Polymorphism of P66 in / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To study the polymorphism in P66 and its human B-cell epitopes of @*Methods@#Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used to obtain the P66 sequences of 59 Chinese @*Results@#Results showed that genetic and amino acid diversity presented in the 66 kD protein of all 59 Chinese strains, especially in @*Conclusion@#In P66 of 59 Chinese strains, polymorphisms were widely distributed. More importantly, the P66 amino acid sequences of

First serological detection of Borrelia spp. in dogs in western Cuba / Primeira detecção sorológica de Borrelia spp. em cães na região oeste de Cuba

Abstract This study aimed to verify the presence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l) in domestic dogs in western Cuba. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using crude antigens of a B. burgdorferi strain of North American origin. To verify the presence of Borrelia spp., deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from individual blood samples was analyzed by nested-PCR, with markers targeted for amplification of portions of the flagellin B gene (flaB) present in Borrelia spirochetes. Ticks were also collected through inspection of the animals. Sera from 93 of 176 (52.84%) dogs were reactive to the indirect ELISA. Geographic prevalence varied from 54.35% (25/46) in Boyeros, 44.44% (20/45) in Cotorro, 66.67% (22/33) in Habana del Este, and 50% (26/52) in San José de las Lajas. There was no statistical difference between these tested variables. No blood samples analyzed were positive for the Borrelia flaB gene.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo confirmar a presença de anticorpos IgG contra Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l) em cães na região oeste de Cuba. As amostras de soro foram analisadas por ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA) indireto, usando-se antígenos brutos de uma cepa de B. burgdorferi de origem norte-americana. Para confirmar a presença de Borrelia spp., o ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA), extraído de amostras individuais de sangue, foi analisado por PCR, utilizando-se marcadores direcionados para a amplificação de porções do gene da flagelina B (flaB) presente nas espiroquetas de Borrelia. Os carrapatos também foram coletados através da inspeção dos animais. Os soros de 93 de 176 (52,84%) cães foram reativos ao ELISA indireto. A prevalência geográfica variou de 54,35% (25/46) em Boyeros, 44,44% (20/45) em Cotorro, 66,67% (22/33) em Habana del Este e 50% (26/52) em San José de las Lajas. Não houve diferença estatística entre essas variáveis testadas. Nenhuma amostra de sangue analisada foi positiva para o gene Borrelia flaB.

Horses as a Potential Reservoir of Lyme Borreliosis in Jeju-do, Korea / 예방의학회지

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in North America, and it was designated as a national notifiable infectious disease in Korea in December 2010. While no cases in Jeju-do were recorded from 2012 to 2016, a recent survey reported that the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in horses in Jeju-do was 19.0% (95% confidence interval, 12.0 to 28.3%). This fact suggests that horses may be a potential reservoir of LB in Jeju-do and that individuals in close contact with horses may be a high-risk group. Thus, a serological study in this high-risk group is urgently needed.

Síndrome de Lyme crónico con manifestaciones neurológicas: a propósito de un caso / Chronic Lyme syndrome with neurological manifestations: A case report

RESUMEN El síndrome de Lyme crónico representa un término controversial que agrupa un conjunto de síntomas persistentes e inespecíficos, en su mayoría reumatológicos o neurológicos, dentro de los cuales se encuentra la enfermedad postLyme, cuya incidencia epidemiológica es baja, el conocimiento fisiopatológico es controversial y el abordaje diagnóstico se basa especialmente en la interpretación clínica, dirigiendo su enfoque terapéutico hacia la resolución sintomática. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 17 años, con enfermedad de Lyme de reciente diagnóstico, de aparente evolución de 3 años, con diagnóstico previo de enfermedad desmielinizante, que consultó por deterioro neurológico. Se revisan consideraciones científicas sobre su aproximación clínica y principios terapéuticos, los cuales se contrastan con los aplicados.

SUMMARY Chronic Lyme syndrome represents a controversial term that groups together a set of persistent and nonspecific symptoms, mostly rheumatological and / or neurological, among which is the Post Lyme Disease, whose epidemiological incidence is low, pathophysiology is controversial and the diagnostic approach is based especially on clinical interpretation, directing its therapeutic approach towards symptomatic resolution. We present a case of a female patient of 17 years of age with Lyme disease of recent diagnosis of apparent evolution of 3 years, with previous diagnosis of demyelinating disease, who consulted for neurological deterioration. Scientific considerations on its clinical approach and therapeutic principles are reviewed, contrasting them with those applied.

