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  • 1.
    Aase, Audun
    et al.
    Norwegian Institute Public Heatlh, Norway.
    Hajdusek, Ondrej
    Academic Science Czech Republic, Czech Republic.
    Oines, Oivind
    Norwegian Vet Institute, Norway.
    Quarsten, Hanne
    Sorlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Norway.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Herstad, Tove K.
    Norwegian Institute Public Heatlh, Norway.
    Kjelland, Vivian
    University of Agder, Norway; Sorlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Norway.
    Sima, Radek
    Academic Science Czech Republic, Czech Republic.
    Jalovecka, Marie
    Academic Science Czech Republic, Czech Republic.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Aaberge, Ingeborg S.
    Norwegian Institute Public Heatlh, Norway.
    Validate or falsify: Lessons learned from a microscopy method claimed to be useful for detecting Borrelia and Babesia organisms in human blood2016In: INFECTIOUS DISEASES, ISSN 2374-4235, Vol. 48, no 6, p. 411-419Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background A modified microscopy protocol (the LM-method) was used to demonstrate what was interpreted as Borrelia spirochetes and later also Babesia sp., in peripheral blood from patients. The method gained much publicity, but was not validated prior to publication, which became the purpose of this study using appropriate scientific methodology, including a control group. Methods Blood from 21 patients previously interpreted as positive for Borrelia and/or Babesia infection by the LM-method and 41 healthy controls without known history of tick bite were collected, blinded and analysed for these pathogens by microscopy in two laboratories by the LM-method and conventional method, respectively, by PCR methods in five laboratories and by serology in one laboratory. Results Microscopy by the LM-method identified structures claimed to be Borrelia- and/or Babesia in 66% of the blood samples of the patient group and in 85% in the healthy control group. Microscopy by the conventional method for Babesia only did not identify Babesia in any samples. PCR analysis detected Borrelia DNA in one sample of the patient group and in eight samples of the control group; whereas Babesia DNA was not detected in any of the blood samples using molecular methods. Conclusions The structures interpreted as Borrelia and Babesia by the LM-method could not be verified by PCR. The method was, thus, falsified. This study underlines the importance of doing proper test validation before new or modified assays are introduced.

  • 2.
    Adams, Yvonne
    et al.
    Univ Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Clausen, Anne Skovsbo
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark; Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark.
    Jensen, Peter Ostrup
    Lager, Malin
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Natl Reference Lab Borrel, Div Clin Microbiol, Other Tick Borne Bacter, Lab Med, Reg Jonkoping Cty, Jonkoping, Sweden.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Natl Reference Lab Borrel, Div Clin Microbiol, Other Tick Borne Bacter, Lab Med, Reg Jonkoping Cty, Jonkoping, Sweden.
    Jonsson Henningsson, Anna
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Center for Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Microbiology. Natl Reference Lab Borrel, Div Clin Microbiol, Other Tick Borne Bacter, Lab Med, Reg Jonkoping Cty, Jonkoping, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Natl Reference Lab Borrel, Div Clin Microbiol, Other Tick Borne Bacter, Lab Med, Reg Jonkoping Cty, Jonkoping, Sweden.
    Faurholt-Jepsen, Daniel
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark.
    Mens, Helene
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark.
    Kraiczy, Peter
    Goethe Univ Frankfurt, Germany.
    Kragh, Kasper Norskov
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark; Univ Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Bjarnsholt, Thomas
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark; Univ Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Kjaer, Andreas
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark; Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark.
    Lebech, Anne-Mette
    Copenhagen Univ Hosp, Denmark; Univ Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Jensen, Anja R.
    Univ Copenhagen, Denmark.
    3D blood-brain barrier-organoids as a model for Lyme neuroborreliosis highlighting genospecies dependent organotropism2023In: ISCIENCE, ISSN 2589-0042, Vol. 26, no 1, article id 105838Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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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  • 3.
    Ali Khan, Ghazanfar
    et al.
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Berglund, Björn
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Maqbool Khan, Kashif
    College of Pharmacy, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fick, Jerker
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Occurrence and Abundance of Antibiotics and Resistance Genes in Rivers, Canal and near Drug Formulation Facilities – A Study in Pakistan2013In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 8, no 6Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global phenomenon that has severe epidemiological ramifications world-wide. It has been suggested that antibiotics that have been discharged into the natural aquatic environments after usage or manufacture can promote the occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). These environmental ARGs could serve as a reservoir and be horizontally transferred to human-associated bacteria and thus contribute to AR proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the anthropogenic load of antibiotics in Northern Pakistan and study the occurrence of ARGs in selected samples from this region. 19 sampling sites were selected; including six rivers, one dam, one canal, one sewage drain and four drug formulation facilities. Our results show that five of the rivers have antibiotic levels comparable to surface water measurements in unpolluted sites in Europe and the US. However, high levels of antibiotics could be detected in the downstream river in close vicinity of the 10 million city Lahore, 1100, 1700 and 2700 ng L−1 for oxytetracycline, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole respectively. Highest detected levels were at one of the drug formulation facilities, with the measured levels of 1100, 4100, 6200, 7300, 8000, 27000, 28000 and 49000 ng L−1 of erythromycin, lincomycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole respectively. ARGs were also detected at the sites and the highest levels of ARGs detected, sulI and dfrA1, were directly associated with the antibiotics detected at the highest concentrations, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Highest levels of both antibiotics and ARGs were seen at a drug formulation facility, within an industrial estate with a low number of local residents and no hospitals in the vicinity, which indicates that the levels of ARGs at this site were associated with the environmental levels of antibiotics.

