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HEADLINES: Direct and Indirect Detection Work Together * FGFR Inhibitors for Treatment of Neuroborreliosis? * IVIG and Clinical Testing (from 2021) * Update on Asian Longhorned Ticks * More
Direct and Indirect Detection Work Together
Application of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Bartonella Neuroretinitis: A Case Report and Literature Review by P. Li, Z. Qian & Y Tao publishing from Tongji Medical College, Hubei & Capital Medical University, Beijing – A cat owner in China went to the ophthalmologist because of blurred vision in one eye. The hospital did not have direct detection available for very many pathogens, but they were able to access direct detection by sending out a sample of liquid from the eye for sequencing. The patient was also positive for IgG serology. IgG serology can indicate past, rather than current, infection. This case demonstrates the utility of direct detection and indirect detection used together to confirm a diagnosis.
Healthcare Providers: Order a test kit from Galaxy Diagnostics.
FGFR Inhibitors for Treatment of Neuroborreliosis?
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors Mitigate the Neuropathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi or Its Remnants Ex Vivo by G. Parthasarathy publishing from Tulane University – Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) are part of the response to B. burgdorferi driving neuro-inflammation in tissue in the lab. The response can be stimulated by both viable and non-viable bacteria. FGFR inhibitors may be a treatment.
IVIG and Clinical Testing (from 2021)
Questions about how IVIG may impact laboratory testing such as serology testing are coming up more often. An overview of this issue from 2021:
The Interference of Laboratory Tests by Immunoglobin Infusion: Problems and Solutions by R Chen & X Wei publishing from Australia in 2021 – “Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been increasingly used in managing a variety of immune-mediated conditions. While patients benefit from this treatment, the infusion of IVIG has transmitted a large variety of antibodies and biological agents from donors to patients, and transiently interfered with a broad spectrum of clinical laboratory tests… medical practitioners and laboratory professionals must improve the awareness of test interferences caused by IVIG infusion.” Follow the link for more.
While looking back, we posted a Lyme Borrelia Nanotrap Antigen Test Q&A in 2020. Find out more about this unique direct detection urine test for #LymeDisease.
Update on Asian Longhorned Ticks
Antibody-Blocking of a Tick Transporter Impairs Anaplasma phagocytophilum Colonization in Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks by P. Namjoshi et al. publishing from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and Egerton University, Kenya – Asian longhorned ticks carry dangerous human pathogens in Asia. None of those came with the ticks that started the North American population, but why have Asian longhorned ticks not become vectors of tick-borne pathogens that were already in North America? New research identifies why their gut may be inhospitable to these pathogens, and that may show the way to infection prevention in other species of ticks.
Microbiome of Invasive Tick Species Haemaphysalis Longicornis in North Carolina, USA by L Ponnusamy et al. publishing from North Carolina State University and Appalachian State University – Although Asian longhorned ticks have not been implicated in the spread of tick-borne disease to humans in North America, they have been found carrying these pathogens. This research from North Carolina looks at what pathogens they may have picked up.
What You Need to Know About Asian Longhorned Ticks – A New Tick in the United States by the US CDC, last reviewed May 17, 2023 – Overview of what is known about the species’ ability to transmit pathogens in North America and explanation of the steps required to be a competent vector.
MORE: Animal Sentinels * Tick Awareness * Developments in Prevention * CDC ZOHU Call
Animal Sentinels
Animals that share ecosystems with people can serve as sentinels for tick-borne disease. Due to medical privacy restrictions for humans, this information is often more readily available and more geographically specific than information about people.
Cervids as Sentinels for Rickettsia spp. in Portugal by Barrades Pf et al. publishing from a group of institutions in Portugal – Hunted animals in particular share the same ecological exposures as humans. A study of deer and #Rickettsia in Portugal.
Frequency of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp., and Coinfections in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected from Dogs and Cats in Germany by J Probst et al. publishing from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover and the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority – A study of ticks collected from dogs and cats in Germany demonstrated that tick prevention is needed to protect pets and people from #Anaplasma and #Borrelia species.
Occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus in Central-Southern Poland, and Potential Threats to Human and Animal Health by A Buczek et al. publishing from universities in Poland – D. reticulatus ticks have historically missed the central part of Poland, but their range is now extending into this area. Six ticks have been found on dogs in the area and three were carrying Rickettsia raoultii.
Tick Awareness
Don’t Let Ticks Steal Warm Weather Enjoyment by Wyoming Department of Health – Warnings about tularemia, RMSF & Colorado tick fever. Spring and summer illness should be evaluated for the possibility of tick-borne disease.
Man Whose Life Was Threatened by Tick-Borne Illness Has Warning for Neighbors: ‘This is a risk that’s present’ from TCB – Rocky Mountain spotted fever is uncommon in New England, but diagnoses across the country are increasing. A man infected in Connecticut wants to be sure people know the risk.
Developments in Prevention
New Look at Vaccine to Combat Lyme Disease in France from The Connexion – In France, a unique vaccine that uses a strain of E. coli to stimulate antibody production targeted at the microbiome of a biting tick is showing promise in mouse studies.
Wolbachia-Carrying Aedes Mosquitoes for Preventing Dengue Infection by T. Fox et al. publishing from the UK, India and Cambodia – Aedes mosquitoes are vectors for dengue virus. Infecting them with certain strains of Wolbachia reduces their ability to survive and mate, potentially reducing the risk of dengue.
Unintended Consequences: Managing Anaplasmosis in Cattle by C Hagedorn published in Drovers – Biting flies and mosquitoes have spread Anaplasmosis to cattle in 40 of 50 US states. Preventing fly bites prevents the disease. Among other treatments, salt blocks infused with garlic (licked by the cattle as a salt supplement) resulted in an almost 50% reduction in horn fly bites in one study.
CDC ZOHU Call
May 2024 CDC ZOHU Call – This month’s topic is the CDC’s Heat and Health Activities, which includes heat & health tracking, climate, and tick bites. May 1st at 2PM, free CE.
