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.

Enfermedad de Lyme en el Perú. Una revisión clínica y epidemiológica / Lyme disease in Perú. A clinical and epidemiological review

RESUMEN Esta es una revisión crítica y organizada de la información disponible y actualizada acerca de la enfermedad de Lyme y la infección por Borrelia en el Perú. Varios estudios de serología contra Borrelia burgdorferi, y de casos de enfermedad de Lyme han sido reportados en el Perú en las pasadas dos décadas. Nueva información sugiere la existencia de nuevas especies de Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato en Sudamérica, y posiblemente en el Perú. Futuros estudios genéticos y microbiológicos en esta parte del continente, no sólo en casos con Western blot indeterminado, sino también en vectores y posibles reservorios, son necesarios para medir la extensión de estas nuevas especies de Borrelia y su implicancia clínica.

ABSTRACT This is a critical and organized review of all the available and updated information on Lyme disease and Borrelia infection in Peru. Several studies of positive serology to Borrelia burgdorferi and several cases of Lyme disease have been reported in Peru in the last two decades. New information suggests that new species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato do exist in South America, and possibly in Peru. Future genetic and microbiology studies in this part of the continent, not only in cases with an indeterminate Western blot but in vectors and possible reservoirs as well, are necessary to measure the extent and clinical implications of these new Borrelia species

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.

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.

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in humans in a rural area of Paraná State, Brazil

This study describes the detection of Borrelia garinii and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in Brazilian individuals using PCR and DNA sequencing. Our results suggest that these species are emerging pathogens in this country, and additional studies are necessary to determine the epidemiological characteristics of this disease in Brazil.

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.

Actualización acerca de Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato y enfermedad de Lyme / Update on Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Lyme disease

Introducción: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad de Lyme, zoonosis emergente de difícil diagnóstico, prevención y control, reportada fundamentalmente en el hemisferio norte. Objetivo: facilitar información actualizada acerca de Borrelia burgdorferi. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica y especializada sobre los principales aspectos relacionados con este agente y su enfermedad; como son las características de las borrelias y el ciclo de vida, epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas en humanos, diagnóstico de laboratorio, definición actual de caso, tratamiento, profilaxis, prevención y control. Resultados: se expone información actualizada y valiosa sobre los temas seleccionados, útil para el personal interesado en las enfermedades infecciosas transmitidas por vectores. Se muestra además información sobre los estudios realizados en Cuba. Conclusiones: se aporta información de utilidad para el manejo epidemiológico, clínico y microbiológico de casos con sospechas de la infección por Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Introduction: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent of Lyme disease, an emerging zoonosis, whose diagnosis, prevention and control are difficult and it is mainly reported in the northern hemisphere. Objective: to provide updated information about Borrelia burgdorferi. Methods: a review of scientific and specialized literature on the key aspects of this agent and the disease such as characteristics and life cycle of borrelias, epidemiology, clinical manifestations in humans, laboratory diagnosis, current case definition, treatment, prophylaxis, prevention and control. Results: current valuable information on selected items was set forth, which is useful for the personnel involved in vector-borne infectious diseases. Additionally, information about studies conducted in Cuba was provided. Conclusions: this paper offers updated information for the epidemiological, clinical and microbiological management of suspected cases of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Lyme disease in the state of Tocantins, Brazil: report of the first cases

Lyme disease is an underdiagnosed zoonosis in Brazil. There are no cases registered in the state of Tocantins, the newest Brazilian state. The cases of three patients in contact with rural areas in three Tocantins' districts are herein described, and the Brazilian literature is reviewed.

Prevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in humans from a Cuban village

Lyme disease has not been officially reported in Cuba. However, clinical cases have been serologically reported. Seroprevalence survey of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto antibodies in humans in the country has not been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of borrelial antibodies in inhabitants of a village with historically high level of tick infestation. METHODS: Serum specimens from 247 persons randomly selected from the population of the village were examined by IgG Western blot using B31 strain for estimating the prevalence of antibodies profile. RESULTS: A seroprevalence value interval (95 percent CI) of 0.6 percent-7.2 percent was estimated for the studied population. The prevalent borrelial protein bands on immunoblots were 41, 72, 90/93, 34, 47, 60, 58, 56, 65/66 and 31 kDa in a decreasing order of significance. CONCLUSION: These results support the previous serological findings, suggesting the presence of this borreliosis in Cuba.

