Archive for the ‘Transmission’ Category

Infected Ticks Collected From Birds in Northern Italy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29925679/

Molecular screening for bacterial pathogens in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) collected on migratory birds captured in northern Italy.

Pajoro M, et al. Folia Parasitol (Praha). 2018.

Abstract
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.

_______________

**Comment**

So glad this work on birds commuting infected ticks around the globe is being done as it highlights an important way tick-borne illness is becoming a global pandemic.  I honestly can’t believe it’s taken this long to get the word out and I also can’t believe doctors and authorities seriously believe that certain ticks and therefore infections CAN’T be in certain geographical locations.  Really?

It’s simple logic that birds, rodents, lizards, deer, and other reservoirs can carry these ticks everywhere.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28261565/?i=6&from=/29925679/related   This work, done in Romania, a gateway to Europe, showed:

All eight Borrelia genospecies were detected in I. ricinus ticks: Borrelia garinii (14.8%), B. afzelii (8.8%), B. valaisiana (5.1%), B. lusitaniae (4.9%), B. miyamotoi (0.9%), B. burgdorferi s.s (0.4%), and B. bissettii (0.2%). Regarding pathogen co-infection 64.5% of infected I. ricinus were positive for more than one pathogen.  The diversity of tick-borne pathogens detected in this study and the frequency of co-infections should influence all infection risk evaluations following a tick bite.

More on migratory birds spreading infection:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/17/of-birds-and-ticks/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/10/02/the-role-of-birds-in-tickborne-illness/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/08/hemorrhagic-fever-virus-found-on-ticks-on-migratory-birds/

 

 

 

 

 

Category:

Lyme, research, Rickettsia, Testing, Ticks, Transmission

Cat Scratch Disease in a 1.5 Year Old Girl – Case Report

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29936799/

Cat Scratch Disease in a 1.5-year-old girl – Case report.

Karski J, et al. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2018.

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The paper is a case report presenting Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) in a 1.5-year- old girl. Bartoneloses, including CSD, are a group of infectious diseases which are rarely detected, therefore there are no statistical data concerning the aetiology, and the incidence of CSD noted in Poland is low in comparison with other European countries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the paper is to discuss several problems related to CSD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 1.5-year-old girl who was seen in hospital for the sparing use of her left arm when crawling. X-rays showed osteolytic lesions which radiologists described as multi-ocular cyst or infection. As neither clinical examination nor laboratory investigations found pathological signs, the patient was followed-up on an ambulant basis. Repeated x-ray taken 4 weeks later showed increased periosteal proliferation accompanied by pain. The baby was admitted to the Clinic but additional investigations found no pathologies. The baby was consulted by a rheumatologist and haematologist; however, they did not facilitate a definitive diagnosis. As the baby developed, because of a thickening of the soft tissues on the dorsal side of the distal epiphisis in the forearm the doctors decided to inspect the condition operatively. Macroscopic examination found brownish granulated tissue. Suction drainage was inserted and a tissue sample was tested for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, tuberculosis and borelliosis. The test results were negative. The baby was in good condition, was not pyrexial and suffered from less pain. The diagnostics was further expanded and the baby tested for yersinia, chlamydia, tuberculosis and bartonella, i.e. CSD. The postoperative wound healed soon and radiological bony lesions began to resolve. After a month, we received a positive bartonella test result, the baby tested positively for Bartonella henselae IgG class, which confirmed past or active infection of CSD. A repeated test for B. henselae taken 6 months later showed a lower level of antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS: It should be remembered that CSD, which is an extremely rare infection, can be diagnosed despite mediocre clinical and radiological manifestations. Thus, in the case of infections of unexplained aetiology and mediocre manifestations diagnostics should include testing for Bartonella henselae.

PMID 29936799 [ – in process]

_______________

**Comment**

There is little to no statistical data on Bartonella, that’s for sure, but it’s far from a rare infection & it is far from benign, in fact I would go as far to state it is prolific and devastating.  

Please note the finding of granulated tissue.  Bartonella is primarily a vascular disease and causes all sorts of bizarre symptoms – including nodules on the shins and painful soles of the feet; however, please do not underestimate the cognitive/psychological symptoms of this disease (anxiety, anger, suicidal thoughts).  It can also cause:  aseptic meningitis, neuroretinitis & other vision problems, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), headaches, seizures, heartburn, abdominal pain, skin rash, gastritis, duodentis, mesenteric adenitis, myocarditis & endocarditis, and cysts.  

Authorities are still squabbling over whether ticks transmit this or not, but we know for sure spiders and other arachnids do as well as cat scratches, biting flies, fleas, needle stick transmission in veterinarians as well as drug users.  And just because something can’t be seen/proven in ticks, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.  Frankly, all it shows is the science is lagging and this is a fastidious organism which is hard to detect.  All I know is that nearly every Lyme/MSIDS patient I work with has Bart.  So either the tick transmits directly OR a previously asymptomatic case is triggered upon getting a tick bite.  Either way, WE GOT IT and it needs to be considered in each and every Lyme/MSIDS patient.