Enfermedad de Lyme: a propósito de un caso clínico importado / Lyme disease: about an imported case report

Resumen Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer norteamericana que consultó en nuestro país por un eritema migrans múltiple, diagnosticándose una enfermedad de Lyme. Este cuadro infeccioso es causado por espiroquetas del complejo Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) y es transmitido por la mordedura de garrapatas. Tradicionalmente Bbsl había sido detectada en garrapatas sólo en el hemisferio norte. Sin embargo, desde el 2013 ha habido reportes en Sudamérica. En Chile, recientemente se describió Borrelia chilensis, la cual no tiene una enfermedad asociada en humanos. Se discuten aspectos del agente infeccioso, su epidemiología, sus vectores y nuevos hallazgos en Sudamérica. Además, se plantean los criterios diagnósticos clínicos, de laboratorio y tratamiento, de acuerdo a la etapa en su historia natural.

This is a case report of an american woman who consulted in our country for multiple erythema migrans, from which a Lyme disease was diagnosed. This infectious disease is caused by spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (Bbsl) and is transmitted by the bite of ticks. Traditionally Bbsl had been detected in ticks only in the Northern Hemisphere. However, since 2013 there have been reports in South America. In Chile, Borrelia chilensis was recently described, which does not have an associated disease in humans. Aspects of the infectious agent, its epidemiology, its vectors and new findings in South America are discussed. Likewise, the clinical diagnostic criteria, laboratory and appropriate treatment are proposed, according to the stage in their natural history.

Passage of Borrelia burgdorferi through diverse Ixodid hard ticks causes distinct diseases: Lyme borreliosis and Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome

Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome is an emerging, tick-borne, infectious disease recently discovered in Brazil. This syndrome is similar to Lyme disease, which is common in the United States of America, Europe and Asia; however, Brazilian borreliosis diverges from the disease observed in the Northern Hemisphere in its epidemiological, microbiological, laboratory and clinical characteristics. Polymerase chain reaction procedures showed that Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto spirochete. This bacterium has not yet been isolated or cultured in adequate culture media. In Brazil, this zoonosis is transmitted to humans through the bite of Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus genera ticks; these vectors do not belong to the usual Lyme disease transmitters, which are members of the Ixodes ricinus complex. The adaptation of Borrelia burgdorferi to Brazilian vectors and reservoirs probably originated from spirochetes with atypical morphologies (cysts or cell-wall-deficient bacteria) exhibiting genetic adjustments, such as gene suppression. These particularities could explain the protracted survival of these bacteria in hosts, beyond the induction of a weak immune response and the emergence of serious reactive symptoms. The aim of the present report is to note differences between Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome and Lyme disease, to help health professionals recognize this exotic and neglected zoonosis.

Optic neuritis and chorioretinitis as ocular manifestations of borreliosis in Brazil: three cases reported / Neurite óptica e coriorretinite como manifestações oculares da borreliose no Brasil: três casos relatados

Abstract Lyme disease is a systemic infection caused by a tick bite and transmission of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete. Species of tick vectors of the disease infest mainly wild or rural animals and rodents that may be asymptomatic reservoirs of the bacteria. Characteristic of the northern hemisphere, Lyme disease in Brazil takes on different characteristics, complicating diagnosis. This paper aims to describe three cases of Lyme-like disease in a city in the state of Bahia, Brazil, with ophthalmologic findings.

Resumo A doença de Lyme é uma infecção sistêmica causada pela picada do carrapato e transmissão da espiroqueta Borrelia burgdorferi. As espécies de carrapatos vetores da doença infestam, principalmente, animais silvestres, rurais e roedores que podem ser reservatórios assintomáticos da bactéria. Característica do hemisfério norte, a doença de Lyme no Brasil assume características distintas, dificultando seu diagnóstico. Esse trabalho tem por objetivo, descrever três casos da doença Lyme símile do Brasil, com achados oftalmológicos, em município do Estado da Bahia.

