Jakimovski D, Banović P, Mateska S, Stavrova M, Stamenkovska A, et al.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases •
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose an expanding health threat across Europe, yet few studies link tick infection data directly to human clinical outcomes. We conducted a prospective, cross-border "One Health" study in Serbia and North Macedonia to assess the prevalence, diversity, and potential transmission of TBPs from ticks to humans. A total of 133 tick-infested patients were enrolled at two healthcare centers (112 in Skopje, 26 in Novi Sad), and 135 ticks were collected from these individuals, alongside paired blood and serum samples. Overall, TBP DNA was detected in 66.6 % of ticks, with Rickettsia helvetica (25.9 %) and Rickettsia monacensis (12.5 %) were most common. Mixed infections occurred in 15 % of ticks, with up to three pathogens co-occurring. Other detected TBPs included Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Babesia divergens. Four patients (3 %) had detectable pathogen DNA in blood, primarily Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma spp., yet remained asymptomatic. Most common clinical outcome during the observation period was local hypersensitivity reaction (21.1 %), while α-Gal sensitization was detected in two cases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Balkan Rickettsia and Borrelia strains were mostly identical to Western and Central European lineages, with a notable exception: a Bo. garinii strain from North Macedonia clustered with strains from Russia and China, indicating possible long-distance introduction. The present study demonstrates that human exposure to multiple TBPs is common and while asymptomatic bloodstream infections do occur, local hypersensitivity reactions are much more common.
Mateos-Hernandez L, Wu-Chuang A, Maitre A, Rego ROM, Abuin-Denis L, et al.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases •
The gut microbiome undergoes natural selection pressure, likely because it can affect infection resistance by stimulating natural antibody (NAb) production, notably against the glycan Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal). In our study, we explored whether particular glycans, such as α-Gal, from specific host microbiota components could trigger NAbs that, once ingested by Ixodes ricinus ticks during the blood meal, are capable of cross-reacting with bacterial strains in the tick microbiota that share these glycans. Such interactions might alter the tick microbiota and reduce Borrelia afzelii colonization in ticks. When mice were orally administered various Escherichia coli strains, it triggered the stimulation of NAbs and resulted in strain-specific alterations in the tick microbiota. These changes effectively decreased Borrelia colonization in the tick vector. Additionally, vaccination with the glycan α-Gal induced notable shifts in the tick microbiota and similarly reduced Borrelia colonization. Reduced Borrelia colonization was associated with shifts in bacterial diversity, abundance, and microbial network properties. The study provides evidence that natural mechanisms, such as the production of NAb in response to the host gut microbiome, can modulate the microbiota of disease vectors and reduce pathogen colonization within the vector. These findings offer new insights into potential strategies for reducing the transmission of vector-borne diseases through modulation of the host gut microbiome.
Banović P, Jakimovski D, Mijatović D, Bogdan I, Simin V, et al.
International journal of molecular sciences •
Tick-bite hypersensitivity encompasses a range of clinical manifestations, from localized allergic reactions to systemic conditions like alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an IgE-mediated allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). This study investigated the clinical, molecular, immunological, and genetic features of two hypersensitivity cases. Two cases were analyzed: a 30-year-old woman with fixed drug reaction (FDR)-like hypersensitivity and a 10-year-old girl with AGS exhibiting borderline α-Gal-specific IgE. Diagnostic methods included allergen-specific IgE quantification, HLA genotyping, histopathological examination, and the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens using microfluidic PCR. Case I demonstrated histopathological features of chronic lymphocytic inflammation and eosinophilic infiltrates, with HLA-B13 and DRB113 alleles indicating genetic susceptibility to hypersensitivity, while histological findings suggested a localized FDR-like reaction. Case II exhibited borderline α-Gal-specific IgE, resolving completely with a mammalian-free diet. The presence of HLA-DRB101 and DQB1*05 in the second patient indicated a genetic predisposition to AGS and other atopic conditions. No infectious etiology was identified in either case. These findings emphasize the heterogeneity of tick-related hypersensitivity and the importance of HLA genotypes in susceptibility. Comprehensive molecular, immunological, and genetic profiling offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of hypersensitivity, supporting personalized approaches for the diagnosis and management of tick-induced allergic conditions.