Tick-borne pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus collected from dogs in eastern Poland.

In recent years, the distribution of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks has expanded into new territories in many European countries, including Poland, with increased population densities in areas of their regular occurrence. The spread of D. reticulatus enhances the risk of exposure of domestic animals and their owners to tick-borne diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of infection of D. reticulatus ticks feeding on dogs with the pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The study material comprised 152 D. reticulatus ticks collected from dogs in the northeastern part of Lublin Province (eastern Poland). A ready-made AmpliSens® TBEV, B.burgdorferi sl, A.phagocytophilum, E.chaffeensis/E.muris-FRT PCR kit was used for qualitative detection and differentiation of tick-borne infections. The assessment of the degree of infection of the analyzed ticks with the two pathogens revealed that 9.2% (14/152) of the examined ticks were infected with one of the pathogens. No co-infections with the pathogens were detected in any of the ticks. The highest specific percentage of infections (8.6%, 13/152) was associated with A. phagocytophilum. The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in only one of the examined ticks (0.7%). The spread of D. reticulatus to new territories and the increase in population density in areas of their regular occurrence implies the need for further studies of the prevalence of pathogens with medical and veterinary importance in order to assess the risk of tick-borne diseases.

Phosphonates enantiomers receiving with fungal enzymatic systems.

BACKGROUND: Phosphonates derivatives are in the area of interests because of their unique chemical-physical features. These compounds manifest variety of biological interactions within the sensitive living cells, including impact on particular enzymes activities. Biological "cause and effect" interactions are based upon the specific matching between the structures and/or compounds and this is usually the result of proper optical configurations of particular chiral moieties. Presented research is targeted to the phosphonates with the heteroatom incorporated in their side functionalities. Such molecules are described as possible substrates of bioconversion for the first time lately and this field is not fully explored. RESULTS: Presented research is targeted to the synthesis of pure hetero-phosphonates enantiomers. The catalytic activity of yeasts and moulds were tested towards two substrates: the thienyl and imidazole phosphonates to resolve their racemic mixtures. Biotransformations conditions differed depending on the outcome, what included changing of following parameters: type of cultivation media, bioprocess duration (24-72 h), additional biocatalyst pre-treatment (24-48 h starvation step triggering the secondary metabolism). (S)-1-amino-1-(3-thienyl)methylphosphonate was produced with the assistance of R. mucilaginosa or A. niger (e.e. up to 98% and yield up to 100%), starting from the 3 mM of substrate racemic mixture. Bioconversion of racemic mixture of 3 mM of (1-amino-1-(4-imidazole)methylphosphonic acid) resulted in the synthesis of S-isomer (up to 95% of e.e.; 100% of yield) with assistance of R. mucilaginosa. 24 h biotransformation was conducted with biomass preincubated under 48-hour starvation conditions. Such stereoselective resolution of the racemic mixtures of substrates undergoes under kinetic control with the conversion of one from the enantiomers. CONCLUSIONS: Composition of the culturing media and pre-incubation in conditions of nutrient deficiency were significant factors influencing the results of kinetic resolution of racemic mixtures of phosphonic substrates and influencing the economic side of the biocatalysis e.g. by determining the duration of whole biocatalytic process.

Biogenic synthesis of silica nanoparticles from corn cobs husks. Dependence of the productivity on the method of raw material processing.

Corn processing generates thousands of tons of cob husks, which still contains many valuable elements. To make the most of these wastes, they are applied as substrates for biotransformation's procedures. This approach allowed converting or releasing, the elements deposited in the plant material and obtaining valuable products. Thus bioconversion of corn cob husks (CCH) using a fungus of the Fusarium culmorum genus resulted in obtaining silica nanoparticles of defined size and morphology. SEM analysis excluded their presence on the surface of the substrate. FTIR confirmed the presence of siloxane bonds and O-Si-O bonds in post-biotransformation fluid. Using the Heteropoly Blue Method, it was checked that the highest concentration of silica during 16-day biotransformation falls on the 7th day of the process, in which both the substrate sterilization and the process of the biocatalyst starvation were of key importance. Using the STEM and EDX analysis, it was proved that the obtained nanoparticles with a spherical form are structured and their dimensions are ~40 and ~70 nm. ICP-OES proved that the overall process efficiency was 47%. Such nanoparticles can be successfully used in the medical industry.

