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health survey of free-ranging raccoons (procyon lotor) in central park, new york, new york, usa: implications for human and domestic animal health.we conducted health assessments on 113 free-ranging raccoons ( procyon lotor ) in central park, new york city, us, in february 2010, september 2010, and november 2011 in conjunction with a trap-vaccinate-release program to control a raccoon rabies epizootic. five individuals were sampled at two time points for 118 raccoon examinations in total. we tested 13 of 13 and 8 of 13 euthanized raccoons for rabies and canine distemper virus (cdv), respectively, by antigen testing on brain tissue; all wer ...201728135131
detection of borrelia miyamotoi and other tick-borne pathogens in human clinical specimens and ixodes scapularis ticks in new york state, 2012-2015.borrelia miyamotoi (bm) is a recently emerging bacterial agent transmitted by several species of ixodid ticks. diagnosis of bm infection can be challenging, as the organism is not easily cultivable. we have developed and validated a multiplex real-time pcr to simultaneously identify bm infection and the agents causing human granulocytic anaplasmosis and human monocytic ehrlichiosis, anaplasma phagocytophilum and ehrlichia chaffeensis, respectively. the assay is 100% specific; highly sensitive, d ...201728131594
impact of white-tailed deer on the spread of borrelia burgdorferi.there is a public perception that the white-tailed deer odocoileus virginianus (artiodactyla: cervidae) is the main reservoir supporting the maintenance and spread of the causative agent of lyme disease, borrelia burgdorferi. this study examines the pathogen prevalence rate of borrelia in adult ixodes scapularis (ixodida: ixodidae), the black-legged tick, collected from white-tailed deer and compares it with pathogen prevalence rates in adult ticks gathered by dragging vegetation in two contiguo ...201727699814
lyme disease surveillance in new york state: an assessment of case underreporting.despite the mandatory nature of lyme disease (ld) reporting in new york state (nys), it is believed that only a fraction of the ld cases diagnosed annually are reported to public health authorities. lack of complete ld case reporting generally stems from (i) lack of report of provider-diagnosed cases where supportive laboratory testing is not ordered or results are negative (i.e. provider underreporting) and (ii) incomplete case information (clinical laboratory reporting only with no accompanyin ...201627612955
lyme disease surveillance using sampling estimation: evaluation of an alternative methodology in new york state.in the 14-year period from 1993 to 2006, new york state (nys) accounted for over one-quarter (27.1%) of all confirmed lyme disease (ld) cases in the united states. during that time period, a nine-county area in south-east nys accounted for 90.6% of the reported ld cases in the state. based on concerns related to diminishing resources at both the state and local level and the increasing burden of traditional ld surveillance, the nys department of health (doh) sought to develop an alternative to t ...201626924579
seasonal activity, density, and collection efficiency of the blacklegged tick (ixodes scapularis) (acari: ixodidae) in mid-western pennsylvania.although pennsylvania has recently reported the greatest number of lyme disease cases in the united states, with the largest increase for pa occurring in its western region, the population biology of the blacklegged tick (ixodes scapularis say) has not been adequately characterized in western pa. we studied the seasonal activity of host-seeking i. scapularis larvae, nymphs, and adults in mid-western pa over the course of a year, including a severe winter, and determined their absolute densities ...201526336271
disparities in reportable communicable disease incidence by census tract-level poverty, new york city, 2006-2013.we described disparities in selected communicable disease incidence across area-based poverty levels in new york city, an area with more than 8 million residents and pronounced household income inequality.201526180961
variation in the microbiota of ixodes ticks with regard to geography, species, and sex.ixodes scapularis is the principal vector of lyme disease on the east coast and in the upper midwest regions of the united states, yet the tick is also present in the southeast, where lyme disease is absent or rare. a closely related species, i. affinis, also carries the pathogen in the south but does not seem to transmit it to humans. in order to better understand the geographic diversity of the tick, we analyzed the microbiota of 104 adult i. scapularis and 13 adult i. affinis ticks captured i ...201526150449
abundance and infection rates of ixodes scapularis nymphs collected from residential properties in lyme disease-endemic areas of connecticut, maryland, and new york. 201526047204
the prevalence of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in ixodes scapularis collected in the hudson valley, new york state.ixodes scapularis, the blacklegged tick, is capable of transmitting the pathogens that cause lyme disease (borrelia burgdorferi), babesiosis (babesia microti), anaplasmosis (anaplasma phagocytophilum), and to a lesser extent powassan encephalitis (deer tick virus [dtv]). these pathogens represent significant public health problems, but little is known about the occurrence and co-infection prevalence of these pathogens in i. scapularis. here, we used standard pcr and pathogen-specific primers to ...201424689680
prevalence of borrelia burgdorferi (spirochaetales: spirochaetaceae), anaplasma phagocytophilum (rickettsiales: anaplasmataceae), and babesia microti (piroplasmida: babesiidae) in ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) collected from recreational lands in the hudson valley region, new york state.abstract blacklegged ticks, ixodes scapularis say, were collected from 27 sites in eight new york state counties from 2003 to 2006 to determine the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in public-use areas over a 4-yr period. in total, 11,204 i. scapularis (3,300 nymphs and 7,904 adults) were individually analyzed using polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of borrelia burgdorferi (causative agent of lyme disease), anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly ehrlichia phagocytop ...201424605473
three sudden cardiac deaths associated with lyme carditis - united states, november 2012-july 2013.lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete transmitted by certain species of ixodes ticks. approximately 30,000 confirmed and probable cases of lyme disease were reported in the united states in 2012, primarily from high-incidence states in the northeast (connecticut, delaware, maine, maryland, massachusetts, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, pennsylvania, rhode island, and vermont) and upper midwest (minnesota and wisconsin). common manifestations incl ...201324336130