Brazilian borreliosis with special emphasis on humans and horses

Abstract Borreliosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a cosmopolitan zoonosis studied worldwide; it is called Lyme disease in many countries of the Northern Hemisphere and Lyme-like or Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome in Brazil. However, despite the increasing number of suspect cases, this disease is still neglected in Brazil by the medical and veterinary communities. Brazilian Lyme-like borreliosis likely involves capybaras as reservoirs and Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus ticks as vectors. Thus, domestic animals can serve as key carriers in pathogen dissemination. This zoonosis has been little studied in horses in Brazil. The first survey was performed in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and this Brazilian Borreliosis exhibits many differences from the disease widely described in the Northern Hemisphere. The etiological agent shows different morphological and genetic characteristics, the disease has a higher recurrence rate after treatment with antibiotics, and the pathogen stimulates intense symptoms such as a broader immune response in humans. Additionally, the Brazilian zoonosis is not transmitted by the Ixodes ricinus complex. With respect to clinical manifestations, Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome has been reported to cause neurological, cardiac, ophthalmic, muscle, and joint alterations in humans. These symptoms can possibly occur in horses. Here, we present a current panel of studies involving the disease in humans and equines, particularly in Brazil.

Morgellons Disease

Morgellons disease is a rare disease with unknown etiology. Herein, we report the first case of Morgellons disease in Korea. A 30-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of pruritic erythematous patches and erosions on the arms, hands, and chin. She insisted that she had fiber-like materials under her skin, which she had observed through a magnifying device. We performed skin biopsy, and observed a fiber extruding from the dermal side of the specimen. Histopathological examination showed only mild lymphocytic infiltration, and failed to reveal evidence of any microorganism. The polymerase chain reaction for Borrelia burgdorferi was negative in her serum.

Prevalencia de Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato en roedores sinantrópicos de dos comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México / Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in synanthropic rodents in two rural communities of Yucatán, México

Introducción. La enfermedad de Lyme es una zoonosis multisistémica causada por Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Esta espiroqueta circula en un ciclo enzoótico entre un reservorio vertebrado primario y las garrapatas. Se ha encontrado que varias especies de roedores son eficientes reservorios naturales de B. burgdorferi s.l. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de B. burgdorferi s.l. en roedores sinantrópicos en dos comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México. Materiales y métodos. Se capturaron 123 roedores (94 Mus musculus y 29 Rattus rattus ) para obtener muestras de tejidos de oreja y vejiga. Para la detección de B. burgdorferi s.l. en las muestras, se amplificaron los genes de la flagelina B ( fla B ) y las lipoproteínas de membrana externa, ospC y p66 , mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, y se secuenciaron los amplicones obtenidos. Resultados. La frecuencia de infección por B. burgdorferi s.l. en roedores fue de 36,5 % para flaB (45/123), de 10,5 % (13/123) para p66 y de 3,2 % (4/123) para ospC . En R. rattus la frecuencia de infección fue de 17,2 % y en M. musculus fue de 42,5 %. La frecuencia de infección de B. burgdorferi s.l. en los tejidos estudiados fue de 11,3 % (14/123) en muestras de tejido de vejiga y de 17,0 % (21/123) en las de oreja. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (p>0,05) en la frecuencia de infección entre los dos tipos de muestras de tejido utilizadas para el diagnóstico. El gen ospC presentó 98 % de homología con la especie Borrelia garinii , una de las especies heterogéneas del complejo B. burgdorferi s.l. Conclusiones. Los roedores presentaron una alta prevalencia de infección con B. burgdorferi s.l.; las especies M. musculus y R. rattus podrían jugar un papel importante en la continuidad de la presencia de esta bacteria en comunidades rurales de Yucatán, México.