First biological conversion of chiral heterophosphonate derivative - Scaling and paths of conversion discussion.

Presented work describes the first approach for the biocatalytic resolution of racemic mixtures of heterophosphonate derivative. Penicillium funiculosum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were successfully applied for the biological conversion of racemic mixture of 1-amino-1-(3'-pyridyl)methylphosphonic acid 3. Both microorganisms carried out the kinetically driven process leading to conversion of one from the substrate enantiomers, leaving the second one unreacted. Application of R. mucilaginosa allowed obtaining pure enantiomer of the substrate (yield 100%, e.e 100% - unreacted isomer) after 24 h of biotransformation of 3 in the laboratory scale process (Method E), applying biocatalyst pre-treatment step - 24 h of starvation. In case of other biocatalyst, application of whole cells of P. funiculosum in laboratory scale process, also resulted in conversion of the racemic mixture of substrate 3via oxidative deamination into ketone derivative, which was then bioreduced (second step of the process) into 1-hydroxy-1-(3'-pyridyl)methylphosphonic acid 4. This time two products were isolated: unreacted substrate and hydroxy compound 4. Conversion degree ranged from 30% (standard procedure, method A) to even 70% (with extra addition of sodium pyruvate - method B2). However, in this case, bioconversion was not enantioselective - products: amino- and hydroxyderivative were obtained as racemic mixtures. Both biocatalysts were also tested towards the scaling so other biocatalytic procedures were introduced - with immobilized fungal mycelium. In case of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa this approach failed (data not shown) but Penicillium funiculosum turned out to be active and also selective. Thus, application of this biocatalyst in the half-preparative scale, continuous-flow bioprocess (Method C2) resulted in the obtaining of pure S-3 (100% e.e.) isomer with the 100% of conversion degree, without any side products. Recorded NMR spectra allowed confirming the reaction progress and its selectivity and also postulating possible mechanism of conversion.

Reductive capabilities of different cyanobacterial strains towards acetophenone as a model substrate - Prospect of applications for chiral building blocks synthesis.

Bioreductive capabilities of four morphologically different strains of cyanobacteria have been assessed in this work. Arthrospira maxima, Leptolyngbya foveolarum, Nodularia sphaerocarpa and Synechococcus bigranulatus were applied as catalysts for the reduction of acetophenone to the corresponding chiral phenylethyl alcohol. The process was modified regarding substrate concentration, duration of pre-cultivation period, duration of biotransformation, light regime and glucose addition to the culture media. Obtained results clearly showed that cyanobacteria were active towards acetophenone what resulted in the substrate reduction to (S)-1-phenylethanol with high enantiomeric excess. The reaction efficiency increased with the biotransformation time, but the higher concentration of substrate limited the process yield. Also, all tested strains performed reaction with the highest efficacy under continuous light regime. The most active strains - N. sphaerocarpa and S. bigranulatus carried out the conversion of 1 mM acetophenone with high efficiency of respectively 97.6% and 96.2% after 13 days of biotransformation. A. maxima reached 45.8% of conversion after 13 days of biotransformation whereas L. foveolarum did not exceed 20%. The enantiomeric excesses were respectively 98.8%- A. maxima, 91.7%- L. foveolarum, 72.6%- S. bigranulatus and N. sphaerocarpa 16.2%.

The Anti-Candida albicans Agent 4-AN Inhibits Multiple Protein Kinases.

Small molecules containing quinone and/or oxime moieties have been found as promising anti-fungal agents. One of them is 4-AN, a recently reported potent anti-Candida compound, which inhibits the formation of hyphae, decreases the level of cellular phosphoproteome, and finally shows no toxicity towards human erythrocytes and zebrafish embryos. Here, further research on 4-AN is presented. The results revealed that the compound: (i) Kills Candida clinical isolates, including these with developed antibiotic resistance, (ii) affects mature biofilm, and (iii) moderately disrupts membrane permeability. Atomic force microscopy studies revealed a slight influence of 4-AN on the cell surface architecture. 4-AN was also shown to inhibit multiple various protein kinases, a characteristic shared by most of the ATP-competitive inhibitors. The presented compound can be used in novel strategies in the fight against candidiasis, and reversible protein phosphorylation should be taken into consideration as a target in designing these strategies.