potential role of deer tick virus in powassan encephalitis cases in lyme disease-endemic areas of new york, u.s.a.powassan virus, a member of the tick-borne encephalitis group of flaviviruses, encompasses 2 lineages with separate enzootic cycles. the prototype lineage of powassan virus (powv) is principally maintained between ixodes cookei ticks and the groundhog (marmota momax) or striped skunk (mephitis mephitis), whereas the deer tick virus (dtv) lineage is believed to be maintained between ixodes scapularis ticks and the white-footed mouse (peromyscus leucopus). we report 14 cases of powassan encephalit ...201324274334
detection of borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein antibodies in wild white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus) in new york and pennsylvania, usa.borrelia burgdorferi differentially exhibits outer surface proteins (osp) on its outer membrane, and detection of particular osp antibodies in mammals is suggestive of the infection stage. for example, ospf is typically associated with chronic infection, whereas ospc suggests early infection. a fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay was used to test sera from new york and pennsylvania white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus) for the presence of antibodies to ospa, ospc, and ospf. ospf seroprev ...201323507438
dogs and horses with antibodies to outer-surface protein c as on-time sentinels for ticks infected with borrelia burgdorferi in new york state in 2011.reported cases of lyme disease (a chronic disease caused by infection with borrelia burgdorferi) in humans increased more than two-fold between 1992 and 2006 in the united states. recently, the annual number of reported human lyme disease cases stabilized (according to the center for disease control and prevention) but the geographic distribution seemed to increase. in new york (ny) state, usa, a spread from the original lyme disease focus in southeastern parts of the state has occurred. we dete ...201222841496
deer, predators, and the emergence of lyme disease.lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in north america, and both the annual incidence and geographic range are increasing. the emergence of lyme disease has been attributed to a century-long recovery of deer, an important reproductive host for adult ticks. however, a growing body of evidence suggests that lyme disease risk may now be more dynamically linked to fluctuations in the abundance of small-mammal hosts that are thought to infect the majority of ticks. the continuing an ...201222711825
serum antibodies to whole-cell and recombinant antigens of borrelia burgdorferi in cottontail rabbits.archived serum samples, from 95 eastern cottontail rabbits (sylvilagus floridanus) captured in new york, new york, usa and millbrook, new york, usa, during 1985-86, were analyzed in solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (elisa) for total and class-specific immunoglobulin (ig) m antibodies to whole-cell or recombinant antigens of borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. using a polyvalent conjugate, rabbit sera contained antibodies to whole-cell and recombinant antigens (protein [p]35, p37, o ...201222247369
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) in the North: STARI following a tick bite in Long Island, New York.The most common clinical manifestation of Lyme disease is the characteristic rash, erythema migrans (EM). In the 1980s EM-like eruptions were reported in Missouri and other southeastern states. The EM-like eruptions, which were of unknown etiology, often followed the bite of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the rash is called STARI (southern tick-associated rash illness). Although the Lone Star tick is found in the Lyme disease-endemic areas of New England and Mid-Atlantic regions o ...201121940418
agents of human anaplasmosis and lyme disease at camp ripley, minnesota.the transmission dynamics of anaplasma phagocytophilum (ap) and borrelia burgdorferi (bb) among ixodes scapularis (is) and mammalian hosts was investigated at camp ripley, an area representative of central minnesota. prevalence of white-footed mouse infection with ap and bb were 20% and 42%, respectively, with a coinfection level of 14%. peak levels of infection with both agents occurred in may. the average levels of seropositivity to ap and bb were 29.3% and 48%, respectively. of the mice infec ...201121867420
Molting success of Ixodes scapularis varies among individual blood meal hosts and species.The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is an important vector of emerging human pathogens. It has three blood-feeding stages, as follows: larva, nymph, and adult. Owing to inefficient transovarial transmission, at least for the Lyme disease agent (Borrelia burgdorferi), larval ticks rarely hatch infected, but they can acquire infection during their larval blood meal. Nymphal ticks are primarily responsible for transmitting pathogens to hosts, including humans. The transition from uninfected ho ...201121845946
comparison of erythema migrans caused by borrelia burgdorferi and borrelia garinii.abstract background: a comparison of patients with erythema migrans due to borrelia garinii versus borrelia burgdorferi has not been reported. patients and methods: one hundred nineteen patients from new york state with erythema migrans caused by b. burgdorferi were compared with 116 patients from slovenia with erythema migrans due to b. garinii infection. results: patients with b. garinii infection were older, more often reported a tick bite, and developed larger lesions (median largest diamete ...201121612533
babesiosis in lower hudson valley, new york, usa.although lyme disease has been endemic to parts of the lower hudson valley of new york, united states, for >2 decades, babesiosis has emerged there only since 2001. the number of lower hudson valley residents in whom babesiosis was diagnosed increased 20-fold, from 6 to 119 cases per year during 2001-2008, compared with an ≈1.6-fold increase for the rest of new york. during 2002-2009, a total of 19 patients with babesiosis were hospitalized on 22 occasions at the regional tertiary care center. c ...201121529393
a new view on lyme disease: rodents hold the key to annual risk. 200620076583
assessment of polymicrobial infections in ticks in new york state.ixodes scapularis ticks are clinically important hematophagous vectors. a single tick bite can lead to a polymicrobial infection. we determined the prevalence of polymicrobial infection with borrelia burgdorferi, anaplasma phagocytophilum, babesia microti, borrelia miyamotoi, and powassan virus in 286 adult ticks from the two counties in new york state where lyme disease is endemic, utilizing a masstag multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. seventy-one percent of the ticks harbored at least ...201019725770