Introduction: Lyme disease is a multisystemic zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. This spirochete circulates in an enzootic cycle between the primary vertebrate reservoir and its tick vectors. Different species of rodents are known to be efficient natural reservoirs for B. burgdorferi s.l. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in synanthropic rodents from two rural communities of Yucatán, México. Materials and methods: A total of 123 rodents (94 Mus musculus and 29 Rattus rattus ) were trapped, and ear and bladder samples were collected. Flagelin B ( flaB ) genes and outer membrane lipoproteins ospC y p66 were amplified in order to detect B. burgdorferi s.l. presence in the samples. The obtained amplicons were sequenced. Results: The overall infection rates in rodents were 36.5% for flaB (45/123), 10.5% (13/123) for p66, and 3.2% (4/123) for ospC . Rattus rattus had 17.2% of infection and M. musculus , 42.5%. From all examined tissue, 11.3% (14/123) of bladders, and 17.0% (21/123) of ears were infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found between the two tissue samples used for diagnosis. The ospC gen was 98% homologous to Borrelia garinii , one species of the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex. Conclusions: We concluded that rodents have a high prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection, and both species of rodents, M. musculus and R. rattus, might be playing an important role in the maintenance of this bacterium in rural communities of Yucatán, México.

Mielitis transversa aguda en un viajero / Acute transverse myelitis in a traveler

La mielitis transversa aguda se define como un trastorno neuroinmune adquirido de la medula espinal, que ocurre como consecuencia de un evento primario o relacionado a enfermedades inflamatorias autoinmunes, infecciosas o post infecciosas. Entre los agentes etiológicos infecciosos se destaca Borrelia spp., antropozoonosis transmitida por garrapatas de la familia ixodidae. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Lyme desarrollan, entre un 10 a un 15%, manifestaciones neurológicas. El espectro clínico suele ser variado e incierto. Entre las manifestaciones clínicas de la neuroborreliosis de Lyme, la mielitis transversa aguda ha sido reportada entre el 4 al 5%. Se describe el caso de un viajero proveniente de zona endémica de enfermedad de Lyme con encefalomielitis secundaria a infección aguda por Borrelia burgdorferi que presentó resolución completa de los síntomas luego de finalizar el tratamiento antibiótico.

Acute transverse myelitis is defined as an acquired neuroimmune disorder of the spinal cord, which occurs as a consequence of a primary event, or directly related to an autoimmune inflammatory disease, an infectious or post-infectious disease. Amongst infectious etiologies, Borrelia spp., a tick-bourne anthropozoonosis of the ixodidae family, prevails. Approximately 10 to 15% of patients with Lyme disease undergo neurologic manifestations, with an assorted and uncertain array of clinical syndromes. Transverse myelitis accounts for up to 5% of Lyme neuroborreliosis. We describe the case of a traveler from endemic zone for Lyme disease, with encephalomyelitis secondary to acute infection by Borrelia burgderfori, with complete resolution of symptoms after concluding adequate antibiotic treatment.

Fluorescent membrane markers elucidate the association of Borrelia burgdorferi with tick cell lines

This study aimed to describe the association of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. with ixodid tick cell lines by flow cytometry and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Spirochetes were stained with a fluorescent membrane marker (PKH67 or PKH26), inoculated into 8 different tick cell lines and incubated at 30°C for 24 h. PKH efficiently stained B. burgdorferi without affecting bacterial viability or motility. Among the tick cell lines tested, the Rhipicephalus appendiculatus cell line RA243 achieved the highest percentage of association/internalization, with both high (90%) and low (10%) concentrations of BSK-H medium in tick cell culture medium. Treatment with cytochalasin D dramatically reduced the average percentage of cells with internalized spirochetes, which passed through a dramatic morphological change during their internalization by the host cell as observed in time-lapse photography. Almost all of the fluorescent bacteria were seen to be inside the tick cells. PKH labeling of borreliae proved to be a reliable and valuable tool to analyze the association of spirochetes with host cells by flow cytometry, confocal and fluorescence microscopy.

Serological Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi among Horses in Korea

Lyme disease is a tick-borne zoonotic infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The present study assessed the infection status of B. burgdorferi among horses reared in Korea using ELISA and PCR. Between 2009 and 2013, blood samples were collected from 727 horses throughout Korea. Data for each animal including age, gender, breed, and region of sample collection were used for epidemiological analysis. Overall, 38 (5.2%; true prevalence: 5.5%) of 727 horses were seropositive by ELISA. There were statistically significant differences according to breed and region (P<0.001) whose differences might be attributed to the ecology of vector ticks and climate conditions. Using 2 nested PCR, none of the samples tested positive for B. burgdorferi. Thus, a positive ELISA result can indicate only that the tested horse was previously exposed to B. burgdorferi, with no certainty over the time of exposure. Since global warming is likely to increase the abundance of ticks in Korea, continuous monitoring of tick-borne diseases in Korean horses is needed.

