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Published on: February 4, 2018
Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Patients With Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in India
Chandan K Thakur1,2, E V Vinayaraj2, Rama Chaudhry2
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, NPL.
Background:
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) play a crucial role in human morbidity and mortality, as ticks are highly effective in spreading diseases by transmitting harmful pathogens to humans and animals. The last few decades have seen an increase in the number of recognized tick-borne pathogens and the incidence of TBD worldwide. Several of these diseases are ubiquitous in India. However, in India, there is limited information on the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens in patients with undifferentiated febrile illness. The study aims to investigate tick-borne pathogens among undifferentiated febrile patients in India using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay.
Methods:
A total of 120 blood samples were collected from patients with undifferentiated febrile illnesses of all ages. The samples were tested for a panel of (seven) tick-borne pathogens (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Bartonella, Coxiella, Rickettsia, and Francisella) using a multiplex PCR tick-borne bacterial flow chip (TBFC) assay through a semi-automated HybriSpot platform (Vitro Master Diagnóstica, Granada, Spain).
Results:
Among the 120 samples tested, one was positive for spotted fever Rickettsia, two were positive for typhus group Rickettsia, one was positive for Borrelia, and two showed coinfections with Borrelia and Anaplasma.
Conclusion:
Our knowledge of TBD is steadily advancing with the discovery of novel pathogens and the development of cutting-edge diagnostic tools. Although traditional diagnostic methods like serology and microscopy will remain essential for the diagnosis of TBD, the implementation of advanced molecular diagnostics such as TBFC will enhance our understanding of these diseases by enabling the identification of emerging pathogens and offering more precise and timely diagnoses.
Insights
This study used multiplex PCR to detect tick-borne pathogens in Indian patients with fever, finding Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Anaplasma infections. Molecular diagnostics like TBFC improve TBD identification and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a growing global health concern, with increasing incidence and pathogen discovery.
- Limited molecular data exists for TBDs in Indian patients presenting with undifferentiated febrile illness.
- Ticks are significant vectors for pathogens affecting human and animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in febrile patients in India.
- To utilize a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of multiple tick-borne bacterial agents.
- To address the gap in molecular diagnostic information for TBDs in the Indian population.
Main Methods:
- A total of 120 blood samples were collected from patients with undifferentiated febrile illnesses.
- A multiplex PCR tick-borne bacterial flow chip (TBFC) assay was employed for pathogen detection.
- The assay targeted seven key tick-borne pathogens: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Bartonella, Coxiella, Rickettsia, and Francisella.
Main Results:
- One sample tested positive for spotted fever Rickettsia.
- Two samples were positive for typhus group Rickettsia.
- One sample showed Borrelia infection, and two samples had coinfections with Borrelia and Anaplasma.
Conclusions:
- Advanced molecular diagnostics like the TBFC assay are crucial for identifying emerging tick-borne pathogens.
- Multiplex PCR enhances the precision and timeliness of TBD diagnoses.
- While traditional methods remain important, molecular tools offer a more comprehensive understanding of TBDs.
