86 results on '"Golovljova I"'
Search Results
2. Identification of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in tick populations in Estonia, the European part of Russia and Belarus
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Katargina, O., Geller, J., Alekseev, A., Dubinina, H., Efremova, G., Mishaeva, N., Vasilenko, V., Kuznetsova, T., Järvekülg, L., Vene, S., Lundkvist, Å., and Golovljova, I.
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- 2012
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3. Upsurge of tick-borne encephalitis in the Baltic States at the time of political transition, independent of changes in public health practices
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Šumilo, D., Bormane, A., Vasilenko, V., Golovljova, I., Asokliene, L., Žygutiene, M., and Randolph, S.
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- 2009
- Full Text
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4. Multi-laboratory evaluation of ReaScan TBE IgM rapid test, 2016 to 2017
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Albinsson, B. (Bo), Jääskeläinen, A.E. (Anu E.), Värv, K. (Kairi), Jelovsek, M. (Mateja), Geurts van Kessel, C.H. (Corine), Vene, S. (Sirkka), Järhult, J.D. (Josef D.), Reusken, C.B.E.M. (Chantal), Golovljova, I., Avsic-Zupanc, T., Vapalahti, O. (Olli), Lundkvist, Å. (Åke), Albinsson, B. (Bo), Jääskeläinen, A.E. (Anu E.), Värv, K. (Kairi), Jelovsek, M. (Mateja), Geurts van Kessel, C.H. (Corine), Vene, S. (Sirkka), Järhult, J.D. (Josef D.), Reusken, C.B.E.M. (Chantal), Golovljova, I., Avsic-Zupanc, T., Vapalahti, O. (Olli), and Lundkvist, Å. (Åke)
- Abstract
Background: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially severe neurological disease caused by TBE virus (TBEV). In Europe and Asia, TBEV infection has become a growing public health concern and requires fast and specific detection. Aim: In this observational study, we evaluated a rapid TBE IgM test, ReaScan TBE, for usage in a clinical laboratory setting. Methods: Patient sera found negative or positive for TBEV by serological and/or molecular methods in diagnostic laboratories of five European countries endemic for TBEV (Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Sweden) were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test. The patients' diagnoses were based on other commercial or quality assured in-house assays, i.e. each laboratory's conventional routine methods. For specificity analysis, serum samples from patients with infections known to cause problems in serology were employed. These samples tested positive for e.g. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or for flaviviruses other than TBEV, i.e. dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Zika viruses. Samples from individuals vaccinated against flaviviruses other than TBEV were also included. Altogether, 172 serum samples from patients with acute TBE and 306 TBE IgM negative samples were analysed. Results: Compared with each laboratory's conventional methods, the tested assay had similar sensitivity and specificity (99.4% and 97.7%, respectively). Samples containing potentially interfering antibodies did not cause specificity problems. Conclusion: Regarding diagnosis of acute TBEV infections, ReaScan TBE offers rapid and convenient complementary IgM detection. If used as a stand-alone, it can provide preliminary results in a laboratory or point of care setting.
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- 2020
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5. Multi-laboratory evaluation of ReaScan TBE IgM rapid test, 2016 to 2017
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Albinsson, B, Jääskeläinen, AE, Värv, K, Jelovsek, M, Geurts van Kessel, Corine, Vene, S, Järhult, JD, Reusken, Chantal, Golovljova, I, Avsic-Zupanc, T, Vapalahti, O, Lundkvist, Å, Albinsson, B, Jääskeläinen, AE, Värv, K, Jelovsek, M, Geurts van Kessel, Corine, Vene, S, Järhult, JD, Reusken, Chantal, Golovljova, I, Avsic-Zupanc, T, Vapalahti, O, and Lundkvist, Å
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- 2020
6. Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus in Lithuania
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Mickiené, A., Vene, S., Golovljova, I., Laiškonis, A., Lindquist, L., Plyusnin, A., and Lundkvist, Å.
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- 2001
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7. Puumala and Dobrava Hantaviruses Causing Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Estonia
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Golovljova, I., Vasilenko, V., Prükk, T., Brus Sjölander, K., Plyusnin, A., and Lundkvist, Å.
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- 2000
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8. Harmonizing methods for wildlife abundance estimation and pathogen detection in Europe-a questionnaire survey on three selected host-pathogen combinations
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Sonnenburg, J. (Jana), Ryser-Degiorgis, M.-P., Kuiken, T. (Thijs), Ferroglio, E. (Ezio), Ulrich, R.G. (Rainer), Conraths, F.J. (Franz J.), Gortazar, C. (Christian), Staubach, C. (Christoph), Acevedo, P. (Pelayo), Gasca, J.M. (Javier Millán), Marco, I. (Ignasi), Prado, M.M. (Marcos Miñarro), Ruiz-Fons, F. (Francisco), Agreiter, A. (Andreas), Cadamuro, A. (Andrea), Calabrese, M.S. (Maria S.), Capelli, G. (Gioia), Casulli, A. (Adriano), Cetto, E. (Ermanno), Chiari, M. (Mario), Lavazza, A. (Antonio), Orusa, R. (Riccardo), Sommavilla, G. (Gianmaria), Zamboni, U. (Umberto), Bajer, A.A. (Anna A.), Lipowski, A. (Andrzej), Barlow, A. (Alex), Learmount, J. (Jane), Duff, J.P. (J. Paul), Billinis, C. (Charalambos), Boue, F. (Franck), Hars, J. (Jean), Rossi, S., de Carvalho, I.L. (Isabel Lopes), Núncio, S. (Sofia), Dekkers, L.J.M. (Leo J. M.), Maas, M., Deplazes, P. (Peter), Meier, R. (Roman), Glawischnig, W. (Walter), Steinrigl, A. (Adolf), Golovljova, I., Grunow, R. (Roland), Jacob, J. (Jens), Romig, T. (Thomas), Tomaso, H. (Herbert), Isomursu, M. (Marja), Korro, M.K. (Marja Kastriot), Linden, A. (Annick), Morozov, V. (Viacheslav), Stanko, M. (Michal), Turcinaviciene, J. (Jurga), Sonnenburg, J. (Jana), Ryser-Degiorgis, M.-P., Kuiken, T. (Thijs), Ferroglio, E. (Ezio), Ulrich, R.G. (Rainer), Conraths, F.J. (Franz J.), Gortazar, C. (Christian), Staubach, C. (Christoph), Acevedo, P. (Pelayo), Gasca, J.M. (Javier Millán), Marco, I. (Ignasi), Prado, M.M. (Marcos Miñarro), Ruiz-Fons, F. (Francisco), Agreiter, A. (Andreas), Cadamuro, A. (Andrea), Calabrese, M.S. (Maria S.), Capelli, G. (Gioia), Casulli, A. (Adriano), Cetto, E. (Ermanno), Chiari, M. (Mario), Lavazza, A. (Antonio), Orusa, R. (Riccardo), Sommavilla, G. (Gianmaria), Zamboni, U. (Umberto), Bajer, A.A. (Anna A.), Lipowski, A. (Andrzej), Barlow, A. (Alex), Learmount, J. (Jane), Duff, J.P. (J. Paul), Billinis, C. (Charalambos), Boue, F. (Franck), Hars, J. (Jean), Rossi, S., de Carvalho, I.L. (Isabel Lopes), Núncio, S. (Sofia), Dekkers, L.J.M. (Leo J. M.), Maas, M., Deplazes, P. (Peter), Meier, R. (Roman), Glawischnig, W. (Walter), Steinrigl, A. (Adolf), Golovljova, I., Grunow, R. (Roland), Jacob, J. (Jens), Romig, T. (Thomas), Tomaso, H. (Herbert), Isomursu, M. (Marja), Korro, M.K. (Marja Kastriot), Linden, A. (Annick), Morozov, V. (Viacheslav), Stanko, M. (Michal), and Turcinaviciene, J. (Jurga)
- Abstract
__Background:__ The need for wildlife health surveillance as part of disease control in wildlife, domestic animals and humans on the global level is widely recognized. However, the objectives, methods and intensity of existing wildlife health surveillance programs vary greatly among European countries, resulting in a patchwork of data that are difficult to merge and compare. This survey aimed at evaluating the need and potential for data harmonization in wildlife health in Europe. The specific objective was to collect information on methods currently used to estimate host abundance and pathogen prevalence. Questionnaires were designed to
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- 2017
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9. European survey on laboratory preparedness, response and diagnostic capacity for crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever, 2012
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Fernandez-Garcia, M.D. (Maria Dolores), Negredo, A., Papa, A. (Anna), Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H. (Hervé), Tenorio, A., Franco, L. (Leticia), Aberle, S.W. (Stephan), Esbroeck, M. (M.) van, Christova, I., Markotic, A. (Alemka), Kurolt, I.-C. (Ivan-Christian), Zelena, H. (Hana), Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D. (Delphine), Charrel, R. (Remi), Schmidt-Chanasit, J. (Jonas), Wölfel, R. (Roman), Capobianchi, M.R. (Maria Rosaria), Jakupi, X. (Xhevat), Storozenko, J. (Jelena), Griskevicius, A. (Algirdas), Bosevska, G. (Golubinka), Muscat, C. (Clive), Schutten, M. (Martin), Dudman, S.G. (Susanne Gjeruldsen), Alves, M.J. (M. João), Ceianu, C.S., Platonov, A. (Alexander), Bozovic, B. (Bojana), Klempa, B., Avsic, T. (Tatjana), Lundkvist, Å. (Åke), Cherpillod, P. (Pascal), Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D.W.G. (D. W G), Brooks, T. (Tim), Fernandez-Garcia, M.D. (Maria Dolores), Negredo, A., Papa, A. (Anna), Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H. (Hervé), Tenorio, A., Franco, L. (Leticia), Aberle, S.W. (Stephan), Esbroeck, M. (M.) van, Christova, I., Markotic, A. (Alemka), Kurolt, I.-C. (Ivan-Christian), Zelena, H. (Hana), Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D. (Delphine), Charrel, R. (Remi), Schmidt-Chanasit, J. (Jonas), Wölfel, R. (Roman), Capobianchi, M.R. (Maria Rosaria), Jakupi, X. (Xhevat), Storozenko, J. (Jelena), Griskevicius, A. (Algirdas), Bosevska, G. (Golubinka), Muscat, C. (Clive), Schutten, M. (Martin), Dudman, S.G. (Susanne Gjeruldsen), Alves, M.J. (M. João), Ceianu, C.S., Platonov, A. (Alexander), Bozovic, B. (Bojana), Klempa, B., Avsic, T. (Tatjana), Lundkvist, Å. (Åke), Cherpillod, P. (Pascal), Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D.W.G. (D. W G), and Brooks, T. (Tim)
- Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious viral disease that has (re-)emerged in the last decade in south-eastern Europe, and there is a risk for further geographical expansion to western Europe. Here we report the results of a survey covering 28 countries, conducted in 2012 among the member laboratories of the European Network for Diagnostics of 'Imported' Viral Diseases (ENIVD) to assess laboratory preparedness and response capacities for CCHF. The answers of 31 laboratories of the European region regarding CCHF case definition, training necessity, biosafety, quality assurance and diagnostic tests are presented. In addition, we identifie
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- 2014
10. European survey on laboratory preparedness, response and diagnostic capacity for crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever, 2012
- Author
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Fernandez-García, M.D., Negredo, A., Papa, Anna, Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H., Tenorio, A., Franco, L., Aberle, S., van Esbroeck, M., Christova, I., Markotić, A., Kurolt, I.-C., Zelena, H., Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D., Charrel, R., Schmidt-Chanasit, J., Wölfel, R., Capobianchi, M.R., Jakupi, X., Storozenko, J., Griskevicius, A., Bosevska, G., Muscat, C., Schutten, M., Dudman, S.G., Alves, M.J., Ceianu, C., Platonov, A., Božović, Bojana, Klempa, B., Avsić, T., Lundkvist, A., Cherpillod, P., Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D., Brooks, T., Fernandez-García, M.D., Negredo, A., Papa, Anna, Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H., Tenorio, A., Franco, L., Aberle, S., van Esbroeck, M., Christova, I., Markotić, A., Kurolt, I.-C., Zelena, H., Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D., Charrel, R., Schmidt-Chanasit, J., Wölfel, R., Capobianchi, M.R., Jakupi, X., Storozenko, J., Griskevicius, A., Bosevska, G., Muscat, C., Schutten, M., Dudman, S.G., Alves, M.J., Ceianu, C., Platonov, A., Božović, Bojana, Klempa, B., Avsić, T., Lundkvist, A., Cherpillod, P., Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D., and Brooks, T.
- Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious viral disease that has (re-)emerged in the last decade in south-eastern Europe, and there is a risk for further geographical expansion to western Europe. Here we report the results of a survey covering 28 countries, conducted in 2012 among the member laboratories of the European Network for Diagnostics of 'Imported' Viral Diseases (ENIVD) to assess laboratory preparedness and response capacities for CCHF. The answers of 31 laboratories of the European region regarding CCHF case definition, training necessity, biosafety, quality assurance and diagnostic tests are presented. In addition, we identified the lack of a Regional Reference Expert Laboratory in or near endemic areas. Moreover, a comprehensive review of the biosafety level suitable to the reality of endemic areas is needed. These issues are challenges that should be addressed by European public health authorities. However, all respondent laboratories have suitable diagnostic capacities for the current situation.
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- 2014
11. Multiscale modelling for tick-borne diseases spatial distribution case study in Estonia
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UCL - SST/ELI/ELIC - Earth & Climate, Obsomer, Valérie, Golovljova, I., Geller, J, Vanwambeke, Sophie, Health and space conference, UCL - SST/ELI/ELIC - Earth & Climate, Obsomer, Valérie, Golovljova, I., Geller, J, Vanwambeke, Sophie, and Health and space conference
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- 2012
12. A five-year perspective on the situation of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and status of the hantavirus reservoirs in Europe, 2005-2010
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Heyman, P., Ceianu, C.S., Christova, I., Tordo, N. (Noël), Beersma, M.F.C. (Thijs), Alves, M.J. (M. João), Lundkvist, Å. (Åke), Hukic, M., Papa, A. (Anna), Tenorio, A., Zelena, H. (Hana), Eßbauer, S., Visontai, I., Golovljova, I., Connell, J. (John), Nicoletti, L., Esbroeck, M. (M.) van, Dudman, S.G. (Susanne Gjeruldsen), Aberle, S.W. (Stephan), Avsic-Zupanc, T., Korukluoglu, G., Nowakowska, A., Klempa, B., Ulrich, R.G. (Rainer), Bino, S., Engler, O., Opp, M. (Matthias), Vaheri, A. (Antti), Heyman, P., Ceianu, C.S., Christova, I., Tordo, N. (Noël), Beersma, M.F.C. (Thijs), Alves, M.J. (M. João), Lundkvist, Å. (Åke), Hukic, M., Papa, A. (Anna), Tenorio, A., Zelena, H. (Hana), Eßbauer, S., Visontai, I., Golovljova, I., Connell, J. (John), Nicoletti, L., Esbroeck, M. (M.) van, Dudman, S.G. (Susanne Gjeruldsen), Aberle, S.W. (Stephan), Avsic-Zupanc, T., Korukluoglu, G., Nowakowska, A., Klempa, B., Ulrich, R.G. (Rainer), Bino, S., Engler, O., Opp, M. (Matthias), and Vaheri, A. (Antti)
- Abstract
Hantavirus infections are reported from many countries in Europe and with highly variable annual case numbers. In 2010, more than 2,000 human cases were reported in Germany, and numbers above the baseline have also been registered in other European countries. Depending on the virus type human infections are characterised by mild to severe forms of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The member laboratories of the European Network for diagnostics of Imported Viral Diseases present here an overview of the progression of human cases in the period from 2005 to 2010. Further we provide an update on the available diagnostic methods and endemic regions in their countries, with an emphasis on occurring virus types and reservoirs.
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- 2011
13. A five-year perspective on the situation of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and status of the hantavirus reservoirs in Europe, 2005-2010
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Heyman, P, primary, Ceianu, C S, additional, Christova, I, additional, Tordo, N, additional, Beersma, M, additional, João Alves, M, additional, Lundkvist, Å, additional, Hukic, M, additional, Papa, A, additional, Tenorio, A, additional, Zelená, H, additional, Eßbauer, S, additional, Visontai, I, additional, Golovljova, I, additional, Connell, J, additional, Nicoletti, L, additional, Van Esbroeck, M, additional, Gjeruldsen Dudman, S, additional, Aberle, S W, additional, Avšić-Županc, T, additional, Korukluoglu, G, additional, Nowakowska, A, additional, Klempa, B, additional, Ulrich, R G, additional, Bino, S, additional, Engler, O, additional, Opp, M, additional, and Vaheri, A, additional
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- 2011
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14. TBE foci in Estonia
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Vasilenko, V., primary, Golovljova, I., additional, Kutsar, K., additional, Jögiste, A., additional, Plyusnin, A., additional, and Lundkvist, Å., additional
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- 2002
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15. Serological divergence of Dobrava and Saaremaa hantaviruses: evidence for two distinct serotypes
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BRUS SJÖLANDER, K., primary, GOLOVLJOVA, I., additional, VASILENKO, V., additional, PLYUSNIN, A., additional, and LUNDKVIST, Å., additional
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- 2002
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16. Genetic variability of Rickettsiaspp. in Ixodes persulcatusticks from continental and island areas of the Russian Far East
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Igolkina, Y., Bondarenko, E., Rar, V., Epikhina, T., Vysochina, N., Pukhovskaya, N., Tikunov, A., Ivanov, L., Golovljova, I., Ivanov, М., and Tikunova, N.
- Abstract
Rickettsiaspp. are intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted by arthropods. Two potentially pathogenic rickettsiae, CandidatusRickettsia tarasevichiae and Rickettsia helvetica,have been found in unfed adult Ixodes persulcatusticks. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and genetic variability of Rickettsiaspp. in I. persulcatusticks collected from different locations in the Russian Far East. In total, 604 adult I. persulcatusticks collected from four sites in the Khabarovsk Territory (continental area) and one site in Sakhalin Island were examined for the presence of Rickettsiaspp. by real-time PCR. Nested PCR with species-specific primers and sequencing were used for genotyping of revealed rickettsiae. The overall prevalence of Rickettsiaspp. in ticks collected in different sites varied from 67.9 to 90.7%. However, the proportion of different Rickettsiaspecies observed in ticks from Sakhalin Island significantly differed from that in ticks from the Khabarovsk Territory. In Sakhalin Island, R. helveticaprevailed in examined ticks, while CandidatusR. tarasevichiae was predominant in the Khabarovsk Territory. For gltAand ompBgene fragments, the sequences obtained for CandidatusR. tarasevichiae from all studied sites were identical to each other and to the known sequences of this species. According to sequence analysis of gltA, оmpBand sca4genes, R. helveticaisolates from Sakhalin Island and the Khabarovsk Territory were identical to each other, but they differed from R. helveticafrom other regions and from those found in other tick species. For the first time, DNA of pathogenic Rickettsia heilongjiangensiswas detected in I. persulcatusticks in two sites from the Khabarovsk Territory. The gltA, ompAand оmpBgene sequences of R. heilongjiangensiswere identical to or had solitary mismatches with the corresponding sequences of R. heilongjiangensisfound in other tick species.
