1. |
- Wikell, A., et al.
(author)
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The Impact of Borderline Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus Results for Latent Tuberculosis Screening under Routine Conditions in a Low-Endemicity Setting
- 2021
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In: Journal of Clinical Microbiology. - : AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY. - 1098-660X .- 0095-1137. ; 59:12, s. 0137021-0137021
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is an interferon gamma release assay used to diagnose latent tuberculosis (LTB). A borderline range (0.20 to 0.99 IU/ml) around the cutoff (0.35 IU/ml) has been suggested for the earlier QFT version. Our aims were to evaluate the borderline range for QFT-Plus and the contribution of the new TB2 antigen tube. QFT-Plus results were collected from clinical laboratories in Sweden and linked to incident active TB within 3 to 24 months using the national TB registry. Among QFT-Plus results from 58,539 patients, 83% were negative (<0.20 IU/ml), 2.4% were borderline negative (0.20 to 0.34 IU/ml), 3.4% were borderline positive (0.35 to 0.99 IU/ml), 9.6% were positive (≥1.0 IU/ml), and 1.6% were indeterminate. Follow-up tests after initial borderline results were negative (<0.20 IU/ml) in 38.3%, without any cases of incident active TB within 2 years. Applying the 0.35-IU/ml cutoff, 1.5% of TB1 and TB2 results were discrepant, of which 52% were within the borderline range. A TB2 result of ≥0.35 IU/ml with a TB1 result of <0.20 IU/ml was found in 0.4% (231/58,539) of all included baseline QFT-Plus test results, including 1.8% (1/55) of incident TB cases. A borderline range for QFT-Plus is clinically useful as more than one-third of those with borderline results are convincingly negative upon retesting, without developing incident active TB. The TB2 tube contribution to LTB diagnosis appears limited.
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2. |
- Eimer, Johannes, et al.
(author)
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Spiroplasma ixodetis Infections in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Patients after Tick Exposure, Sweden
- 2022
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In: Emerging Infectious Diseases. - : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - 1080-6040 .- 1080-6059. ; 28:8, s. 1681-1685
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report 2 cases of Spiroplasma ixodetis infection in an immunocompetent patient and an immunocompromised patient who had frequent tick exposure. Fever, thrombocytopenia, and increased liver aminotransferase levels raised the suspicion of anaplasmosis, but 16S rRNA PCR and Sanger sequencing yielded a diagnosis of spiroplasmosis. Both patients recovered after doxycycline treatment.
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3. |
- Tjernberg, Ivar, et al.
(author)
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Identification of potential biomarkers in active Lyme borreliosis
- 2023
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In: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 18:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesLyme serology does not readily discriminate an active Lyme borreliosis (LB) from a previous Borrelia infection or exposure. Here, we aimed to investigate a large number of immunological protein biomarkers to search for an immunological pattern typical for active LB, in contrast to patterns found in healthy blood donors, a proportion of whom were previously exposed to Borrelia. MethodsSerum samples from well-characterised adult patients with ongoing LB and healthy blood donors were included and investigated using a proximity extension assay (provided by Olink & REG;) by which 92 different immune response-related human protein biomarkers were analysed simultaneously. ResultsIn total, 52 LB patients and 75 healthy blood donors were included. The blood donors represented both previously Borrelia exposed (n = 34) and not exposed (n = 41) based on anti-Borrelia antibody status. Ten of the examined 92 proteins differed between patients and blood donors and were chosen for further logistic regression (p<0.1). Six proteins were statistically significantly different between LB patients and blood donors (p<0.05). These six proteins were then combined in an index and analysed using receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis showing an area under the curve of 0.964 (p<0.001). ConclusionsThe results from this study suggest that there is an immunological protein pattern that can distinguish a present Borrelia infection from a previous exposure as well as anti-Borrelia antibody negative blood donors. Although this method is not adapted for routine clinical use at this point, the possibility is interesting and may open new diagnostic opportunities improving the laboratory diagnostics of LB.
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4. |
- Adams, Yvonne, et al.
(author)
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3D blood-brain barrier-organoids as a model for Lyme neuroborreliosis highlighting genospecies dependent organotropism
- 2023
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In: ISCIENCE. - : CELL PRESS. - 2589-0042. ; 26:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB), a tick-borne infection caused by spirochetes within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.L.) complex, is among the most prevalent bacterial central nervous system (CNS) infections in Europe and the US. Here we have screened a panel of low- passage B. burgdorferi s.l. isolates using a novel, human-derived 3D blood-brain barrier (BBB)-organoid model. We show that human-derived BBB-organoids support the entry of Borrelia spirochetes, leading to swelling of the organoids and a loss of their structural integrity. The use of the BBB-organoid model highlights the organotropism between B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and their ability to cross the BBB contributing to CNS infection.