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  • 4.
    Almstrand, R
    et al.
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden .
    Lydmark, P
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden .
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Sorensson, F
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden .
    Hermansson, M
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden .
    Dynamics of specific ammonia-oxidizing bacterial populations and nitrification in response to controlled shifts of ammonium concentrations in wastewater2013In: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, ISSN 0175-7598, E-ISSN 1432-0614, Vol. 97, no 5, p. 2183-2191Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are essential for the nitrification process in wastewater treatment. To retain these slow-growing bacteria in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), they are often grown as biofilms, e.g., on nitrifying trickling filters (NTFs) or on carriers in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). On NTFs, a decreasing ammonium gradient is formed because of the AOB activity, resulting in low ammonium concentrations at the bottom and reduced biomass with depth. To optimize the NTF process, different ammonium feed strategies may be designed. This, however, requires knowledge about AOB population dynamics. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we followed biomass changes during 6 months, of three AOB populations on biofilm carriers. These were immersed in aerated MBBR tanks in a pilot plant receiving full-scale wastewater. Tanks were arranged in series, forming a wastewater ammonium gradient mimicking an NTF ammonium gradient. The biomass of one of the dominating Nitrosomonas oligotropha-like populations increased after an ammonium upshift, reaching levels comparable to the high ammonium control in 28 days, whereas a Nitrosomonas europaea-like population increased relatively slowly. The MBBR results, together with competition studies in NTF systems fed with wastewater under controlled ammonium regimes, suggest a differentiation between the two N. oligotropha populations, which may be important for WWTP nitrification.

  • 5.
    Andersson, Martin O.
    et al.
    Linnaeus University, Sweden; Lund University, Sweden.
    Bergvall, Ulrika A.
    Stockholm University, Sweden; Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden.
    Chirico, Jan
    National Vet Institute SVA, Sweden.
    Christensson, Madeleine
    Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Nordstrom, Jonas
    Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden; Dalarna County Adm Board, Sweden.
    Kjellander, Petter
    Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden.
    Molecular detection of Babesia capreoli and Babesia venatorum in wild Swedish roe deer, Capreolus capreolus2016In: Parasites & Vectors, E-ISSN 1756-3305, Vol. 9, no 221Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The epidemiology of the zoonotic tick-transmitted parasite Babesia spp. and its occurrence in wild reservoir hosts in Sweden is unclear. In European deer, several parasite species, including Babesia capreoli and the zoonotic B. venatorum and B. divergens has been reported previously. The European roe deer, Capreolus capreolus, is an important and common part of the indigenous fauna in Europe, as well as an important host for Ixodes ricinus ticks, the vector of several Babesia spp. in Europe. Here, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of Babesia spp. in roe deer in Sweden. Findings: Roe deer (n = 77) were caught and sampled for blood. Babesia spp. was detected with a PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The prevalence of Babesia spp. was 52 %, and two species were detected; B. capreoli and B. venatorum in 44 and 7.8 % of the individuals, respectively. Infection occurred both in summer and winter. Conclusions: We showed that roe deer in Sweden, close to the edge of their northern inland distributional range, are infected with Babesia spp. The occurrence of B. venatorum in roe deer imply that it is established in Sweden and the zoonotic implication of this finding should be regarded to a greater extent in future.

