MedWorm: Lyme Disease

Increased Sensitivity and Specificity of Borrelia burgdorferi 16S Ribosomal DNA Detection.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:40:44 +0100

Authors: Lee SH, Vigliotti VS, Vigliotti JS, Jones W, Pappu S The DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes extracted by ammonium hydroxide was used as the template for nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the species-specific 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The primers were those well known to be specific for signature sequence amplification of the B burgdorferi sensu lato 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The positive 293-base-pair nested PCR amplicon was subjected to routine direct automated Sanger sequencing. A 50-base sequence excised randomly from the sequencing electrophoretogram between the 2 nested PCR primer binding sites was sufficient for the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis to validate the B burgdorferi sensu lato 16S rDNA without a reasonable doubt. Nes...

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One-Year Duration of Immunity Induced by Vaccination with a Canine Lyme Disease Bacterin.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lafleur RL, Callister SM, Dant JC, Jobe DA, Lovrich SD, Warner TF, Wasmoen TL, Schell RF Laboratory-reared beagles were vaccinated with placebo or a bacterin comprised of Borrelia burgdorferi S-1-10 and ospA(-)/ospB(-) B. burgdorferi 50772 and challenged after one year with B. burgdorferi-infected Ixodes scapularis ticks. In the placebo-recipients, spirochetes were recovered from 9 (60%) skin biopsies collected after 1 month, and the organisms persisted in the skin thereafter. Ten (67%) dogs also developed joint infection (3 dogs), lameness or synovitis (7 dogs), or B. burgdorferi-specific antibodies (8 dogs). In the vaccine-recipients, spirochetes were recovered from 6 (40%) skin biopsies collected after 1 month. However, subsequent biopsies were negative, and the dogs failed...

Modal Codon Usage: Assessing the Typical Codon Usage of a Genome

Molecular Biology and Evolution — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:59:24 +0100

Most genomes are heterogeneous in codon usage, so a codon usage study should start by defining the codon usage that is typical to the genome. Although this is commonly taken to be the genomewide average, we propose that the mode—the codon usage that matches the most genes—provides a more useful approximation of the typical codon usage of a genome. We provide a method for estimating the modal codon usage, which utilizes a continuous approximation to the number of matching genes and a simplex optimization. In a survey of bacterial and archaeal genomes, as many as 20% more of the genes in a given genome match the modal codon usage than the average codon usage. We use the mode to examine the evolution of the multireplicon genomes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 and Borrelia burgdo...

Antibiotic responsive demyelinating neuropathy related to lyme disease

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Pediatric Lyme Arthritis Twice as Common as Septic Arthritis in Endemic Areas of Lyme Disease

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:48:05 +0100

Pediatric joint effusions are more likely to be due to Lyme arthritis than septic arthritis in the Northeastern United States and other areas where Lyme disease is more prevalent. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Invasion of the Lyme Disease Vector Ixodes scapularis: Implications for Borrelia burgdorferi Endemicity

EcoHealth — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:25:19 +0100

Abstract Lyme disease risk is increasing in the United States due in part to the spread of blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis, the principal vector of the spirochetal pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi. A 5-year study was undertaken to investigate hypothesized coinvasion of I. scapularis and B. burgdorferi in Lower Michigan. We tracked the spatial and temporal dynamics of the tick and spirochete using mammal, bird, and vegetation drag sampling at eight field sites along coastal and inland transects originating in a zone of recent I. scapularis establishment. We document northward invasion of these ticks along Michigan’s west coast during the study period; this pattern was most evident in ticks removed from rodents. B. burgdorferi infection prevalences in I. scapularis sampl...

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Bee stings as therapy? Apitherapy can treat arthritis and more

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) A bee sting is an unpleasant experience that undoubtedly everyone would choose to avoid if given the choice. However a growing number of people are choosing to be stung by bees in an alternative form of illness treatment called apitherapy. Apitherapy contends that bee venom holds therapeutic value in treating serious illness and that it is a viable alternative to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs that often do not work and have harmful side effects.Apitherapy, a traditional folk remedy that has been used in many other countries for centuries, takes advantage of the healing power contained in honeybee venom which helps to alleviate serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and lupus. According to 51-year-old Reyah Carlson of Vermont, a proponent of apitherapy, bee ve...

An intravascular immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi involves Kupffer cells and iNKT cells

Nature Immunology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Woo-Yong Lee, Tara J Moriarty, Connie H Y Wong, Hong Zhou, Robert M Strieter, Nico van Rooijen, George Chaconas & Paul Kubes (Source: Nature Immunology)

Prevalence and seasonality of tick-borne pathogens in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from Luxembourg.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, 1,394 nymphal and adult Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled monthly during the active season from 33 ecologically distinct collection sites throughout Luxembourg were screened for all human tick-borne pathogens relevant in Central Europe. Species were identified by sequence analysis of detection PCR amplicons. Mean infection rates of ticks were 11.3% for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., 5.1% for Rickettsia sp., 2.7% for Babesia sp., and 1.9% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. No tick was found to be infected with Coxiella sp., Francisella tularensis ssp. or Tick-borne encephalitis virus. 3.2% of ticks were infected with more than one pathogen species, including mixed Borrelia infections (1.5%). Seasonal variations of tick infection rates were observed for Borrelia, Babesia and Anaplasma, pos...

Identification of residues within ligand-binding domain 1 (LBD1) of the Borrelia burgdorferi OspC protein required for function in the mammalian environment

Molecular Microbiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study is the first to assess the involvement of individual residues and domains of OspC in its in vivo function. The data support the hypothesis that OspC interacts with a mammalian derived ligand that is critical for survival during early infection. These results shed new light on the structure[ndash]functions relationships of OspC and challenge existing hypotheses regarding OspC function in mammals. (Source: Molecular Microbiology)

Anti-neural antibody reactivity in patients with a history of Lyme borreliosis and persistent symptoms.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chandra A, Wormser GP, Klempner MS, Trevino RP, Crow MK, Latov N, Alaedini A Some Lyme disease patients report debilitating chronic symptoms of pain, fatigue, and cognitive deficits despite recommended courses of antibiotic treatment. The mechanisms responsible for these symptoms, collectively referred to as post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLS) or chronic Lyme disease, remain unclear. We investigated the presence of immune system abnormalities in PLS by assessing the levels of antibodies to neural proteins in patients and controls. Serum samples from PLS patients, post-Lyme disease healthy individuals, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and normal healthy individuals were analyzed for anti-neural antibodies by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Anti-neural antibody ...

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Humoral Immune Response in Dogs Naturally Infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and in Dogs after Immunization with a Borrelia Vaccine.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, despite serological evidence of infection/immunization no clinical signs of disease were observed. The antibody patterns in a single Western blot did not permit differentiation between the different sources of antigen (vaccine vs. natural infection). However repeated Western blots may be useful for confirmation of infection or vaccination status as time course of specific antibodies levels seem to be different. PMID: 20219882 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Zoonoses report : United Kingdom 2008

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:30:00 +0100

Published by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2010, this 92-page Annual Report on Zoonoses in the United Kingdom presents a summary of the trends and sources of zoonotic infection in humans, animals, food and feedstuffs in the UK in 2008, and also includes data from early 2009. The contents include a preface, executive summary, introduction, sections on major foodborne and waterborne zoonoses, notifiable zoonotic diseases of animals, other zoonoses, and appendices. Organisms and diseases covered include Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptospridium, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, anthrax, rabies, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies including BSE and CJD, avian influenza, West Nile virus, leptospirosis, listeriosis, Lyme borreliosis, Q fever, an...

Borrelia Burgdorferi "SENSU LAto" in Brazil: Occurence confirmed by immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy.

Acta Tropica — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Talhari S, Santos MN, Talhari CC, Ferreira LC, Jr RM, Zelger B, Massone C, Ribeiro-Rodrigues R In the present study, we report the occurrence of Lyme's borreliosis in patients from the Brazilian Amazon Region. Borreliosis was investigated by immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy for Borrelia burgdorferi in skin biopsy samples from 22 patients with both clinical and histopathology evidences compatible with Erythema Migrans. Spirochetes were detected by specific immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy for Borrelia burgdorferi in samples from five patients. Clinical cure of the cutaneous lesions was observed in all the patients after treatment with doxycycline regimen as proposed by the Center Disease Control guidelines. A limitation of our study was the f...

Improved Diagnostics for Lyme Borreliosis (U01)

Grants.gov — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:15:30 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-CK-10-005 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: Cooperative AgreementCategory of Funding Activity: HealthCFDA Number: 93.942Eligible Applicants Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)Agency Name HHS-CDC-HHSCDCERA (Source: Grants.gov)

Assessment of Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome (PLDS) (R01)

Grants.gov — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:15:30 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-CK-10-004 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: GrantCategory of Funding Activity: HealthCFDA Number: 93.942Eligible Applicants Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)Agency Name HHS-CDC-HHSCDCERA (Source: Grants.gov)

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Lyme borreliosis in dogs and humans in the USA.

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Little SE, Heise SR, Blagburn BL, Callister SM, Mead PS Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is the only established etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis in dogs and in humans in North America. Lyme borreliosis differs in dogs and humans in terms of clinical outcome following infection, diagnostic approaches, prevention strategies and treatment recommendations. Nonetheless, serologic evidence of exposure of dogs to B. burgdorferi agrees with the geographical distribution of autochthonous transmission of the agent of Lyme borreliosis, and continued monitoring of exposure rates in dogs might allow early recognition of geographic expansion of endemic areas as well as identify hyperendemic areas where both humans and dogs are at increased risk of infection. PMID: 20207198 [PubMed...