Frequency of Lyme arthritis in patients with unknown subacute arthritis

Arthritis is a most common manifestation of lyme disease, which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The birds may be carriers of disease-carrying ticks from Asia to Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of lyme arthritis in patients with unknown subacute arthritis. This cross-sectional study was evaluated 180 patients with unknown subacute arthritis. Patients were asked about age, sex, foreign travel history, jungle travel history, animal contact, tick bites. Then, IgG, IgM Ab ELISA test were done. In patient with positive IgG or IgM ELISA test, Western Blot test was done. SPSS was used to analyze data. 20 [11.9%] patients had positive ELISA serologic test, in which 12[60%] had IgM Ab, 5 [25%] IgG Ab and 3 [15%] both IgM Ab and IgG Ab. Western Blot was positive in 2[1.1%] and equivocal in 5[2.8%] patients. The results of this study showed that lyme disease should be considered in each patient with unknown subacute arthritis in Iran

Seroprevalencia de Borreliosis, o Enfermedad de Lyme, en una Población Rural Expuesta de Córdoba, Colombia / Seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in workers from Cordoba, Colombia

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue el de establecer la seroprevalencia de enfermedad de Lyme en trabajadores del agro. Material y métodos La población la constituyeron 152 sujetos de los municipios de Montería, Cereté, Lorica y Cotorra, del Departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. La presencia de anticuerpos IgG específicos anti-Borrelia burgdorferi se estableció por ELISA y confirmados por Western blot. RPR (rapid plasma reagin) para Treponema pallidum (sífilis) y ELISA para leptospirosis IgM se utilizo para descartar reacciones cruzadas. Resultados Por ELISA se detectaron 30 (20 por ciento) sueros con anticuerpos IgG para Borrelia. Los 30 sueros fueron RPR negativos. Por Western Blot se escogieron al azar 25 sueros positivos, siete se confirmaron como positivos para Borrelia burgdorferi, seroprevalencia del 4,6 por ciento. Conclusión La seroprevalencia sugiere infección por B. burgdorferi en la población estudiada. Se deben realizar futuros estudios clínicos, serológicos y sobre todo ecológicos que determinen la presencia de Borrelia burgdorferi en las garrapatas de nuestras regiónes.

Objective Establishing the seroprevalence of Lyme disease in workers from Cordoba. Material and methods Representative serum samples (152) were taken from the cities of Montería, Cereté, Lorica and Cotorra in the Córdoba department in Colombia. Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were detected by ELISA and confirmed by western blot anti-Borrelia blot assay. RPR (rapid plasma regain) test for Treponema pallidum (syphilis) and ELISA for leptospirosis IgM were carried out to discard cross-reactivity. Results A total of 152 serum samples were tested; 30 (20 percent) were positive by ELISA. The 30 positive sera were RPR negative. Seven sera were confirmed by western blot; seroprevalence was 4.6 percent. Reactivity against p41, p58, p75, OspA, p30, OspC, p17, VLsE and p83/100 were detected. Conclusions Our results revealed antigenic evidence of Borrelia in the rural area of Cordoba. Identifying clinical, ecological and serological cases, linked to searching for Borrelia burgdorferi in infected tick vectors must be carried out in rural parts of Colombia.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas da doença Lyme-símile em crianças / Epidemiological characteristics of Lyme-like disease in children