acaricidal treatment of white-tailed deer to control ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) in a new york lyme disease-endemic community.the efficacy of topically treating white-tailed deer with an acaricide was evaluated in a lyme disease-endemic community of southern new york state. twenty-four 4-poster feeders were placed in a 5.2 km(2) treatment area in bedford, ny, while a site in lewisboro, ny, 4.8 km distant, served as control. treatment periods ran from 15 september to 15 december each fall from 1997 to 2001, and from 15 march to 15 may each spring from 1998 to 2002. corn consumption averaged 15,779 kg in fall sessions an ...200919650732
the united states department of agriculture northeast area-wide tick control project: history and protocol.the northeast area-wide tick control project (neatcp) was funded by the united states department of agriculture (usda) as a large-scale cooperative demonstration project of the usda-agricultural research service (ars)-patented 4-poster tick control technology (pound et al. 1994) involving the usda-ars and a consortium of universities, state agencies, and a consulting firm at research locations in the five states of connecticut (ct), maryland (md), new jersey (nj), new york (ny), and rhode island ...200919650730
diluting the dilution effect: a spatial lyme model provides evidence for the importance of habitat fragmentation with regard to the risk of infection.this paper aims to construct a spatially-explicit model of ixodes scapularis infection in the state of new york, usa, based on climate traits, high-resolution landscape features and patch-connectivity according to graph theory. the degree of risk for infection is calculated based on empirical data of host abundance, previous studies on host infectivity rates and tick preferences towards a given host. the outcome signifies what is called the "recruitment of infection", i.e. an index representing ...200919440959
impact of host community composition on lyme disease risk.the drivers of variable disease risk in complex multi-host disease systems have proved very difficult to identify. here we test a model that explains the entomological risk of lyme disease (ld) in terms of host community composition. the model was parameterized in a continuous forest tract at the cary institute of ecosystem studies (formerly the institute of ecosystem studies) in new york state, u.s.a. we report the results of continuing longitudinal observations (10 years) at the cary institute ...200818959321
surveillance for lyme disease--united states, 1992-2006.lyme disease is a multisystem disease that occurs in north america, europe, and asia. in the united states, the etiologic agent is borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, a spirochete transmitted to humans by infected ixodes scapularis and i. pacificus ticks. the majority of patients with lyme disease develop a characteristic rash, erythema migrans (em), accompanied by symptoms of fever, malaise, fatigue, headache, myalgia, or arthralgia. other manifestations of infection can include arthritis, card ...200818830214
borrelia burgdorferi genotype predicts the capacity for hematogenous dissemination during early lyme disease.lyme disease, the most common tickborne disease in the united states, is caused exclusively by borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in north america. the present study evaluated the genotypes of >400 clinical isolates of b. burgdorferi recovered from patients from suburban new york city with early lyme disease associated with erythema migrans; it is the largest number of borrelial strains from north america ever to be investigated.200818781866
effect of borrelia burgdorferi genotype on the sensitivity of c6 and 2-tier testing in north american patients with culture-confirmed lyme disease.a potential concern with any serologic test to detect antibodies to borrelia burgdorferi is whether the epitopes incorporated in the test provide sufficient cross-reactivity to detect infection with all of the pathogenic strains of the species. this is a particular concern for the c6 test, which is based on reactivity to a single peptide.200818724824
borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is clonal in patients with early lyme borreliosis.lyme borreliosis, the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in north america, is caused by the spirochete borrelia burgdorferi. given the extensive genetic polymorphism of b. burgdorferi, elucidation of the population genetic structure of the bacterium in clinical samples may be relevant for understanding disease pathogenesis and may have applicability for the development of diagnostic tests and vaccine preparations. in this investigation, the genetic polymorphism of the 16s-23s rrna (rrs- ...200818539816
conspicuous impacts of inconspicuous hosts on the lyme disease epidemic.emerging zoonotic pathogens are a constant threat to human health throughout the world. control strategies to protect public health regularly fail, due in part to the tendency to focus on a single host species assumed to be the primary reservoir for a pathogen. here, we present evidence that a diverse set of species can play an important role in determining disease risk to humans using lyme disease as a model. host-targeted public health strategies to control the lyme disease epidemic in north a ...200818029304
the role of lizards in the ecology of lyme disease in two endemic zones of the northeastern united states.we examined the role of lizards in the ecology of lyme disease in new york and maryland. we collected data on vector tick infestations, measured lizard "realized" reservoir competence for the lyme disease spirochete borrelia burgdorferi, and estimated lizard population density. these data were incorporated into a model that predicts a host's ability to influence the prevalence of b. burgdorferi in the tick population, a primary risk factor in the epidemiology of lyme disease. published data on o ...200717626342
lyme disease--united states, 2003-2005.lyme disease is caused by the spirochete borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (ixodes spp.). early manifestations of infection include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. left untreated, late manifestations involving the joints, heart, and nervous system can occur. a healthy people 2010 objective (14-8) is to reduce the annual incidence of lyme disease to 9.7 new cases per 100,000 population in 1 ...200717568368
serologic evaluation of patients from missouri with erythema migrans-like skin lesions with the c6 lyme test.southern tick-associated rash illness (stari), also known as masters disease, affects people predominantly in the southeast and south central united states. these patients exhibit skin lesions that resemble erythema migrans (em), the characteristic skin lesion in early lyme disease. the etiology of stari remains unknown, and no serologic test is available to aid in its diagnosis. the c6 lyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate coded serum specimens from patients with stari at ...200617028220
prevalence of borrelia burgdorferi in small mammals in new york state.intensive small mammal trapping was conducted in 12 counties in new york state during 1998-2000 to investigate the prevalence and site specificity of the lyme disease spirochete, borrelia burgdorferi in, and presence of the blacklegged tick, ixodes scapularis say on, the wild mice peromyscus leucopus rafinesque and peromyscus maniculatus wagner and other small mammal species. previously captured mice (1992-1997) from throughout new york state also were recruited into the study, providing a total ...200617017230
