Coinfection by Ixodes Tick-Borne Pathogens: Ecological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Consequences

Abstract

Ixodes ticks maintain a large and diverse array of human pathogens in the enzootic cycle, including Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti. Despite the poor ecological fitness of B. microti, babesiosis has recently emerged in areas endemic for Lyme disease. Studies in ticks, reservoir hosts and humans indicate that coinfection with B. burgdorferi and B. microti is common, promotes transmission and emergence of B. microti in the enzootic cycle, and causes greater disease severity and duration in humans. These integrative studies may serve as a paradigm for the study of other vector-borne coinfections. Identifying ecological drivers of pathogen emergence and host factors that fuel disease severity will help guide the design of effective curative and prevention strategies.

Invasion of two tick-borne diseases across New England: harnessing human surveillance data to capture underlying ecological invasion processes

“…The spatio-temporal framework can be readily modified and adapted for study of other emerging zoonotic pathogens [34].…”

“…Mean state reporting effects are higher for Lyme disease compared with babesiosis, probably reflecting the higher prevalence, greater population and physician awareness, and more distinct symptomatology of Lyme disease compared with babesiosis [32,34]. Variation in state reporting effects is higher for babesiosis than for Lyme disease, probably reflecting heterogeneities in awareness and surveillance efforts across states [29].…”

The Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis : An Increasing Public Health Concern

“…burgdorferi with either A. phagocytophilum or Ba. microti [82–91]. Because of small sample sizes and lack of systematic efforts to assess trends over the geographic range of I. scapularis , the true prevalence of coinfections remains unknown.…”

“…Because of small sample sizes and lack of systematic efforts to assess trends over the geographic range of I. scapularis , the true prevalence of coinfections remains unknown. Based on limited data, prevalence of dual infections varies over time and by geographic region and has been reported in 1–28% of ticks tested, but commonly less than 5–10% of ticks are coinfected [89–91]. …”

PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis as a useful method to identify of intestinal bacteria flora in Haemaphysalis flava ticks

“…Tick is one of important ectoparasites capable of causing direct damage to their hosts and also acts as vectors of relevant infectious agents (Diuk-Wasser et al 2016). H. flava tick is a common hard ticks of domestic and wild animals.…”