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência, distribuição etária, sazonalidade, características clínicas da doença Lyme-símile em menores de 15 anos. MÉTODOS: De julho/1998 a dezembro/2000 foi conduzido um estudo transversal em 333 pacientes, com exantema e febre. Foram coletadas amostras pareadas de sangue para a identificação de patógenos. Somente em 193 amostras, negativas aos outros patógenos (Parvovirus B19, Herpesvírus 6 humano, Sarampo, Rubéola, Dengue, Escarlatina e Enterovírus), foram realizadas a pesquisa da borreliose pelos métodos de Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay e Western-blotting. Outras variáveis clínicas, socioeconômicas, demográficas e climáticas foram estudadas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da doença foi de 6,2 por cento(12/193). Das variáveis estudadas, houve predomínio em <6anos(83,2 por cento); sexo feminino (66,7 por cento); procedência da cidade de Franco da Rocha (58,3 por cento); com sazonalidade no outono-verão. O intervalo de atendimento foi de quatro dias. Sinais e sintomas com significância estatística: prurido, ausência da fissura labial e bom estado clínico. Outros dados presentes foram: irritabilidade (80 por cento); febre (?38ºC) (58,3 por cento) com duração de um a três dias. O exantema foi do tipo máculo-papular (33,3 por cento), urticariforme (25 por cento) e escarlatiniforme (16,7 por cento); predominando em tronco (60 por cento). Não houve apresentação clínica característica para diagnóstico da doença de Lyme-símile nestes pacientes. A sensibilidade e especificidade para o diagnóstico clínico contraposta com o diagnóstico laboratorial foi zero. O acompanhamento de 10 casos durante dois anos não evidenciou complicações cardiológicas ou neurológicas. Este é o primeiro estudo desta doença em crianças brasileiras. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência da doença Lyme-símile foi baixa, não tendo sido lembrada no diagnóstico inicial dos exantemas, mas seu conhecimento é necessário, necessitando maior atenção médica.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence, age distribution, seasonality and clinical characteristics of Lyme-simile disease in Brazilians less than 15 years of age. METHODS. From July, 1998 to November, 2000, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 333 patients with skin rash and fever. Paired blood samples were collected for identification of the pathogens. Only 193 samples which were negative for other pathogens (Parvovirus B19 Human, Herpesvirus 6 Human, Measles, Rubella, Dengue, Scarlet fever and Enterovirus), were tested for borreliosis by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Western-blotting. Other clinical, socioeconomic, demographic and climatic variables were studied. RESULTS: Prevalence of the disease was 6.2 percent(12/193). Of the variables studied, there was predominance in: <6 years old (83.2 percent); females (66.7 percent); being from the city of Franco da Rocha (58.3 percent); and a summer/fall seasonality. The duration of care was 4 days. Signs and symptoms with statistical significance were itching; absence of lip notch and ocular pain; irritability and good clinical condition. Other clinical data presented were: pruritus (90 percent), irritability (80 percent) and fever (?38ºC) (58.3 percent) with a duration of 1 to 3 days. Erythema was maculo-papular (40 percent), urticaria-like (25 percent) and scarlatiniform (16.7 percent), occurring predominately on the trunk (60 percent). There were no primary clinical evidences of Lyme-simile disease in the patients under study. The sensitivity and specificity of the clinical diagnosis as opposed to the laboratory diagnosis was zero. There was no initial clinical suspicion of the disease in the 10 cases studied and followed up for two years that showed no evidence of cardiologic or neurological complications. This is the first study of Lyme-simile in Brazilian children. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Lyme-simile disease was low, and it was not remembered at the initial diagnosis ...

Assessment of the risk of contracting Lyme disease in areas with significant human presence / Risco de contrair doença de Lyma em áreas com significativa presença humana

In order to describe seasonal changes in Lyme diseases risk rate at three localities in Serbia, during the period of 2003-2005, a total of 1542 Ixodes ricinus ticks (493 nymphs, 525 females and 524 males) were examined. The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes ricinus ticks at the Bovan Lake County were higher than the average for European localities (45.9 percent for adults and 18.8 percent for nymphs). In Mt. Avala and Kljajicevo counties adults and nymphs were, respectively, infected at the following percentages: 26.3, 10.7; 16.2 and 7.6 percent. The outcome indicates a relatively high risk of the contracting Lyme disease in all investigates areas.

