Biomedical subjects

Alicja Buczek

Publications and source records attributed to Alicja Buczek.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Allergy to pigeon tick (Argas reflexus) in Upper Silesia, Poland.

The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is avian ectoparasite that typically feeds on pigeons. When devoid of a natural host, the ticks can also attack humans. In Upper Silesia, southern Poland, people living in the vicinity of the birds' nesting sites are frequently bitten by A. reflexus. The bites can provoke serious allergic reactions, including fatal anaphylactic shock. In the present study, residents of 9 apartments invaded by pigeon ticks were invited to undergo medical examination, skin prick tests (SPT) and determination of specific IgE to A. reflexus. The test allergens were prepared of ticks collected on-site. Out of 18 residents living in the infested apartments, 15 accepted the invitation. In this group, 8 persons complained of tick-related health problems, positive SPT to A. reflexus were found in all of them, and specific IgE was detectable in 3 persons (range: 0.38-0.84 kUA/l; CAP class 1-2). Final clinical diagnoses were established of generalised urticaria with asthma in 1 person, generalised urticaria in another 1, and local allergic reactions to tick bites in the remaining 6. Among 7 symptom-free residents, all test results were negative. Besides the study group, the paper also describes the case of a person who developed hypersensitivity to A. reflexus as a child, after a few visits to an abandoned dovecote. 30 years later, positive SPT (++) and specific IgE (0.78 kUA/l; CAP class 2) were still present despite no further re-exposures. The article also discusses available pest control measures against A. reflexus.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Tick-host interactions].

Ticks are dangerous blood-sucking ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. They serve as reservoirs and vectors pathogens and cause direct skin damage by feeding. Tick saliva contains pharmacologically active molecules directed against host's immune system and effector pathways. Ticks feeding induce hosts' inflammatory and immunological reactions of host comprise both innate and acquired immunity.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from wooded areas of the Lublin region (eastern Poland). A group of 1,813 I. ricinus ticks from 6 districts were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Another group of 438 I. ricinus ticks collected from 4 districts were examined for the presence of B.b.s.l. by culture on BSKH liquid medium confirmed by PCR, and for the presence of Borrelia spp. by dark field microscopy (DFM). Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii) were determined by nested-PCR in 113 ticks lysates showing presence of B.b.s.l. (in PCR or in culture and PCR). 5.4 % of I. ricinus ticks examined by PCR showed the presence of B.b.s.l. DNA. The infection rate was highest in females (12.1 %), lower in males (6.0 %) and the lowest in nymphs (1.7 %) (p < 0.001). The minimum infection rate of I. ricinus ticks with B.b.s.l. determined by culture was 3.4 %, whereas the minimum infection rate of ticks with motile spirochetes morphologically resembling Borrelia spp., determined by DFM, amounted to 11.2 %. The presence of all 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies under investigation was found in ticks collected from 5 out of 6 examined districts. In 81.4 % of infected ticks only single infection with 1 genospecies was observed, while coinfections with 2 or 3 genospecies were detected respectively in 16.8 % and 1.8 % of infected ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was the dominant genospecies in all examined tick stages and districts, both in single infections and in coinfections, and found in a total of 62.8 % of I. ricinus ticks infected with B.b.s.l. Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii were less frequent and observed in respectively 39.8 % and 17.8 % of infected ticks.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Correlation of tests for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in patients with diagnosed borreliosis.

A group of 180 patients with diagnosed Lyme borreliosis were examined for the presence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) by serologic tests with B. burgdorferi s.l. antigens (IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, IgG-immunoblot) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, nested-PCR) for detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in peripheral blood. A total of 61.7 %, 53.9 %, 62.2 %, and 59.4 % of the examined patients' sera showed positive or borderline results in the serologic tests IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, and IgG immunoblot, respectively. The results of the tests IgM-ELISA and IgM-immunoblot were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). A higher degree of the correlation (p < 0.000001) was found at the comparison of results obtained with IgG-ELISA and IgG-immunoblot. The correlation between the positive findings in the IgM-ELISA and detection with IgM-immunoblot the diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. OspC surface protein was relatively low but statistically significant (0.01 < p < 0.05). Much higher correlation was found between the positive findings in the IgG-ELISA and detection with IgG-immunoblot other diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. antigen, the VlsE protein (p < 0.000001). The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was found by PCR in 20 out 180 examined blood samples (11.1 %). No correlation was found to exist between the PCR results and the results of any of the serologic tests for detection of anti B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies of IgM class. PCR results correlated significantly at a relatively low level (0.01 < p < 0.05) with the results of IgG-ELISA, but not with the results of IgG-immunoblot with regard to total reactions (0.2 < p < 0.1). By contrast, a distinctly significant correlation was found between the PCR results and detection of the VlsE protein with IgG-immunoblot (0.001 < p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that antibodies of IgG class are the most reliable marker in laboratory diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis, in particular those directed against VlsE surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of Babesia microti in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