spatiotemporal bayesian analysis of lyme disease in new york state, 1990-2000.mapping ordinarily increases our understanding of nontrivial spatial and temporal heterogeneities in disease rates. however, the large number of parameters required by the corresponding statistical models often complicates detailed analysis. this study investigates the feasibility of a fully bayesian hierarchical regression approach to the problem and identifies how it outperforms two more popular methods: crude rate estimates (cre) and empirical bayes standardization (ebs). in particular, we ap ...200616892639
an evaluation of a lyme disease prevention program in a working population.lyme disease vaccine was offered to new york state department of health employees considered at risk for lyme disease because of their job duties. this evaluation was conducted to assess (1) attitudes that affected employees' decisions to accept or decline the vaccine, (2) preventive behaviors among employees who received the vaccine, and (3) effectiveness of the educational modalities offered in improving knowledge of lyme disease and lyme disease vaccine.200716871815
molecular analysis of microbial communities identified in different developmental stages of ixodes scapularis ticks from westchester and dutchess counties, new york.ixodes scapularis ticks play an important role in the transmission of a wide variety of pathogens between various mammalian species, including humans. pathogens transmitted by ticks include borrelia, anaplasma and babesia. although ticks may harbour both pathogenic and non-pathogenic microflora, little is known about how the diversity of the microflora within ticks may influence the transmission of pathogens. to begin addressing this question, we examined the composition of bacterial communities ...200616623735
strategies for reducing the risk of lyme borreliosis in north america.the incidence of lyme borreliosis continues to increase in the united states. in 1991, when lyme borreliosis first became a nationally reportable disease to the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc), a total of 9470 cases were reported; in contrast, by 2002 a total of 23,763 cases were reported, >2.5x the total in 1991. area-wide acaricides can be highly effective in killing nymphal ixodes scapularis, with >95% of nymphs killed in studies using cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or carbaryl. t ...200616524769
distribution of borreliae among ticks collected from eastern states.lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the united states and is transmitted by borrelia burgdorferi-infected ixodes species. the disease is typically characterized by an erythema migrans (em) rash at the site of tick feeding. em rashes have also been associated with feeding by amblyomma americanum ticks despite evidence suggesting that they are incompetent vectors for lyme disease. in 1996, a borrelia organism only recently cultivated in the laboratory was described i ...200516417434
epidemic and spatial dynamics of lyme disease in new york state, 1990-2000.lyme disease (ld) occurrence in new york state (nys) has not only increased over time but also spread throughout the state from the original disease focus in southeastern nys. few studies have investigated this epidemic and spatial dynamic in great detail. using data from the nys department of health lyme registry surveillance system, we summarized epidemic and spatial characteristics of ld in nys for the 11-yr time period from 1990 through 2000. new epidemiological trends associated with age, s ...200516363174
prospective clinical evaluation of patients from missouri and new york with erythema migrans-like skin lesions.the most common and most recognizable feature of borrelia burgdorferi infection (lyme disease) is the skin lesion erythema migrans (em). an illness associated with an em-like skin lesion, but which is not caused by b. burgdorferi, occurs in many southern states in the united states (southern tick-associated rash illness [stari], also known as masters disease).200516142659
detection of antibodies to borrelia burgdorferi in naturally infected horses in the usa by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using whole-cell and recombinant antigens.blood samples were collected from 98 horses suspected of having borreliosis or granulocytic ehrlichiosis in connecticut and new york state, usa during 1985, 1995, and 1996. serum antibodies to borrelia burgdorferi were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa), based on whole-cell and recombinant antigens, in 82 (84%) horses. of the 181 sera tested, 59% were positive, using whole-cell antigens, compared to 48% with protein (p)37 and 35% with vlse antigens. an elisa containing eith ...200515924926
microbiologic evaluation of patients from missouri with erythema migrans.borrelia lonestari infects amblyomma americanum, the tick species that is the most common cause of tick bites in southeast and south-central united states, and this spirochete has been detected in an erythema migrans (em)-like skin rash in 1 patient. therefore, b. lonestari is considered to be a leading candidate for the etiologic agent of em in this region.200515668867
the effects of bird feeders on lyme disease prevalence and density of ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) in a residential area of dutchess county, new york.the effects of bird feeders on local densities of ixodes scapularis ticks and prevalence of lyme disease were examined in residential areas of dutchess county, ny. ticks were collected, counted, and analyzed for borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes in 2001-2002 on residential properties with and without bird feeders. tick densities and infection prevalence were not significantly different on properties with and without bird feeders. furthermore, analysis of a questionnaire, administered to 580 local ...200314680124
long-term follow-up of patients with culture-confirmed lyme disease.to determine the long-term outcome of patients with culture-confirmed lyme disease.200312893393
lyme disease trends--dutchess county, new york, 1992-2000.lyme disease is a vector-borne infectious disease, accounting for more than 95% of all reported vector-borne illness in the united states. from 1992 2000, dutchess county reported more cases of lyme disease than any other county in the united states, consistently ranking among the top ten in incidence rates. we analyzed 1992-2000 dutchess county lyme disease surveillance data to characterize lyme disease trends, identify high-risk populations, and examine the frequency of the characteristic lesi ...200312764540