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- 2016
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17. Tick-borne encephalitis in Estonia in 1997–1998
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Vasilenko, V., primary, Golovljova, I., additional, Kutsar, K., additional, Mägi, D., additional, and Olup, M., additional
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- 1999
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18. Isolation and characterization of Dobrava hantavirus carried by the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in Estonia.
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Nemirov, K, primary, Vapalahti, O, additional, Lundkvist, A, additional, Vasilenko, V, additional, Golovljova, I, additional, Plyusnina, A, additional, Niemimaa, J, additional, Laakkonen, J, additional, Henttonen, H, additional, Vaheri, A, additional, and Plyusnin, A, additional
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- 1999
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19. Serological divergence of Dobrava and Saaremaa hantaviruses: evidence for two distinct serotypes.
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Sjölander, K B, Golovljova, I, Vasilenko, V, Plyusnin, A, and Lundkvist, A
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- 2002
- Full Text
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20. European survey on laboratory preparedness, response and diagnostic capacity for crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever, 2012
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Fernandez-García, M. D., Negredo, A., Papa, A., Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H., Tenorio, A., Franco, L., Aberle, S., Esbroeck, M., Christova, I., Markotic, A., Kurolt, I. -C, Zelena, H., Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D., Charrel, R., Schmidt-Chanasit, J., Wölfel, R., Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, Jakupi, X., Storozenko, J., Griskevicius, A., Bosevska, G., Muscat, C., Schutten, M., Dudman, S., Alves, M. J., Ceianu, C., Platonov, A., Bozovic, B., Klempa, B., Avsic, T., Lundkvist, A., Cherpillod, P., Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D., and Brooks, T.
21. European survey on laboratory preparedness, response and diagnostic capacity for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, 2012
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Fernandez-García, M.D., Negredo, A., Papa, Anna, Donoso-Mantke, O., Niedrig, M., Zeller, H., Tenorio, A., Franco, L., Aberle, S., van Esbroeck, M., Christova, I., Markotić, A., Kurolt, I.-C., Zelena, H., Golovljova, I., Pannetier, D., Charrel, R., Schmidt-Chanasit, J., Wölfel, R., Capobianchi, M.R., Jakupi, X., Storozenko, J., Griskevicius, A., Bosevska, G., Muscat, C., Schutten, M., Dudman, S.G., Alves, M.J., Ceianu, C., Platonov, A., Božović, Bojana, Klempa, B., Avsić, T., Lundkvist, A., Cherpillod, P., Korukluoglu, G., Brown, D., and Brooks, T.
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Laboratory Proficiency Testing ,Civil defense ,Epidemiology ,Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever ,VDP::Medisinske fag: 700::Helsefag: 800::Epidemiologi medisinsk og odontologisk statistikk: 803 ,Haemorragic Fever ,Communicable diseases ,Biosafety ,Tropical medicine ,Environmental protection ,Virology ,Environmental health ,Biosafety level ,Medicine ,Humans ,Diagnostic ,Infecções Sistémicas e Zoonoses ,business.industry ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Civil Defense ,Medical microbiology ,Health Surveys ,Europe ,Diagnostic virology -- Laboratory manuals ,Preparedness ,European Survey ,Population Surveillance ,Respondent ,Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo ,Crimean-Congo ,Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean ,VDP::Midical sciences: 700::Health sciences: 800::Epidemiology, medical and dental statistics: 803 ,business ,Laboratories - Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious viral disease that has (re-)emerged in the last decade in south-eastern Europe, and there is a risk for further geographical expansion to western Europe. Here we report the results of a survey covering 28 countries, conducted in 2012 among the member laboratories of the European Network for Diagnostics of 'Imported' Viral Diseases (ENIVD) to assess laboratory preparedness and response capacities for CCHF. The answers of 31 laboratories of the European region regarding CCHF case definition, training necessity, biosafety, quality assurance and diagnostic tests are presented. In addition, we identified the lack of a Regional Reference Expert Laboratory in or near endemic areas. Moreover, a comprehensive review of the biosafety level suitable to the reality of endemic areas is needed. These issues are challenges that should be addressed by European public health authorities. However, all respondent laboratories have suitable diagnostic capacities for the current situation., peer-reviewed
22. Driving forces for changes in geographical distribution of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe
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Medlock Jolyon M, Hansford Kayleigh M, Bormane Antra, Derdakova Marketa, Estrada-Peña Agustín, George Jean-Claude, Golovljova Irina, Jaenson Thomas GT, Jensen Jens-Kjeld, Jensen Per M, Kazimirova Maria, Oteo José A, Papa Anna, Pfister Kurt, Plantard Olivier, Randolph Sarah E, Rizzoli Annapaola, Santos-Silva Maria Margarida, Sprong Hein, Vial Laurence, Hendrickx Guy, Zeller Herve, and Van Bortel Wim
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Tick ,Ixodes ,Europe ,Distribution ,Climate ,Ecology ,Surveillance ,Tick-borne disease ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Many factors are involved in determining the latitudinal and altitudinal spread of the important tick vector Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Europe, as well as in changes in the distribution within its prior endemic zones. This paper builds on published literature and unpublished expert opinion from the VBORNET network with the aim of reviewing the evidence for these changes in Europe and discusses the many climatic, ecological, landscape and anthropogenic drivers. These can be divided into those directly related to climatic change, contributing to an expansion in the tick’s geographic range at extremes of altitude in central Europe, and at extremes of latitude in Scandinavia; those related to changes in the distribution of tick hosts, particularly roe deer and other cervids; other ecological changes such as habitat connectivity and changes in land management; and finally, anthropogenically induced changes. These factors are strongly interlinked and often not well quantified. Although a change in climate plays an important role in certain geographic regions, for much of Europe it is non-climatic factors that are becoming increasingly important. How we manage habitats on a landscape scale, and the changes in the distribution and abundance of tick hosts are important considerations during our assessment and management of the public health risks associated with ticks and tick-borne disease issues in 21st century Europe. Better understanding and mapping of the spread of I. ricinus (and changes in its abundance) is, however, essential to assess the risk of the spread of infections transmitted by this vector species. Enhanced tick surveillance with harmonized approaches for comparison of data enabling the follow-up of trends at EU level will improve the messages on risk related to tick-borne diseases to policy makers, other stake holders and to the general public.
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- 2013
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23. Variable spikes in tick-borne encephalitis incidence in 2006 independent of variable tick abundance but related to weather
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Knap Natasa, Hubalek Zdenek, Golovljova Irina, Gern Lise, Burri Caroline, Bormane Antra, Avsic-Zupanc Tatjana, Asokliene Loreta, Randolph Sarah E, Kondrusik Maceij, Kupca Anne, Pejcoch Milan, Vasilenko Veera, and Žygutiene Milda
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Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Abstract Background The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis showed a dramatic spike in several countries in Europe in 2006, a year that was unusually cold in winter but unusually warm and dry in summer and autumn. In this study we examine the possible causes of the sudden increase in disease: more abundant infected ticks and/or increased exposure due to human behaviour, both in response to the weather. Methods For eight countries across Europe, field data on tick abundance for 2005–2007, collected monthly from a total of 41 sites, were analysed in relation to total annual and seasonal TBE incidence and temperature and rainfall conditions. Results The weather in 2006–2007 was exceptional compared with the previous two decades, but neither the very cold start to 2006, nor the very hot period from summer 2006 to late spring 2007 had any consistent impact on tick abundance. Nor was the TBE spike in 2006 related to changes in tick abundance. Countries varied in the degree of TBE spike despite similar weather patterns, and also in the degree to which seasonal variation in TBE incidence matched seasonal tick activity. Conclusion The data suggest that the TBE spike was not due to weather-induced variation in tick population dynamics. An alternative explanation, supported by qualitative reports and some data, involves human behavioural responses to weather favourable for outdoor recreational activities, including wild mushroom and berry harvest, differentially influenced by national cultural practices and economic constraints.
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- 2008
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24. Rickettsia spp. in rodent-attached ticks in Estonia and first evidence of spotted fever group Rickettsia species Candidatus Rickettsia uralica in Europe.
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Vikentjeva M, Geller J, Remm J, and Golovljova I
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- Animals, Arvicolinae microbiology, Estonia, Europe, Mice microbiology, Retrospective Studies, Rickettsia genetics, Rickettsia pathogenicity, Rodentia classification, Shrews microbiology, Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis, Ixodes microbiology, Rickettsia classification, Rickettsia isolation & purification, Rodentia microbiology
- Abstract
Background: Rickettsia spp. are human pathogens that cause a number of diseases and are transmitted by arthropods, such as ixodid ticks. Estonia is one of few regions where the distribution area of two medically important tick species, Ixodes persulcatus and I. ricinus, overlaps. The nidicolous rodent-associated Ixodes trianguliceps has also recently been shown to be present in Estonia. Although no data are available on human disease(s) caused by tick-borne Rickettsia spp. in Estonia, the presence of three Rickettsia species in non-nidicolous ticks has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to detect, identify and partially characterize Rickettsia species in nidicolous and non-nidicolous ticks attached to rodents in Estonia., Results: Larvae and nymphs of I. ricinus (n = 1004), I. persulcatus (n = 75) and I. trianguliceps (n = 117), all removed from rodents and shrews caught in different parts of Estonia, were studied for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by nested PCR. Ticks were collected from 314 small animals of five species [Myodes glareolus (bank voles), Apodemus flavicollis (yellow necked mice), A. agrarius (striped field mice), Microtus subterranius (pine voles) and Sorex araneus (common shrews)]. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 8.7% (103/1186) of the studied ticks. In addition to identifying R. helvetica, which had been previously found in questing ticks, we report here the first time that the recently described I. trianguliceps-associated Candidatus Rickettsia uralica has been identified west of the Ural Mountains.