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  • 6.
    Asghar, Naveed
    et al.
    School of Natural Science, Technology & Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Lindblom, Pontus
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Melik, Wessam
    School of Natural Science, Technology & Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Lindqvist, Richard
    Division of Virology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Haglund, Mats
    Kalmar County hospital.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine.
    Överby, Anna K.
    Division of Virology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Andreassen, Åshild
    Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Johansson, Magnus
    School of Natural Science, Technology & Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden / School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Tick-borne encephalitis virus sequenced directly from questing and blood-feeding ticks reveals quasispecies variance2014In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 9, no 7, p. e103264-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The increased distribution of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Scandinavia highlights the importance of characterizing novel sequences within the natural foci. In this study, two TBEV strains: the Norwegian Mandal 2009 (questing nymphs pool) and the Swedish Saringe 2009 (blood-fed nymph) were sequenced and phylogenetically characterized. Interestingly, the sequence of Mandal 2009 revealed the shorter form of the TBEV genome, similar to the highly virulent Hypr strain, within the 3´ non-coding region (3´NCR). A different genomic structure was found in the 3´NCR of Saringe 2009, as in-depth analysis demonstrated TBEV variants with different lengths within the poly(A) tract. This shows that TBEV quasispecies exists in nature and indicates a putative shift in the quasispecies pool when the virus switches between invertebrate and vertebrate environments. This prompted us to further sequence and analyze the 3´NCRs of additional Scandinavian TBEV strains and controls, Hypr and Neudoerfl. Toro 2003 and Habo 2011 contained mainly a short (A)3C(A)6 poly(A)  tract. A similar pattern was observed for the human TBEV isolates 1993/783 and 1991/4944; however, one clone of 1991/4944 contained an (A)3C(A)11 poly(A) sequence, demonstrating that quasispecies with longer poly(A) could be present in human isolates. Neudoerfl has previously been reported to contain a poly(A) region, but to our surprise the re-sequenced genome contained two major quasispecies variants, both lacking the poly(A) tract. We speculate that the observed differences are important factors for the understanding of virulence, spread, and control of the TBEV.

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  • 7.
    Augustinsson (Nilsdotter-Augustinsson), Åsa
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases in Östergötland.
    Frydén, Anders
    Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Stendahl, Olle
    Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Öhman, Lena
    Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Interaction of staphylococcus epidermidis from infected hip prostheses with neutrophil granulocytes2001In: Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases, ISSN 0036-5548, E-ISSN 1651-1980, Vol. 33, no 6, p. 408-412Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study focuses on the interaction of Staphylococcus epidermis isolated from granulation tissue covering infected hip prostheses and neutrophil granulocytes. Bacterial strains isolated from normal flora were used as controls. The bacteria were well characterized with routine methods and further characterized with random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses and slime tests. Phagocytosis and chemiluminescence (CL) assays were used in the neutrophil interaction studies. The prostheses strains were ingested to a lesser extent than strains from normal flora (p ≤ 0.001). There was no significant difference between the prostheses strains and the normal flora strains in terms of total CL response. However, the extracellular CL response from the neutrophils was lower in comparison with the normal flora when interacting with the prostheses strains. The results of this study support the notion that S. epidermidis strains isolated from infected hip prostheses have an enhanced capacity to resist phagocytosis and that most of these strains elicit a reduced inflammatory response, measured as the production of extracellular oxidative metabolites from the neutrophils, compared to normal flora.