spatiotemporal variation in a lyme disease host and vector: black-legged ticks on white-footed mice.we monitored population density of white-footed mice (peromyscus leucopus), burdens of immature black-legged ticks (ixodes scapularis) on mice, and infection prevalence of host-seeking ticks on six forest plots in southeastern new york state from 1995 through 1999. despite densities of mice that fluctuated two orders of magnitude, average larval and nymphal tick burdens per mouse remained remarkably constant. spatial variability in mouse density and tick burdens was modest. the total number of l ...200112653143
effects of acorn production and mouse abundance on abundance and borrelia burgdorferi infection prevalence of nymphal ixodes scapularis ticks.risk of exposure to lyme disease is a function of the local abundance of nymphal ixodes ticks that are infected with the etiological agent, the spirochete borrelia burgdorferi. we monitored abundance of white-footed mice (the principal b. burgdorferi reservoir in the eastern and central united states) and acorns (a critical food resource for mice), and ixodes scapularis ticks, as well as ambient temperature (cumulative growing degree days) and growing season precipitation, in a forested landscap ...200112653136
seroprevalence of antibodies that react with anaplasma phagocytophila, the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, in different populations in westchester county, new york.we determined the frequencies of antibodies to anaplasma phagocytophila, the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge), in different groups of adults and children from westchester county, new york. the groups included 159 adult blood donors and 215 children who were seronegative for borrelia burgdorferi antibodies, 118 adult patients and 57 children who were seropositive for b. burgdorferi antibodies, and 42 adult patients with culture-confirmed erythema migrans. eighteen (11.3%) of the blo ...200212089287
comparative study of early lyme disease: erythema migrans in new york state and northeastern poland.the objective was to compare the clinical features of early local lyme disease: erythema migrans (em) between two highly endemic areas: new york state and northeastern poland. study was based on self reporting questionnaires, physical examination, and laboratory results.200211782679
lyme disease in new york state: spatial pattern at a regional scale.lyme disease occurs commonly in new york state, but its geographic distribution is heterogeneous. over each of nine consecutive years, incidence rates from 57 new york state counties were subjected to spatial autocorrelation analysis. although the epidemic advanced during the study period, the analyses reveal a consistent pattern of spatial dependence. the correlation distance, the distance over which incidence rates covary positively, remained near 120 km over the nine years. a local spatial an ...200111716111
reactivity of dog sera to whole-cell or recombinant antigens of borrelia burgdorferi by elisa and immunoblot analysis.enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (elisas) with separate preparations of 10 purified recombinant antigens of borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto were used to test sera from 36 dogs not vaccinated with whole cells of this agent and from five dogs vaccinated with whole-cell b. burgdorferi bacteria. all dogs lived in tick-infested areas of connecticut and south-eastern new york state, usa. the non-vaccinated dogs had limb or joint disorder, lameness and fever during the period 1984-1991 and had ant ...200111599738
molecular characterization of borrelia spp. isolates from greater metropolitan chicago reveals the presence of borrelia bissettii. preliminary report.lyme disease in the us is concentrated in three endemic areas: the northeast, the upper mid-west, and the pacific coast. in the mid-west, the range of lyme disease has expanded to include large parts of wisconsin and minnesota. despite its proximity to the mid-western focus, illinois, so far, has not been considered an endemic area. however, more recent data suggest that this situation may be changing. also, the extent of borrelial diversity in the mid-west remains largely unexplored. here, we p ...200011075925
population genetics and phylogenetic analysis of colorado borrelia burgdorferi.borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted in an enzootic cycle in colorado between the tick ixodes spinipalpis and the woodrat neotoma mexicana. the genetic relationship of colorado isolates to other b. burgdorferi isolates is unknown nor have relationships among various colorado isolates been determined. portions of the flagellin (fla), 66-kd protein, and outer surface protein a (ospa) genes were amplified from 71 colorado isolates, screened for genetic variability using single strand conformation po ...199910348251
seroprevalence and seroconversion for tick-borne diseases in a high-risk population in the northeast united states.to determine the prevalence of serologic reactivity, the 1-year incidence of seroconversion, and the frequency of multiple infections, and their associations with symptoms in a group of volunteers at high risk for tick-borne infections in new york state.199910225242
temporal relation between ixodes scapularis abundance and risk for lyme disease associated with erythema migrans.understanding the role that nymphal and female ticks, ixodes scapularis, have in the epidemiology of lyme disease is essential to the development of successful prevention programs. in this study, the authors sought to evaluate the seasonal and annual relations between tick densities and patients > or = 16 years of age diagnosed with erythema migrans (em), the rash associated with early lyme disease. ticks were collected weekly by drag sampling throughout most of the year from 1991 to 1996 in wes ...199910206627
a proposal for the reliable culture of borrelia burgdorferi from patients with chronic lyme disease, even from those previously aggressively treated.since culture of borrelia burgdorferi from patients with chronic lyme disease has been an extraordinarily rare event, clarification of the nature of the illness and proving its etiology as infectious have been difficult. a method for reliably and reproducibly culturing b. burgdorferi from the blood of patients with chronic lyme disease was therefore sought by making a controlled blood culture trial studying 47 patients with chronic lyme disease. all had relapsed after long-term oral and intraven ...19989861561
geographic risk for lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in southern new york state.ixodes scapularis, the tick vector of lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge), is prevalent in much of southern new york state. the distribution of this species has increased, as have reported cases of both lyme disease and hge. the unreliability of case reports, however, demonstrates the need for tick and pathogen surveillance in order to accurately define areas of high risk. in this study, a total of 89,550 m2 at 34 study sites was drag sampled in 1995 and a total of 51,540 m2 a ...19989835546