A total of 1,367 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 5 districts of the Lublin region (eastern Poland) were examined for the presence of Babesia microti DNA by PCR and nested-PCR. As many as 74 ticks (5.4 %) were found to be infected with Babesia microti. The infection rate varied significantly with stage/sex of ticks (chi (2) =16.48543, df=2, p < 0.000264). The infection rates in females and males amounted to 6.4 % and 8.8 % respectively and were significantly higher (p=0.006 and p=0.0001 respectively) compared to minimum infection rate in nymphs that was equal to 2.8 %. The prevalence of infection showed also a significant variability depending on geographic location within the Lublin region (chi(2) =18.62812, df=4, p < 0.000932). The highest rates of infection with Babesia microti were noted in ticks collected from the areas of Puławy district situated in the northern part of region and the suburban Lublin district situated in the central part of the region (8.0 % and 7.3 % respectively). Mediocre infection rates (respectively 3.4 % and 3.3 %) were found in ticks from the Parczew and Włodawa districts situated in eastern part of the region and covered with humid lakeland forests. The lowest infection rate (0.5 %) was noted in ticks from the Zamość district situated in southern part of the region. In conclusion, the infection rate of Ixodes ricinus ticks with Babesia microti found in this study is higher compared to the majority of data reported by Polish and other European authors, and indicates a potential risk of human infection during occupational or recreational exposure to tick bite.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Epidemiological study of scabies in different environmental conditions in central poland.

PURPOSE: The goal of the research was to determine the spreading of Sarcoptes scabiei and the incidence of scabies in the residents of particular districts of the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship (Central Europe) from 1990 to 1998. METHODS: An epidemiological analysis of scabies incidents was performed, with a focus on the age and sex patterns of the population, seasonal incidence, and environmental conditions. In the entire area covered in the period studied, a total of 2064 cases of scabies were reported. The incidence of scabies was typically higher in rural areas than in cities. The most cases of scabies were noted in children and teenagers between 6 and 15 years of age. RESULTS: The research indicated that prevalence of the disease within a family is an important factor in scabies epidemiology in the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship. The incidence of scabies is seasonal in its nature, as the majority of cases occurred in the autumn and winter months. CONCLUSION: The incidence of the disease can be reduced by improving socioeconomic and hygienic conditions and by implementing a proper system of social education, as well as by promoting more efficient health service.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Origin of alimentary tract in embryogenesis of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae).

We studied the embryos of Ixodes ricinus (L.) in the second and third trimester of embryonic development, by using light and transmission electron microscopy. At the beginning of the second trimester, the formation of the foregut and rectal sac, by a process of invagination, was observed. The invagination, which develops into the primordium of the hindgut, forms only in the third trimester. The rectum forms in the last phase of embryogenesis. The development of the midgut is incomplete during embryogenesis. The yolk is surrounded by a wall, formed of an amorphous basal lamina and flattened cells, that gradually accumulate deutoplasmic material. These cells do not acquire the typical features of the gut epithelium until after larval hatching. These features are, however, found in the cells forming the rectal sac.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Development of the salivary glands in embryos of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae).

We examined Ixodes ricinus embryos between 18 and 28 days of development with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The differences in inner structure attested to establish three successive developmental stages: days 18-20, day 23, and days 26-28. Between 18 and 20 days the embryos are at early stages of organogenesis. Salivary glands cannot be identified at that stage. In 23-day-old embryos salivary glands are already outlined but the structure of alveoles is still different from that in larvae in which the embryonic development has been completed. Gland cells start to form alveoles and become active between 26 and 28 days of the development.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of eastern Poland.

The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of head pediculosis in the rural and urban environments of Lublin Province (eastern Poland) in 1996-2000 and to examine socioeconomic factors influencing distribution among schoolchildren. A total of 95,153 schoolchildren living in urban and rural areas were examined twice yearly by school nurses. The overall rate of head pediculosis differs significantly between rural (1.59%) and urban (0.48%) schools in eastern Poland. Children between 8 and 12 years old were most frequently infested. Pediculosis was observed most frequently in girls both in the urban (63.5%) and rural (75.3%) schools and this was related with hairstyles. The prevalence of pediculosis decreased with increasing life standards, i.e. with high income, accessibility and consumption of water and better health care systems. Our findings showed that prevalence of pediculosis capitis depends on the age and sex of the schoolchildren and their living conditions. Hygienic controls of schoolchildren by nurses are important in the elimination of Pediculus humanus capitis. Our results confirmed pediculosis capitis is still a problem in different environments, particularly with lower life standards and poorer economic conditions of health care.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The risk of exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Mid-Eastern Poland.

