This study evaluates the effectiveness of tafenoquine (antimalarial primaquine analog) for treatment in an immunocompromised patient infected by a strain of Babesia microti that was partially resistant to both azithromycin and atovaquone treatment.
Tick paralysis Caused by a neurotoxin secreted by Dermacentor variabilis (American dog), Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mt. wood), Ixodes scapularis (deer/blacklegged), and Amblyomma americanum (lone star ticks). Symptoms begin 2-6 days after attachment and primarily involve a paralysis that begins in the feet and spreads upward. May be fatal if respiratory muscles involved. Paralysis resolves when tick […]
Nature Microbiology recently published an article where researchers identified a sugar that influences cell wall function in Borrelia spirochetes. Authors state that Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria produces glycan chains in the cell wall where MurNAc is occasionally replaced with an unknown sugar. Investigators identified that B. burgdorferi produces glycans that contain GlcNAc–GlcNAc. Chitobiose is the unusual disaccharide, […]
Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals (not people, apes, monkeys) and in products made from mammals including medications, vaccines, cosmetics, gelatin and milk products. It is not normally found in fish, reptiles or birds. Alpha gal is also found in some types of ticks. Click here for CDC website on Alpha-gal What […]
Caused by a bacteria (either Borrelia hermsii, turicatae, or parkeri) and transmitted by the soft bodied tick, Ornithodoros (either hermsi, turicata, or parkeri). The disease is characterized by recurring episodes (3 days on 7 off) of high fever, can be up to 106.7° during certain phases. Each fever episode is followed by signs/symptoms which may […]
A recent study published in Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases compared the efficacy of transmission routes, both horizontal (between life stages of developing ticks) and transovarial (from infected female tick to larvae), of Borrelia miyamotoi from Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged ticks). Results show that although multiple transmission routes contribute to maintenance of B. miyamotoi in the ecosystem, […]
Tularemia is caused by a bacterium, Francisella tularensis, transmitted by ticks. It can also be transmitted by deer fly bite, contact with infected animal, contaminated water, contaminated aerosols or agricultural dust, bioterrorism. Symptoms can include headache, chilliness, vomiting, aching pains, fever, swollen glands, sweating, weight loss, debility, infection site developing into an ulcer. Treatment can […]
Delegate David A. Reid (D-House District 32) introduced Virginia HB 850, a Lyme disease bill, in House referral committee pending as of January 12, 2022. The bill pertains to Lyme disease; signage; instructional resources; and materials. It requires the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop and post signage in each state park and […]
This review provides an overview of the factors that influence the distribution and abundance of the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the dynamics of tickborne pathogen transmission in the western region of the US. The review sheds light on the the gaps in knowledge and indicates that research is required gain a better understanding […]