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- 2021
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25. Multi-laboratory evaluation of ReaScan TBE IgM rapid test, 2016 to 2017.
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Albinsson B, Jääskeläinen AE, Värv K, Jelovšek M, GeurtsvanKessel C, Vene S, Järhult JD, Reusken C, Golovljova I, Avšič-Županc T, Vapalahti O, and Lundkvist Å
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- Antibodies, Viral blood, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne immunology, Female, Humans, Immunoenzyme Techniques, Male, Predictive Value of Tests, Sensitivity and Specificity, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne immunology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne diagnosis, Immunoglobulin M blood
- Abstract
BackgroundTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially severe neurological disease caused by TBE virus (TBEV). In Europe and Asia, TBEV infection has become a growing public health concern and requires fast and specific detection.AimIn this observational study, we evaluated a rapid TBE IgM test, ReaScan TBE, for usage in a clinical laboratory setting.MethodsPatient sera found negative or positive for TBEV by serological and/or molecular methods in diagnostic laboratories of five European countries endemic for TBEV (Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Sweden) were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test. The patients' diagnoses were based on other commercial or quality assured in-house assays, i.e. each laboratory's conventional routine methods. For specificity analysis, serum samples from patients with infections known to cause problems in serology were employed. These samples tested positive for e.g. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and Anaplasma phagocytophilum , or for flaviviruses other than TBEV, i.e. dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Zika viruses. Samples from individuals vaccinated against flaviviruses other than TBEV were also included. Altogether, 172 serum samples from patients with acute TBE and 306 TBE IgM negative samples were analysed.ResultsCompared with each laboratory's conventional methods, the tested assay had similar sensitivity and specificity (99.4% and 97.7%, respectively). Samples containing potentially interfering antibodies did not cause specificity problems.ConclusionRegarding diagnosis of acute TBEV infections, ReaScan TBE offers rapid and convenient complementary IgM detection. If used as a stand-alone, it can provide preliminary results in a laboratory or point of care setting.
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- 2020
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26. Ixodes persulcatus/pavlovskyi natural hybrids in Siberia: Occurrence in sympatric areas and infection by a wide range of tick-transmitted agents.
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Rar V, Livanova N, Sabitova Y, Igolkina Y, Tkachev S, Tikunov A, Babkin I, Golovljova I, Panov V, and Tikunova N
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- Anaplasmataceae classification, Anaplasmataceae isolation & purification, Animals, Base Sequence, Borrelia burgdorferi Group classification, Borrelia burgdorferi Group isolation & purification, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne classification, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne isolation & purification, Female, Ixodes genetics, Male, Orbivirus classification, Orbivirus isolation & purification, Phylogeny, Rickettsia classification, Rickettsia isolation & purification, Sequence Alignment, Siberia, Hybridization, Genetic, Ixodes microbiology, Ixodes parasitology
- Abstract
Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi ticks, two closely related species of the I. ricinus - I. persulcatus group, are widely distributed in the southern part of Western Siberia. Recently, the existence of natural hybrids of I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi ticks has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance of I. persulcatus/pavlovskyi hybrids in several locations with different ratios of parental tick species and to investigate the prevalence and genetic variability of a wide range of infectious agents in these hybrids compared to the parental tick species. Natural hybrids of I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi ticks were identified in all examined locations in Altai and Novosibirsk, Western Siberia, Russia. The abundance of hybrids varied from 7% to 40% in different locations and was maximal in a location with similar proportions of I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi ticks. For the first time, it was shown that hybrids can be infected with the same agents as their parental tick species: tick-borne encephalitis and Kemerovo viruses, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia bavariensis, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia sibirica, "Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae", Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", and Babesia microti. The prevalence of most bacterial agents in hybrids was intermediate compared to their parental tick species. Most genetic variants of the identified agents have been previously found in the parental tick species. Wide distribution of I. persulcatus/pavlovskyi natural hybrids implies that I. persulcatus, I. pavlovskyi and their hybrids coexist in all I. persulcatus - I. pavlovskyi sympatric areas., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)
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- 2019
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27. Genetic variability of Rickettsia spp. in Dermacentor and Haemaphysalis ticks from the Russian Far East.
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Igolkina Y, Rar V, Vysochina N, Ivanov L, Tikunov A, Pukhovskaya N, Epikhina T, Golovljova I, and Tikunova N
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- Animals, Dermacentor growth & development, Dermacentor microbiology, Female, Ixodidae growth & development, Larva microbiology, Male, Nymph microbiology, Rickettsia physiology, Siberia, Genetic Variation, Ixodidae microbiology, Rickettsia genetics
- Abstract
The Russian Far East is an endemic region for tick-borne rickettsioses. However, the prevalence and genetic variability of Rickettsia species in this region have not been extensively investigated. In this study, 188 Dermacentor silvarum, 439 Haemaphysalis concinna, and 374 Haemaphysalis japonica adult ticks were collected from four locations in Khabarovsk Province and three locations in Amur Province in the Russian Far East. These ticks were examined for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by amplifying a fragment of the gltA gene. Identified rickettsiae were genotyped by sequencing of the gltA, 16S rRNA, ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes. In the examined ticks, Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, the causative agent of Far-Eastern tick-borne rickettsiosis, was found in 10.5% of H. concinna and in 1.9% of H. japonica ticks, while Rickettsia sibirica, the agent of Siberian tick typhus, was detected in only one H. concinna tick. In addition, Rickettsia raoultii was found predominantly in D. silvarum (>70%) and significantly less frequently in Haemaphysalis ticks (<3%). "Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae" was found in all examined tick species (1.6-5.3% in different species). Notably, this study is the first observation of "Candidatus R. tarasevichiae" in D. silvarum ticks. Moreover, DNA of Rickettsia canadensis was found for the first time in a H. japonica tick; DNA of Rickettsia aeschlimannii was revealed for the first time in H. concinna and H. japonica ticks. "Candidatus Rickettsia principis" and "Candidatus Rickettsia rara" were found in Haemaphysalis spp. ticks. "Candidatus R. principis" was associated with H. japonica and identified in 5.6% of the examined ticks, while "Candidatus R. rara" was found more frequently in H. concinna (3.0%) compared to H. japonica ticks (1.1%). In this study, "Candidatus R. principis" and "Candidatus R. rara" were characterized for the first time by the 16S rRNA, ompA, ompB, and sca4 genes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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28. Multilocus sequence analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates from Western Siberia, Russia and Northern Mongolia.
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Sabitova Y, Fomenko N, Tikunov A, Stronin O, Khasnatinov M, Abmed D, Danchinova G, Golovljova I, and Tikunova N
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- Animals, Genetic Variation, Ixodes microbiology, Mongolia epidemiology, Multilocus Sequence Typing, Phylogeny, Russia epidemiology, Borrelia burgdorferi Group genetics
- Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most frequently recorded tick-transmitted disease in Eurasia. Tomsk Province, Western Siberia in Russia and Selenge Aimag in Northern Mongolia are leading regions in the LB incidence rate in these countries. Spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex isolated from Ixodes ticks from Tomsk Province (n = 56) and Ixodes persulcatus ticks from Selenge Aimag (n = 5) were genetically characterized using Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), analysis of the 5S23S rRNA intergenic spacer (IGS) amplicons, and p83/100 gene sequencing. According to MLST, B. afzelii (n = 26), B. bavariensis (n = 23), B. garinii (n = 11), and B. valaisiana (n = 1) isolates were detected in Tomsk Province, while B. afzelii and B. bavariensis isolates were identified in Selenge Aimag. Of the 32 revealed sequence types (ST), 21 STs were new and 14 of the new STs belonged to B. afzelii. Several STs of B. afzelii, B. garinii and B. valaisiana identified in this study clustered with European STs found in I. ricinus ticks. Analysis of the 5S23S IGS demonstrated that the studied Borrelia strains showed RFLP pattern characteristic for the following 5S23S IGS types: VS461 (B. afselii), NT29 (B. bavariensis), 20047 (B. bavariensis and B. garinii), VS116 (B. valaisiana), and three new groups (B. afzelii and B. bavariensis). Notably, this is the first report of Asian B. bavariensis possessing a 5S23S IGS RFLP pattern identical to 20047, and analysis of the 5S23S IGS did not provide correct determination of Borrelia species occurring in Asia. Genotyping of Borrelia strains using the clpA, pepX, and p83/100 genes demonstrated the same result as genotyping based on MLST; and further investigations are required to confirm that these three genetic loci could be used for determination of bacterial species from the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex because data based on single loci may be misleading., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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29. Hepatitis E virus infection in different groups of Estonian patients and people who inject drugs.