Both the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks and the seroprevalence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis have been reported in different parts of Europe. There are few reports concerning this problem in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks, and to detect antibodies against the HGE agent in serum of forest workers in the region of Mid-Eastern Poland. In our opinion, this should reflect the real probability of infection of people exposed to Ixodes tick bites. Seroactivity against Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 20.6% of persons in the study group. Coexistence of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi was present in 84.6 % of individuals seropositive to A. phagocytophilum. The PCR test identifying Anaplasma phagocytophilum was positive in 13.1% of overall tick samples. The highest prevalence of infection (45.7%) was found in female ticks. Anaplasmal DNA was detected in 4.5% of male ticks and only in 0.9% of nymphs. The results of our study confirmed the existence of A. phagocytophilum in the natural environment of Mid-Eastern Poland. As the risk for infection exists, it should call the attention of public health services to the possibility of an increasing number of patients with this disease.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum↗

PubMed2004

[Prevalence of antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers from the Lublin region].

Ticks are recently regarded as ones of the most important vectors of emerging diseases. One of these diseases is human granulocytic ehrlichiosis caused by obligatory intracellular microorganism recently named as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. 334 sera from forestry workers and 56 sera from blood donors (as a control group) were collected and examined for antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi. The antibodies were found statistically more frequently in sera from foresters compared to sera of the control group, both to A. phagocytophilum (19.8% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001) and B. burgdorferi (32.0% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01). Only 15 sera (4.5%) were found positive for both examined bacteria suggesting inhibition of coexistence although it was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between percentages of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and to B. burgdorferi from different locations.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum↗

PubMed2004

[The public health risk of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the south-eastern Poland].

The aim of the study was to estimate risk of tick-borne diseases among inhabitants of Lublin macroregion. The incidence of Lyme disease in the residents of Lubelskie Voivodeship increased from 2.9 to 6.3 in the period between 2002 and 2003. In 16% of patients studied there were systemic reactions observed after tick bite, while the local symptoms were noted in 56% of bitten subjects. Our data indicates that 59% of the respondents have poor knowledge of ticks and tic-borne diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Morphology of tick tarsus (Acari: Ixodida)--modifications connected with life cycle, behaviour, and habitat].

Ticks are ectoparasites of wide variety of vertebrates living in various types of environment all over the world. Morphological, biological, and physiological differences among tick species as well as among tick life stages are the result of tick adaptations to various life conditions. This paper presents morphological adaptations of tick tarsus to the hosts and the life conditions. The authors underline morphological differences of Haller's organ and pretarsus in four tick species: Argas reflexus (Fabricius, 1794), A. persicus (Oken, 1818), Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), and Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758).

Animals↗

PubMed2004

[Local anomalies in ticks larvae (Acari: Ixodida)].

Three anomalies in the anus structure of Hyalomma marginatum marginatum larvae, two anomalies in Argas reflexus larvae, i.e. the lack of the left chelicera and the second pair of limbs at the right side, and disorder in chetotaxy of Argas persicus larvae were examined in this research. These anomalies have not been described so far in the literature.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed2003

Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks collected from vegetation and small rodents in recreational areas of the city of Poznań.

During 1998-1999, Ixodes ricinus (L.) populations were investigated in three different biotopes (deciduous, mixed, coniferous forest) situated in popular recreational areas in Poznań, Poland. In total, 1,123 questing ticks (1,002 nymphs, 69 males, 52 females) were collected by flagging vegetation. Additionally, in 1998 between May and September small rodents were trapped and inspected for feeding ticks. Altogether, 213 rodents of three species: Apodemus agrarius Pall., A. flavicollis Melchior, Clethrionomys glareolus Schreber were captured. Of 323 engorged ticks, 304 were larvae and 19 nymphs. All ticks collected from vegetation, as well as from rodents were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigenwalt & Brenner s.l. spirochetes by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using PAB 1B29. The seasonal pattern of activity of questing I. ricinus was always bimodal (May/June and August/September). The most abundant tick population occurred in the deciduous forest. The total infection rate in questing ticks was 16.2%. Differences in mean infection prevalence of host-seeking ticks between three biotopes each year were not significant. On average more larvae parasitized on the genus of Apodemus than on C. glareolus. 17.8% of larvae and 31.6% of nymphs fed on rodents harbored spirochetes. The three rodent species contributed to a different degree in to transmission of the pathogen to subadult stages. Approximately 27% of larvae infested on A. agrarius, 22% on C. glareolus, and only 4.2% on A. flavicollis contained spirochetes. The results suggest that the prevalence of A. agrarius and C. glareolus in disturbed urban forests used for leisure activities seems to be crucial for the maintenance of B. burgdorferi s.l. in I. ricinus populations.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

[Toxic and allergic action of tick saliva components].

The paper presents the role of bioactive components secreted by ticks in pathogenesis local and general reactions in the host. The salivary glands of ticks produce cement, enzymes and their inhibitors, histamine agonists and antagonists, antihemostatic factors, prostaglandins, and toxins. Tick feeding induces host inflammatory lesion and host immune responses.

Allergens↗