Tick exposure and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies among hunters and other individuals exposed to vector ticks in eastern Poland

Background: Lyme borreliosis is the most frequent tick-borne disease in Europe and North America, and the number of registered cases is on the increase. Frequent presence in the habitats of ticks enhances the risk of tick bites and possible infection with Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the risk of B. burgdorferi infection posed to hunters and other individuals exposed to activity-related contact with ticks. Material and methods: The study was carried out in the northern part of the Lublin Province (eastern Poland) and involved 150 individuals exposed to tick bites (110 hunters and 40 individuals exposed to activity-related contact with ticks). The analysis of sera for the presence of B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG antibodies was carried out. All 150 individuals were tested with the ELISA assay, and positive and borderline results of the assay were verified with the Western blot test. All study participants completed a questionnaire, which provided information about exposure to ticks, application of prophylactic measures, and awareness of Lyme borreliosis. Results: The ELISA assay revealed a positive or borderline result in at least one of the classes of B. burgdorferi antibodies in 63.3% (95/150) of the individuals (IgM 14.0%, IgG 63.3%). Verification carried out with the Western blot test showed a positive or borderline result in at least one of the antibody classes in 38.0% (57/150) of the examined persons (IgM 2.7%, IgG 36.7%). Abdomen (56.0%) and legs (53.7%) were the most frequently bitten body regions. Tick bites on the abdomen were significantly more frequently declared by hunters. Inspection of the body after returning from natural areas was more popular prophylactic method than use of repellents. Inspection of the body was significantly more often used in the group of the hunters. Conclusions: The risk of B. burgdorferi infection among hunters and other individuals undertaking activities associated with exposure to tick bites in the study area is high.

Fungal synthesis of chiral phosphonic synthetic platform - Scope and limitations of the method.

Chiral hydroxyphosphonates due to their wide range of biological properties are industrially important chemicals. Chemical synthesis of their optical isomers is expensive, time consuming and not friendly to the environment, so biotransformations are under consideration. Among others, these compounds act as enzymes inhibitors. This makes the bioconversions of phosphonates, especially scaling experiments, hard to perform. Biocatalysis is one of the methods that can be applied in synthesis of optically pure compounds. To increase the efficiency of the process with whole cell biocatalysts, it is essential to ensure optimal reaction conditions that minimize cellular stress and can enhance the metabolic activity of cells. The present investigation focuses on the scaling up of the kinetic resolution of racemic mixture of 2-butyryloxy-2-(ethoxy-P-phenylphosphinyl)acetic acid, applying free and immobilized form of the fungal biocatalysts and two operation systems: shake flask and recirculated fixed-bed batch reactor. Protocols of effective mycelium immobilization on polyurethane foams were set for T. purpurogenus IAFB 2512, F. oxysporum, P. commune. The best results of biotransformation were obtained with the immobilized P. commune in the column recirculated fixed-bed batch reactor. The conversion reaches 56% (maximal for the kinetic process) and the enantiomeric enrichment of the isomers mixture ranges between 82 and 93% (93% for ester of RP,R conformation). All biocatalysts exhibit SP-preference toward tested compound, what is essential because of importance of the phosphorus atom chirality for its biological activity.

Seroprevalence of Selected Zoonotic Agents among Hunters from Eastern Poland.

The aim of our study was the collection of seroprevalence data for Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii, Trichinella spp., and Francisella tularensis from hunters in Lublin Province. The antibodies against T. gondii and C. burnetii were recorded in 38.5% and 16.2% of the sera, respectively. 4.05% of the sera were seropositive for both T. gondii and C. burnetii. None of the sera tested reacted positively with F. tulariensis or Trichinella spp. Seroprevalence of T. gondii and C. burnetii is common among the hunters from Lublin Province. It seems reasonable to undertake similar research among hunters from other regions of eastern Poland.

Seroprevalence of Rubella and Cytomegalia in Young Women from Biala Podlaska District.