Number of bugs in British soil up 50%

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:24:29 +0100

This article was amended on Monday 1 March. The headline incorrectly said the number of bugs had doubled. This has been corrected.InsectsWildlifeBiodiversityBiologyAgricultureJuliette Jowitguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

Jurassic coast: Landscape of learning

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:45:13 +0100

Natural History Museum starts courses at Dorset heritage siteHilary Penrose, an artist from Oxfordshire, was feeling soggy but inspired. Soggy because she had misjudged a wave during a windy walk on Britain's Jurassic Coast. Inspired because she had been learning about the geology of the area from some of the world's leading experts.Penrose is one of the first students to attend a course at a new outreach centre opened by the Natural History Museum in Lyme Regis, Dorset.The museum may be best known for its stunning collections of all creatures great and small and its displays of dinosaur and whale skeletons, but the new Jurassic Coast Studies Centre is part of an attempt to spread its message farther and wider.Effectively, the pilot scheme is turning the 95 miles of coastline in Devon and ...

How family changes your views on the environment

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:00:38 +0100

By Aaron Bernstein, MD, MPH, physician in Medicine at Children’s and faculty, Center for Health and the Global Environment For many parents, having kids changes everything (or almost everything). Sleep schedules, meal choices, work routines and more may get revamped with the birth of a child. The transformation, though, often goes still deeper. More so than at any other point in life, new parents rethink their relationship with the environment and especially how it may affect the health of their child. Find a home with newly purchased water filters and air purifiers, hormone-free meat and milk, pesticide-free produce and whose inhabitants spend more time spent outdoors than most and you likely have found yourself the home of a family with young children. The appearance of so many new thi...

The Role of Infection in Carotid Plaque Pathogenesis and Stability: The Clinical Evidence.

Current Vascular Pharmacology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: There is considerable evidence supporting the contribution of other commonly encountered pathogens in the pathogenesis and rupture of the carotid plaque. Research in this direction should not be abandoned and further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact role of common infections in the pathogenesis and development of CPD and how this can be translated into novel pharmacological approaches for prevention and treatment. PMID: 20180770 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology)

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Pet vaccinations are no longer one-size-fits-all

CNN.com - Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:30:43 +0100

When Linda Thomas of Frederick, Maryland, found out her 2-year old beagle, Henry, had Lyme disease, she was pretty upset. Her dog hardly went outside. But after his diagnosis, Henry's vet told Thomas that Lyme disease, which is transferred to pets by deer ticks, is fairly common in Maryland, and Henry probably should have been vaccinated for it. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Pet vaccinations no longer one-size-fits-all

CNN.com - Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:30:43 +0100

Pet shots no longer one-size-fits-all

CNN.com - Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:30:43 +0100

Borreliosis mimicking lupus-like syndrome during infliximab treatment

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a patient with psoriasis who developed a lupus-like syndrome during infliximab treatment, which was finally diagnosed as an exaggerated systemic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. This case suggests that autoimmune-like syndromes may actually represent pre-existing or newly acquired nonseptic bacterial or viral infections, which have escaped immune surveillance during TNF-[alpha] blockade. Each autoimmune-like syndrome during TNF-[alpha] blockade should therefore be carefully examined for potential causative infection. (Source: Clinical And Experimental Dermatology)

BBA52 Facilitates Borrelia burgdorferi Transmission from Feeding Ticks to Murine Hosts

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:16:26 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen of Lyme borreliosis, persists in nature through a tick‐rodent transmission cycle. A selective assessment of the microbial transcriptome, limited to gene‐encoding putative membrane proteins, reveals that bba52 transcription in vivo is strictly confined to the vector‐specific portion of the microbial life cycle, with the highest levels of expression noted in feeding ticks and with swift down‐regulation noted in mice. bba52 deletion did not affect murine disease as assessed by the genesis of arthritis and carditis or long‐term persistence of pathogens in mice or ticks. However, bba52 deficiency did impair microbial transitions between hosts and vector, defects t...

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Inactivation of a putative flagellar motor switch protein FliG1 prevents Borrelia burgdorferi from swimming in highly viscous media and blocks its infectivity

Molecular Microbiology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this report, the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi was used as a genetic model to investigate the roles of these two fliG homologues. It was found that fliG2 encodes a typical motor switch complex protein that is required for the flagellation and motility of B. burgdorferi. In contrast, the function of fliG1 is quite unique. Disruption of fliG1 did not affect flagellation and the mutant was still motile but failed to translate in highly viscous media. GFP-fusion and motion tracking analyses revealed that FliG1 asymmetrically locates at one end of cells and the loss of fliG1 somehow impacted one bundle of flagella rotation. In addition, animal studies demonstrated that the fliG1[minus] mutant was quickly cleared after inoculation into the murine host, which highlights the impo...

Humoral Immune Response in Slovenian patients with Lyme Neuroborreliosis.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cerar T, Ogrinc K, Strle F, Ruzic-Sabljic E The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the humoral immune response in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in 34 adult patients with clinically evident Lyme neuroborreliosis, 27 patients with clinically suspected Lyme neuroborreliosis and 32 patients with tick-borne encephalitis. Additionally, we wanted to compare the findings of two methods for detection of intrathecally synthesized borrelial antibodies: the IDEIA(TM) Lyme neuroborreliosis test using flagellar antigen, and an approach based on the indirect chemiluminiscence immunoassay LIAISON(R) using OspC and VlsE antigens. Borrelial IgM and IgG antibodies in sera of patients with clinically evident Lyme neuroborreliosis were detected with at least one of the methods in 22/34 (6...

Estimates of the Effect of Natural Selection on Protein-Coding Content

Molecular Biology and Evolution — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:40:05 +0100

We present a novel model that weights substitutions by conditional nucleotide frequencies and which escapes these artifacts. Applying it to the genomes of pathogens causing malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease gave significant discrepancies in estimates with ~10–30% of genes affected. Our work has substantial implications for how vaccine targets are chosen and for studying the molecular basis of adaptive evolution. (Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution)

Lyme borreliosis presenting as hypersomnia

Somnologie - Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:31:16 +0100

We report for the first time a patient who initially presented with symptoms for idiopathic hypersomnia but after a thorough diagnostic evaluation was diagnosed as suffering from Lyme disease. This finding stresses the need to potentially include diagnostic tools, like lumbar puncture, in diagnostic procedures, in order to rule out inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system mimicking hypersomnia symptoms. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11818-010-0455-zAuthors M.A. Dalal, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich GermanyR. Wehrle, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich GermanyP.A. Beitinger, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich GermanyT.C. Wetter, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich Germany Journal Somnologie - Schlafforsch...

Longer Treatment of Early Lyme Disease Not Better, Study Finds

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:08:49 +0100

Adding to the contentious debate about Lyme disease treatment, a new study finds that treatment failures are rare for short as well as long courses of antibiotics in early Lyme disease. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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Identification and functional characterisation of Complement Regulator Acquiring Surface Protein-1 of serum resistant Borrelia garinii OspA serotype 4

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: B. garinii ST4 PBi is able to evade complement killing and can bind FHL-1 to membrane expressed proteins. Recombinant proteins BGA66 can bind FHL-1 and human CFH, while BGA71 can bind only FHL-1. All recombinant CspA orthologs from B. garinii ST4 PBi can bind CFH from different animal origins. This partly explains the wide variety of animals that can be infected by B. garinii. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)

A Novel Surface Antigen of Relapsing Fever Spirochetes can Discriminate between Relapsing Fever and Lyme Borreliosis.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lopez JE, Schrumpf ME, Nagarajan V, Raffel SJ, McCoy BN, Schwan TG In a previous immunoproteome analysis of Borrelia hermsii, candidate antigens were identified that bound IgM antibodies from mice and patients infected with relapsing fever spirochetes. One candidate that was identified is a hypothetical protein with a molecular mass of 57 kDa that we have designated Borrelia immunogenic protein A (BipA). This protein was further investigated as a potential diagnostic antigen for B. hermsii given that it is absent from the Borrelia burgdorferi genome. The bipA locus was amplified and sequenced from thirty-nine isolates of B. hermsii that have been acquired from Western North America. bipA was also expressed as a recombinant fusion protein. Serum samples from mice and patients i...

Salivary gland extract from engorged Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) stimulates in vitro growth of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Journal of Basic Microbiology — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In vitro effect of salivary gland extract from fed Ixodes ricinus, the competent vector of Lyme borreliosis in Europe, on the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. garinii, B. afzelii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto) was examined in BSK-H medium. Motility rate, concentration of motile spirochetes and their morphology were estimated at intervals of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days using darkfield microscopy. Salivary gland extract derived from I. ricinus stimulated markedly the growth of three genomic species of borreliae. The results confirm a substantial role of salivary glands in the mechanism of pathogen transmission to vertebrate host. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (Source: Journal of Basic Microbiology)

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of a Glycolipid Library and Elucidation of the Antigenic Epitope for Construction of a Vaccine Against Lyme Disease.

Chemistry — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stübs G, Rupp B, Schumann RR, Schröder NW, Rademann J Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe, North America, and Asia. The etiologic agents of LD are spirochetes of the group Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which possess a lipid content of 25-30 % of the dry weight. The major glycolipid cholesteryl 6-O-acyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (ACGal), present in B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii, is a specific and highly prevalent antigen frequently recognized by antibodies in late-stage LD. Here we report a convenient route for the chemical synthesis of ACGal by employing a combination of chemical synthesis steps with enzymatic transformations. This synthesized molecule was compared with bacterial extracts by immunoblots with ...

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as Soft Tissue Mass

Consultant Live — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:01 +0100

For 3 months, a 9-year-old boy had swelling of the left upper arm. An MRI scan obtained at another facility 1 week after onset showed extensive edema of the soft tissue at the midhumeral level. Laboratory results, including complete blood cell (CBC) count and Lyme titer, were normal. (Source: Consultant Live)

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Mapping of hormones and cortisol responses in patients after Lyme neuroborreliosis.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Persistent symptoms after treatment for neuroborreliosis are common for reasons mainly unknown. These symptoms are often unspecific and could be caused by dysfunctions in endocrine systems, an issue that has not been previously addressed systematically. We therefore mapped hormone levels in patients with previous confirmed Lyme neuroborreliosis of different outcomes and compared them with a healthy control group. Methods: Twenty patients of a retrospective cohort of patients treated for definite Lyme neuroborreliosis were recruited 2.3 to 3.7 years (median 2.7) after diagnosis, together with 23 healthy controls. Lyme neuroborreliosis patients were stratified into two groups according to a symptom/sign score. All participants underwent anthropometric and physiological investigat...