estimation of the incidence of lyme disease.the incidence of lyme disease in most endemic areas is unknown but will be an important factor in determining the cost-effectiveness of lyme disease vaccines in those areas. the authors developed a deterministic model with nine components to estimate the frequency of ixodes scapularis tick bites and the resulting incidence of lyme disease in residents of endemic areas. for each component, best point estimates and plausible ranges of values were based on the published literature, unpublished data ...19989829875
expanded diversity among californian borrelia isolates and description of borrelia bissettii sp. nov. (formerly borrelia group dn127).up to now, the only species in the complex borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato known to cause lyme borreliosis in the united states has been b. burgdorferi sensu stricto. however, some atypical strains closely related to the previously designated genomic group dn127 have been isolated in the united states, mostly in california. to explore the diversity of b. burgdorferi sensu lato group dn127, we analyzed the nucleotide sequences of the rrf-rrl intergenic spacer regions from 19 atypical strains (18 ...19989817861
human babesiosis in new york state: review of 139 hospitalized cases and analysis of prognostic factors.babesiosis infections are infrequent, occur in limited geographic locations, and range from asymptomatic infection to severe illness and death.19989801183
coinfection of blacklegged ticks (acari: ixodidae) in dutchess county, new york, with the agents of lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis.adult blacklegged ticks, ixodes scapularis say, collected from forested sites in dutchess county, ny, were tested for infection with the etiologic agents of lyme disease, borrelia burgdorferi johnson, schmid, hyde, steigerwalt & brenner, and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge). rates of infection with the 2 pathogens were high and independent of one another, confirming prior findings and suggesting that a variety of hosts may be competent reservoirs of the hge agent.19989775627
efficacy of an ospa vaccine preparation for prevention of lyme disease in new york state.a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was done comparing a 30-microgram dose of a single protein recombinant ospa vaccine preparation with a saline placebo for efficacy in prevention of lyme disease in humans. the ospa vaccine (30-microgram dose) or saline placebo was given intramuscularly at day 0, 1 month later, and 12 months later. cases of possible lyme disease were evaluated clinically and using culture, polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assays. safety data are bein ...20079717677
human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in new york.human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge), a potentially fatal tick-borne disease, was first described in the upper midwest in 1994. following reports of suspected cases of ehrlichiosis from new york physicians, descriptive and case-control studies were conducted to characterize the epidemiology and risk factors for hge in new york residents.19989554683
detection of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent and borrelia burgdorferi in ticks by polymerase chain reaction.adult ixodid ticks were collected from westchester county, new york, and ipswich, massachusetts, to determine the presence of infection with a human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge) agent by using the polymerase chain reaction (pcr). the presence of borrelia burgdorferi in ticks collected from new york was also determined by pcr. of the 229 ticks from new york and 47 ticks from massachusetts, 9% (22/229) and 25% (12/47) of ticks contained hge agent, respectively. fifty-four percent (123/229) of t ...19989526861
new distribution records of amblyomma americanum (l.) (acari: ixodidae) in new york state.amblyomma americanum, commonly called the lone star tick, has been widely-distributed in the southeastern united states for many years. distribution of this species apparently did not extend to new york state until the 1970s, after which the northern distribution in new york was limited to long island (suffolk and nassau counties), where it has become locally abundant. since then, there has been just one published record from new york state, in westchester county, just north of new york city. fr ...19979491364
of mice and moths--and lyme disease? 19989490486
a population genetic study of borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto from eastern long island, new york, suggested frequency-dependent selection, gene flow and host adaptation.eastern long island, new york, is one of the major foci of lyme disease in the united states. as in almost all other parts of north america, lyme disease in this region is caused by a single genomic species of spirochete, borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. for three consecutive years, natural populations of lyme borrelia in this region were sampled and studied for gene flow among different locations, changes in population structure over time, and selective forces. the genetic diversity of borre ...19979474903
landscape characterization of peridomestic risk for lyme disease using satellite imagery.remotely sensed characterizations of landscape composition were evaluated for lyme disease exposure risk on 337 residential properties in two communities of suburban westchester county, new york. properties were categorized as no, low, or high risk based on seasonally adjusted densities of ixodes scapularis nymphs, determined by drag sampling during june and july 1990. spectral indices based on landsat thematic mapper data provided relative measures of vegetation structure and moisture (wetness) ...19979430528
screening for lyme disease in hospitalized psychiatric patients: prospective serosurvey in an endemic area.nervous system involvement in lyme disease may mimic certain psychiatric disorders. we studied whether it is worthwhile to conduct routine screening of psychiatric inpatients for serologic evidence of lyme disease.19979364837
antibodies to ehrlichia equi in dogs from the northeastern united states.to determine whether dogs living in tickinfested areas of the northeastern united states had been exposed to ehrlichia equi, an etiologic agent of granulocytic ehrlichiosis.19979364226
deer ticks (ixodes scapularis) and the agents of lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in a new york city park.rodent trapping and drag sampling in van cortlandt park, new york city, yielded all stages of ixodes scapularis, the deer tick vector of lyme disease and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge). polymerase chain reaction analyses of the ticks showed borrelia burgdorferi and the ehrlichia sp. that causes hge.19979284380
serological responses to ehrlichia equi, ehrlichia chaffeensis, and borrelia burgdorferi in patients from new york state.serological testing at the new york state department of health for human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in the residents of westchester county, n.y., was performed with specimens from 176 patients by the indirect fluorescent-antibody (ifa) technique with ehrlichia equi mrk-infected neutrophils. to understand whether human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis also occurs in this northeastern geographic region, specimens were also tested for antibodies to ehrlichia chaffeensis arkansas. screening tests and immu ...19979276387