The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of rubella and cytomegalia among young women. The study included 175 healthy women from the Biala Podlaska District, aged 16 to 35 years. Anti-rubella and anti-CMV IgG were determined by ELISA. 172 (98.3%) study subjects tested positive for rubella antibodies, 1 (0.6%) was seroindeterminate and 2 (1.1%) were seronegative. CMV antibodies were detected in 119 (68.0%) participants; the series included also 1 (0.6%) seroindeterminate and 55 (31.4%) seronegative women. The levels of rubella and CMV antibodies were not significantly affected by age, place of residence and educational level of the study subjects.

The Serological Surveillance of Hepatitis E virus among Hunters and Foresters in Eastern Poland.

The aim of the study was the analysis of the occurrence of specific antibodies against HEV among hunters and foresters who are at risk to be exposed. The study group consisted of 210 hunters (23-80 years old) and 60 foresters (22-64 years old). Anti-HEV IgG were present in 3.81% of the samples of the hunters and in 5% of the samples of the foresters. The statistical analysis shows no significant differences in the results anti-HEV IgG between the groups of hunters and foresters (p = 0.5278). Significantly higher anti-HEV IgG titers were found in the older age group (> 55 years old).

Lipases and whole cell biotransformations of 2-hydroxy-2-(ethoxyphenylphosphinyl)acetic acid and its ester.

A wide spectrum of commercially available lipases and microbial whole cells catalysts were tested for biotransformations of 2-hydroxy-2-(ethoxyphenylphosphinyl)acetic acid 1 and its butyryl ester. The best results were achieved for biocatalytic hydrolysis of ester: 2-butyryloxy-2-(ethoxyphenylphosphinyl)acetic acid 2 performed by lipase from Candida cylindracea, what gave optically active products with 85% enantiomeric excess, 50% conversion degree and enantioselectivity 32.9 for one pair of enantiomers. Also enzymatic systems of Penicillium minioluteum and Fusarium oxysporum were able to hydrolyze tested compound with high enantiomeric excess (68-93% ee), enantioselectivity (44 for one pair of enantiomers) and conversion degree about 50-55%. Enzymatic acylation of hydroxyphosphinate was successful in case when porcine pancreas lipase was used. After 4days of biotransformation the conversion reaches 45% but the enantiomeric enrichment of the isomers mixture do not exceed 43%. Obtained chiral compounds are valuable derivatizing agents for spectroscopic (NMR) evaluation of enantiomeric excess for particular compounds (e.g. amino acids).

The incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti coinfections among foresters and farmers in eastern Poland.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe and the USA. However, a great variety of pathogens are transmitted by ticks, which results in mixed infections, with Lyme borreliosis. The aim of the present study was to show the incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti coinfections among the population of foresters and farmers, as these people, due to their profession, are particularly exposed to tick contact. METHODS: The study was carried out in eastern Poland (the northern part of the Lublin Province) in 2013. The study was performed in a group of 93 individuals occupationally exposed to tick bites (foresters and farmers), whose blood serum showed the presence of IgG anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies. Blood serum in this group were evaluated for IgG anti-A. phagocytophilum and IgG anti-B. microti antibodies by means of IFA IgG indirect immunofluorescence tests. Information related to age, sex, number of tick bite episodes, presence of various symptoms related to the tick bites, and antibiotic therapy applied as treatment for diagnosed Lyme borreliosis were obtained from the subjects through a structured questionnaire. The results were analyzed in Statistica v. 7.1 statistical analysis software. RESULTS: The presence of IgG antibodies against the analyzed pathogens revealed B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum coinfection in 26 (28%) of the examined subjects and B. burgdorferi and B. microti coinfection in one person (1.1%). No coinfection with all the three pathogens was observed in any individual. The co-occurrence of headache plus bone, joint and muscle pain was noted significantly more often among individuals diagnosed with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum coinfection. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Foresters and farmers are exposed to B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum coinfection in the study area. Therefore, it is probable that these pathogens may severely interfere with the clinical course of Lyme borreliosis.