A bacterial elongation factor G homologue exclusively functions in ribosome recycling in the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi

Molecular Microbiology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Translation elongation factor G (EF-G) in bacteria plays two distinct roles in different phases of the translation system. EF-G catalyses the translocation of tRNAs on the ribosome in the elongation step, as well as the dissociation of the post-termination state ribosome into two subunits in the recycling step. In contrast to this conventional view, it has very recently been demonstrated that the dual functions of bacterial EF-G are distributed over two different EF-G paralogues in human mitochondria. In the present study, we show that the same division of roles of EF-G is also found in bacteria. Two EF-G paralogues are found in the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi, EF-G1 and EF-G2. We demonstrate that EF-G1 is a translocase, while EF-G2 is an exclusive recycling factor. We further demonst...

Lipid binding orientation within CD1d affects recognition of Borrelia burgorferi antigens by NKT cells [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:48:28 +0100

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) respond to CD1d-presented glycolipids from Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease.... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

The chitobiose transporter, chbC, is required for chitin utilization in Borrelia burgdorferi

BMC Microbiology - Latest articles — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The data collected in this study demonstrate that B. burgdorferi can utilize chitin as a source of GlcNAc in the absence of free GlcNAc, and suggest that chitin is cleaved into dimers before being imported across the cytoplasmic membrane via the chitobiose transporter. In addition, our data suggest that the enzyme(s) involved in chitin degradation are at least partially regulated by the alternative sigma factor RpoS. (Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles)

Interaction of Borrelia burgdorferi Hbb with the p66 promoter

Nucleic Acids Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:51:00 +0100

Borrelia burgdorferi, an agent of Lyme disease, encodes the β3-chain integrin ligand P66. P66 is expressed by B. burgdorferi in the mammal, in laboratory media, and as the bacteria are acquired or transmitted by the tick, but is not expressed by the bacterium in unfed ticks. Attempts to reveal factors influencing expression revealed that P66 was expressed in all in vitro conditions investigated. Candidate regulators identified in a search of the B. burgdorferi genome for homologs to other bacterial transcription factors were cloned and introduced into E. coli carrying a p66 promoter-signal sequence-phoA (alkaline phosphatase, or AP) fusion. Three candidate transcription factors—two that decreased AP activity (Hbb and BB0527), and one that increased AP activity (BBA23)—were...

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Editorial Commentary: A Commentary on the Treatment of Early Lyme Disease

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:55:52 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 4, Page 521-522, 15 February 2010. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Danish horses

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Antibodies against B burgdorferi sensu lato and A. phagocytophilum are commonly found among Danish horses thus showing that Danish horses are frequently infected by these organisms. (Source: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica)

Functional genomics tool: Gene silencing in Ixodes scapularis eggs and nymphs by electroporated dsRNA

BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that electroporation can be used as a simple dsRNA delivery tool in assessing the functional role of tick genes in the vector-host interactions. This technique represents a novel approach for specific gene suppression in immature stages of ticks. (Source: BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles)

Antibiotic Treatment Duration and Long‐Term Outcomes of Patients with Early Lyme Disease from a Lyme Disease–Hyperendemic Area

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:12:09 +0100

Conclusions. Patients treated for ⩽10 days with antibiotic therapy for early Lyme disease have long‐term outcomes similar to those of patients treated with longer courses. Treatment failure after appropriately targeted short‐course therapy, if it occurs, is exceedingly rare. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

A Commentary on the Treatment of Early Lyme Disease

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:10:21 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current situation and perspectives

BioMed Central — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the current situation and perspectives of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy. (Source: BioMed Central)

Prevalence of Bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dietrich F, Schmidgen T, Maggi RG, Richter D, Matuschka FR, Vonthein R, Breitschwerdt EB, Kempf VA Bartonella spp. can cause persistent bloodstream infections in humans and animals. To determine whether Bartonella henselae is present in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks, we analyzed the prevalence of B. henselae DNA among tick stages compared with the prevalence of DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the pathogen most frequently transmitted by ticks. B. henselae DNA was present with a prevalence of up to approximately 40% in tick populations sampled in four European sites (Eberdingen, Germany; Klasdorf, Germany; Lembach, France; Madeira, Portugal). The odds of detecting B. henselae DNA in nymphal ticks was approximately 14-fold higher than in adult ticks. No tick was found t...

Is There a Definitive Test for Lyme Disease?

U.S. News - Health — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:34:00 +0100

Even in winter months, doctors diagnose the tick-borne illness. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

Lyme Disease: A Review

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:26:35 +0100

This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11882-009-0077-3Authors Adriana R. Marques, National Institutes of Health Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Building 10, Room 11 N234, 10 Center Drive Bethesda MD 20892 USA Journal Current Allergy and Asthma ReportsOnline ISSN 1534-6315Print ISSN 1529-7322 (Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports)

Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi in endomyocardial biopsies in patients with new-onset unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy

Medical Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:58:32 +0100

In conclusion, Bb infection may represent an important cause of new-onset unexplained DCM in patients living in endemic regions such as the Czech Republic. Because the antibiotic treatment appears to be markedly effective and serological examination does not provide a tool for diagnosing the disease, EMB focused on the detection of Bb should be performed in all patients from endemic areas with new-onset unexplained DCM not responding to conventional therapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Rapid CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00430-009-0141-6Authors Tomas Palecek, Charles University of Prague 1st Medical Faculty, 2nd Medical Department - Clinical Department of Cardiology and Angiology Prague Czech RepublicPetr Kuchynka, Charles University of Prague 1st Medical Faculty, 2nd Medical...

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Independent Examines Diseases That Jump From Animals To Humans

West Nile — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:51:29 +0100

MedicalNewsToday.com - Looking at "five emerging and re-emerging diseases - malaria, lyme disease (spread by ticks), Hantavirus (spread by mice and rats), West Nile disease (spread by mosquitoes), and schistosomiasis (spread by freshwater snails). They argue that changes in land use, farming practices and climate lie behind the increasing number of outbreaks." http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175091.php (Source: West Nile)

Cysteine-Free Proteins in the Immunobiology of Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:03:08 +0100

One approach to identify epitopes that could be used in the design of vaccines to control several arthropod-borne diseases simultaneously is to look for common structural features in the secretome of the pathogens that cause them. Using a novel bioinformatics technique, cysteine-abundance and distribution analysis, we found that many different proteins secreted by several arthropod-borne pathogens, including Plasmodium falciparum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and eight species of Proteobacteria, are devoid of cysteine residues. The identification of three cysteine-abundance and distribution patterns in several families of proteins secreted by pathogenic and nonpathogenic Proteobacteria, and not found when the amino acid analyzed was tryptophan, provides evidence of forces restricting the content ...

The chemokine CXCL13 is a key regulator of B cell recruitment to the cerebrospinal fluid in acute Lyme neuroborreliosis

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Combined, our study suggests a key role of CXCL13 in B cell migration to sites of infection as shown here for the CSF of LNB patients. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

Original paper Evaluation of bacteriological serodiagnostics in patients with undifferentiated arthritis Part III. Immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) as a screening test in serodiagnosis of joint inflammation of suspected B. burgdorferi aetiology: cross-reactivity of antibodies to B. burgdorferi with S. enteritidis, S. typhimurium, Y. enterocolitica O3 and Ch. trachomatis

Articles of Rheumatology - TERMEDIA publishing house — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:31:06 +0100

Serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in 1850 cases of patients hospitalized in the Institute of Rheumatology, consulted by physicians in Outpatient Clinics and also ordered by other medical units, were done in the years 2004-2006. As a screening test, the ELISA method was applied for indication of antibodies IgG and IgM class against B. burgdorferi, and presence of these antibodies may suggest the infectious aetiology of analyzed unclassified joint inflammation. The majority of the ordered tests (over 60% of all orders) in cases of children and teenagers (hospitalized in the Institute of Rheumatology) originated from the Paediatric Clinic and Paediatric Outpatient Clinic, and there was no correlation (relation) between ordered amount of assays and number of positive results (about...

What Causes Red Eyes?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:01:39 +0100

Discussion Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is an acute viral disease usually caused by adenovirus types 8, 19, and 37, but also other viruses such as echoviruses. The virus is spread by contaminated secretions directly or indirectly between humans with an incubation period of 4-10 days. It can be transmitted from symptom onset to 12 days later. It is usually associated with decreased visual acuity, watery discharge, pain, photophobia and erythema of the conjunctiva. It can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Systemic complaints can also occur such as low grade fever, headache, lymphadenopathy and fatigue. Subcorneal infiltrates develop and may persist for up to 2 years and can cause permanent scarring. Learning Point Usually the common causes of red eyes can be managed by a primary care physi...