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Kuznetsova TV, Ivanova-Pozdejeva A, Reshetnjak I, Geller J, Värv K, Rumvolt R, Vikentjeva M, Trubnikova EV, Pozdniakova NV, Shevelev AB, and Golovljova I
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- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Child, Child, Preschool, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Estonia epidemiology, Female, Hepatitis Antibodies blood, Hepatitis E virus classification, Hepatitis E virus genetics, Humans, Immunoblotting, Male, Middle Aged, Phylogeny, RNA, Viral blood, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Retrospective Studies, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Young Adult, Genotype, Hepatitis E epidemiology, Hepatitis E virus isolation & purification, Substance Abuse, Intravenous complications
- Abstract
Background: Previously we demonstrated a high prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in domestic pigs and wild boars, the main reservoir and possible source of HEV infections in humans. But so far there are no reports about spread of HEV in Estonian human population., Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotyping of HEV in different groups of the Estonian adult population., Study Design: Totally 1426 human serum samples were tested (763 patients with clinically diagnosed nonA/B/C hepatitis, 176 hemodialysis patients, 282 patients with suspected HEV infection and 205 people who injected drugs (PWID)). Presence of anti-HEVantibodies was assessed by ELISA and confirmed by immunoblotting. All anti-HEV positive sera were analyzed for RNA by qPCR. Amplified ORF2 region was sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis., Results: Antibody assay revealed 49 samples from 1426 (3.4%) with acute (17) or past (32) HEV infection. HEV RNA was detected in 10 anti-HEV IgM positive samples, including 9 samples from patients with suspected HEV infection and 1 hemodialysis patient. Anti-HEV IgG were found in 7.8% patients with suspected HEV infection, in 4% hemodialysis patients, in 2.4% PWID and in 1.96% patients with nonA/B/C hepatitis. All groups demonstrated a trend to share of anti-HEV seroprevalence increasing with age. Phylogenetic analysis of 9 HEV RNA sequences revealed that 3 sequences belonged to HEV genotype 1; 6 ones to genotype 3 (1 sequence belonged to sub-genotype 3a, two ones - sub-genotype 3e, and three ones - to sub-genotype 3f)., Conclusions: Despite the high seroprevalence among domestic pigs, no evidence of HEV transmission from Estonian pigs to humans was found. The results of our study suggest that HEV infections in Estonia are most likely associated with travel or with consumption of imported food products., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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- 2018
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30. New genetic lineage within the Siberian subtype of tick-borne encephalitis virus found in Western Siberia, Russia.
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Tkachev SE, Chicherina GS, Golovljova I, Belokopytova PS, Tikunov AY, Zadora OV, Glupov VV, and Tikunova NV
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- Animals, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne isolation & purification, Genome, Viral, Mice, Open Reading Frames, Phylogeny, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Siberia epidemiology, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne classification, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne genetics, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne virology
- Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a causative agent of a severe neurological disease. There are three main TBEV subtypes: the European (TBEV-Eu), Far Eastern (TBEV-FE), and Siberian (TBEV-Sib). Currently, three lineages within TBEV-Sib have been recorded. In this study, the genetic and biological characteristics of a new original strain, TBEV-2871, isolated in the Novosibirsk province of Western Siberia, Russia were investigated. The strain has low neuroinvasiveness in mice. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that TBEV-2871 belongs to TBEV-Sib, but does not cluster with any of the TBEV-Sib lineages. The TBEV-2871 strain has 88-89% nucleotide sequence identity with the other TBEV-Sib strains, 84-86% nucleotide sequence identity with the TBEV-FE and TBEV-Eu subtypes and is genetically close to the subtype division border. The TBEV-2871 polyprotein sequence includes 43 unique amino acid substitutions, 30 of which are recorded at positions that are conserved among all TBEV subtypes. Strain TBEV-2871 and two similar but not identical isolates found in Kemerovo province, Western Siberia are separated into a new lineage tentatively named Obskaya after the name of Ob riber, in the vicinity of which the TBEV-2871 was first found. A molecular evolution investigation demonstrated that within TBEV-Sib, the Obskaya lineage likely separated 1535years ago, which is even earlier than the Baltic lineage., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
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31. Prevalence of Antibodies Against Hepatitis E Virus in Veterinarians in Estonia.
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Lassen B, Janson M, Neare K, Tallo T, Reshetnjak I, Kuznetsova T, Viltrop A, Golovljova I, and Jokelainen P
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- Adult, Animals, Cross-Sectional Studies, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Estonia epidemiology, Female, Hepatitis E epidemiology, Humans, Immunoblotting, Immunoglobulin G blood, Immunoglobulin M blood, Male, RNA, Viral, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Zoonoses, Antibodies, Viral blood, Hepatitis E immunology, Hepatitis E virus immunology, Occupational Exposure, Veterinarians
- Abstract
In this cross-sectional study, we investigated veterinarians in Estonia for evidence of exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV). In 2012, we collected sera from 158 persons attending a veterinary conference, of whom 156 completed a questionnaire covering their background information. Altogether 115 persons reported they had obtained a veterinary degree and were included in this study. The sera were tested for presence of antibodies against HEV using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and a commercial immunoblot assay in series. A sample was considered antibody-positive if it tested positive with both tests. Antibody-positive samples were further examined for the presence of HEV RNA. Three (2.6%) of the 115 veterinarians tested positive for immunoglobulin G antibodies against HEV, whereas no immunoglobulin M antibodies against the virus were detected. The antibody-positive veterinarians were small animal practitioners. Pigs comprised no or small part of their working time or patients. No HEV RNA was detected in the antibody-positive samples. The prevalence of antibodies against HEV in veterinarians in Estonia was lower than what has been observed in veterinarians in other countries.
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- 2017
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32. Identification of I. ricinus, I. persulcatus and I. trianguliceps species by multiplex PCR.
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Värv K, Ivanova A, Geller J, Remm J, Jaik K, Tikunova N, Rar V, Lundkvist Å, and Golovljova I
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- Animals, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer genetics, Europe, Eastern, Genetic Markers, Species Specificity, Sweden, Ixodes classification, Ixodes genetics, Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Abstract
Correct identification of tick species is an essential requirement for any scientific study engaged in tick-associated research. However, morphological identification can lead to misinterpretations, especially when dealing with vector-host research and sub-adult, engorged or damaged specimens. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel assay to discriminate between Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus and I. trianguliceps species collected from rodents or vegetation, using the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) as a genetic marker. This single tube multiplex PCR allows specific amplification of targeted species and produces rapid and accurate results. The specificity was confirmed by sequencing the ITS2 and partial 16S rRNA genes from ticks collected from Estonia, Latvia, Sweden and Russia. We tested the assay in a large-scale experiment, and a total of 1284 ticks removed from rodents and shrews were successfully identified at species level., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
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- 2017
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33. Detection of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Ehrlichia muris in Estonian ticks.
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Ivanova A, Geller J, Katargina O, Värv K, Lundkvist Å, and Golovljova I
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- Animal Distribution, Animals, Ehrlichia genetics, Estonia, Ixodidae physiology, Phylogeny, RNA, Bacterial, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Ehrlichia classification, Ehrlichia isolation & purification, Ixodidae microbiology
- Abstract
So far neglected bacteria like Candidatud Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Ehrlichia muris-like agents get increased attention in the recent past. Ixodid ticks were demonstrated to harbor both of these pathogens. Estonia is populated by two medically important tick species, I. ricinus and I. persulcatus. In this study the presence of E. muris and Candidatus N. mikurensis in these two tick species was investigated. Tick DNA was analyzed by nested PCR and subsequent sequencing for the presence of 16S rRNA of E. muris and Candidatus N. mikurensis. Positive samples were further confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the partial groESL-operon. The obtained partial groESL sequences were used for construction of a maximum likelihood tree. In total, 776 ticks from 36 collection sites situated in 7 counties on the mainland of Estonia and 2 sites situated in one county on the island Saaremaa were collected. 548 were I. ricinus and 228 were I. persulcatus. Only in 5 counties (11 sites) samples positive for the Anaplasmataceae 16S rRNA gene were found. The percentage of Candidatus N. mikurensis positive ticks varied from 1% to 9.1% at different sites. In Eastern and South-Eastern Estonia, the area where I. ricinus and I. persulcatus are sympatric, no Candidatus N. mikurensis was found. Ticks carrying E. muris were found in three counties, the site-specific percentage of positive ticks varied from 1.2% to 25.6%. This is the first study revealing the presence of Candidatus N. mikurensis and E. muris in Estonian ticks. Candidatus N. mikurensis was found only in the western part of the country exclusively in I. ricinus and the phylogenetic analysis revealed close relatedness of the Estonian sequences to other European Candidatus N. mikurensis strains. E. muris was detected mostly in I. persulcatus and only in one I. ricinus in the sympatric area of both tick species. This is in correspondence with the observation that this pathogen is more often found in I. persulcatus than in I. ricinus. This study demonstrates the presence of Candidatus N. mikurensis and E. muris in Estonian ticks and highlights the necessity to raise awareness of symptoms by healthcare professionals., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
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- 2017
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34. Serological Evidence of Exposure to Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasites in the Estonian Population.
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Lassen B, Janson M, Viltrop A, Neare K, Hütt P, Golovljova I, Tummeleht L, and Jokelainen P
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- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Animals, Antibodies, Helminth blood, Ascariasis epidemiology, Echinococcosis epidemiology, Estonia epidemiology, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin G blood, Male, Middle Aged, Parasites immunology, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Taeniasis epidemiology, Toxocariasis epidemiology, Toxoplasmosis epidemiology, Trichinellosis epidemiology, Young Adult, Zoonoses blood, Zoonoses epidemiology
- Abstract
We investigated Estonian population and its selected subgroups for serological evidence of exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis. Serum samples from 999 adults representing general population, 248 children aged 14-18, 158 veterinarians, 375 animal caretakers, and 144 hunters were tested for specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against the selected parasites using commercial enzyme immunoassays (ELISA). Sera yielding positive or twice grey zone Echinococcus spp, T. solium, T. canis, and T. spiralis results were subjected to western blot (WB) analysis. In the general population, based on the ELISA results, the A. lumbricoides seroprevalence was 12.7%, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 3.3%, T. solium seroprevalence was 0.7%, T. canis seroprevalence was 12.1%, T. gondii seroprevalence was 55.8%, and T. spiralis seroprevalence was 3.1%. Ascaris lumbricoides seroprevalences were higher in children and in animal caretakers than in the general population, and T. canis seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. Compared with the general population, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was higher in children. By contrast, T. gondii seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers, and lower in children, than in the general population. In the general population, the WB-confirmed Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 0.5%, T. solium cysticercosis seroprevalence was 0.0%, Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 14.5%, and Trichinella spp. seroprevalence was 2.7%. WB-confirmed Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. We found serological evidence of exposure to zoonotic parasites in all tested groups. This calls for higher awareness of zoonotic parasitic infections in Estonia., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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- 2016
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35. Genetic Spectrum of Idiopathic Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Uncovered by Next-Generation Sequencing.
