Identification of an unusual cluster of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in the Estrie region, Québec, Canada in 2021

ByCanLyme

Abstract Background: Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a potentially severe tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) of the genus Rickettsia. Here, we describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of an unusual cluster of HGA cases detected in the Estrie region in Québec, Canada, during the 2021 transmission season. Methods: Confirmed cases…

A Fatal Case of Late Stage Lyme Borreliosis and Substance Abuse

ByCanLyme

Abstract A recent study demonstrated a 1,100% (12-fold) increase in substance abuse after acquiring Lyme borreliosis. Lyme borreliosis and substance abuse have never been adequately studied and deserves greater attention. A fatal case of Lyme borreliosis and substance abuse is presented, compared to a database, relevant citations are reviewed, brain tussue is analyzed, and findings…

USA: Tick-Borne Disease Working Group 2022 Report to Congress

ByCanLyme

Executive Summary In this third and final report of the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, the committee applauds the progress that has been made during the past six years but recognizes the challenges that remain. The Working Group identified possible paths toward achieving its vision of “a nation free of tick-borne diseases where new infections are…

Migratory Songbirds Transport Amblyomma longirostre and Amblyomma maculatum Ticks to Canada

ByCanLyme

ABSTRACT Birds transport ticks into Canada during northward spring migration, and some of these ticks are infected with tick-borne zoonotic pathogens. Some Amblyomma species harbour pathogens that cause debilitating diseases that can be fatal to humans, and domestic and wildlife animals. At least 65 Amblyomma spp. are indigenous in the Western Hemisphere, and approximately half…

Isolation, Cultivation, and Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi from Rodents and Ticks in the Charleston Area of South Carolina

ByCanLyme

ABSTRACT Twenty-eight Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from the Charleston, S.C., area are described. This represents the first report and characterization of the Lyme disease spirochete from that state. The isolates were obtained from December 1994 through December 1995 from the tick Ixodes scapularis, collected from vegetation, and from the rodents Peromyscus gossypinus (cotton mouse), Neotoma floridana (eastern wood rat), and Sigmodon hispidus (cotton rat). All…

Lyme borreliosis in pregnancy and associations with parent and offspring health outcomes: An international cross-sectional survey

ByCanLyme

Published November 2022 Background: Lyme disease (LD) is a complex tick-borne pathology caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria. Currently, there are limited data regarding the health outcomes of people infected during pregnancy, the potential for perinatal transmission to their fetus, and the long-term effects on these children. Therefore, the primary objective of this survey study was to…

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia species and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Songbirds

ByCanLyme

Abstract The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is known to carry various tick-borne zoonotic pathogens with the potential to cause debilitating human and animal diseases. Juvenile I. scapularis parasitize songbirds and, perhaps, these avifauna are competent hosts of common microbial pathogens. We extracted brachial venous blood from 18 groundforaging passerine birds that were parasitized by I….

New Montreal clinic will be part of Quebec network studying long COVID-19, Lyme disease

ByCanLyme

A new clinic opened Monday in Montreal to treat patients and help researchers better understand two conditions with different origins but similar symptoms — long COVID-19 and Lyme disease. The centre at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital is one 15 specialized facilities announced by the Quebec government in May to study the two infectious diseases. Read article

The Impact of Telemedicine in the Diagnosis of Erythema Migrans during the COVID Pandemic: A Comparison with In-Person Diagnosis in the Pre-COVID Era

ByCanLyme

Abstract Background: Erythema migrans (EM) is the hallmark manifestation of the Lyme borreliosis (LB), and therefore its presence and recognition are sufficient to make a diagnosis and to start proper antibiotic treatment to attempt to eradicate the infection. Methods: In this study we compared the clinical data of 439 patients who presented an EM either…

Anaplasmosis: An emerging tick-borne disease of importance in Canada

ByCanLyme

Abstract Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA) is an infection caused by the intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. As a tick-borne disease, the public health impact of HGA continues to increase with range expansion of the disease vector. The clinical presentation of HGA is often a non-specific febrile illness. The presence of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mild hepatic injury are frequently noted…

Nitroxoline Drug Combinations Are More Active Than Lyme Antibiotic Combination and Can Eradicate Stationary Phase Borrelia burgdorferi

ByCanLyme

Abstract Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in USA and Europe. Despite the standard 2-4 weeks antibiotic treatment, approximately 10%-20% of patients will develop post-treatment LD syndrome, a condition that is poorly understood. One of the probable causes is thought to be the presence of B. burgdorferi persister forms that are not…

Watch: Webinar with Dr Monica Embers – Persistent Lyme Disease: Supportive Evidence & Potential Solutions

ByCanLyme

“Aug 19, 2022 Dr Embers shares insights from her research program into Lyme disease at Tulane National Primate Research Center. By transmitting Lyme disease to mice and nonhuman primates by tick, and studying the natural course of infection, Dr Embers’ group aims to attain a better understanding of the clinical quandaries of human Lyme disease,…

Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) needles and their essential oil kill overwintering ticks (Ixodes scapularis) at cold temperatures

ByCanLyme

July 29, 2022 Abstract The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, vectors Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. Although synthetic pesticides can reduce tick numbers, there are concerns about their potential effects on beneficial insects, such as pollinators. Plant-based pest control agents such as essential oils could provide an alternative because they have low environmental persistency; however,…