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in occupationally exposed persons in the Belgrade area, Serbia

Lyme disease (LD) is a natural focal zoonotic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is mainly transmitted through infected Ixodes ricinus tick bites. The presence and abundance of ticks in various habitats, the infectivity rate, as well as prolonged human exposure to ticks are factors that may affect the infection risk as well as the incidence of LD. In recent years, 20% to 25% of ticks infected with different borrelial species, as well as about 5,300 citizens with LD, have been registered in the Belgrade area. Many of the patients reported tick bites in city’s grassy areas. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi in high-risk groups (forestry workers and soldiers) in the Belgrade area, and to compare the results with healthy blood donors. A two-step algorithm consisting of ELISA and Western blot tests was used in the study. Immunoreactivity profiles were also compared between the groups. The results obtained showed the seroprevalence to be 11.76% in the group of forestry workers, 17.14% in the group of soldiers infected by tick bites and 8.57% in the population of healthy blood donors. The highest IgM reactivity was detected against the OspC protein, while IgG antibodies showed high reactivity against VlsE, p19, p41, OspC, OspA and p17. Further investigations in this field are necessary in humans and animals in order to improve protective and preventive measures against LD.

Estudo biomolecular de produtos de Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae e Borrelia burgdorferi na etiopatogenia da degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral / A biomolecular study on Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Borrelia burgdorferi products in myxoid mitral valve degeneration etiopathogenesis

Introdução e Objetivo: A doença mixomatosa da valva mitral leva ao comprometimento de sua matriz devido à alteração em sua composição tecidual provocada pelo desequilíbrio na quantidade de ácidos mucopolissacarídeos ou glicosaminoglicanos. Sua etiologia ainda não está totalmente esclarecida, podendo ocorrer em formas familiares com transmissão autossômica dominante de penetrância variável, que pode ser dependente do tempo ou de prováveis fatores ambientais, situações em que a interação de agentes infecciosos necessita de maiores esclarecimentos. O objetivo deste estudo é a análise dos produtos dos patógenos da Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae e Borrelia burgdorferi em segmentos de cúspide retirados da valva mitral com degeneração mixomatosa, comparada ao grupo controle e a relação dos produtos bacterianos com aumento de marcadores inflamatórios (CD20, CD48, CD68) e de metaloproteinase (MMP9) na etiopatogenia da degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral. Método: Estudo observacional, analítico, tipo caso-controle, que analisou 2 grupos contendo 20 pacientes cada e divididos em grupo 1, composto por fragmentos de tecido valvar mitral com diagnóstico de degeneração mixomatosa extraídos em procedimentos de troca ou plásticas valvares mitrais; e grupo 2, formado por segmentos de valvas mitrais sem valvopatia retirados no serviço de verificação de óbito. Foram realizadas colorações de hematoxilina e eosina e Movat para diagnóstico histológico da degeneração mixomatosa e técnica de imunohistoquímica para detecção de antígenos da Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, mediadores inflamatórios (CD20, CD45, CD68) e marcadores de metaloproteinase (MMP9). A presença de antígenos da Chlamydophila pneumonia e foi pesquisada pela técnica de hibridização in situ. A análise quantitativa dos aspectos microscópicos foi realizada com o analisador de imagens Aperio. A pesquisa de elementos bacterianos foi feita através de microscopia eletrônica...

