Archive for the ‘research’ Category

Transmission of Bartonella Within Rhipicephalus Sanguineus: Data on Potential Vector Role of the Tick

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33001978/

. 2020 Oct 1;14(10):e0008664.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008664.Online ahead of print.

Transmission of Bartonella henselae within Rhipicephalus sanguineus: Data on the Potential Vector Role of the Tick

Wittawat Wechtaisong1, Sarah I Bonnet2, Yi-Yang Lien1, Shih-Te Chuang3, Yi-Lun Tsai1
Affiliations expand

Free article

Abstract

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious intraerythrocytic, gram-negative bacteria that causes cat scratch disease in humans. Ixodes ricinus has been confirmed to be a competent vector of B. henselae, and some indirect evidences from clinical cases and epidemiological studies also suggested that some other tick species, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, may transmit the bacteria. B. henselae has been detected in R. sanguineus but no experimental investigations have been performed to evaluate the vector competency of this tick species regarding B. henselae transmission.

To this end, this work aimed to assess the transstadial transmission of B. henselae between larvae and nymphs of R. sanguineus as well as transmission by nymphs infected at the larval stage. Four hundred B. henselae negative larvae were fed with B. henselae-infected blood by using an artificial membrane feeding system. After five days of feeding, B. henselae was detected by PCR in 57.1% (8/14) of engorged larval pools, 66.7% (4/6) of semi-engorged larval pools, and 66.7% (2/3) of larval feces pools. After molting, B. henselae DNA was also detected in 10% (1/10) of nymph pools, but not in tick feces. After a pre-fed step of nymphs infected at the larval stage on non-infected blood meal, B. henselae was detected by PCR in blood sample from the feeder, but no Bartonella colonies could be obtained from culture. These findings showed that B. henselae could be transstadial transmitted from R. sanguineus larvae to nymphs, and also suggest that these nymphs may retransmitted the bacteria through the saliva during their blood meal. This is the first study that validated the artificial membrane feeding system for maintaining R. sanguineus tick colony. It shows the possibility of transstadial transmission of B. henselae from R. sanguineus larvae to nymphs.

___________________

**Comment**

Ixodes rincinus, aka the castor bean tick is considered a European species of hard bodied tick. Please remember that ticks don’t understand geographical borders and are continually being found in places they shouldn’t be:  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-vectors/facts/tick-factsheets/ixodes-ricinus

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/11/07/ticks-on-the-move-due-to-migrating-birds-and-photoperiod-not-climate-change/

The castor bean tick is known to transmit:

  • Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. causing Lyme borreliosis
  • tick-borne encephalitis virus
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum causing human granulocytic ehrlichiosis
  • Francisella tularensis causing Tularaemia
  • Rickettsia helvetica 
  • Rickettsia monacensis
  • Babesia divergens 
  • Babesia microti responsible for Babesiosis
  • Louping ill virus 
  • Tribec virus
Please note that Bartonella isn’t on this list because the fact sheet, written in 2014, needs to be updated.  
 
  • Bartonella henselae

The article also mentions that Rhipicephalus sanguineus, aka, the brown dog tick, kennel tick or pan tropical tick, (found worldwide) may also transmit Bartonella as it carries it. Further studies are needed to prove vector competence:

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/medical/brown_dog_tick.htm

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/03/bartonella-treatment/

Category:

Bartonella, research, Ticks, Transmission

Bartonella Clarridgeiae Found in Patient With Aortic Root Abscess & Endocarditis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32974498/

Bartonella clarridgeiae infection in a patient with aortic root abscess and endocarditis

Julie M J Logan 1, Jessica L Hall 2, Vicki J Chalker 1, Brian O’Connell 3, Richard J Birtles 2

Free PMC article

Abstract

Introduction: Bartonella species are increasingly recognized as agents of culture-negative endocarditis. However, to date, almost all human cases have been associated with two members of the genus, Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana. B. henselae infections are zoonotic, with domestic cats serving as reservoir hosts for the pathogen. Bartonella clarridgeiae also exploits cats as reservoir hosts, but its zoonotic potential is far less established.