Serological surveillance of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases among hunters in eastern Poland.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Many etiological agents of zoonoses are considered as significant biological hazard to people visiting forested areas frequently, for instance, hunters. They may be exposed to ticks, rodents, and birds as well as excreta/secretions of wild animals or contaminated water and soil. Hence, this population is at risk of contracting infection with pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., tick-borne encephalitis virus, Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis, Echinococcus spp., or hantaviruses. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of zoonotic agents, viz. A. phagocytophilum, hantaviruses, and Echinococcus spp., with special regard to B. burgdorferi s.l., among hunters in Lubelskie Voivodeship (eastern Poland). METHODS: Serum samples collected from 134 hunters from Lubelskie Voivodeship were analyzed with the use of immunological techniques (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, line immunoblot test, and indirect fluorescence assay) for the presence of antibodies against the agents. RESULTS: Specific antibodies were detected in 66% of the tested individuals. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. (39%), A. phagocytophilum (30%), hantaviruses (9%), and Echinococcus spp. (8%) were detected individually or as mixed results. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results confirm that there is a risk of exposure to different pathogens in the forested areas in eastern Poland and that hunters are highly vulnerable to infection with the examined zoonotic agents. A significant proportion of co-occurring antibodies against different pathogens was noticed. Thus, hunters have to take special care of their health status evaluation and mitigate the exposure risk by using adequate prophylaxis measures.

Analysis of nanomechanical properties of Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes under the influence of lytic factors in an in vitro model using atomic force microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an experimental technique which recently has been used in biology, microbiology, and medicine to investigate the topography of surfaces and in the evaluation of mechanical properties of cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the complement system and specific anti-Borrelia antibodies in in vitro conditions on the modification of nanomechanical features of B. burgdorferi B31 cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to assess the influence of the complement system and anti-Borrelia antibodies on B. burgdorferi s.s. B31 spirochetes, the bacteria were incubated together with plasma of identified status. The samples were applied on the surface of mica disks. Young's modulus and adhesive forces were analyzed with a NanoScope V, MultiMode 8 AFM microscope (Bruker) by the PeakForce QNM technique in air using NanoScope Analysis 1.40 software (Bruker). RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The average value of flexibility of spirochetes' surface expressed by Young's modulus was 10185.32 MPa, whereas the adhesion force was 3.68 nN. AFM is a modern tool with a broad spectrum of observational and measurement abilities. Young's modulus and the adhesion force can be treated as parameters in the evaluation of intensity and changes which take place in pathogenic microorganisms under the influence of various lytic factors. The visualization of the changes in association with nanomechanical features provides a realistic portrayal of the lytic abilities of the elements of the innate and adaptive human immune system.

[Monoinfections caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia burgdorferi / Anaplasma phagocytophilum co-infections in forestry workers and farmers]. / Monoinfekcja Borrelia burgdorferi i wspólzakazenia Borrelia burgdorferi / Anaplasma phagocytophilum u pracowników lesnictwa i rolników.

BACKGROUND: The presence of co-infections induced by tick-borne pathogens in humans is an important epidemiological phenomenon. This issue has attracted growing attention of doctors and people working under conditions of an increased risk of being exposed to tick bites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research group consisted of 93 individuals with current anti-immunoglobulin M/G (IgM/ IgG) Borrelia burgdorferi or IgG anti-Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The respondents were identified during the screening survey in a group of farmers and foresters occupationally exposed to tick bites. The aim of the work was to analyse the frequency of antibodies to specific antigens of B. burgdorferi and the levels of cytokines in forestry workers and farmers with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: There is a stronger generation of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi antigens in patients with B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections, such as variable major protein-like sequence expressed (VlsE) (p < 0.05), p19 (p < 0.02), p17 (p < 0.05) and complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 3 (CRASP3) (p < 0.02) compared to persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections. The discrepancies in the synthesis of cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) have not been found in persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: The immune response directed against B. burgdorferi is stronger in patients co-infected with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum than in those with monoinfection.

[Risk of occupational infections caused by Borrelia burgdorferi among forestry workers and farmers]. / Ryzyko zakazen zawodowych Borrelia burgdorferi u pracowników lesnictwa i rolników.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the work was to analyze the incidence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers and farmers, major groups occupationally exposed to tick bites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 275 workers (171 foresters and 104 farmers). The control group consisted of 45 people, who have not been occupationally exposed to tick bites. The screening Elisa and Wb tests for the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were performed in all subjects of the study and control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2 test. RESULTS: The positive results denoting the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were found in 55% of farmers and 28% of foresters occupationally exposed to Lyme borreliosis and coming from the area of South Podlasie Lowland and Lublin Polesie. The differences between the forestry workers and the control group (p < or = 0.00001) and between farmers and the control group (p < or = 0.001) were statistically significant. The species, such as B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis, which have not yet been reported in Poland, are significant etiologic agents of Lyme disease. CONCLUSION: The risk of occupational exposure to the B. burgdorferi infection is high for foresters and farmers, and the infection with spirochetes is frequently confirmed on the basis of positive results of the Wb test. The presence of specific antibodies against protein antigens of B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis suggest that these bacteria can cause Lyme disease both independently and in participation with other Borrelia species, which influences the development of the clinical manifestations of infection.