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5. |
- Arnason, Sigurdur, et al.
(author)
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Brain damage markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B in serum in children with Lyme neuroborreliosis-detection and evaluation as prognostic biomarkers for clinical outcome
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. - : Springer. - 0934-9723 .- 1435-4373. ; 41:7, s. 1051-1057
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne infection in Europe, with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) its second most frequent clinical manifestation. Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes in LNB have not been identified. Elevated serum levels of the brain damage markers neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) have been associated with poor clinical outcomes in other disorders of the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to assess NSE and S100B in serum as prognostic biomarkers for clinical outcomes in paediatric LNB patients. Children evaluated for LNB (n= 121) in Sweden were prospectively included during 2010-2014, serum samples were collected on admission, and all children underwent a 2-month follow-up. Patients with pleocytosis and anti-Borrelia antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were classified as having LNB (n= 61). Controls were age- and gender-matched non-LNB patients (n= 60). NSE was elevated in 38/61 (62%) LNB patients and in 31/60 (52%) controls. S100B was elevated in 3/60 (5%) LNB patients and 0/59 (0%) controls. NSE and S100B concentrations did not differ significantly when comparing LNB patients with controls. No differences were found in the concentrations when comparing the clinical recovery of LNB patients at the 2-month follow-up. NSE was detectable in the majority of LNB patients and controls, whereas S100B was detectable in only a few LNB patients and no controls. NSE and S100B in serum cannot be recommended as prognostic biomarkers for clinical outcomes in children with LNB.
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6. |
- Asciutto, Katrin Christine, et al.
(author)
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Vaginal and urine self-sampling compared to cervical sampling for HPV-testing with the cobas 4800 HPV test
- 2017
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In: Anticancer research. - : Anticancer Research USA Inc.. - 0250-7005 .- 1791-7530. ; 37:8, s. 4183-4187
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background/Aim: To compare human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection in self-collected vaginal and urine samples with clinician-taken cervical samples in relation to histology. Materials and Methods: Self-collected vaginal, urine and clinician-taken cervical samples were analyzed from 218 women with the Cobas 4800 HPV test (Roche Molecular Diagnostics). Results: The sensitivity for detection of HPV in the vaginal self-sampling test was 96.4% and in urine was 83.9% relative to detection by clinician-taken cervical sample. The vaginal self-sampling and the clinician-taken HPV tests had the same sensitivity of 92.8% (95% confidence interval=86.3-96.8%) and specificity for detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS). Detection in urine samples had a sensitivity of 76.3% (95% confidence interval=67.9-84.2%) for HSIL/AIS. Conclusion: The Cobas 4800 HPV test detects high-grade pre-cancerous cervical lesions in self-collected vaginal samples with the same high sensitivity as in clinician-taken cervical samples.
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7. |
- Barstad, Bjorn, et al.
(author)
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Cerebrospinal fluid cytokines and chemokines in children with Lyme neuroborreliosis; pattern and diagnostic utility
- 2020
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In: Cytokine. - : ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 1043-4666 .- 1096-0023. ; 130
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) is characterized by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation with several cytokines/chemokines and B-lymphocytes. Clinically, LNB in children may be difficult to discriminate from non-Lyme aseptic meningitis (NLAM). We aimed to identify CSF cytokine/chemokine patterns in children with LNB, NLAM and controls and elucidate the diagnostic value of these cytokines/chemokines alone or in combination to discriminate between LNB and NLAM. Methods: Children with symptoms suggestive of LNB were included prospectively and categorized as LNB, NLAM or controls (no pleocytosis). Cytokines/chemokines in CSF were measured by multiplex bead assays and levels were compared between the three groups by nonparametric statistical tests. Previous results from the same children on the established biomarker, CXCL13, were included in the statistical analyses. The diagnostic properties of cytokines/chemokines to discriminate between LNB and NLAM were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses with estimates of area under curve (AUC). To explore diagnostic properties of combinations of cytokines/chemokines, prediction models based on logistic regression were used. Results: We included 195 children with LNB (n = 77), NLAM (n = 12) and controls (n = 106). Children with LNB had higher CSF levels of CCL19, CCL22 and CXCL13 compared to NLAM and controls, whereas INF. was higher in NLAM than in LNB and controls. CXCL13 was the superior single cytokine/chemokine to discriminate LNB from NLAM (AUC 0.978). The combination CXCL13/CCL19 (AUC 0.992) may possibly improve the specificity for LNB, especially for children with moderate CXCL13 levels. Conclusions: The intrathecal immune reaction in LNB is characterized by B cell associated chemokines. Whether the combination CXCL13/CCL19 further improves discrimination between LNB and NLAM beyond the diagnostic improvements by CXCL13 alone needs to be tested in new studies.