  • 8.
    Berglund, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Dienus, Olaf
    County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Sokolova, Ekaterina
    Chalmers, Sweden.
    Berglind, Emma
    County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Matussek, Andreas
    County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden; Karolinska University of Lab, Sweden.
    Pettersson, Thomas
    Chalmers, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Occurrence and removal efficiency of parasitic protozoa in Swedish wastewater treatment plants2017In: Science of the Total Environment, ISSN 0048-9697, E-ISSN 1879-1026, Vol. 598, p. 821-827Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and Dientamoeba fragilis are parasitic protozoa and causative agents of gastroenteritis in humans. G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in particular are the most common protozoa associated with waterborne outbreaks in high-income countries. Surveillance of protozoan prevalence in wastewater and evaluation of wastewater treatment removal efficiencies of protozoan pathogens is therefore imperative for assessment of human health risk. In this study, influent and effluent wastewater samples from three wastewater treatment plants in Sweden were collected over nearly one year and assessed for prevalence of parasitic protozoa. Quantitative real-time PCR using primers specific for the selected protozoa Cryptosporidium spp., G, intestinalis, E. histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and D. fragilis was used for protozoan DNA detection and assessment of wastewater treatment removal efficiencies. Occurrence of G. intestinalis, E. dispar and D. fragilis DNA was assessed in both influent (44, 30 and 39 out of 51 samples respectively) and effluent wastewater (14, 9 and 33 out of 51 samples respectively) in all three wastewater treatment plants. Mean removal efficiencies of G. intestinalis, E. dispar and D. fragilis DNA quantities, based on all three wastewater treatment plants studied varied between 67 and 87%, 37-75% and 20-34% respectively. Neither E. histolytica nor Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in any samples. Overall, higher quantities of protozoan DNA were observed from February to June 2012. The high prevalence of protozoa in influent wastewater indicates the need for continued monitoring of these pathogens in wastewater-associated aquatic environments to minimise the potential risk for human infection. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  • 9.
    Berglund, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fick, Jerker
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Department of Microbiology, Medical Services, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Detection and Quantification of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Stångån River, Sweden2014Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Antibiotic resistant bacteria are an emerging global problem which threatens to undermine important advances in modern medicine. It is becoming increasingly clear that the dynamics of antibiotic resistance are not confined to clinical settings. The environment is likely to play an important role in dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes from and to both environmental and pathogenic bacteria. Wastewater treatment plants accumulate both chemical and biological waste from the surrounding urban milieu and have therefore been viewed as potential hotspots for dissemination and development of antibiotic resistance. To assess the effect of wastewater effluent on a river which flows through a Swedish city, sediment and water samples were collected from Stångån River, both upstream and downstream of an adjacent wastewater treatment plant over three months. Seven antibiotic resistance genes and the integrase gene on class 1 integrons were quantified in the collected sediment using realtime PCR. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to assess the abundance of ten different antibiotics in the water phase of the samples. The results showed an increase in ARGs and integrons downstream of the wastewater treatment plant as compared to upstream. The measured concentrations of antibiotics were low in the water samples from Stångån River, suggesting that selection for antibiotic resistance genes did not occur in the surface water. Instead, the downstream increase in antibiotic resistance genes is likely to be due to accumulation of genes present in the treated effluent discharged from the wastewater treatment plant.

  • 10.
    Berglund, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fick, Jerker
    Umeå University, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    URBAN WASTEWATER EFFLUENT INCREASES ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE GENE CONCENTRATIONS IN A RECEIVING NORTHERN EUROPEAN RIVER2015In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, ISSN 0730-7268, E-ISSN 1552-8618, Vol. 34, no 1, p. 192-196Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an emerging global problem that threatens to undermine important advances in modern medicine. The environment is likely to play an important role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) among both environmental and pathogenic bacteria. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) accumulate both chemical and biological waste from the surrounding urban milieu and have therefore been viewed as potential hotspots for dissemination and development of antibiotic resistance. To assess the effect of wastewater effluent on a river that flows through a Swedish city, sediment and water samples were collected from Stangan River, both upstream and downstream of an adjacent WWTP over 3 mo. Seven ARGs and the integrase gene on class 1 integrons were quantified in the collected sediment using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to assess the abundance of 10 different antibiotics in the water phase of the samples. The results showed an increase in ARGs and integrons downstream of the WWTP. The measured concentrations of antibiotics were low in the water samples from the Stangan River, suggesting that selection for ARGs did not occur in the surface water. Instead, the downstream increase in ARGs is likely to be attributable to accumulation of genes present in the treated effluent discharged from the WWTP. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:192-196. (c) 2014 SETAC