For more on Bartonella:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/03/bartonella-treatment/  (Checklist and treatment options within this link)

Fifteen species of gram-negative aerobic Bartonella are known to infect humans; however Dr. Ricardo Maggi’s statement is quite telling, “This case reinforces the hypothesis that any Bartonella species can cause human infection.”

Dr. Mozayeni talks about Bartonella as one of the major co-infections of Lyme disease. It’s more prevalent than Lyme, as there are many more ways to contract the disease (eg. flees, cats). In a study, that Dr. Breitschwerdt and Mozayeni published in The Journal of Emerging Diseases, about 60% of Lyme patients tested positive for Bartonella. Dr. Mozayeni also talks about the importance of looking at Biofilm when treating Lyme, Bartonella etc. as biofilm can harbor many of these microbes and be the cause of many symptoms.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/07/fox-news-bartonella-is-the-new-lyme-disease/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/08/09/a-bartonella-story/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/12/osteomyelitis-in-cat-scratch-disease-a-never-ending-dilemma-a-case-report-literature-review/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/03/encephalopathy-in-adult-with-cat-scratch-disease/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/09/rheumatological-presentation-of-bartonella-koehlerae-henselae-a-case-report-chiropractors-please-read/  Please note the joint popping with each articulation and continual joint subluxation issue.
Chiropractors need to be told about this. Please educate! Send them this article.  I too had this bizarre popping of the joints with a lot of instability in the knees. Treatment completely ameliorated this issue so treatment is primo important.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/15/fleas-harbor-bartonella-13-days-post-infection-continuously-excrete-bartonella-dna/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/20/northern-southern-ca-cats-have-bartonella-and-rickettsia-proven-by-16s-rrna-next-gen-sequencing/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/12/29/cardinal-state-bartonella/

 

 

 

 

Category:

Bartonella, Lyme, Psychological Aspects, research, Ticks, Transmission, Treatment

New UVA Study Tentatively Links Ticks to Heart Disease

https://news.virginia.edu/content/new-uva-study-tentatively-links-ticks-heart-disease?utm_source=DailyReport&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news

NEW UVA STUDY TENTATIVELY LINKS TICKS TO HEART DISEASE

The bite of the lone star tick had previously been shown to cause an allergy to red meat. Now it is linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

June 14, 2018 Josh Barney, jdb9a@virginia.edu

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have linked sensitivity to an allergen in red meat – a sensitivity spread by tick bites – with a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries of the heart. This buildup may increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

The bite of the lone star tick can cause people to develop an allergic reaction to red meat. However, many people who do not exhibit symptoms of the allergy are still sensitive to the allergen found in meat. UVA’s new study linked sensitivity to the allergen with the increased plaque buildup, as measured by a blood test.

The researchers emphasize that their findings are preliminary, but say further research is warranted.

tick_story_da_inline_01
The research team drew from both allergists and cardiologists, and included, from left, Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, Dr. Coleen McNamara, Dr. Jeff Wilson and Anh Nguyen. (Photo by Dan Addison, University Communications)

“This novel finding from a small group of subjects examined at the University of Virginia raises the intriguing possibility that asymptomatic allergy to red meat may be an under-recognized factor in heart disease,” said study leader Dr. Coleen McNamara of UVA’s Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center and UVA’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. “These preliminary findings underscore the need for further clinical studies in larger populations from diverse geographic regions.”

Allergens and Clogged Arteries

Looking at 118 patients, the researchers determined that those sensitive to the meat allergen had 30 percent more plaque accumulation inside their arteries than those without the sensitivity. Further, a higher percentage of the plaques had features characteristic of unstable plaques that are more likely to cause heart attacks.

With the meat allergy, people become sensitized to alpha-gal, a type of sugar found in red meat. People with the symptomatic form of the allergy can develop hives, stomach upset, have trouble breathing or exhibit other symptoms three to eight hours after consuming meat from mammals. (Poultry and fish do not trigger a reaction.)

What’s it like to develop a meat allergy?   https://makingofmedicine.virginia.edu/2018/03/29/the-meat-allergy-whats-it-like/

Other people can be sensitive to alpha-gal and not develop symptoms. In fact, far more people are thought to be in this latter group. For example, up to 20 percent of people in Central Virginia and other parts of the Southeast may be sensitized to alpha-gal, but not show symptoms.

The allergy to alpha-gal was first reported in 2009 by Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, who heads UVA’s Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and his colleague Dr. Scott Commins. Since then, there have been increasing numbers of cases of the meat allergy reported across the U.S., especially as the lone star tick’s territory grows. Previously found predominantly in the Southeast, the tick has now spread west and north, all the way into Canada.

UVA’s new study suggests that doctors could develop a blood test to benefit people sensitive to the allergen.