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8. |
- Eikeland, Randi, et al.
(author)
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Tick-borne diseases in the North Sea region-A comprehensive overview and recommendations for diagnostics and treatment
- 2024
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In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. - : ELSEVIER GMBH. - 1877-959X .- 1877-9603. ; 15:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As part of the NorthTick project, co -funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund and the North Sea Region Programme, specialists in the field of tick -borne diseases from seven North Sea countries co-operated with patient organisations and governmental health care institutions to provide this comprehensive overview of diagnostics and treatment recommendations in the region for Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia miyamotoi infection, tick -borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, neoehrlichiosis and babesiosis. The main conclusion is that the recommendations in these northern countries are essentially the same, with very few differences. This overview presents the current diagnostics and provides useful clinical guidance.
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9. |
- Fredriksson, Tobias, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic patterns of serum inflammatory protein markers in children with Lyme neuroborreliosis
- 2024
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In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. - : Elsevier. - 1877-959X .- 1877-9603. ; 15:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Definite diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) requires investigation of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, lumbar puncture is necessary, and requires administration of sedating drugs in children. This study aimed to investigate if a pattern of different inflammatory biomarkers in serum could contribute to the selection of children for lumbar puncture in suspected LNB. Patients were included from a cohort of children who was previously investigated for LNB including serum and CSF sampling during the years 2010-2014. The multiplex proximity extension assay (PEA) inflammation panel Target 96 (Olink Bioscience, Uppsala, Sweden) was used to examine 92 biomarkers in serum. Based on the presence of CSF pleocytosis and Borrelia-specific antibodies, patients were divided into a definite LNB group (n=61) and a non-LNB control group (n=58). Following PEA and statistical analysis with multivariate logistic regression, five biomarkers remained significant (p < 0.001), which were included in a calculation of protein index. The index biomarkers were CST5, IL-15RA, CXCL10, DNER and CX3CL1. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed from the index, which showed an 80 % sensitivity and 81 % specificity. Area under the curve was 0.889. We offer evidence that, with further refinements, patterns of serum biomarkers might help identify those children more or less likely to have LNB, perhaps ultimately decreasing the need for lumbar punctures.
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10. |
- Gyllemark, Paula, et al.
(author)
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Intrathecal Th17- and B cell-associated cytokine and chemokine responses in relation to clinical outcome in Lyme neuroborreliosis : a large retrospective study.
- 2017
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In: Journal of Neuroinflammation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1742-2094. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: B cell immunity, including the chemokine CXCL13, has an established role in Lyme neuroborreliosis, and also, T helper (Th) 17 immunity, including IL-17A, has recently been implicated.METHODS: We analysed a set of cytokines and chemokines associated with B cell and Th17 immunity in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from clinically well-characterized patients with definite Lyme neuroborreliosis (group 1, n = 49), defined by both cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and Borrelia-specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and from two groups with possible Lyme neuroborreliosis, showing either pleocytosis (group 2, n = 14) or Borrelia-specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (group 3, n = 14). A non-Lyme neuroborreliosis reference group consisted of 88 patients lacking pleocytosis and Borrelia-specific antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.RESULTS: Cerebrospinal fluid levels of B cell-associated markers (CXCL13, APRIL and BAFF) were significantly elevated in groups 1, 2 and 3 compared with the reference group, except for BAFF, which was not elevated in group 3. Regarding Th17-associated markers (IL-17A, CXCL1 and CCL20), CCL20 in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly elevated in groups 1, 2 and 3 compared with the reference group, while IL-17A and CXCL1 were elevated in group 1. Patients with time of recovery <3 months had lower cerebrospinal fluid levels of IL-17A, APRIL and BAFF compared to patients with recovery >3 months.CONCLUSIONS: By using a set of markers in addition to CXCL13 and IL-17A, we confirm that B cell- and Th17-associated immune responses are involved in Lyme neuroborreliosis pathogenesis with different patterns in subgroups. Furthermore, IL-17A, APRIL and BAFF may be associated with time to recovery after treatment.
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