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Subjective Symptoms after Treatment of Early Lyme Disease

The American Journal of Medicine — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:25:15 +0100

Conclusion: No significant differences were identified between doxycycline and cefuroxime axetil in the treatment of European patients with erythema migrans. The frequency of nonspecific symptoms in patients did not exceed that of a control group at ≥6 months after enrollment. We advocate inclusion of appropriate non-Lyme disease control groups in future studies in which nonspecific subjective symptoms are assessed after antibiotic therapy. (Source: The American Journal of Medicine)

Asymptomatic, Transient Complete Heart Block in a Pediatric Patient with Lyme Disease

Clinical Pediatrics — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:44:22 +0100

We present a pediatric patient with a transient asymptomatic complete heart block resulting from Lyme carditis, an under-recognized complication of Lyme disease in the pediatric population. (Source: Clinical Pediatrics)

Borrelia burgdorferi locus BB0795 encodes a BamA orthologue required for growth and efficient localization of outer membrane proteins

Molecular Microbiology — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The outer membrane (OM) of the pathogenic diderm spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, contains integral [beta]-barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in addition to its numerous outer surface lipoproteins. Very few OMPs have been identified in B. burgdorferi, and the protein machinery required for OMP assembly and OM localization is currently unknown. Essential OM BamA proteins have recently been characterized in Gram-negative bacteria that are central components of an OM [beta]-barrel assembly machine and are required for proper localization and insertion of bacterial OMPs. In the present study, we characterized a putative B. burgdorferi BamA orthologue encoded by open reading frame bb0795. Structural model predictions and cellular localization data indicate that the B. burgdorferi BB0795 pro...

The borrelial fibronectin-binding protein RevA is an early antigen of human Lyme disease.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Brissette CA, Rossmann E, Bowman A, Cooley AE, Riley SP, Hunfeld KP, Bechtel M, Kraiczy P, Stevenson B Previous studies using small numbers of serum samples from human patients and experimentally-infected animals identified the frequent presence of antibodies recognizing RevA, a borrelial fibronectin-binding outer-surface protein. We now demonstrate that most examined Lyme spirochetes from North America and Europe contain genes encoding RevA proteins, some with extensive regions of conservation and others with moderate diversity. Line blot analyses using recombinant RevA from two diverse Lyme disease spirochetes of RevA and serum samples from culture-confirmed human Lyme disease patients from the United States (N=46; mainly early Lyme disease) and Germany (>500; early and l...

Intermediate uveitis

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:48:24 +0100

This article discusses the clinical features, etiology, pathogenesis, investigations and treatment of IU. (Source: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Distribution of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in Naturally and Experimentally Infected Western Gray Squirrels (Sciurus griseus)

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:42:51 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Belgrade Area

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:39:09 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Identification and molecular characterization of a cyclic-di-GMP effector protein, PlzA (BB0733): additional evidence for the existence of a functional cyclic-di-GMP regulatory network in the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have assessed the expression and c-di-GMP binding ability of the sole PilZ domain-containing protein of B. burgdorferi B31, PlzA. PlzA was determined to be upregulated by tick feeding and to be expressed during mammalian infection. The gene is highly conserved and present in all Borrelia species. Analyses of recombinant PlzA demonstrated its ability to bind c-di-GMP and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that this interaction is highly specific and dependent on Arg residues contained within the PilZ domain. In summary, this study is the first to identify a c-di-GMP effector molecule in a spirochete and provides additional evidence for the existence of a complete c-di-GMP regulatory network in the Lyme disease spirochete, B. burgdorferi. (Source: FEMS Immunology and Medica...

Treatment of Lyme borreliosis

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans. This inflammatory disease can affect the skin, the peripheral and central nervous, the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system and rarely the eyes. Early stages are directly associated with viable bacteria at the site of inflammation. The pathogen-host interaction is complex and has been elucidated only in part. Borrelia burgdorferi is highly susceptible to antibiotic treatment and the majority of patients profit from this treatment. Some patients develop chronic persistent disease despite repeated antibiotics. Whether this is a sequel of pathogen persistence or a status of chronic auto-inflammation, -immunity or a form of fibromyalgia is highly debated. Since vaccination is not available, prevention of...

Mimicry of lyme arthritis by synovial hemangioma

Rheumatology International — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:01:01 +0100

In conclusion, in children and adolescents synovial hemangioma has to be considered in differential diagnosis of recurrent knee swelling. Early diagnosis is important to prevent prolonged suffering from chronic joint swelling with probable joint damages, unnecessary treatment procedures and as well school and sports absenteeism. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1320-xAuthors Toni Hospach, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics Bismarckstr. 8 70176 Stuttgart GermanyM. Langendörfer, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart Department of Orthopedic Surgery Stuttgart GermanyT. V. Kalle, Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart Radiologic Clinic Stuttgart GermanyF. Tewald, Labor Prof. Enders Stuttgart GermanyT. Wirth, Olga...

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Do infections trigger juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Rheumatology International — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:16:10 +0100

In conclusion, etiopathogenesis of JIA is not clearly understood and suggested that various factors can trigger the disease and it is the most common rheumatoid disease of childhood. However, there are some studies focusing especially on one infectious agent but this is the first study including such a big range of infectious agents in the literature for the microorganisms that can be suggested to have a role in the etiopathogenesis of JIA. We have a conclusion in the light of our results and suggest that some microorganisms can trigger and increase the intensity of clinical situation according to the case. When we evaluate the primer and recurrent JIA groups; M. pneumoniae and C. jejuni come forward and seen common in JIA cases. We also suggest that the pre-diagnosis of microorganism...

[Pandora's Box: pathogens in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Central Europe.]

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:16:04 +0100

Authors: Stanek G Among the various species of hard ticks, Ixodes ricinus is the most frequently found tick throughout Europe. As with other ixodid ticks, the developmental cycle runs through three stages. In each stage a blood meal is required in order to develop to the next stage. Ixodes ricinus has been found to feed on more than 300 different vertebrate species. Usually, larval ticks feed on small mammals such as mice and become infected with various microorganisms and viruses, of which some are substantial pathogens to humans. The pathogens remain in the tick during molting and are thus transstadially transmitted to the next developmental stage. Pathogens transmitted to humans are the agents of Lyme borreliosis, the tick-borne encephalitis virus, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma phag...

Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR-based study and review of the literature

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of our and most of other PCR-based studies do not argue for a significant association of B. burgdorferi sensu lato with morphea, GA, LSA. Zollinger T, Mertz KD, Schmid M, Schmitt A, Pfaltz M, Kempf W. Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR-based study and review of the literature. (Source: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology)

Complement C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs

Veterinary Clinical Pathology — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Previous research suggests that low serum concentrations of the third component of complement (C3) are associated with both the susceptibility to infectious agents such as Borrelia burgdorferi and the development of glomerular disease. We hypothesized that low levels of C3 are associated with the coincident occurrence of B. burgdorferi infection and glomerulonephritis in Bernese Mountain dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the serum concentration of C3 in Bernese Mountain dogs with and without antibodies against B. burgdorferi and to compare this concentration with that of healthy control dogs. Eighty-three clinically healthy Bernese Mountain dogs and 46 control dogs were included. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were determined using an ELISA with a whole cell sonicate as anti...

Ineffectiveness of Tigecycline Against Persistent Borrelia burgdorferi.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barthold SW, Hodzic E, Imai DM, Feng S, Yang X, Luft BJ The effectiveness of a new first in class antibiotic, tigecycline (glycylcycline), was evaluated during the early dissemination (1 week), early immune (3 weeks), or late persistent (4 months) phases of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in C3H mice. Mice were treated with high or low doses of tigecycline, saline (negative-effect controls), or a previously published regimen of ceftriaxone (positive-effect controls). Infection status was assessed at 3 months after treatment by culture, quantitative ospA real-time PCR, and subcutaneous transplantation of joint and heart tissue into SCID mice. Tissues from all saline-treated mice were culture- and ospA PCR-positive; tissues from all antibiotic-treated mice were culture-negative; ...

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Zeroing in on Zoonoses

This Week in Science — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:36:58 +0100

Influenza, plague, and Lyme disease are classic examples of zoonoses—diseases that circulate in livestock and wildlife, as well as in humans. When a pathogen transfers among multiple hosts, the dynamics … [Read more] (Source: This Week in Science)

rpsL as a counterselectable marker in Borrelia burgdorferi.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Drecktrah D, Douglas JM, Samuels DS We have demonstrated that rpsL, encoding the S12 protein of the small ribosomal subunit, can be used as a counterselectable marker in Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Mutations in rpsL confer streptomycin resistance. Streptomycin susceptibility is dominant in an rpsL merodiploid and streptomycin selects for the loss of wild-type rpsL carried in trans. This is the first description of a counterselectable marker in B. burgdorferi. PMID: 19966024 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology)

Live imaging reveals a biphasic mode of dissemination of Borrelia burgdorferi within ticks

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:58:54 +0100

Lyme disease is caused by transmission of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi from ticks to humans. Although much is known about B. burgdorferi replication, the routes and mechanisms by which it disseminates within the tick remain unclear. To better understand this process, we imaged live, infectious B. burgdorferi expressing a stably integrated, constitutively expressed GFP reporter. Using isolated tick midguts and salivary glands, we observed B. burgdorferi progress through the feeding tick via what we believe to be a novel, biphasic mode of dissemination. In the first phase, replicating spirochetes, positioned at varying depths throughout the midgut at the onset of feeding, formed networks of nonmotile organisms that advanced toward the basolateral surface of the epithelium while adheri...

Tick-borne Agents in Rodents, China, 2004-2006.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhan L, Cao WC, Chu CY, Jiang BG, Zhang F, Liu W, Dumler JS, Wu XM, Zuo SQ, Zhang PH, Huang HN, Zhao QM, Jia N, Yang H, Richardus JH, Habbema JD A total of 705 rodents from 6 provinces and autonomous regions of mainland People's Republic of China were tested by PCRs for tick-borne agents (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, spotted fever group rickettsiae, and Francisella tularensis). Infection rates were 5.5%, 6.7%, 9.1% and 5.0%, respectively. Eighteen (2.6%) rodents of 10 species were positive for 2 or 3 agents. Sequence analysis of PCR products confirmed the presence and genotypes of detected agents. These findings demonstrate that these tick-borne agents cocirculate and that a variety of rodent species may be involved in their enzootic maintenance....

Niche partitioning of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi in the same tick vector and mammalian reservoir species.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barbour AG, Bunikis J, Travinsky B, Hoen AG, Diuk-Wasser MA, Fish D, Tsao JI The Lyme borreliosis agent Borrelia burgdorferi and the relapsing fever group species Borrelia miyamotoi co-occur in the United States. We used species-specific, quantitative polymerase chain reaction to study both species in the blood and skin of Peromyscus leucopus mice and host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs at a Connecticut site. Bacteremias with B. burgdorferi or B. miyamotoi were most prevalent during periods of greatest activity for nymphs or larvae, respectively. Whereas B. burgdorferi was 30-fold more frequent than B. miyamotoi in skin biopsies and mice had higher densities of B. burgdorferi densities in the skin than in the blood, B. miyamotoi densities were higher in blood than skin. In a...

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The occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks from east Poland with the use of pcr.

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sroka J, Szymanska J, Wojcik-Fatla A 715 Ixodes ricinus ticks from 4 regions of Lublin macroregion (Piotrowice, Polesie National Park, Dabrowa and Leczynsko-Wlodawskie Lakeland) were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Toxoplasma gondi, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-PCR methods. The clonal type of samples tested positive for T. gondii was identified by amplification and fragmenting with restrictions enzymes (RFLP-restriction fragment length polymorphism). Positive results were confirmed by sequencing. The overall percentage of tick infection with B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) was 12.7 %, and with T. gondii - 12.6 %. The coincidence of both pathogens was found in 2.4 % of the examined specimens. The highest proportions of infec...

Occurrence of IgG antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in humans suspected of Lyme borreliosis in eastern Slovakia.

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kalinova Z, Halanova M, Cislakova L, Sulinova Z, Jarcuska P Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and Lyme borreliosis (LB) are tick-borne and emerging infectious diseases caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi species. In Europe, including Slovakia, the principal vector of both pathogens is the common tick - Ixodes ricinus, in which double infections with these pathogens have been reported. The aim of our study was evidence of IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum in blood sera of humans with suspects LB from several Clinics of University Hospitals, and the evaluation of the possibility of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum co-infection in examined patients. The serological method ELISA was used to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against B. burg...

What is the percentage of pathogenic borreliae in spirochaetal findings of mosquito larvae?

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, larvae (1,179 ex.) of mosquito genera Culex were examined for the presence of spirochaetes by Dark Field Microscopy (DFM) at the locality of Blansko (Czech Republic) in of 2004-2008. DFM spirochaete positive samples (25.4 %) were investigated by nested PCR; only 4 samples were positive for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, which is 0.3 % of the total examined samples. We can conclude that only a low percentage of pathogenic borreliae are presented in mosquito larvae, while the spirochaete of undefined genera infect larvae in high amounts. PMID: 20047261 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM)

Seroepidemiological study of Lyme borreliosis among forestry workers in southern Poland.

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Buczek A, Rudek A, Bartosik K, Szymanska J, Wojcik-Fatla A Forestry workers are a professional group particularly exposed to tick-borne infections; however, continuous monitoring of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in this group enables faster diagnosis and more effective treatment for borreliosis. A group of 1,155 forestry workers from six forest inspectorates in southern Poland were examined with the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA test). The general level of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies was 12.8 % in IgM class, and 25 % in IgG class. Markedly more seropositive results were found in the group of fieldworkers (13.8 % - IgM and 25.0 % - IgG) than in office workers (10.0 % - IgM and 13.7 % - IgG). The highest proportions of infections both in IgM and IgG class (17.4 %...

Occurrence of cases of borreliosis certified as an occupational disease in the province of Wielkopolska (Poland).

Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bilski B The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of cases of borreliosis to classify as an occupational disease in the province [voivodeship] of Wielkopolska in the years 2000-2007. The data as a basis for this analysis originated from the database on the occupational disease certification created by the Public Health Service in Poznan. Documentation from the years 2000-2007 reviewed. The maximum number of the cases of borreliosis in the territory of Wielkopolska certified as the occupational disease fell in the years 2002-2003. In the territory of Wielkopolska, borreliosis as an occupational disease has been significantly more often certified in men. The population at the age of 41-60 prevailed in that case. The districts with the biggest number of certificed cases...

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2‐Tiered Antibody Testing for Early and Late Lyme Disease Using Only an Immunoglobulin G Blot with the Addition of a VlsE Band as the Second‐Tier Test

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:33:20 +0100

Conclusions. Compared with standard IgM and IgG testing, the new IgG algorithm (with VlsE band) eliminates the need for IgM testing; it provides comparable or better sensitivity, and it maintains high specificity. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Lyme borreliosis

Medicine — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:39 +0100

Abstract: Lyme borreliosis is a tick-transmitted spirochaetal infection caused by pathogenic genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. It occurs in wooded and heathland areas of temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. The most common clinical presentation is an erythematous rash slowly spreading from the site of a tick bite. Spirochaetes can spread hamatogenously and affect other organs and tissues, particularly the nervous system and joints. Manifestations of disseminated infection include facial palsy, viral-like meningitis, radiculopathy, meningoencephalitis and arthritis. The infection responds to antibiotic treatment at all stages, but early recognition and treatment is strongly recommended to avoid possible development of complications. Patients with long-standing infecti...

Sexual Abuse Assessments: Using and Developing Frameworks for Practice, Martin Calder (ed.), Lyme Regis, Russell House, 2009, pp. xix + 437, ISBN 978 1 905541 28 7 9 (pbk), {pound}49.95

British Journal of Social Work — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:31:47 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Social Work)

HLA-DR alleles determine responsiveness to Borrelia burgdorferi antigens in a mouse model of self-perpetuating arthritis

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study provides direct evidence that in the presence of HLA-DR11, the immune response against Bb antigens is directed toward a protective antibody response. In contrast, an inflammatory Th1 response is induced in the presence of DR4. These observations offer an explanation for the differential genetic susceptibility of DR4+ and DR11+ individuals to the development of chronic Lyme arthritis and, eventually, the progression to antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in relation to the density of wild cervids

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum have been considered as pathogens in animals and humans. The role of wild cervids in the epidemiology is not clear. We analyzed questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in spring for these pathogens from sites with high (Fjelloyvaer and Strom) and low density (Tjore, Hinnebu and Jomfruland) of wild cervids to study the spread of the pathogens in questing ticks. Methods: For detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum a 77-bp fragment in the msp2 gene was used. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was performed using the FL6 and FL7 primers according to sequences of conserved regions of the fla gene. The OspA gene located on the linear 49-kb plasmid was used as target in multiplex PCR for genotyping. Genospecies-spe...

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Cerebral sinuvenous thrombosis associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis

Journal of Neurology — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:59:11 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the editorsDOI 10.1007/s00415-009-5397-7Authors Michael Adamaszek, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Department of Neurology Greifswald GermanyAlexander Heinrich, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Department of Neurology Greifswald GermanyAndreas Rang, University of Berlin Department of Virology, Charité Berlin GermanySönke Langner, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Departments of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology Greifswald GermanyAlexander V. Khaw, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Department of Neurology Greifswald Germany Journal Journal of NeurologyOnline ISSN 1432-1459Print ISSN 0340-5354 (Source: Journal of Neurology)

Who is the BosR around here anyway?

Molecular Microbiology — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Borrelia burgdorferi encodes a novel DNA-binding protein in the Fur/PerR family of transcriptional regulators termed BosR (BB0647). This issue of Molecular Microbiology contains two molecular genetic studies that help to clarify the function of BB0647 and resolve longstanding controversies. Loss of BB0647 appears to have a pronounced effect on borrelial gene expression and, in one study, caused significant in vitro growth defects. BB0647 was also found to be essential for infection of the mammalian host but not the tick vector. Both Ouyang et al. and Hyde et al. also demonstrate, quite unexpectedly, that BB0647 is required for induction of RpoS, an alternative sigma factor that controls a cadre of B. burgdorferi genes, most notably ospC, which enable the spirochetes to establish mammalian ...

Familial, demyelinating sensory and motor polyneuropathy with conduction block

Muscle and Nerve — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report a mother and son with a prednisone-responsive, multifocal, demyelinating, predominantly sensory polyneuropathy that was associated with an isoleucine92valine polymorphism of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha factor (LITAF). The mother had a multifocal, acquired, demyelinating sensory and motor polyneuropathy (MADSAM)-like presentation. The son developed left peroneal neuropathy during acute Lyme disease with a subsequent relapsing, MADSAM-like illness, despite antibiotic treatment. Both shared prednisone responsiveness and multifocal, demyelinating features electrophysiologically. MADSAM may be familial (FaDSAM) and respond to prednisone. Muscle Nerve, 2010 (Source: Muscle and Nerve)

Inflammation and Central Nervous System Lyme Disease.

Neurobiology of Disease — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fallon BA, Levin ES, Schweitzer PJ, Hardesty D Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can cause multi-systemic signs and symptoms, including peripheral and central nervous system disease. This review examines the evidence for and mechanisms of inflammation in neurologic Lyme disease, with a specific focus on the central nervous system, drawing upon human studies and controlled research with experimentally infected rhesus monkeys. Directions for future human research are suggested that may help to clarify the role of inflammation as a mediator of the chronic persistent symptoms experienced by some patients despite antibiotic treatment for neurologic Lyme disease. PMID: 19944760 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neurobiology of Disease)

A Tale of Two Spirochetes: Lyme Disease and Syphilis

Neurologic Clinics — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:50:25 +0100

Only two spirochetal infections are known to cause nervous system infection and damage: neurosyphilis and neuroborreliosis (nervous system Lyme disease). Diagnosis of both generally relies on indirect tools, primarily assessment of the host immune response to the organism. Reliance on these indirect measures poses some challenges, particularly as they are imperfect measures of treatment response. Despite this, both infections are known to be readily curable with straightforward antimicrobial regimens. The challenge is that, untreated, both infections can cause progressive nervous system damage. Although this can be microbiologically cured, the threat of permanent resultant neurologic damage, often severe in neurosyphilis and usually less so in neuroborreliosis, leads to considerable concer...