Case presentation: A 34-year-old male presented with palpitations after a history of aortic incompetence. During surgery for an aortic valve replacement, two vegetations were found on the aortic valve. PCR analysis of the vegetation demonstrated the presence of Bartonella species and so the patient was treated post-operatively with ceftriaxone and doxycycline, making a good recovery. Further PCR-based analysis of the patient’s aortic vegetation confirmed the presence of B. clarridgeiae .

Conclusion: This report expands the number of Bartonella species associated with endocarditis and provides clear evidence that B. clarridgeiae should be considered a zoonotic pathogen.

_________________

**Comment**

Aortic root abscess is a life-threatening complication of endocarditis.  In this case, caused by Bartonella clarridgeiae, a strain of Bartonella found to cause cat scratch disease going back to 1997 by none other than Dr. Breitshwerdt, after a veterinarian was bitten on the finger by a cat:  https://jcm.asm.org/content/35/7/1813

Important excerpt:

Within 3 weeks he developed headache, fever, and left axillary lymphadenopathy. Initial blood cultures from the cat and veterinarian were sterile. Repeat cultures from the cat grew Bartonella-like organisms with lophotrichous flagella.

This is a reminder that Bartonella, similar to Lyme (borrelia) is fastidious and hard to find.  Most doctors quit after an initial test returns negative.  In this case the patient was lucky enough to be under the observation of a veterinarian who understands this fact and cultured repeatedly.  The issue of strain variation is important as well.  The test is only as good as what it is testing for.

How many patients have had endocarditis caused by Bartonella species that either aren’t considered pathogenic yet OR weren’t picked up in a singular test?  

Category:

Bartonella, Heart Issues, research

Possibility of Brown Dog Ticks Transmitting Bartonella to Humans

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33001978/

Transmission of Bartonella henselae within Rhipicephalus sanguineus: Data on the Potential Vector Role of the Tick

Wittawat Wechtaisong 1, Sarah I Bonnet 2, Yi-Yang Lien 1, Shih-Te Chuang 3, Yi-Lun Tsai 1

Free article

Abstract

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious intraerythrocytic, gram-negative bacteria that causes cat scratch disease in humans. Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick) has been confirmed to be a competent vector of B. henselae, and some indirect evidences from clinical cases and epidemiological studies also suggested that some other tick species, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick, pantropical dog tick or kennel tick), may transmit the bacteria. B. henselae has been detected in R. sanguineus but no experimental investigations have been performed to evaluate the vector competency of this tick species regarding B. henselae transmission.

To this end, this work aimed to assess the transstadial transmission of B. henselae between larvae and nymphs of R. sanguineus as well as transmission by nymphs infected at the larval stage. Four hundred B. henselae negative larvae were fed with B. henselae-infected blood by using an artificial membrane feeding system.

After five days of feeding:

  • B. henselae was detected by PCR in 57.1% (8/14) of engorged larval pools
  • 66.7% (4/6) of semi-engorged larval pools
  • 66.7% (2/3) of larval feces pools
  • after molting, B. henselae DNA was also detected in 10% (1/10) of nymph pools, but not in tick feces
  • after a pre-fed step of nymphs infected at the larval stage on non-infected blood meal, B. henselae was detected by PCR in blood sample from the feeder, but no Bartonella colonies could be obtained from culture

These findings showed that B. henselae could be transstadial transmitted from R. sanguineus larvae to nymphs, and also suggest that these nymphs may retransmitted the bacteria through the saliva during their blood meal.

This is the first study that validated the artificial membrane feeding system for maintaining R. sanguineus tick colony. It shows the possibility of transstadial transmission of B. henselae from R. sanguineus larvae to nymphs.

_______________________

**Comment**

For decades now, ‘authorities’ have denied ticks can transmit Bartonella.  Since so many Lyme/MSIDS patients have Bartonella it’s always seemed highly likely to me that ticks play a role. This study adds to the growing body evidence that yes, in fact, ticks play a significant role.  For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/02/bartonella-found-in-ticks-biting-midges-and-moose/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/04/18/bartonella-vectors/

The other theory is that the tick’s ability to suppress the immune system reactivates a latent Bartonella infection already within the body.  Bartonella is prolific and can be obtained in many, many ways besides the bite or scratch of a cat:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/03/bartonella-treatment/

To date, Bartonella isn’t even on mainstream doctor’s radar for those bitten by ticks. This must change.  Bartonella can be a severe, chronic infection that causes untold damage both physically and mentally.

Psychiatric issues and Bartonella:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/30/new-case-report-neuropsychiatric-symptoms-and-bartonella-associated-skin-lesions/

Work is being done on the connection between Bartonella and cancer:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/11/bartonella-is-an-entity-often-diagnosed-in-breast-imaging-department-during-axullary-lymph-node-assessment/

Bartonella can cause encephalitis:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/07/30/bartonella-causing-encephalitis/

Great article showing the systemic manifestations:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/24/human-bartonellosis-an-underappreciated-public-health-problem/

Category:

Bartonella, research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission

Lyme Disease is Associated With Various Sleep Disorders

https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-sleep-disorders/

LYME DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS SLEEP DISORDERS

woman awake in bed with lyme disease and a sleep disorder

Patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) may experience sleep disturbances, according to a study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Researchers found,

“PTLDS participants reported significantly worse global sleep and sleep disturbance scores and worse fatigue, functional impact, and more cognitive-affective depressive symptoms compared to poor-sleeping controls.” [1]

By

Dr. Robert Bransfield, a New Jersey-based psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses, has seen a broad range of sleep disturbances in Lyme disease patients treated at his practice. He describes the various sleep disorders in the article “Neuropsychiatric Lyme Borreliosis: An Overview with a Focus on a Specialty Psychiatrist’s Clinical Practice.” [2]

The patients experienced:

  • Non-restorative sleep
  • Early insomnia
  • Middle of the night insomnia
  • Early morning insomnia
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loss or reversal of circadian rhythm
  • Restless leg
  • Paroxysmal nocturnal limb movements
  • Sleep apnea (central and/or obstructive)
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Hypnagogic hallucinations
  • Sleep attacks
  • Cataplexy
  • Narcolepsy

The combination of “non-restorative sleep and chronic unremitting stress appear to play a significant role in disease progression,” explains Bransfield.

“Both non-restorative sleep and the chronic unremitting stress seen in these chronically ill patients contribute to disease perpetuation and progression and are associated with fatigue, cognitive impairments, decreased regenerative functioning, compromised immunity, decreased resistance to infectious disease and neurodegenerative processes,” he writes.

Editor’s note: I have also found that Lyme disease patients can suffer from a broad range of sleep issues. However, it can be difficult to determine whether Lyme disease or a comorbidity is responsible for the sleep disturbance. I have found that antibiotic treatment often improves sleep disorder symptoms.

Related Articles:

Poor sleep quality in Lyme disease patients

16-year-old boy with Lyme disease presenting as depression

References:
  1. Weinstein ER, Rebman AW, Aucott JN, Johnson-Greene D, Bechtold KT. Sleep Quality in Well-defined Lyme Disease: A Clinical Cohort Study in Maryland. Sleep. 2018.
  2. Bransfield RC. Neuropsychiatric Lyme Borreliosis: An Overview with a Focus on a Specialty Psychiatrist’s Clinical Practice. Healthcare (Basel). 2018;6(3).
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Chronic lack of sleep is a terrible thing.  Parasites notoriously cause insomnia.  Appropriate treatment for infection(s) is the most important step but often times other adjunctive therapies are needed as well.

Category:

Lyme, research, Sleep

Ticktective Podcast & Video Series

https://www.bayarealyme.org/blog/ticktective-podcast/

| NewsBy Bay Area Lyme Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Tara DiMilia, 908-947-0500, tara.dimilia@TMstrat.com

Bay Area Lyme Foundation Launches Ticktective™ Podcast

PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., September 30, 2020 — Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a leading sponsor of Lyme disease research in the US, announces the launch of the Ticktective podcast and video series.  Ticktective is a Bay Area Lyme Foundation program designed to investigate the latest scientific knowledge and advances in Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The podcast offers insightful discussion with researchers, physicians, patients, and thought leaders in the field.

“Because the science surrounding tick-borne disease is so complex and there are so many unanswered questions, Ticktective aims to share firsthand perspectives about the challenges of Lyme in ways that will intrigue more scientists, physicians and patients to join our battle towards making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure,” said Linda Giampa, executive director, Bay Area Lyme Foundation.

There are more than 400,000 people diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the US, and millions of Americans live with persistent Lyme disease (PLD) caused by an ongoing bacterial infection. The current “gold standard” diagnostic for Lyme disease misses up to 60% of cases of early stage Lyme disease, and if not treated promptly, Lyme may progress to a debilitating stage, becoming difficult, or impossible, to cure. Bay Area Lyme Foundation has funded over 100 research projects at 37 institutions across the US in a mission to find solutions for these patients.

“I’ve always had an insatiable curiosity, and my own diagnosis of Lyme disease has driven me to use this curiosity to find answers that will help lead to solutions for all tick-borne diseases,” said Ticktective host Lia Gaertner, who is the director of education and outreach for Bay Area Lyme Foundation and holds degrees in environmental science and ethnobotany.

Initial Ticktective interviews include conversations addressing the challenges of developing a diagnostic for Lyme disease, the scientific techniques being used to overcome these challenges, what motivates researchers taking on this challenge, and the frustration of patients.

  • 2020 Emerging Leader Award Winner Jacob Lemieux, MD, DPhil of Harvard University discusses the similarities and difference of Lyme disease and malaria, the promise of next-generation sequencing for developing a diagnostic, his lab’s role in COVID-19 research, and the intersection of COVID-19 and Lyme disease.
  • 2020 Emerging Leader Award Winner Artem Rogovsky, DVM, PhD of Texas A&M University discusses what he learned from radioactive ticks, why he is aiming to develop a direct diagnostic for Lyme, and how a conversation at a kids’ birthday party ignited the innovative idea for this diagnostic concept.
  • Liz Horn, PhD, MBI is principal investigator for the Lyme Disease Biobank, which aims to enable and accelerate research by providing scientists with the biological samples needed to conduct important experiments. The Biobank has enrolled over 900 participants and currently supports more than 55 research projects.
  • Singer-songwriter Dana Parish, who not only has numerous chart-topping singles, but has also become a strong advocate for people with Lyme disease after a tick bite in 2014 that progressed to a persistent infection despite antibiotic treatment. She discusses how she is “fighting the good fight,” and making progress in her personal battle and for the cause.

“I was driven to become a songwriter as I wanted to make people feel understood, knowing that the best songs are personal yet universal. With that same spirit, it’s been vital to me to use my voice to be honest about what I’ve learned about the travesty of tick-borne diseases. In an area of medicine filled with misinformation, Ticktective is bringing valuable insights and help straight to the Lyme community. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to share my Lyme experience with listeners of Ticktective,” said Parish, whom Gaertner refers to as a fierce champion for the under-represented Lyme community.

Listen to the Ticktective podcast here. Check out other resources of Bay Area Lyme Foundation, including printable fact sheets, videos, educational tools and more, and follow us on and Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Lyme Disease
The most common vector-borne infectious disease in the country, Lyme disease is a potentially disabling infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated, but it is commonly misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and unreliable diagnostic tests. There are more than 400,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, according to statistics released in 2018 by the CDC. As a result of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, more than one million Americans may be suffering from the impact of its debilitating long-term symptoms and complications, according to Bay Area Lyme Foundation estimates.

About Bay Area Lyme Foundation
Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a national organization committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure, is a leading public not-for-profit sponsor of innovative Lyme disease research in the US.  A 501c3 non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley, Bay Area Lyme Foundation collaborates with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. A pivotal donation from The LaureL STEM Fund covers overhead costs and allows for 100% of all donor contributions to Bay Area Lyme Foundation to go directly to research and prevention programs. For more information about Lyme disease or to get involved, visit www.bayarealyme.org or call us at 650-530-2439.

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research, Ticks