transmission of the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis by host-seeking ixodus scapularis (acari:ixodidae) in southern new york state.ixodes scapularis say nymphs collected from a natural focus of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (hge) in westchester county, new york, transmitted the hge agent to uninfected mice in the laboratory. infection was demonstrated in 3 of 8 mice by polymerase chain reaction analysis of whole blood and microscopic examination of blood smears for morulae. two of these mice were also positive by xenodiagnosis. positive xenodiagnostic larvae maintained infection through molting and transferred infection t ...19979220669
timing of ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) oviposition and larval activity in southern new york.timing of oviposition and larval eclosion for fall- and spring-fed female blacklegged tick, ixodes scapularis say, and effect of temperature on those events in southern new york state, where lyme disease is endemic, were determined in the field. we also examined seasonal pattern of larval host-seeking activity, as well as rate of survival for overwintering, unfed larvae. totals of 9 and 8 replete female i. scapularis were released in fall 1988 and spring 1989, respectively. for the 10 females th ...19968906918
molecular typing of borrelia burgdorferi from lyme disease patients by pcr-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.ninety-three borrelia burgdorferi isolates obtained from erythema migrans lesions or blood of lyme disease patients in westchester county, n.y., between 1991 and 1994 were characterized by pcr-restriction fragment length polymorphism (pcr-rflp) analysis of the 16s-23s rrna gene spacer. all isolates could be classified into three distinct rflp types. among the 82 skin biopsy isolates studied, 21 (25.6%) were type 1, 37 (45.1%) were type 2, and 21 (25.6%) were type 3. three (3.7%) cultures contain ...19968727927
analyses of mammalian sera in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with different strains of borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.blood samples were collected from cottontail rabbits (sylvilagus floridanus), raccoons (procyon lotor), white-footed mice (peromyscus leucopus), and white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus) between 1977 and 1991 in southern connecticut and new york state (usa) and were tested for antibodies against eight strains of borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. among these spirochetes were six strains of b. burgdorferi sensu stricto, one strain of b. garinii (=ip90) and ...19958583632
identification of an uncultivable borrelia species in the hard tick amblyomma americanum: possible agent of a lyme disease-like illness.bites from the hard tick amblyomma americanum are associated with a lyme disease-like illness in the southern united states. to identify possible etiologic agents for this disorder, a. americanum ticks were collected in missouri, texas, new jersey, and new york and examined microscopically. uncultivable spirochetes were present in approximately 2% of the ticks. borrelia genus-specific oligonucleotides for the flagellin and 16s rrna genes were used for amplification of dna. products were obtained ...19968568302
application of desiccant and insecticidal soap treatments to control ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) nymphs and adults in a hyperendemic woodland site.the desiccant drione (1% pyrethrin) and safer's insecticidal soap (0.2% pyrethrin) formulated with and without isopropyl alcohol (roh) were field tested against nymphal and adult populations of ixodes scapularis say in a hyperendemic woodlot in westchester county, new york. drione, insecticidal soap, and insecticidal soap with roh provided equivalent levels of control for nymphs and adults. compared with untreated plots, nymphal populations were significantly reduced 1 (93.3-100%) and 2 (66.4-85 ...19958551510
duration of tick bites in a lyme disease-endemic area.regression equations, based on scutal index (body length/scutal width), were developed to determine the duration of attachment for nymphal and adult female lxodes scapularis ticks. feeding times were calculated for 444 nymphal and 300 female ticks submitted by bite victims between 1985 and 1989 in westchester county, new york, an area where lyme disease is highly endemic. nymphs were attached for a mean of 34.7 hours, with 26.8% removed after 48 hours, the critical time for transmission of borre ...19968546120
two geographically distinct isolates of borrelia burgdorferi from the united states share a common unique ancestor.the genetic diversity of borrelia burgdorferi isolates from several geographic regions was evaluated by nucleotide sequence analysis of the genes encoding 23s ribosomal rna and outer surface protein a. comparison of nucleotide sequences spanning 738 bp of the 23s ribosomal dna from two unusual isolates, dn127 (del norte county, california) and 25015 (millbrook, new york), to homologous sequences from other b. burgdorferi isolates from the united states and russia identified several nucleotide se ...19958525058
occurrence and distribution in rhode island of hunterellus hookeri (hymenoptera: encyrtidae), a wasp parasitoid of ixodes dammini.the wasp hunterellus hookeri howard parasitizes several species of ixodid ticks including ixodes dammini spielman, clifford, piesman & corwin, the vector of lyme disease spirochetes, borrelia burgdorferi, in the northeastern united states. we detected the occurrence and evaluated the distribution of this wasp parasitoid in populations of i. dammini in rhode island. there has been no intentional introduction of a tick parasitoid recorded anywhere in rhode island; yet, we found this wasp at one of ...19938433338
canine exposure to borrelia burgdorferi and prevalence of ixodes dammini (acari: ixodidae) on deer as a measure of lyme disease risk in the northeastern united states.surveillance programs that identify areas where both the vector (ixodes dammini) and etiologic agent (borrelia burgdorferi) are present may identify the risk of lyme disease and its spread earlier and more accurately than do programs relying on any single method, particularly human case reports. hunter-killed deer (n = 1,204) from 22 counties in maryland, massachusetts, new hampshire, new york, and pennsylvania were examined in fall 1989 and all ectoparasites were identified. the following sprin ...19938433324
entomologic and demographic correlates of anti-tick saliva antibody in a prospective study of tick bite subjects in westchester county, new york.we measured anti-tick saliva antibody (atsa) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using whole sonicated ixodes dammini salivary glands as antigen in subjects with 1) a recent and confirmed i. dammini (n = 100) or dermacentor variabilis bite (n = 3), 2) erythema migrans (n = 15), 3) late-stage lyme disease (n = 4), and 4) normal controls without a history of tick bites (n = 5). tick bite subjects had three atsa determinations over approximately six weeks. on the first atsa measurement at a mean + ...19938427388