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EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of European Lyme neuroborreliosis

European Journal of Neurology — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is a nervous system infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb).Objectives: To present evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.Methods: Data were analysed according to levels of evidence as suggested by EFNS.Recommendations: The following three criteria should be fulfilled for definite LNB, and two of them for possible LNB: (i) neurological symptoms; (ii) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis; (iii) Bb-specific antibodies produced intrathecally. PCR and CSF culture may be corroborative if symptom duration is (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Lyme disease - the danger that can lie in wait on an innocent country walk

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:04:33 +0100

A bite from a tiny tick can lead to years of trauma and even paralysis if left undiagnosed. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

A long journey to understand Borrelia burgdorferi in Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:20:22 +0100

(Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

Neurological manifestations in Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome (Brazilian Lyme disease-like syndrome)

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:20:22 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The BYS is considered a new tick borne disease in Brazil that differs from classical LD observed in the Northern hemisphere. BYS replicates most of the neurological symptoms observed in LD, except for the additional presence of relapsing episodes and the tendency to cause chronic neurological and articular manifestations. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)

Yale Researchers Target Tick Saliva In Their Search For Lyme Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

A protein found in the saliva of ticks helps protect mice from developing Lyme disease, Yale researchers have discovered. The findings, published in the November 19 issue of Cell Host & Microbe, may spur development of a new vaccine against infection from Lyme disease, which is spread through tick bites. Traditionally, vaccines have directly targeted specific pathogens. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Yale Researchers Target Tick Saliva In Their Search For Lyme Disease

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

On the trail of a vaccine for Lyme disease: Yale researchers target tick saliva

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Yale University) A protein found in the saliva of ticks helps protect mice from developing Lyme disease, Yale researchers have discovered. The findings, published in the Nov. 19 issue of Cell Host & Microbe, may spur development of a new vaccine against infection from Lyme disease, which is spread through tick bites. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Antibodies against a Tick Protein, Salp15, Protect Mice from the Lyme Disease Agent.

Cell Host and Microbe — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:10:08 +0100

Authors: Dai J, Wang P, Adusumilli S, Booth CJ, Narasimhan S, Anguita J, Fikrig E Traditionally, vaccines directly target a pathogen or microbial toxin. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is a tick-borne illness for which a human vaccine is not currently available. B. burgdorferi binds a tick salivary protein, Salp15, during transmission from the vector, and this interaction facilitates infection of mice. We now show that Salp15 antiserum significantly protected mice from B. burgdorferi infection. Salp15 antiserum also markedly enhanced the protective capacity of antibodies against B. burgdorferi antigens, such as OspA or OspC. Mice actively immunized with Salp15 were also significantly protected from tick-borne Borrelia. In vitro assays showed that Salp15 antiserum increase...

Lsa63, a newly identified surface protein of Leptospira interrogans binds laminin and collagen IV

Journal of Infection — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Leptospira interrogans is the etiological agent of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease that affects populations worldwide. We have identified in proteomic studies a protein that is encoded by the gene LIC10314 and expressed in virulent strain of L. interrogans serovar Pomona. This protein was predicted to be surface exposed by PSORT program and contains a p83/100 domain identified by BLAST analysis that is conserved in protein antigens of several strains of Borrelia and Treponema spp. The proteins containing this domain have been claimed antigen candidates for serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Thus, we have cloned the LIC10314 and expressed the protein in Escherichia coli BL21-SI strain by using the expression vector pAE. The recombinant protein tagged with N-terminal hexahistidine...

Differential gene expression in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) skin biopsies

Journal of the Neurological Sciences — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Gene expression analysis previously identified molecular markers that are up-regulated in sural nerve biopsies from patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). To determine whether the same or additional genes are also up-regulated in skin, we applied gene microarray profiling and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis to skin punch biopsies from patients with CIDP and controls. Five genes, allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), lymphatic hyaluronan receptor (LYVE-1/XLKD1), FYN binding protein (FYB), P2RY1 (purinergic receptor P2Y, G-protein-coupled, 1), and MLLT3 (myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia translocated to, 3), all associated with immune cells or inflammatory processes, were elevated in punch skin biopsies from patients with CIDP...

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Lyme Disease-Causing Microbes Seen Moving In Ticks

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Lyme disease is caused by the microbe Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans from feeding ticks. Justin Radolf and colleagues, at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, have now visualized the microbe moving through the feeding tick and determined that it has a biphasic mode of dissemination. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Lyme Disease-Causing Microbes Seen Moving In Ticks

Biology / Biochemistry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

How ticks transmit Lyme disease to humans: Imaging technique leads to better understanding

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Using a powerful microscopic live imaging technique, researchers have discovered the way ticks transmit Lyme disease to humans is different than previously thought. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 16, 2009

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) This release contains summaries, links to PDFs, and contact information for the following newsworthy papers to be published online, Nov. 16 2009, in the JCI, including: New cause of osteoporosis: mutation in a miroRNA; Watching Lyme disease-causing microbes move in ticks; MIFfed about protection for the heart; Th22 immune cell subset: a therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory skin disorders?; Loop the loop: speeding up a serious blood vessel condition; and others. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Watching Lyme disease-causing microbes move in ticks

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) Lyme disease is caused by the microbe Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans from feeding ticks. Researchers have now visualized the microbe moving through the feeding tick and determined that it has a biphasic mode of dissemination. Information such as this is essential if new methods of preventing human infection with Borrelia burgdorferi are to be developed. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

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Low White Blood Cell Count Distinguishes Lyme Arthritis From Septic Arthritis

Medscape Today Headlines — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:08:17 +0100

Children are more likely than adults to present with arthritis as the initial manifestation of Lyme disease; the leukocyte count can help differentiate between Lyme arthritis and septic arthritis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

UK travel news round up

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:05:39 +0100

The Bath Film festival, Santa's grotto deep underground and courses in fossil collectingIt's ancient history Those who don't know their ammonite from their belemnite can book a place at Lyme Regis's Jurassic Coast Centre next spring. In conjunction with London's Natural History Museum, it is to host short courses on palaeontology, botany, mineralogy and zoology throughout February and March. Accommodation is provided at Victoria House (non-residential guests also welcome). Prices from £210, shared occupancy.0845 345 4071, field-studies-council.org/2010/walkingandgeology/jurassiccoast.aspx.Hostel goes greenYouth hostels all over the country have been getting makeovers for a few years now, but this one must take the biscuit. The Lochranza Youth Hostel on the Isle of Arran has just been refu...

Borrelia burgdorferi Stimulates Macrophages to Secrete Higher Levels of Cytokines and Chemokines than Borrelia afzelii or Borrelia garinii

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:44:04 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. To delineate the inflammatory potential of the 3 pathogenic species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, we stimulated monocyte‐derived macrophages from healthy human donors with 10 isolates each of B. burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, or Borrelia garinii recovered from erythema migrans skin lesions of patients with Lyme borreliosis from the United States or Slovenia. B. burgdorferi isolates from the United States induced macrophages to secrete significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐8, CCL3, CCL4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor than B. garinii or B. afzelii isolates. Consistent with this response in cultured macrophages, chemokine and cytokine levels in serum samples of patients fro...

First detection and molecular identification of Borrelia garinii isolated from human skin in Taiwan.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chao LL, Chen YJ, Shih CM Borrelia garinii, a causative agent for Lyme disease, was detected and identified from human skin for the first time in Taiwan. Lyme disease infection was confirmed by Western immunoblot tests and isolation of Borrelia spirochetes from skin biopsy specimens. The genetic identity of this detected spirochete was determined by analyzing the gene sequence amplified by a genospecies-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on the 5S (rrf)-23S (rrl) intergenic spacer amplicon gene of B. burgdorferi sensu lato. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the sequence similarity of this detected spirochete is highly homogeneous (97.7%-98.5%) within the genospecies of B. garinii and can be distinguished clearly from other genospecies of Borrelia spirochetes...

The BosR regulatory protein of Borrelia burgdorferi interfaces with the RpoS regulatory pathway and modulates both the oxidative stress response and pathogenic properties of the Lyme disease spirochete

Molecular Microbiology — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete, adapts as it moves between the arthropod and mammalian hosts that it infects. We hypothesize that BosR serves as a global regulator in B. burgdorferi to modulate the oxidative stress response and adapt to mammalian hosts. To test this hypothesis, a bosR mutant in a low-passage B. burgdorferi isolate was constructed. The resulting bosR::kanR strain was altered when grown microaerobically or anaerobically suggesting that BosR is required for optimal replication under both growth conditions. The absence of BosR increased the sensitivity of B. burgdorferi to hydrogen peroxide and reduced the synthesis of Cdr and NapA, proteins important for cellular redox balance and the oxidative stress response, respectively, suggesting an important role for...

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Borrelia burgdorferi, a great chameleon: know it to recognize it!

Neurological Sciences — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:47:59 +0100

We describe a clinical case of neuroborreliosis that occurred in the absence of classical erythema migrans or arthralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings compatible with simil-vasculitis and demyelinating lesions associated with the presence of anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in the plasma or cerebrospinal liquid is an indication for antimicrobial treatment against B. burgdorferi. An early diagnosis and a prompt establishment of an adequate antibiotic treatment is needed for a successful recovery. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0175-yAuthors Iolanda Santino, Sapienza University of Rome Department of Public Health Sciences P.le Aldo Moro, 5 00185 Rome ItalyPaola Comite, Sapienza University of Rome Department of Experimental Medicine and Path...