Background: The myxomatous mitral valve disease leads to impairment due to changes in their tissue composition caused by the imbalance in the amount of acid mucopolysaccharides or glycosaminoglycans. Its etiology is not yet fully understood and may occur in familial forms of autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance that can be time-dependent or probable environmental factors, where the interaction of infectious agents requires further elucidation. The purpose of this study is the analysis of the pathogens products of Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Borrelia burgdorferi in removed cusp segments of the mitral valve with myxoid degeneration, compared to the control group and the ratio of bacterial products with increased inflammatory markers (CD20, CD48, CD68) and metalloproteinase (MMP9) in the pathogenesis of myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve. Method: Observational, analytical, case-control study which analyzed 2 groups of 20 patients each and divided in group 1, consisting of fragments of mitral valve tissue with diagnosis of myxomatous degeneration extracted in replacement procedures or mitral valve repair; group 2, formed by segments of mitral valves without valvolpaty clinial disease removed in the coroner service. Hematoxylin and eosin and Movat stains were done for histological diagnosis of myxoid degeneration and immunohistochemical technique for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumonia antigens, inflammatory mediators (CD20, CD45, CD68) and markers of metalloproteinase (MMP9). The presence of Chlamydophila pneumonia antigens was verified through an in situ hybridization technique. The quantitative analysis of the microscopic aspects was performed with the Aperio image analyzer. The research of bacterial elements was performed by a transmission electron microscopy. Results: In group 1, 14 (70%) patients were male and 6 (30%) were female. The mean age was (51 to 79 years, sd...

Lyme disease in Haryana, India.

Lyme disease is a multiorgan animal‑borne disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. This case series highlights its presence in Haryana, a nonendemic zone. The first case was a 27‑year‑old housewife who presented with an annular erythematous patch with a central papule following an insect bite on the left upper arm. The second case was a 32‑year‑old farmer who gave a history of insect bite on the right arm followed by the development of an erythematous patch with a central blister. The third case, a 17‑year‑old boy presented with a history of tick bite over right thigh and a typical bull’s eye lesion with central ulceration. These cases were managed with oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days. The fourth case was a 7‑year‑old boy with typical erythema migrans on the right check and neck while the fifth case, a 30‑year‑old housewife, presented with an erythematous patch with a central papule on the right buttock. These patients were treated with oral amoxycillin 25 mg/kg, thrice daily for 14 days. All patients showed IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Treatment led to clearance of lesions in all the patients. Lyme borreliosis was diagnosed in these patients based on the history of established exposure to tick bites, presence of classic signs and symptoms, serology and the response to treatment.

Evidence of Borrelia in wild and domestic mammals from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Evidência de Borrelia em mamíferos silvestres e domésticos no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

The main of the study was to evaluate the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in domestic and wild vertebrates and ectoparasites in endemic areas from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 445 serum samples were examined by ELISA, which used the Borrelia burgdorferi strain G39/40 U.S. source and 3,821 tick samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). B. burgdorferi antibodies were found in 30 serum samples (6.74%); three in marsupials (7.69%), three in rodents (2.80%), nine in dogs (6.25%), and 15 in horses (9.68%). Nested-PCR performed in DNA samples obtained from collected ticks demonstrated negative results. Although attempts to amplify B. burgdorferi DNA from ticks had been not successful, the presence of seroreactive vertebrates suggests the possibility the Borrelia species circulating in these regions. Further research is required to provide information on the presence of Borrelia in Brazilian territory and its association with Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome.

O principal objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a presença de infecção por Borrelia burgdorferi em vertebrados domésticos e silvestres e ectoparasitas em áreas endêmicas do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Um total de 445 amostras de soro foram examinadas por ELISA, onde usou-se a cepa americana G39/40 de Borrelia burgdorferi e 3.821 amostras de carrapatos foram testados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Anticorpos anti -B. burgdorferi foram encontrados em 30 amostras de soro (6,74%); três marsupiais (7,69%), três em roedores (2,80%), em nove cães (6,25%) e 15 em cavalos (9,68%). Nested-PCR realizada em amostras de DNA obtidas a partir de carrapatos coletados demonstraram resultados negativos. Apesar das tentativas para amplificar o DNA de B. burgdorferi a partir de carrapatos não tenha sido bem sucedido, a presença de soroatividade em vertebrados sugere a possibilidade de espécies de Borrelia circulando nestas regiões. Mais pesquisas são necessárias para fornecer informações sobre a presença de Borrelia em território brasileiro e sua associação com a Síndrome de Baggio-Yoshinari.