Para estimar a variação sazonal das taxas de risco para doença de Lyme em três localidades da Sérvia foram examinados, no período de 2003-2005, 1542 espécimes do carrapato Ixodes ricinus (493 ninfas, 525 fêmeas e 524 machos). A prevalência de Borrelia burgdorferi em Ixodes ricinus no município de Bovan Lake foi mais alta que a registrada em outras localidades da Europa. Nos municípios de Mt. Avala e Kljajicevo as porcentagens de adultos e ninfas infectadas foram: 26,3 e 10,7; 16,2 e 7,6, respectivamente. Esses resultados indicam um relativo alto risco de se contrair doença de Lyme nas três localidades estudadas.

Anticorpos para Borrelia burgdorferi em indivíduos que trabalham com animais silvestres / Antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi in wild animal workers

The occurrence of serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in professionals in close contact with wild animals was determined. Seventy eight technicians workers coming from two São Paulo public institutions housing wild animals had their blood collected (serum samples). All samples were submitted to ELISA for IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. The results showed five positive (6.4 percent), two suspect (2.6 percent) and 71 negatives (91 percent) samples. Based on positive results it is concluded that the infection level is higher to that detected in the general population and similar to values of endemic areas, concluding that this assessed population could be considered at risk for Lyme disease.

Freqüência de anticorpos contra Borrelia burgdorferi em cães na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro / Frequency of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro

Borreliose de Lyme é uma zoonose cosmopolita causada pelo espiroquetídeo Borrelia burgdorferi e tem como vetores carrapatos ixodídeos. Esta espiroqueta acomete diversas espécies de animais domésticos e silvestres, sendo o cão um importante reservatório no ambiente domiciliar. O quadro clínico da doença envolve as articulações, além de causar alterações em vários sistemas do organismo. Foram analisados 143 soros de cães provenientes dos municípios de Seropédica, Itaguaí e do Rio de Janeiro, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, quanto à ocorrência de anticorpos contra B. burgdorferi latu sensu, através de teste de ELISA indireto. Foram encontrados 48,25 por cento de animais soropositivos, sendo 41,9 por cento em Seropédica, 4,9 por cento em Itaguaí e 1,4 por cento no Rio de Janeiro. Os títulos variaram de 1:400 a 1:6400. Cães com menos de um ano apresentaram menor índice de títulos positivos, sendo a diferença significativa. Entre machos e fêmeas, não houve diferença significativa entre os títulos positivos. O resultado encontrado deve servir como alerta para ocorrência de Borrelia sp nas regiões estudadas, considerando a importância da borreliose de Lyme como zoonose emergente.

Estudio seroepidemiológico de borreliosis de Lyme en la Ciudad de México y el noreste de la República Mexicana / Seroepidemiologic survey of Lyme Borreliosis in Mexico City and the Northeast region of the country

OBJETIVO: Investigar mediante métodos serológicos la infección por B burgdorferi en individuos del Distrito Federal y la zona noreste de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se obtuvo una muestra representativa de sueros del Distrito Federal y la zona noreste de México, obtenidas en la Encuesta Seroepidemiológica Nacional de 1987-1988. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgG vs B burgdorferi por ELISA, confirmados con Western blot. En este trabajo se utilizó estadística descriptiva. RESULTADOS: Fueron estudiados 2 346 sueros; 297 (12.6 por ciento) fueron positivos por inmunoensayo enzimático, y 122/297 fueron confirmados por Western blot. La seroprevalencia fue de 3.43 por ciento en el Distrito Federal y 6.2 por ciento en la zona noreste del país. Tamaulipas fue el estado con la seroprevalencia más alta. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de casos seropositivos sugieren que la infección por B burgdorferi ocurre en el noreste de México y el Distrito Federal. Es necesario identificar casos clínicos y buscar el vector infectado para confirmar la presencia de la enfermedad de Lyme en México