Destruction of spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi round-body propagules (RBs) by the antibiotic Tigecycline [Evolution]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:49:57 +0100

Persistence of tissue spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi as helices and round bodies (RBs) explains many erythema-Lyme disease symptoms. Spirochete RBs... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Blood Cultures for Patients with Extracutaneous Manifestations of Lyme Disease in the United States

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:52:01 +0100

In this study, blood culture results were positive for 5 (19.2%; 95% confidence interval, 6.6%–39.4%) of 26 untreated adult patients with extracutaneous manifestations but only for patients with clinical evidence for a short duration of infection. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

BosR (BB0647) governs virulence expression in Borrelia burgdorferi

Molecular Microbiology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study thus not only has elucidated another key virulence gene of Bb, but also provides new insights into a previously unknown layer of gene regulation governing RpoS in Bb. (Source: Molecular Microbiology)

sent'> Sentinel Symptoms of Climate Change Indicators for Related Health Effects Greenhouse gas emissions are widely acknowledged to be contributing to climate change�related health effects that vary by location, and are expected to continue doing so for many years, even if substantial emission cuts occur. A workgroup of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has identified a set of indicators that it says will allow national and local officials in the United States to better predict any such changes and consequences and to take appropriate action as it becomes warranted [EHP 117:1673�1681; English et al.]. The team also identified the data needed for tracking these indicators and ascertained whether the data exist, must be improved, or must be generated. They say this is the first effort to synthesize and evaluate related information published by many sources. photo collage showing flooding, pathogens, fire and waste. images (clockwise from lower left): AP Photo/Francis Specker; AP Photo/Bullit Marquez; � 2009 Dennis Kunkel Microscopy; � Kevin Schafer/Corbis The team determined the best indicators of environmental changes due to climate change are quantity of greenhouse gas emissions, air quality (in particular ozone), air mass stagnation events (such as those caused by temperature inversions), temperature and humidity, pollen loads, ragweed occurrence, drought incidence, drinking water scarcity, and occurrence of wildfires and harmful algal blooms. Data for some of these indicators are strong and/or expected to improve soon, as in the case of greenhouse gases, temperature, air mass stagnation events, and drought. Data on other indicators, such as pollen, harmful algal blooms, and ozone, require substantial improvement. For indicators of human death and illness, the authors recommend tracking excess numbers of each that can be attributed to events related to climate change. Doing so will require significant improvements in existing data and methods, such as more comprehensive reporting of emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events. For infectious diseases, the targeted culprits are West Nile virus, Lyme disease, dengue fever, coccidioidomycosis, and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The authors note that some segments of the population may be especially vulnerable to certain effects of climate change. These groups include children; the elderly; pregnant and nursing women; those with disabilities and preexisting conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity; people living in poverty or social isolation or without access to transportation; and those living within 5 km of a coast that is highly vulnerable to sea level rise, or in a 100- or 500-year flood zone. Awareness of these vulnerable subpopulations will be important in planning appropriate prevention and intervention activities. Data for indicators of adaptability are sparse because most efforts so far have focused on mitigating climate change, not adapting to it. The authors propose that such indicators might include access to public cooling centers during heat waves, the existence of early warning systems for heat waves, mitigation plans to reduce urban heat islands, the number and quality of surveillance systems available to collect data on climate�health effects, and the availability of local public health workers and task forces trained in climate change research, surveillance, and adaptation. Bob Weinhold, MA, has covered environmental health issues for numerous outlets since 1996. He is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

Science Selections from EHP — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

sent"> Sentinel Symptoms of Climate Change Indicators for Related Health Effects Greenhouse gas emissions are widely acknowledged to be contributing to climate change�related health effects that vary by location, and are expected to continue doing so for many years, even if substantial emission cuts occur. A workgroup of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has identified a set of indicators that it says will allow national and local officials in the United States to better predict any such changes and consequences and to take appropriate action as it becomes warranted [EHP 117:1673�1681; English et al.]. The team also identified the data needed for tracking these indicators and ascertained whether the data exist, must be improved, or must be generated. They say this ...

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Natural killer cells in chronic lyme disease.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stricker RB, Winger EE, Marques A, Brown MR, Fleisher TA PMID: 19880717 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Seroprevalence Survey of Equine Lyme Borreliosis in France and in Sub-Saharan Africa

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:02:37 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Hemoglobin digestion in blood-feeding ticks: mapping a multipeptidase pathway by functional proteomics.

Chemistry & Biology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Horn M, Nussbaumerová M, Sanda M, Kovárová Z, Srba J, Franta Z, Sojka D, Bogyo M, Caffrey CR, Kopácek P, Mares M Hemoglobin digestion is an essential process for blood-feeding parasites. Using chemical tools, we deconvoluted the intracellular hemoglobinolytic cascade in the tick Ixodes ricinus, a vector of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. In tick gut tissue, a network of peptidases was demonstrated through imaging with specific activity-based probes and activity profiling with peptidic substrates and inhibitors. This peptidase network is induced upon blood feeding and degrades hemoglobin at acidic pH. Selective inhibitors were applied to dissect the roles of the individual peptidases and to determine the peptidase-specific cleavage map of the hemog...

Distribution of Antibodies Reactive to Borrelia lonestari and Borrelia burgdorferi in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Populations in the Eastern United States

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:54:15 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Forgotten treasure seeker

Nature — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Nature 461, 1211 (2009). doi:10.1038/4611211a Author: Jennifer Rohn Until recently, histories of science were written almost entirely by, for and about men. The nineteenth-century hunt for Jurassic-era fossils along the beaches of the British town of Lyme Regis was no different. Although the names of naturalists such as Georges Cuvier, William Buckland and (Source: Nature)

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Profit Driven Swine Flu Propaganda - Pump Up the Volume - Part Four

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

This article is part four in a six-part series. Be sure to read part three at http://www.naturalnews.com/027310_swine_flu_health_Tamiflu.htmlThose in control of the mainstream media have joined together with public health officials to provide the pharmaceutical industry with the best swine flu promotional campaign that money can buy.In an October 7, 2009, OpEd News article titled, "The Centers for Disease Control: The Best Vaccination PR Firm Taxes Can Buy," the makers of the documentaries, "Vaccine Nation," and "Autism: Made in the USA," Richard Gale and Dr Gary Null wrote: "If the flu season goes according to schedule, the vaccine industrial complex will be poised to join Wall Street for record year rip-off profits. We will also likely witness huge Pharma executive bonuses and perhaps go...

Gender Bias in Chronic Lyme Disease

Journal of Women — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:23:17 +0100

Journal of Women's Health Oct 2009, Vol. 18, No. 10: 1717-1718. (Source: Journal of Women)

Non-linear dynamics of the complement system activation.

Mathematical Biosciences — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Korotaevskiy AA, Hanin LG, Khanin MA The complement system (CS) plays a prominent role in the immune defense. The goal of this work is to study the dynamics of activation of the classic and alternative CS pathways based on the method of mathematical modeling. The principal difficulty that hinders modeling effort is the absence of the measured values of kinetic constants of many biochemical reactions forming the CS. To surmount this difficulty, an optimization procedure consisting of constrained minimization of the total protein consumption by the CS was designed. The constraints made use of published data on the in vitro kinetics of elimination of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria by the CS. Special features of the problem at hand called for a significant modification of the g...

Mary Anning and the Birth of Paleontology

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0100

Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from The Fossil Hunter: Dinosaurs, Evolution and the Woman Whose Discoveries Changed the World by Shelley Emling , published on October 13 by Palgrave Macmillan ( Scientific American is a Macmillan publication). The Fossil Hunter chronicles the work of Mary Anning , a woman born in 1799 in Lyme Regis on the south coast of England, who discovered the first documented dinosaur skeleton. In the following passage from the chapter entitled "A Long-Necked Beauty" Anning first discovers the skeleton of a previously unknown dinosaur type. Her find is met with much skepticism, as no one believes a creature with such a long neck could actually have existed. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RS...

One mother’s story: How strep throat attacked my child’s brain

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:51:31 +0100

Maura Heckmann and her son, Chris Eleven-year-old Chris Heckmann was healthy and in good spirits when his mother, Maura, left him with friends for the night. But when she returned, 24 hours later, her son was unrecognizable. Stricken with paranoia, he refused to eat and paced around the family room, fear in his eyes. At first, doctors thought Chris had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But he was ultimately diagnosed with PANDAS, a controversial neuropsychiatric disorder thought to be related to routine childhood strep infections. Here, Maura tells the story of her son’s rapid decent into illness, and his road to recovery. by Maura Heckmann My son had always been a healthy, happy, funny and articulate boy. He played sports, had lots of friends and never had any psychiatric issues. ...

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How to Avoid Health Harming Parasites

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Technically a parasite is any organism that lives off another organism, so this could include bacteria, fungi and viruses. However for the purposes of health, when talking about parasites we are referring to protozoa (single celled organisms), arthropods (insects) and worms that invade and feed off the host organism, often causing them harm. This can range from mild symptoms to serious illness, as well as chronic health issues.Parasites can range from microscopic single cell protozoa to worms that are 15 feet long. The most common protozoan parasites in humans are Giardia lamblia, Enteramoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Crytosporidium. These are mostly picked up from contaminated food and water supplies and poor personal hygiene. The most common arthropods, apart fr...

Is juvenile localized scleroderma related to Lyme borreliosis?