Spatial distribution of vector borne disease agents in dogs in Aegean region, Turkey / Distribución espacial de agentes patógenos transmitidos por vectores en perros en la región del Egeo, Turquía

Objective. Assess the spatial distribution of seroprevalence of infection with or exposure to 4 vector-borne pathogens Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis, across the coastal states of the Aegean region with special reference to clinical signs and haematological variances related to disease condition. Materials and methods. A convenience sample, targeting blood from at least 10 pet dogs from Izmir, Aydin, Denizli, Mugla and Manisa cities involved was evaluated using a canine point-of-care ELISA kit. Results. Out of 307 dogs tested the overall seroprevalence was highest for E. canis (24.42%), followed by E. canis + A. phagocytophilum co-infection (10.42%), A. phagocytophilum (7.49%) and D. immitis (2.28%). Only 2 cases were seropositive to B. burgdorferi albeit 10 dogs were co-infected with more than 2 agents. For both dogs infected with E. canis and co-infected with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis, were more commonly detected, whereas thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis were significant finding in dogs infected with A. phagocytophilum or D. immitis, respectively. Variance analysis showed significant differences for mean RBC, Hb, PCV and PLT values (p<0.01) among control group and other groups. Conclusions. Seropositivity for vector-borne pathogens other than B. burgdorferi, is moderately to widely distributed in dogs residing in the Aegean region in Turkey.

Objetivo. Evaluar la distribución espacial de la seroprevalencia de la infección de 4 agentes patógenos de transmisión por vectores Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi y Dirofilaria immitis, en los estados costeros de la región del Egeo con especial referencia a los signos clínicos y las variaciones hematológicas relacionadas con la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos. Se tomaron por conveniencia muestras de sangre de al menos 10 perros en las ciudades Izmir, Aydin, Denizli, Mugla y Manisa. Para la evaluación de las muestras se utilizó un kit de ELISA para la detencción de anticuerpos de las enfermedades del estudio. Resultados. De los 307 perros muestreados, la seroprevalencia más alta fue para E. canis (24.42%), seguido por la coinfección entre E. canis + A. phagocytophilum (10.42%), A. phagocytophilum (7.49%) y D. immitis (2.28%). Sólo 2 casos fueron seropositivos para B. burgdorferi aunque 10 perros fueron coinfectados con más de 2 agentes. En ambos perros infectados con E. canis y coinfectados con E. canis y A. phagocytophilum, se detectó comúnmente anemia, trombocitopenia y leucocitosis, mientras que la trombocitopenia y leucocitosis fueron significativos en perros infectados con A. phagocytophilum o D. immitis , respectivamente. El análisis de varianza mostró diferencias significativas para los promedios de RBC, hemoglobina, hematocrito y valores PLT (p<0.01) entre el grupo control y los otros grupos. Conclusiones. La seropositividad transmitida por vectores patógenos distintos de B. burgdorferi, fue moderada y ampliamente distribuida en los perros que residen en la región del Egeo en Turquía.

Atrofoderma de Pasini y PieriniPosible variante de la esclerodermia localizada / Pasini and Pierini atrofoderma Possible variant of localized scleroderma

Resumen Reportamos el caso de una paciente con unas lesiones en piel que fueron diagnosticadasinicialmente como morfea, por lo cual fue remitida al servicio de reumatología. Las características clínicas e histológicas nos permitieron descartar morfea clásica y clasificarla mejor como una atrofoderma de Pasini y Pierini. Aunque algunos la consideran una variante localizada y benigna dela morfea para otros se trata de una entidad nosológica distinta. Esta enfermedad debe ser considerada en el diagnóstico diferencial de la esclerodermia localizada y todos aquellos desórdenes que semejan esclerodermia para lograr un diagnóstico correcto y evitar tratamientos y exámenes innecesarios.Informamos la ausencia de respuesta de sus lesiones con el uso de hidroxicloroquina. (Acta MedColomb 2014; 39: 77-80).

Abstract The case of a patient with skin lesions initially diagnosed as morphea is reported. With this diagnosis, she was referred to rheumatology. The clinical and histological characteristics allowed us to rule out classical morphea and better classify it as a Pasini and Pierini atrofoderma. While some consider it a localized and benign variant of morphea, for others it is a distinct nosological entity. This disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of localized scleroderma and all those disorders that resemble scleroderma for a proper diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary tests and treatments. The lack of response from her lesions with the use of hydroxychloroquine is reported. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 77-80).