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  • 11.
    Berglund, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Khan, Ghazanfar Ali
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Lindberg, Richard
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Fick, Jerker
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Abundance and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and integrons in lake sediment microcosms2014In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 9, no 9, p. e108151-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing disease is an ever growing threat to the world. Recently, environmental bacteria have become established as important both as sources of antibiotic resistance genes and in disseminating resistance genes. Low levels of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals are regularly released into water environments via wastewater, and the concern is that such environmental contamination may serve to create hotspots for antibiotic resistance gene selection and dissemination. In this study, microcosms were created from water and sediments gathered from a lake in Sweden only lightly affected by human activities. The microcosms were exposed to a mixture of antibiotics of varying environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e., concentrations commonly encountered in wastewaters) in order to investigate the effect of low levels of antibiotics on antibiotic resistance gene abundances and dynamics in a previously uncontaminated environment. Antibiotic concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Abundances of seven antibiotic resistance genes and the class 1 integron integrase gene, intL1, were quantified using real-time PCR. Resistance genes sulI and ermB were quantified in the microcosm sediments with mean abundances 5 and 15 gene copies/10(6) 16S rRNA gene copies, respectively. Class 1 integrons were determined in the sediments with a mean concentration of 3.86x10(4) copies/10(6) 16S rRNA gene copies. The antibiotic treatment had no observable effect on antibiotic resistance gene or integron abundances.

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  • 12.
    Berglund, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Khan, Ghazanfar Ali
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Weisner, Stefan E B
    Wetland Research Centre, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Ehde, Per Magnus
    Wetland Research Centre, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Fick, Jerker
    Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Efficient removal of antibiotics in surface-flow constructed wetlands, with no observed impact on antibiotic resistance genes.2014In: Science of the Total Environment, ISSN 0048-9697, E-ISSN 1879-1026, Vol. 476-477, p. 29-37Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Recently, there have been growing concerns about pharmaceuticals including antibiotics as environmental contaminants. Antibiotics of concentrations commonly encountered in wastewater have been suggested to affect bacterial population dynamics and to promote dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Conventional wastewater treatment processes do not always adequately remove pharmaceuticals causing environmental dissemination of low levels of these compounds. Using constructed wetlands as an additional treatment step after sewage treatment plants have been proposed as a cheap alternative to increase reduction of wastewater contaminants, however this means that the natural microbial community of the wetlands becomes exposed to elevated levels of antibiotics. In this study, experimental surface-flow wetlands in Sweden were continuously exposed to antibiotics of concentrations commonly encountered in wastewater. The aim was to assess the antibiotic removal efficiency of constructed wetlands and to evaluate the impact of low levels of antibiotics on bacterial diversity, resistance development and expression in the wetland bacterial community. Antibiotic concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the effect on the bacterial diversity was assessed with 16S rRNA-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Real-time PCR was used to detect and quantify antibiotic resistance genes and integrons in the wetlands, during and after the exposure period. The results indicated that the antibiotic removal efficiency of constructed wetlands was comparable to conventional wastewater treatment schemes. Furthermore, short-term treatment of the constructed wetlands with environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e. 100-2000 ng×l(-1)) of antibiotics did not significantly affect resistance gene concentrations, suggesting that surface-flow constructed wetlands are well-suited for wastewater treatment purposes.