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Kostareva A, Kiselev A, Gudkova A, Frishman G, Ruepp A, Frishman D, Smolina N, Tarnovskaya S, Nilsson D, Zlotina A, Khodyuchenko T, Vershinina T, Pervunina T, Klyushina A, Kozlenok A, Sjoberg G, Golovljova I, Sejersen T, and Shlyakhto E
- Abstract
Background: Cardiomyopathies represent a rare group of disorders often of genetic origin. While approximately 50% of genetic causes are known for other types of cardiomyopathies, the genetic spectrum of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify the genetic background of idiopathic RCM and to compile the obtained genetic variants to the novel signalling pathways using in silico protein network analysis., Patients and Methods: We used Illumina MiSeq setup to screen for 108 cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia-associated genes in 24 patients with idiopathic RCM. Pathogenicity of genetic variants was classified according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification., Results: Pathogenic and likely-pathogenic variants were detected in 13 of 24 patients resulting in an overall genotype-positive rate of 54%. Half of the genotype-positive patients carried a combination of pathogenic, likely-pathogenic variants and variants of unknown significance. The most frequent combination included mutations in sarcomeric and cytoskeletal genes (38%). A bioinformatics approach underlined the mechanotransducing protein networks important for RCM pathogenesis., Conclusions: Multiple gene mutations were detected in half of the RCM cases, with a combination of sarcomeric and cytoskeletal gene mutations being the most common. Mutations of genes encoding sarcomeric, cytoskeletal, and Z-line-associated proteins appear to have a predominant role in the development of RCM., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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- 2016
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36. First evidence of established populations of the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Sweden.
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Jaenson TG, Värv K, Fröjdman I, Jääskeläinen A, Rundgren K, Versteirt V, Estrada-Peña A, Medlock JM, and Golovljova I
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- Animals, DNA, Ribosomal chemistry, DNA, Ribosomal genetics, Disease Reservoirs, Dogs, Female, Geography, Humans, Islands, Ixodes genetics, Male, Nymph, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Sweden epidemiology, Taiga, Tick Infestations parasitology, Ixodes classification, Tick Infestations epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: The tick species Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus are of exceptional medical importance in the western and eastern parts, respectively, of the Palaearctic region. In Russia and Finland the range of I. persulcatus has recently increased. In Finland the first records of I. persulcatus are from 2004. The apparent expansion of its range in Finland prompted us to investigate if I. persulcatus also occurs in Sweden., Methods: Dog owners and hunters in the coastal areas of northern Sweden provided information about localities where ticks could be present. In May-August 2015 we used the cloth-dragging method in 36 localities potentially harbouring ticks in the Bothnian Bay area, province Norrbotten (NB) of northern Sweden. Further to the south in the provinces Västerbotten (VB) and Uppland (UP) eight localities were similarly investigated., Results: Ixodes persulcatus was detected in 9 of 36 field localities in the Bothnian Bay area. Nymphs, adult males and adult females (n = 46 ticks) of I. persulcatus were present mainly in Alnus incana - Sorbus aucuparia - Picea abies - Pinus sylvestris vegetation communities on islands in the Bothnian Bay. Some of these I. persulcatus populations seem to be the most northerly populations so far recorded of this species. Dog owners asserted that their dogs became tick-infested on these islands for the first time 7-8 years ago. Moose (Alces alces), hares (Lepus timidus), domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and ground-feeding birds are the most likely carriers dispersing I. persulcatus in this area. All ticks (n = 124) from the more southern provinces of VB and UP were identified as I. ricinus., Conclusions: The geographical range of the taiga tick has recently expanded into northern Sweden. Increased information about prophylactic, anti-tick measures should be directed to people living in or visiting the coastal areas and islands of the Baltic Bay.
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- 2016
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37. Natural hybridization between Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks evidenced by molecular genetics methods.
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Kovalev SY, Golovljova IV, and Mukhacheva TA
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- Animal Distribution, Animals, DNA, Intergenic genetics, Electron Transport Complex IV genetics, Electron Transport Complex IV metabolism, Female, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic Markers, Ixodes enzymology, Latvia, Male, Mitochondria enzymology, Hybridization, Genetic, Ixodes genetics
- Abstract
The recently shown phenomenon of natural hybridization between Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes pavlovskyi ticks (Kovalev et al., 2015) stimulated similar studies in the sympatric zones of other tick species. In the present paper, 265 Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus ticks from Estonia were subjected to a search for interspecific hybrids based on nuclear (ITS2) and mitochondrial (cox1) markers as well as morphological features. Surprisingly, only 72.1% of ticks morphologically identified as I. ricinus actually were I. ricinus both at nuclear and mitochondrial markers, while the accuracy of morphological species identification for I. persulcatus was 99.3%. Among ticks morphologically identified as I. ricinus, 24.6% turned out to be interspecific hybrids and 3.3% were I. persulcatus. Generally, about 11% of the individuals studied were shown to be interspecific hybrids with different levels of nuclear DNA introgression. The analysis of hybrid populations proved the mating pair female I. ricinus×male I. persulcatus to form hybrids more efficiently, then female I. persulcatus×male I. ricinus. The same trend can be observed for backcrosses preferentially mating with I. ricinus. Hybridization between I. ricinus and I. persulcatus proved the existing view about their reproductive isolation to be untenable. Interspecific hybridization occurring between both closely (I. persulcatus and I. pavlovskyi) and more distantly (I. ricinus and I. persulcatus) related Ixodes species could introduce novel alleles that modify vector competence, host use or the ability to exploit diverse microhabitats., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
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38. Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Pigs, Wild Boars, Pig Farm Workers, and Hunters in Estonia.
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Ivanova A, Tefanova V, Reshetnjak I, Kuznetsova T, Geller J, Lundkvist Å, Janson M, Neare K, Velström K, Jokelainen P, Lassen B, Hütt P, Saar T, Viltrop A, and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Animal Husbandry, Animals, Animals, Domestic blood, Animals, Domestic immunology, Animals, Wild blood, Animals, Wild immunology, Antibodies, Viral analysis, Epidemiological Monitoring veterinary, Estonia, Farmers, Feces virology, Food Contamination, Food Inspection, Hepatitis E virus classification, Hepatitis E virus genetics, Hepatitis E virus immunology, Humans, Immunoglobulin G analysis, Molecular Typing veterinary, Phylogeny, RNA, Viral isolation & purification, RNA, Viral metabolism, Sus scrofa blood, Sus scrofa immunology, Workforce, Animals, Domestic virology, Animals, Wild virology, Hepatitis E virus isolation & purification, Meat virology, Sus scrofa virology
- Abstract
While hepatitis E is a growing health concern in Europe, epidemiological data on hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Estonia are scarce. Along with imported HEV infections, autochthonous cases are reported from European countries. Both domestic and wild animals can be a source of human cases of this zoonosis. Here, we investigated the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA in domestic pigs and wild boars, as well as in pig farm workers and hunters in Estonia. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 234/380 (61.6%) of sera from domestic pigs and in all investigated herds, and in 81/471 (17.2%) of meat juice samples from wild boars. HEV RNA was detected by real-time PCR in 103/449 (22.9%) of fecal samples from younger domestic pigs and 13/81 (16.0%) of anti-HEV-positive wild boar samples. Analysis of sera from 67 pig farm workers and 144 hunters revealed the presence of HEV-specific IgG in 13.4 and 4.2% of the samples, respectively. No HEV RNA was detected in the human serum samples. Phylogenetic analyses of HEV sequences from domestic pigs and wild boars, based on a 245 bp fragment from the open reading frame 2 showed that all of them belonged to genotype 3. The present study demonstrates the presence of HEV in Estonian domestic pig and wild boar populations, as well as in humans who have direct regular contact with these animals. Our results suggest that HEV infections are present in Estonia and require attention.
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- 2015
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39. Detection and identification of Rickettsia species in Ixodes tick populations from Estonia.
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Katargina O, Geller J, Ivanova A, Värv K, Tefanova V, Vene S, Lundkvist Å, and Golovljova I
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- Animal Distribution, Animals, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Bacterial Proteins metabolism, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Estonia, Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial, Genetic Variation, Ixodes microbiology, Rickettsia classification, Rickettsia isolation & purification
- Abstract
A total of 1640 ticks collected in different geographical parts of Estonia were screened for the presence of Rickettsia species DNA by real-time PCR. DNA of Rickettsia was detected in 83 out of 1640 questing ticks with an overall prevalence of 5.1%. The majority of the ticks infected by rickettsiae were Ixodes ricinus (74 of 83), while 9 of the 83 positive ticks were Ixodes persulcatus. For rickettsial species identification, a part of the citrate synthase gltA gene was sequenced. The majority of the positive samples were identified as Rickettsia helvetica (81 out of 83) and two of the samples were identified as Rickettsia monacensis and Candidatus R. tarasevichiae, respectively. Genetic characterization based on the partial gltA gene showed that the Estonian sequences within the R. helvetica, R. monacensis and Candidatus R. tarasevichiae species demonstrated 100% similarity with sequences deposited in GenBank, originating from Rickettsia species distributed over large territories from Europe to Asia., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
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40. Prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Ixodes ricinus ticks in northern Europe with particular reference to Southern Sweden.
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Pettersson JH, Golovljova I, Vene S, and Jaenson TG
- Subjects
- Animals, Denmark epidemiology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Female, Finland epidemiology, Geography, Humans, Male, Norway epidemiology, Nymph, Prevalence, RNA, Viral analysis, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Seasons, Sweden epidemiology, Arachnid Vectors virology, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne isolation & purification, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne virology, Ixodes virology
- Abstract
Background: In northern Europe, the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) of the European subtype is usually transmitted to humans by the common tick Ixodes ricinus. The aims of the present study are (i) to obtain up-to-date information on the TBEV prevalence in host-seeking I. ricinus in southern and central Sweden; (ii) to compile and review all relevant published records on the prevalence of TBEV in ticks in northern Europe; and (iii) to analyse and try to explain how the TBE virus can be maintained in natural foci despite an apparently low TBEV infection prevalence in the vector population., Methods: To estimate the mean minimum infection rate (MIR) of TBEV in I. ricinus in northern Europe (i.e. Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) we reviewed all published TBEV prevalence data for host-seeking I. ricinus collected during 1958-2011. Moreover, we collected 2,074 nymphs and 906 adults of I. ricinus from 29 localities in Sweden during 2008. These ticks were screened for TBEV by RT-PCR., Results: The MIR for TBEV in nymphal and adult I. ricinus was 0.28% for northern Europe and 0.23% for southern Sweden. The infection prevalence of TBEV was significantly lower in nymphs (0.10%) than in adult ticks (0.55%). At a well-known TBEV-endemic locality, Torö island south-east of Stockholm, the TBEV prevalence (MIR) was 0.51% in nymphs and 4.48% in adults of I. ricinus., Conclusions: If the ratio of nymphs to adult ticks in the TBEV-analysed sample differs from that in the I. ricinus population in the field, the MIR obtained will not necessarily reflect the TBEV prevalence in the field. The relatively low TBEV prevalence in the potential vector population recorded in most studies may partly be due to: (i) inclusion of uninfected ticks from the 'uninfected areas' surrounding the TBEV endemic foci; (ii) inclusion of an unrepresentative, too large proportion of immature ticks, compared to adult ticks, in the analysed tick pools; and (iii) shortcomings in the laboratory techniques used to detect the virus that may be present in a very low concentration or undetectable state in ticks which have not recently fed.
- Published
- 2014
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41. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato prevalence in tick populations in Estonia.
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Geller J, Nazarova L, Katargina O, and Golovljova I
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- Animals, DNA, Bacterial chemistry, DNA, Bacterial genetics, DNA, Bacterial isolation & purification, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer chemistry, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer genetics, DNA, Ribosomal Spacer isolation & purification, Estonia, Humans, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Prevalence, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Borrelia burgdorferi Group isolation & purification, Ixodes microbiology
- Abstract
Background: Estonia is located in a unique area of co-distribution of Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus, which are the main tick vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. In the last decade, the incidence rate of Lyme borreliosis in Estonia has increased dramatically up to 115.4 per 100,000 in 2012. Here we present the first survey of the presence, the prevalence and genetic characteristics of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex spirochetes in the tick population in Estonia., Methods: During the years 2006-2009, 2833 unfed Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus were collected from 43 sites in 7 counties in mainland Estonia as well as in 10 sites on the Saaremaa Island. DNA samples from ticks were analyzed individually using nested PCR of the ribosomal 5S-23S spacer region followed by bidirectional sequencing., Results: The overall estimated prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l was 9.7% and varied from 4.9% to 24.2% on the mainland and to 10.7% in Saaremaa Island. Ixodes persulcatus ticks showed significantly higher prevalence rates compared to that in I. ricinus-16.3% and 8.2%, respectively. The most prevalent genospecies was B. afzelii which was detected in 53.5% of Borrelia-positive ticks, followed by B. garinii and B. valaisiana with 26.2% and 5.5%, respectively. Also, B. bavariensis and B. burgdorferi s.s. DNA in single I. ricinus ticks were detected. Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii and B. valaisiana were detected in both tick species. Two genetic subgroups of B. garinii (NT29 and 20047) and two genetic subgroups of B. afzelii (NT28 and VS461) were found to be circulating in all studied regions as well as in both tick species, except B. garinii subgroup NT29, which was found only in I. persulcatus ticks., Conclusions: In the current study we detected the circulation of five B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and estimated the prevalence in ticks in different regions of Estonia. Detection and genetic characterization of Borrelia genospecies, especially those of public health importance, in the natural foci may help assessing high risk areas of human exposure to B. burgdorferi s.l.
- Published
- 2013
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42. Tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on migratory passerines in Western part of Estonia.
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Geller J, Nazarova L, Katargina O, Leivits A, Järvekülg L, and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum genetics, Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolation & purification, Animal Migration, Animals, Borrelia burgdorferi Group genetics, Borrelia burgdorferi Group isolation & purification, DNA, Bacterial chemistry, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Ehrlichiosis epidemiology, Ehrlichiosis transmission, Ehrlichiosis veterinary, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne genetics, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne isolation & purification, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne transmission, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne veterinary, Estonia epidemiology, Lyme Disease epidemiology, Lyme Disease transmission, Lyme Disease veterinary, Nymph, RNA, Viral chemistry, RNA, Viral genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Tick Infestations epidemiology, Tick Infestations parasitology, Arachnid Vectors microbiology, Arachnid Vectors virology, Bird Diseases microbiology, Bird Diseases parasitology, Bird Diseases transmission, Ixodes microbiology, Ixodes virology, Passeriformes parasitology, Tick Infestations veterinary
- Abstract
During southward migration in the years 2006-2009, 178 migratory passerines of 24 bird species infested with ticks were captured at bird stations in Western Estonia. In total, 249 nymphal ticks were removed and analyzed individually for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The majority of ticks were collected from Acrocephalus (58%), Turdus (13%), Sylvia (8%), and Parus (6%) bird species. Tick-borne pathogens were detected in nymphs removed from Acrocephalus, Turdus, and Parus bird species. TBEV of the European subtype was detected in 1 I. ricinus nymph removed from A. palustris. B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was found in 11 ticks (4.4%) collected from Turdus and Parus species. Bird-associated B. garinii and B. valaisiana were detected in I. ricinus nymphs removed from T. merula. Rodent-associated B. afzelii was detected in 3 I. ricinus nymphs from 2 P. major birds. One of the B. afzelii-positive nymphs was infected with a mix of 2 B. afzelii strains, whereas 1 of these strains was also detected in another nymph feeding on the same great tit. The sharing of the same B. afzelii strain by 2 nymphs indicates a possible transmission of B. afzelii by co-feeding on a bird. A. phagocytophilum DNA was detected in 1 I. ricinus nymph feeding on a T. iliacus. The results of the study confirm the possible role of migratory birds in the dispersal of ticks infected with tick-borne pathogens along the southward migration route via Estonia.
- Published
- 2013
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43. Detection and characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Baltic countries and eastern Poland.
- Author
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Katargina O, Russakova S, Geller J, Kondrusik M, Zajkowska J, Zygutiene M, Bormane A, Trofimova J, and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Animals, Baltic States, Genes, Insect, Humans, Ixodes genetics, Likelihood Functions, Molecular Typing, Phylogeny, Poland, Prevalence, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Viral Nonstructural Proteins genetics, Arachnid Vectors virology, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne genetics, Ixodes virology
- Abstract
Ticks were collected from the vegetation in the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and eastern Poland and analyzed for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) by amplification of the partial E and NS3 genes. In Estonia we found statistically significant differences in the TBEV prevalence between I. persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks (4.23% and 0.42%, respectively). In Latvia, the difference in TBEV prevalence between the two species was not statistically significant (1.02% for I. persulcatus and 1.51% for I. ricinus, respectively). In Lithuania and Poland TBEV was detected in 0.24% and 0.11% of I. ricinus ticks, respectively. Genetic characterization of the partial E and NS3 sequences demonstrated that the TBEV strains belonged to the European subtype in all countries, as well as to the Siberian subtype in Estonia. We also found that in areas where ranges of two tick species overlap, the TBEV subtypes may be detected not only in their natural vector, but also in sympatric tick species.
- Published
- 2013
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44. Rate of evolution and molecular epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Europe, including two isolations from the same focus 44 years apart.
- Author
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Uzcátegui NY, Sironen T, Golovljova I, Jääskeläinen AE, Välimaa H, Lundkvist Å, Plyusnin A, Vaheri A, and Vapalahti O
- Subjects
- Animals, Base Sequence, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Estonia epidemiology, Europe epidemiology, Female, Finland epidemiology, Genetic Variation genetics, Humans, Ixodes virology, Male, Mice, Molecular Epidemiology, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne genetics, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne virology, Evolution, Molecular
- Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a member of the family Flaviviridae. It is transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks in a cycle involving rodents and small mammals. TBEV has three subtypes: European, Siberian and Far Eastern. The virus causes thousands of cases of meningoencephalitis in Europe annually, with an increasing trend. The increase may be attributed to a complex network of elements, including climatic, environmental and socio-economic factors. In an attempt to understand the evolutionary history and dispersal of TBEV, to existing genetic data we add two novel complete ORF sequences of TBEV strains from northern Europe and the completion of the genome of four others. Moreover, we provide a unique measure for the natural rate of evolution of TBEV by studying two isolations from the same forest on an island in Åland archipelago 44 years apart. For all isolates, we analysed the phylogeny, rate of evolution and probable time of radiation of the different TBEV strains. The results show that the two lineages of TBEV in different Ixodes species have evolved independently for approximately 3300 years. Notably, rapid radiation of TBEV-Eur occurred approximately 300 years ago, without the large-scale geographical clustering observed previously for the Siberian subtype. The measurements from the natural rate of evolution correlated with the estimates done by phylogenetic programs, demonstrating their robustness.