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:58:00 +0100

To the Editor: The article by Prinz et al in the February 2009 issue of the Journal regarding 11 patients with “Borrelia-associated early-onset morphea” was solely based on serologic findings; the authors attributed the occurrence of localized scleroderma (morphea) in their patients to autoimmunity after a previous infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. I have several objections to this attribution: (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors in rheumatic diseases

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The past 10 years has seen the description of families of receptors which drive pro-inflammatory cytokine production in infection and tissue injury. Two major classes have been examined in the context of inflammatory joint disease - the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs). TLRs such as TLR2 and TLR4 are being implicated in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lyme arthritis and osteoarthritis. Nalp3 has been identified as a key NLR for IL-1beta production and has been shown to have a particular role in gout. These findings present new therapeutic opportunities, possibly allowing for the replacement of biologics with small molecule inhibitors. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

CMO Update 49

NeLM - News — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: CMO's Update Area: News The latest CMO Update includes the following topics: . Swine flu update . Making progress on revalidation . Brief advice to help smokers quit . Guidance for expert witnesses . Recording MRSA on death certificates . Testing for Lyme disease . Improving medicine safety . Safer pain management . Tackling alcohol-related harms . E-learning on venous thromboembolism (Source: NeLM - News)

Infectious Diseases and Arthropods

Public Health — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Of all the insects and other arthropods with which we share our environment there are a few hundred that have the capability to either cause physical harm by biting or stinging or else acting as vectors of disease causing organisms. Although most of these are rooted in the tropics an increasing number of arthropod transmitted infections are being reported from more temperate zones, either because we have just identified something previously overlooked, as was the case with Lyme borreliosis until the early 1980s, or else because disease vectors and/or associated diseases have spread their geographic base. Examples of the latter are West Nile virus in North America or Chikungunya virus in Europe. (Source: Public Health)

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Small fiber neuropathy following vaccination for rabies, varicella or Lyme disease.

Vaccine — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report five patients who developed paresthesias within one day to two months following vaccination for rabies, varicella zoster, or Lyme disease. On examination, there was mild sensory loss in distal extremities, preserved strength, normal or minimally abnormal electrodiagnostic findings, and decreased epidermal nerve fiber densities per skin biopsy. Empiric immunomodulatory therapy was tried in two patients and was ineffective. All patients' symptoms have improved, but persist. We conclude that an acute or subacute, post-vaccination small fiber neuropathy may occur and follow a chronic course. PMID: 19808027 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity: medical comorbidity that confounds common orthopedic pathology.

Orthopedics — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bales JG, Meals R In the orthopedic patient, the diagnosis of a compression neuropathy may be straightforward. However, various medical comorbidities can obscure this diagnosis. It is paramount for the practicing orthopedic surgeon to have an appreciation for the medical pathology of common axonal neuropathies to properly diagnose, treat, and refer a patient with altered sensation in the upper extremity. The prevalence of diabetes in the United States is 10%, and roughly 20% of diabetic patients have peripheral neuropathy. In addition to diabetes, 32% of heavy alcohol users present with polyneuropathy. With advancements in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome clinicians may see the long-term effects of the virus manifested as axonal ...

Bell's palsy and Lyme disease.

The British Journal of General Practice — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Struthers S PMID: 19843426 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of General Practice)

Population structure of the Lyme borreliosis spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) in northern California.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Girard YA, Travinsky B, Schotthoefer A, Fedorova N, Eisen RJ, Eisen L, Barbour AG, Lane RS Factors potentially contributing to the lower incidence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the far-western, as compared to the northeastern, US include tick host-seeking behavior resulting in fewer human tick encounters, lower densities of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected vector ticks in peridomestic environments, and genetic variation among B. burgdorferi spirochetes to which humans are exposed. We determined the population structure of B. burgdorferi in over 200 infected nymphs of the primary bridging vector to humans, Ixodes pacificus, collected in Mendocino County, CA. This was accomplished by sequence typing the spirochete lipoprotein ospC and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS). Thirtee...

Choropleth map legend design for visualizing community health disparities

International Journal of Health Geographics — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Cumulative frequency legends are useful supplements for choropleth maps. These legends can be constructed using readily available software. They contain all of the information found in standard choropleth map legends, and they can be used with any choropleth map classification scheme. Cumulative frequency legends effectively communicate the proportion of areas, the proportion of health events, and/or the proportion of the denominator population in which the health events occurred that falls within each class interval. They illuminate the context of disease through graphing associations with other variables. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

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BBK07, a dominant in vivo antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi, is a potential marker for serodiagnosis of Lyme disease.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Coleman AS, Pal U One of the recently identified Borrelia burgdorferi immunogens, BBK07, is characterized for its expression in the spirochete infection cycle and evaluated for its potential use as a serodiagostic marker for Lyme disease. We show that bbk07 is expressed at extremely low levels in vitro and in ticks, but is dramatically induced by spirochetes once introduced into the host, and is highly expressed throughout mammalian infection. In contrast, the expression of bbk12, a paralog of bbk07 with 87% amino acid identity, although expressed in vitro, remained undetectable in vivo throughout murine infection and in ticks. BBK07 is localized in the outer membrane and the amino-terminal domain of the antigen is exposed on the microbial surface. A truncated BBK07 protein re...

Lyme disease patients rally for better diagnostic tests

CTV Health — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:43:46 +0100

Canadian Lyme disease patients are calling for better doctor training and more accurate tests so sufferers can be diagnosed and treated quickly before their side effects become crippling and chronic. (Source: CTV Health)

Researchers To Probe Whether Lyme Disease Will Follow Spread Of Ticks Across U.S.

Body Aches News From Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Potentially debilitating Lyme disease doesn't afflict people everywhere that the ticks harboring it are found. At least not yet. A five-university consortium led by a Michigan State University researcher wants to find out why. "These ticks are on the move... (Source: Body Aches News From Medical News Today)

Researchers To Probe Whether Lyme Disease Will Follow Spread Of Ticks Across U.S.

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Researchers To Probe Whether Lyme Disease Will Follow Spread Of Ticks Across U.S.

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Potentially debilitating Lyme disease doesn't afflict people everywhere that the ticks harboring it are found. At least not yet. A five-university consortium wants to find out why. "These ticks are on the move. As ticks expand into new areas, more people will likely become infected," said Michigan State University fisheries and wildlife assistant professor Jean Tsao. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Researchers to probe whether Lyme disease will follow spread of ticks across US

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Michigan State University) Potentially debilitating Lyme disease doesn't afflict people everywhere that the ticks harboring it are found. At least not yet. A five-university consortium led by a Michigan State University researcher wants to find out why. "These ticks are on the move. As ticks expand into new areas, more people will likely become infected," said MSU fisheries and wildlife assistant professor Jean Tsao. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Canine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis: A Review

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging pathogen of humans, horses, and dogs worldwide that is transmitted by Ixodid ticks and maintained in a variety of small wild mammal species. Recent studies suggest that multiple strains of A. phagocytophilum may be circulating in wild and domestic animal populations, and these strains may have differential host tropisms and pathogenicity. The organism infects and survives within neutrophils by disabling key neutrophil functions, including neutrophil motility, phagocytosis, the oxidative burst mechanism, and neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions, as well as interfering with neutrophil apoptosis. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens may occur, especially Borrelia burgdorferi. A. phagocytophilum causes an acute febrile illness in dogs with l...

BB0323 Function Is Essential for Borrelia burgdorferi Virulence and Persistence through Tick‐Rodent Transmission Cycle

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:16:28 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Borrelia burgdorferi bb0323 encodes an immunogenic protein in mammalian hosts, including humans. An analysis of bb0323 expression in vivo showed variable transcription throughout the spirochete infection cycle, with elevated expression during tick‐mouse transmission. Deletion of bb0323 in infectious B. burgdorferi did not affect microbial survival in vitro, despite considerable alterations in growth kinetics and cell morphology. The bb0323 mutants were unable to infect either mice or ticks and were quickly eliminated from immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts and the vector within the first few days after inoculation. Chromosomal complementation of the mutant with native bb0323 and phenotypic anal...

Toll‐Like Receptors 1 and 2 Heterodimers Alter Borrelia burgdorferi Gene Expression in Mice and Ticks

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:15:13 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, is recognized by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 1 and 2 heterodimers. Microarray analysis of in vivo B. burgdorferi gene expression in murine skin showed that several genes were altered in TLR1/2‐deficient animals compared with wild‐type mice. For example, expression of bbe21 (a gene involved in B. burgdorferi lp25 plasmid maintenance) and bb0665 (a gene encoding a glycosyl transferase) were higher in TLR1/2‐deficient mice than in control animals. In contrast, messenger RNA levels for bb0731 (a spoJ‐like gene) and bba74 (a gene encoding a periplasmic protein) were lower in TLR1/2‐deficient mice than in wild‐type animals. The expression profiles of...

[News Focus] Evolutionary Biology: Melding Mammals and Molecules to Track Evolution

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:46:37 +0100

Harvard University evolutionary biologist Hopi Hoekstra's first college summer job—as a tick target for researchers assessing where and when hikers were most susceptible to attacks by Lyme disease–transmitting ticks—made her itch for more fieldwork and, eventually, a life as a biologist.Author: Elizabeth Pennisi (Source: Science: Current Issue)

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Uncommon manifestations of neuroborreliosis in children.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report four unusual cases of childhood neuroborreliosis and show that seizures with regional leptomeningeal enhancement, acute transverse myelitis, meningoradiculitis with pain and paraesthesia and cranial nerve palsies other than facial nerve palsy can be the leading symptoms of children with neuroborreliosis. All children had serological evidence of an acute infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, a pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid and a complete response to antibiotic treatment. An intrathecal synthesis of IgG antibodies was detected in three children. Thus, diagnostic work up in children with unusual neurological symptoms should include cerebrospinal fluid studies with determination of the white blood cell count and calculation of the antibody index against B. burgdorferi. PM...

Insect Repellants Dangerous?

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Annoying mosquitoes can ruin your evening around the campfire, but the painful aftermath of a bite can be hazardous, as more diseases are spread by mosquitoes than any other insect or animal. Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, has been detected in 49... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

WATCH: Lyme Disease Lessons

ABC News: Health — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:36:59 +0100

(Source: ABC News: Health)

Using Lyme Disease As A Model, MU Researchers Find Inflammatory Disease Treatments Will Improve Through The Use Of Lipidomics

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 46 million Americans have arthritis. Many of these people take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications that block production of certain molecules, known as bioactive lipids, to reduce pain and swelling. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)