the distribution of canine exposure to borrelia burgdorferi in a lyme-disease endemic area.a serosurvey of canine exposure to borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of human lyme disease, was conducted in westchester county, new york, to determine the distribution of exposure in an area endemic for lyme disease.19938363007
lyme disease and pregnancy outcome: a prospective study of two thousand prenatal patients.the purpose of the study was to determine if prenatal exposure to lyme disease was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.19938362948
relative importance of bird species as hosts for immature ixodes dammini (acari: ixodidae) in a suburban residential landscape of southern new york state.abundance of birds and their tick parasites were estimated in a residential community located in westchester county, ny, where lyme disease is endemic. in total, 36 bird species (416 captures) were collected, of which 25 species (69%) were parasitized by ticks. ixodes dammini spielman, clifford, piesman & corwin composed 96.4% of the 1,067 ticks found on birds. the bird species most heavily parasitized was house wren, troglodytes aedon vieillot (11.1 ixodes dammini per bird). relative density es ...19938360897
serological responses in lyme disease: the influence of sex, age, and environment.in the laboratory, the serodiagnosis of lyme disease is a difficult decision, especially in early disease. the variability in the immune response to the borrelia burgdorferi spirochete and the lack of specificity and sensitivity of commercial assays for the detection of antibodies in early disease have contributed to the difficulty of serodiagnosis. this study examines the serological data of over 20,000 serum specimens submitted for enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) and/or western blot ...19938323257
reduced abundance of ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) and lyme disease risk by deer exclusion.the effect of deer exclosures upon the numbers of immature ixodes scapularis say, the vector of lyme disease in the eastern united states, was examined at five sites in westchester county, ny. study areas ranged in size from 6 to 101 ha where deer had been excluded for a period of 25 yr by > 2.4-m-high fencing that surrounded each site. a total area of 40,506 m2 was drag-sampled during the study to measure tick abundance. nymphal densities (ticks per 1,000 m2) averaged 4.6 (range, 1.3-9.6) insid ...19938271246
implementation of a proficiency testing program for lyme disease in new york state.nine proficiency test events for lyme disease (borrelia burgdorferi) antibody were carried out from october 1988 to january 1992 by the new york state department of health, albany, overall sensitivity for the 846 participants averaged 95.4%, with varying sensitivities of 98.7% for users (71 laboratories) of immunofluorescence assays, 97.4% for users (144 laboratories) of solid-phase fluorescence immunoassays, and 94.6% for users (631 laboratories) of enzyme immunoassays. thirty percent of the en ...19948192559
ixodes scapularis (acari: ixodidae) deer tick mesoscale populations in natural areas: effects of deer, area, and location.nymphal ixodes scapularis say deer ticks were collected at 22 parks or other natural areas on long island, new york, to examine the relationship between tick populations and geographic position, size of area, presence of white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus (zimmerman), and numbers of human lyme disease cases in adjacent communities. nymphal ticks were 93% less abundant when deer were absent and were also less common in smaller natural areas. geographic position on long island was not impor ...19948158618
lyme disease: a growing threat to urban populations.lyme disease or lyme borreliosis, which is caused by three groups of the spirochete borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted in north america, europe, and asia by ticks of the ixodes ricinus complex. the primary areas around the world that are now affected by lyme disease are near the terminal moraine of the glaciers 15,000 years ago. the emergence of lyme disease in the united states in this century is thought to have occurred because of ecological conditions favorable for deer. from 1982 through 1 ...19948146126
lyme disease: an infectious and postinfectious syndrome.to determine chronic morbidity and the variables that influence recovery in patients who had been treated for lyme disease.19948006888
childhood neurologic disorders and lyme disease during pregnancy.to determine the prevalence of clinically significant nervous system disease attributable to transplacental transmission of borrelia burgdorferi, we surveyed neurologists in areas of the united states in which lyme disease is endemic (i.e., massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, wisconsin, and minnesota). overall, 162 of the 176 (92%) pediatric neurologists contacted responded to the survey with a range of 90-100% in the different geographic areas. one pediatric neurolog ...19947986291
comparative analysis of genetic variability among borrelia burgdorferi isolates from europe and the united states by restriction enzyme analysis, gene restriction fragment length polymorphism, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.the genomes of 62 north american and european borrelia burgdorferi isolates were examined by restriction endonuclease analysis (rea), gene probe restriction fragment length polymorphism, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (pfge). hybridization of restriction fragments with the immunologically relevant 83-kda antigen gene revealed polymorphisms and divided the isolates into three major groups. group i included all but two of the american isolates and some of the european isolates. one of two ca ...19937905881
cultivation of borrelia burgdorferi from human tick bite sites: a guide to the risk of infection.the risk of acquiring lyme disease has been evaluated by xenodiagnostic procedures with laboratory strains of borrelia burgdorferi and laboratory-reared ixodes ticks, or by clinical trials in which diagnosis was based on clinical findings, culture, or serologic tests.19957829700
activists decry physician disinterest in lyme disease during vancouver conference.although it was well advertised, few canadian physicians attended a recent conference on lyme disease in vancouver. the apparent lack of interest upsets the president of the lyme borreliosis society, who says many patients have been misdiagnosed, mistreated or untreated and "are now chronically disabled." interestingly, the disease seems to be much more common in the us than canada. in new york state, for instance, more than 26,000 cases have been diagnosed, but in nearby ontario the total is on ...19957664235
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