“This work raises the possibility that in the future a blood test could help predict individuals, even those without symptoms of red meat allergy, who might benefit from avoiding red meat. However, at the moment, red meat avoidance is only indicated for those with allergic symptoms,” said researcher Dr. Jeff Wilson of UVA’s allergy division.

Findings Published

The work represents a significant collaboration between allergy and cardiology experts at UVA. The researchers have published their findings in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, a journal of the American Heart Association. The research team consisted of Wilson, Anh Nguyen, Alexander Schuyler, Commins, Angela Taylor, Platts-Mills and McNamara.

The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grants KO8-AI085190, K23-HL093118, RO1-AI 20565, PO1-HL55798, RO1-HL136098-01 and RO1-HL107490.

MEDIA CONTACT

Josh Barney
UVA Health System
jdb9a@virginia.edu 434-243-1988

________________

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/04/arkansas-woman-develops-deadly-meat-allergy-after-tick-bite/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/01/12/tick-related-red-meat-allergy-found-in-minnesota-wisconsin/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/27/alpha-gal-perioperative-management/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/01/16/a-strange-itch-trouble-breathing-then-anaphylactic-shock/

 

Category:

Activism, Alpha Gal Meat Allergy, research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission

Surveillance For Heartland & Bourbon Viruses in Eastern Kansas

https://academic.oup.com/jme/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jme/tjy103/5045816

Surveillance for Heartland and Bourbon Viruses in Eastern Kansas, June 2016

Savage HM, Godsey MS Jr, Tatman J, Burkhalter KL, Hamm A, Panella NA, Ghosh A, Raghavan RK.
Journal of Medical Entomology, online first 2018 Jun 27.

Abstract

In June 2016, we continued surveillance for tick-borne viruses in eastern Kansas following upon a larger surveillance program initiated in 2015 in response to a fatal human case of Bourbon virus (BRBV) (Family
Orthomyxoviridae: Genus Thogotovirus). In 4 d, we collected 14,193 ticks representing four species from four sites.

Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) accounted for nearly all ticks collected (n = 14,116, 99.5%), and the only other species identified were Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae),
Dermacentor variables (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Ixodes scapulars Say (Acari: Ixodidae). All ticks were tested for both BRBV and Heartland virus (Family Bunyaviridae: Genus Phlebovirus) in 964 pools.

Five Heartland virus positive tick pools were detected and confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR), while all pools tested negative for BRBV. Each Heartland positive pool was composed of 25 A. americium nymphs with positive pools collected at three different sites in Bourbon County.

A. americanum is believed to be the primary vector of both Heartland and BRBVs to humans based upon multiple detections of virus in field-collected ticks, its abundance, and its aggressive feeding behavior on mammals including humans. However, it is possible that A. americium encounters viremic vertebrate hosts of BRBV less frequently than viremic hosts of Heartland virus, or that BRBV is less efficiently
passed among ticks by co-feeding, or less efficiently passed vertically from infected female ticks to their offspring resulting in lower field infection rates.

_____________

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/01/one-tick-bite-could-put-you-at-risk-for-at-least-6-different-diseases/ (Actually it’s 18 and counting)

Category:

research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission, Viruses

Juvenile Tick Attachment on Mice Significantly Greater in Japanese Barberry Shrubs

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29850912/

Indirect Effects of Japanese Barberry Infestations on White-Footed Mice Exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi.

Linske MA, et al. Environ Entomol. 2018.

Abstract
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii de Candolle; Ranunculales: Berberidaceae) is an exotic shrub that has invaded woodland understories in the northeastern United States. It forms dense thickets providing ideal structure and microclimate for questing blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say; Acari: Ixodidae). While there have been studies on the favorable habitat barberry provides blacklegged ticks, little has been studied on the relationship between barberry, vectors (ticks), and reservoirs (white-footed mice; Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque; Rodentia: Cricetidae); specifically, the influence Japanese barberry has on the abundance of blacklegged ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt, and Brenner; Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in mice.

We studied the impacts of barberry treatment over the course of 6 yr to determine influence on encounter abundance with white-footed mice, encounter abundance with B. burgdorferi-infected mice, and juvenile blacklegged ticks parasitizing mice.

Results from our study suggest that while both white-footed mouse and B. burgdorferi-infected mouse encounters remained similar between barberry treatment areas, juvenile tick attachment to mice was significantly greater in intact barberry stands (X¯ = 4.4 ticks per mouse ± 0.23 SEM) compared with managed (X¯ = 2.8 ± 0.17; P < 0.001) or absent (X¯ = 2.2 ± 0.16; P < 0.001) stands. Results of this study indicated that management of barberry stands reduced contact opportunities between blacklegged ticks and white-footed mice. Continued efforts to manage Japanese barberry will not only allow for reestablishment of native plant species, but will also reduce the number of B. burgdorferi-infected blacklegged ticks on the landscape

______________

For More:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/01/20/manage-barberry-lower-ticks/  (Other links after article)

 

Category:

Lyme, research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission