confirm this relationship. These factors suggest that a cross-reaction exists between the North American strain G39/40 of B. burgdorferi, which is used as an antigenic substrate, and the species of Borrelia spp. that possibly infects buffaloes in the state of Pará. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência de anticorpos homólogos da classe IgG contra Borrelia burgdorferi em búfalos do estado do Pará. Amostras de soro de 491 búfalos foram analisadas por meio do teste ELISA indireto, utilizando antígeno bruto produzido a partir do cultivo da cepa norte americana G39/40 de B. burgdorferi. Foram encontrados 412 soros positivos (83,91%), não havendo diferença estatística significativa entre os 81,69% (232/284) animais positivos provenientes da Ilha de Marajó e os 86,96% (180/207) da base continental do estado do Pará. Em todos os municípios estudados os animais apresentaram frequência de anticorpos contra B. burgdorferi, com positividade variando de 63,6% a 92,9%. O alto número de soropositivos pode ser explicado pela frequente presença do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e pela possível existência de espiroquetas do gênero Borrelia infectando búfalo na região estudada, embora novos estudos sejam necessários para a confirmação desta relação. Estes fatos sugerem reação cruzada entre a cepa americana G39/40 de B. burgdorferi utilizada como substrato antigênico e a espécie de Borrelia spp. que possivelmente infecta bubalinos no estado do Pará.