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- 2012
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45. Detection and genetic characterization of relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi in Estonian ticks.
- Author
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Geller J, Nazarova L, Katargina O, Järvekülg L, Fomenko N, and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Animals, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Borrelia isolation & purification, Coinfection genetics, Coinfection microbiology, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne genetics, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne isolation & purification, Estonia, Humans, Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases genetics, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Borrelia genetics, Relapsing Fever microbiology, Ticks microbiology
- Abstract
During the years 2008-2010 I. ricinus and I. persulcatus ticks were collected from 64 sites in mainland Estonia and on the island Saaremaa. Presence of B. miyamotoi was found in 0.9% (23/2622) of ticks. The prevalence in I. persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks differed significantly, 2.7% (15/561) and 0.4% (8/2061), respectively. The highest prevalence rates were in found South-Eastern Estonia in an area of I. persulcatus and I. ricinus sympatry and varied from 1.4% (1/73) to 2.8% (5/178). Co-infections with B. burgdorferi s.l. group spirochetes and tick-borne encephalitis virus were also revealed. Genetic characterization of partial 16S rRNA, p66 and glpQ genes demonstrated that Estonian sequences belong to two types of B. miyamotoi and cluster with sequences from Europe and the European part of Russia, as well as with sequences from Siberia, Asia and Japan, here designated as European and Asian types, respectively. Estonian sequences of the European type were obtained from I. ricinus ticks only, whereas the Asian type of B. miyamotoi was shown for both tick species in the sympatric regions.
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- 2012
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46. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and "Candidatus Neoehrlichia" bacteria: pathogenicity, biodiversity, and molecular genetic characteristics, a review.
- Author
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Rar V and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Anaplasma classification, Anaplasma physiology, Anaplasmataceae Infections microbiology, Animals, Disease Reservoirs, Ehrlichia classification, Ehrlichia physiology, Genetic Variation, Humans, Life Cycle Stages, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Anaplasma genetics, Anaplasma pathogenicity, Biodiversity, Ehrlichia genetics, Ehrlichia pathogenicity
- Abstract
The family Anaplasmataceae includes gram-negative obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria, which amplify within membrane-bound vacuoles. The genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia as well as the recently specified cluster "Candidatus Neoehrlichia" comprise all bacteria of the family that are transmitted by ixodid ticks to mammalian hosts and cause infections in humans and numerous domestic and wild animal species. Totally, six Anaplasma, five Ehrlichia, and two "Candidatus Neoehrlichia" species as well as a variety of Ehrlichia bacteria with undefined taxonomic position belong to tick-borne bacteria. This review briefs the ecology, pathogenic properties, and molecular genetic diversity of Anaplasmataceae validated species, "Candidatus" species, and undefined novel Ehrlichia genetic variants., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2011
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47. Detection and characterization of Babesia species in Ixodes ticks in Estonia.
- Author
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Katargina O, Geller J, Vasilenko V, Kuznetsova T, Järvekülg L, Vene S, Lundkvist Å, and Golovljova I
- Subjects
- Animals, Babesia classification, Databases, Nucleic Acid, Estonia, Phylogeny, Polymerase Chain Reaction, RNA, Protozoan genetics, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S genetics, Sequence Analysis, Babesia genetics, Babesia isolation & purification, Ixodes parasitology
- Abstract
The presence of Babesia spp. was studied in 2603 Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected at seven sites in Estonia. By reverse line blot screening, Babesia spp. was detected in 36 (1.4%) ticks, among them 18 (0.7%) were further recognized by a Babesia microti probe, 3 (0.1%) by a Babesia divergens probe, and the other 15 (0.6%) were recognized only by the universal Babesia spp. "catch all" probe. Sequence analyses of 6 of these 15 samples revealed that all of them belonged to Babesia sp. EU1. B. microti was detected in both tick species I. ricinus and I. persulcatus at the seven sites, whereas B. divergens-like and Babesia sp. EU1 were found only in I. persulcatus and I. ricinus, respectively. Genetic characterization based on partial 18S rRNA showed that the Estonian sequences of B. microti, B. divergens-like, and Babesia sp. EU1 share a high rate of similarity and are closely related to sequences from other European countries, Siberia, and United States. The present study demonstrated for the first time the existence and distribution of Babesia spp. in I. persulcatus and I. ricinus ticks in Estonia.
- Published
- 2011
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48. Variable spikes in tick-borne encephalitis incidence in 2006 independent of variable tick abundance but related to weather.
- Author
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Randolph SE, Asokliene L, Avsic-Zupanc T, Bormane A, Burri C, Gern L, Golovljova I, Hubalek Z, Knap N, Kondrusik M, Kupca A, Pejcoch M, Vasilenko V, and Zygutiene M
- Abstract
Background: The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis showed a dramatic spike in several countries in Europe in 2006, a year that was unusually cold in winter but unusually warm and dry in summer and autumn. In this study we examine the possible causes of the sudden increase in disease: more abundant infected ticks and/or increased exposure due to human behaviour, both in response to the weather., Methods: For eight countries across Europe, field data on tick abundance for 2005-2007, collected monthly from a total of 41 sites, were analysed in relation to total annual and seasonal TBE incidence and temperature and rainfall conditions., Results: The weather in 2006-2007 was exceptional compared with the previous two decades, but neither the very cold start to 2006, nor the very hot period from summer 2006 to late spring 2007 had any consistent impact on tick abundance. Nor was the TBE spike in 2006 related to changes in tick abundance. Countries varied in the degree of TBE spike despite similar weather patterns, and also in the degree to which seasonal variation in TBE incidence matched seasonal tick activity., Conclusion: The data suggest that the TBE spike was not due to weather-induced variation in tick population dynamics. An alternative explanation, supported by qualitative reports and some data, involves human behavioural responses to weather favourable for outdoor recreational activities, including wild mushroom and berry harvest, differentially influenced by national cultural practices and economic constraints.
- Published
- 2008
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49. Behavioural responses to perceived risk of tick-borne encephalitis: vaccination and avoidance in the Baltics and Slovenia.
- Author
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Sumilo D, Asokliene L, Avsic-Zupanc T, Bormane A, Vasilenko V, Lucenko I, Golovljova I, and Randolph SE
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Animals, Female, Humans, Incidence, Latvia epidemiology, Lithuania epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Slovenia epidemiology, Socioeconomic Factors, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne immunology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne psychology, Viral Vaccines immunology
- Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence increased markedly in the Baltics and Slovenia in the early 1990s, but then declined again in some places. Our analyses of temporal and spatial data on TBE incidence and vaccination revealed that over 1970-2005 up-take of vaccination varied in both time and space according to incidence, i.e. was apparently responsive to perceived risk. Since 1999, however, decreases in incidence in many counties within each country have far exceeded vaccination rates or immunity through natural exposure, and in Latvia and Lithuania these changes are correlated with previous incidence. Survey data on human activities in Latvia revealed that people in socio-economic groups whose behaviour put them at highest risk of exposure to ticks in forests, including people with lower education and lowest incomes, are least likely to be vaccinated. We conclude that risk avoidance through changing human behaviour has driven incidence-dependent decreases in TBE infection, but targeted vaccination campaigns could provide more secure protection.
- Published
- 2008
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50. Socio-economic factors in the differential upsurge of tick-borne encephalitis in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Author
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Sumilo D, Bormane A, Asokliene L, Vasilenko V, Golovljova I, Avsic-Zupanc T, Hubalek Z, and Randolph SE
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Animals, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne transmission, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne virology, Europe, Eastern epidemiology, Humans, Incidence, Ixodes growth & development, Socioeconomic Factors, Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne, Encephalitis, Tick-Borne epidemiology
- Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), the most serious widespread vector-borne disease of humans in Europe, increased from 2- to 30-fold in many Central and Eastern European countries from 1992 to 1993, coinciding with independence from Soviet rule. Unemployment and low income have been shown in Latvia to be statistically associated with high-risk behaviour involving harvest of wild foods from tick-infested forests, and also with not being vaccinated against TBE. Archival data for 1970--2005 record major changes in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and consequent changes in the abiotic and biotic environment and socio-economic conditions, which could have increased the abundance of infected ticks and the contact of humans with those ticks. For example, abandoned agricultural fields became suitable for rodent transmission hosts; use of pesticides and emissions of atmospheric industrial pollutants plummeted; wildlife hosts for ticks increased; tick populations appear to have responded; unemployment and inequality increased in all countries. These factors, by acting synergistically but differentially between and within each country, can explain the marked spatio-temporal heterogeneities in TBE epidemiology better than can climate change alone, which is too uniform across wide areas. Different degrees of socio-economic upheaval caused by political transition in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and the Czech Republic can apparently explain the marked variation in TBE upsurge. Causal linkage between national socio-economic conditions and epidemiology is strongly indicated by striking correlations across eight countries between the degree of upsurge of TBE and both poverty and household expenditure on food (R2 = 0.533 and 0.716, respectively).
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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