[Significance of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the diagnosis of infections with Borrelia burgdorferi]. / Znaczenie krazacych kompleksów immunologicznych (CIC) w diagnostyce zakazen Borrelia burgdorferi.

INTRODUCTION: The infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi initiates a number of reactions in the human immunological system and particular behaviors of the infectious factor. The aim of work was to analyze the level of circulating immune complexes (CIC) due to infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in persons professionally exposed to tick bites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group of tested consisted of 275 persons, who are professionally exposed to tick bites, including 171 foresters and 104agriculturists. The controlled group consisted of 45 people, living permanently ortemporarily in Biata Podlaska, city in the South Podlasie Lowland, who have not been exposed professionally on tick bites.The screening test ELISA (Euroimmun) has been carried among all persons from the tested group towards the presence ofantibodies IgM/IgG anty-Borrelia. Among those who met positive or delimited results from screening test Elisa, another test of Western blot (Wb, Euroimmun, Virotech GmbH) has been carried in order to confirm the infection. The serum which has been taken from a group of persons being professionally exposed to infection of B. burgdorferi and persons from a controlled group, has been tested in terms of estimating levels of circulating immune complexes CIC C1q (Elisa, DRG). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The circulating immune complexes (CIC) are increasingly generated at persons with present IgM and/or IgG anty-Borrelia but their existence accompanied by the presence of strongly expressed humoral response does not affect the diagnostic effectiveness of infections with B. burgdorferi.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs in eastern Poland.

Introduction: Ixodes ricinus ticks are an important vector and reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms causing dangerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. The presence of ticks in urban greenery is a particularly important public health concern due to the potential for humans and companion animals to be exposed to tick-borne diseases there. The study assessed the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in I. ricinus ticks feeding on dogs. Material and Methods: The study consisted in analyses of I. ricinus ticks collected in 2018-2020 from owned and stray dogs in the north-eastern part of Lubelskie province (eastern Poland). An AmpliSens PCR kit was used for qualitative detection and differentiation of tick-borne infections. Results: Infections of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in 10.9% and 12.9% of the examined ticks, respectively. One tick (0.7%) was co-infected by both pathogens. Infection with B. burgdorferi was significantly more highly prevalent in ticks collected from the owned dogs than from the strays (18.7% and 2.8%, respectively), whereas the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was similar in both groups (12.0% and 13.9%, respectively). Conclusion: The co-infection observed in the study suggests the possibility of simultaneous infection by both pathogens from a single tick bite. The presence of pathogens in ticks collected from dogs is a factor in assessing infection risk not only to companion animals but also to their owners, who are in close contact with their dogs and visit the same green areas recreationally.

[Candida species at the workplace: microbiota component, opportunistic pathogen and zoonotic agent]. / Candida species w miejscu pracy: element mikrobioty, patogen oportunistyczny oraz czynnik zoonotyczny.

Candida spp. isolated from both humans and animals have a similar genotype. Properties of Candida spp. specific for different host species have not been isolated, followed by studies indicating that animals can be a reservoir of these fungi for humans. Occupational exposure concerns workers who have direct contact with farm animals, i.e., farmers, breeders, veterinarians, farm technicians. Hand dermatitis and fungal infection may be caused by prolonged exposure to water and occlusive gloves. The risk of fungal infection is estimated to be high for seafood workers, florists, hairdressers, bakers and cooks, gastronomy workers and healthcare workers. Even though Candida spp. are effective as saprophytic, in the event of a weakening of the function or disturbance of homeostasis, the risk of developing an additional form of candidiasis is increasing due to the intensification of animal production, environmental changes and the excessive use of antibiotics to treat infections in humans and animals. Employers and workers should adopt appropriate strategies to reduce factors conductive to Candida spp. infection at professional work. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(5):425-33.