Hematological Features in Sheep with IgG and IgM Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Labrini V Athanasiou,Panagiotis D Katsoulos,Eleni G Katsogiannou,Victoria M Spanou

doi:10.3390/pathogens10020164

Labrini V Athanasiou, Panagiotis D Katsoulos + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020164

Copy DOI

Abstract

Exposure of sheep to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi (s.I.). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections. A total number of 162 sheep met the inclusion criteria, allocated in four groups based on the presence or absence of IgG and/or IgM; sheep found negative for IgM and IgG (Group A), positive for IgM (Group B), positive for both IgM and IgG (Group C) and positive for IgG (Group D). Anemia, thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep. The presence of these features raises the suspicion of Borrelia infection in tick infested sheep. The seropositivity of 23.58% in sheep raises concerns of Borrelia circulation, especially in rural areas and potential risk of transmission to humans.

Highlights

Thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep
The percentage detected here was unexpectantly high compared to the percentages of seropositivity recorded in dogs in Greece [22,23,24], since this is the first report in sheep
The results of the present study indicate that the infection with B. burgdorferi causes significant alterations on the hematological profile of sheep

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-borne disease with zoonotic potential. The etiologic agent is Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.I.) complex, helical-shaped bacteria belonging to the spirochaete phylum [1]. The complex consists of at least 21 genospecies to date [2], while mainly three of them, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are of public health importance [3,4]. Transmission to humans and animals occurs by the bites of infected tick vectors of the genus Ixodes. In Europe the tick species of concern is Ixodes ricinus, while ticks of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus species [5] are the main tick species in the eastern and in the northwestern United States, respectively [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion