Tick-borne pathogens and the vector potential of ticks in China Of the 117 described species in the Chinese tick fauna, 60 are known to transmit one or more diseases: 36 species isolated within China and 24 species isolated outside China. Moreover, 38 of these species carry multiple pathogens, indicating the potentially vast role of these vectors in transmitting pathogens. Spotted fever is the most common tick-borne disease, and is carried by at least 27 tick species, with Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis ranked as the second and third most widespread tick-borne diseases, carried by 13 and 10 species, respectively. However, the numbers of tick-associated pathogens and tick-borne diseases in China are probably underestimated because of the complex distribution and great diversity of tick species in this country. 7thspace/…/tick_borne_pathogens_and_the_vector_p… FLDA Note: We want to highlight that China recognizes that Lyme disease is spread by 13 tick species. In sharp contrast, in the United States, the CDC has taken a much narrower view, boldly stating that only the black-legged tick (otherwise known as the deer tick) is the ONLY tick that spreads Lyme disease (Ixodes scapularis in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States; Ixodes pacificus on the Pacific Coast). The CDC continues to ignore the groundbreaking research of Dr. Kerry Clark who has shown that the aggressive Lone Star tick, that is prevalent in southern states, also transmits Lyme disease to humans. Laboratories and researchers across the country are also finding the Lyme bacteria in a broad variety of ticks. China has also taken a much more progressive position on setting standards for what constitutes a positive Lyme Western Blot. Whereas the CDC requires a highly criticized combination of two specified IgM bands and five IgG bands (that misses Lyme in approximately 1/2 of actual cases pursuant to numerous peer reviewed studies), in China only a single IgG and IgM band are required. See ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2111248: Listed bands are deemed to be species specific other than P41): “The following interpretation criteria were recommended: for IgG, at least one band of P83/100, P58, P39, P30, OspC, P17, P66, and OspA; for IgM, at least one band of P83/100, P58, OspA, P30, OspC, P17 or P41. In addition, syphilis, leptospirosis and other related diseases should be excluded when the positive band is P41 in IgM. The CDCs narrow, archaic, dogmatic view on Lyme disease is causing tremendous suffering. Without an accurate understanding of the risk of contracting Lyme disease from different types of ticks in different geographic areas, patients will continue to suffer as a result of delays in diagnosis or the failure to every accurately diagnose Lyme. Moreover, by continuing to push faulty laboratory tests, more patients will not be accurately diagnosed with Lyme disease. What will it take to make the CDC change its obstructive tactics? Congressional hearings? #LymeisEverywhere #Lyme #NotJustLyme
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:11:47 +0000
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