  • 13.
    Borg, O.
    et al.
    Uppsala University, Sweden.
    Wille, M.
    Uppsala University, Sweden.
    Kjellander, P.
    Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden.
    Bergvall, U. A.
    Swedish University of Agriculture Science, Sweden; Stockholm University, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Chirico, J.
    SVA, Sweden.
    Lundkvist, A.
    Uppsala University, Sweden; Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.
    Expansion of spatial and host range of Puumala virus in Sweden: an increasing threat for humans?2017In: Epidemiology and Infection, ISSN 0950-2688, E-ISSN 1469-4409, Vol. 145, no 8, p. 1642-1648Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Hantaviruses are globally distributed and cause severe human disease. Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) is the most common species in Northern Europe, and the only hantavirus confirmed to circulate in Sweden, restricted to the northern regions of the country. In this study, we aimed to further add to the natural ecology of PUUV in Sweden by investigating prevalence, and spatial and host species infection patterns. Specifically, we wanted to ascertain whether PUUV was present in the natural reservoir, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) further south than Dalalven river, in south-central Sweden, and whether PUUV can be detected in other rodent species in addition to the natural reservoir. In total, 559 animals were collected at Grimso (59 degrees 43 N; 15 degrees 28 E), Sala (59 degrees 55 N; 16 degrees 36 E) and Bogesund (59 degrees 24 N; 18 degrees 14 E) in south-central Sweden between May 2013 and November 2014. PUUV ELISA-reactive antibodies were found both in 2013 (22/295) and in 2014 (18/264), and nine samples were confirmed as PUUV-specific by focus reduction neutralization test. Most of the PUUV-specific samples were from the natural host, the bank vole, but also from other rodent hosts, indicating viral spill-over. Finally, we showed that PUUV is present in more highly populated central Sweden.

  • 14.
    Borjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Matussek, A
    Unilabs, Gothenburg.
    Melin, Sara
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lofgren, S
    County Hospital Ryhov.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in municipal wastewater: an uncharted threat?2010In: JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, ISSN 1364-5072, Vol. 108, no 4, p. 1244-1251Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: (i) To cultivate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), (ii) To characterize the indigenous MRSA-flora, (iii) To investigate how the treatment process affects clonal distribution and (iv) To examine the genetic relation between MRSA from wastewater and clinical MRSA. Methods: Wastewater samples were collected during 2 months at four key sites in the WWTP. MRSA isolates were characterized using spa typing, antibiograms, SSCmec typing and detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). Conclusions: MRSA could be isolated on all sampling occasions, but only from inlet and activated sludge. The number of isolates and diversity of MRSA were reduced by the treatment process, but there are indications that the process was selected for strains with more extensive antibiotic resistance and PVL+ strains. The wastewater MRSA-flora had a close genetic relationship to clinical isolates, most likely reflecting carriage in the community. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study shows that MRSA survives in wastewater and that the WWTP may be a potential reservoir for MRSA.

  • 15.
    Brissette, Catherine
    et al.
    Univ North Dakota, ND 58202 USA.
    Moniuszko-Malinowska, Anna
    Med Univ Bialystok, Poland.
    Nuttens, Charles
    Pfizer France, France.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Angulo, Frederick J.
    Pfizer Inc, PA USA.
    An Expert Panel DiscussionLyme Disease in Europe2023In: Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, ISSN 1530-3667, E-ISSN 1557-7759, Vol. 23, no S1Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 16.
    Bucardo, Filemon
    et al.
    University of Leon.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Svensson, Lennart
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Molecular Virology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Nordgren, Johan
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Low Prevalence of Rotavirus and High Prevalence of Norovirus in Hospital and Community Wastewater after Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine in Nicaragua2011In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 6, no 10Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) are major causes of pediatric diarrhea and are altogether associated with approximately 800,000 deaths in young children every year. In Nicaragua, national RV vaccination program using the pentavalent RV5 vaccine from Merck was implemented in October 2006. To determine whether RV vaccination decreased the overall number of RV infections, we investigated the occurrence of RV and NoV in wastewater in the city of Leon from July 2007 to July 2008 and compared these data with pre-vaccination data. The major finding was the low prevalence of RV compared to NoV in all sampling points (11% vs 44%, pandlt;0.05), and that RV concentration was lower as compared to NoV. RV was observed mainly during the rainy season (July-September), and the majority of all RV detected (6/9) belonged to subgroup (SG) I. The partial VP7-gene obtained from one RV positive sample was similar (99% nt identity) to a G6 VP7-gene of bovine origin and similar to the corresponding gene of the vaccine strain (98%). Furthermore RV G-types 2 and 4 were found in the incoming wastewater. NoV strains were detected throughout the year, of which a majority (20/21) were of genotype GII.4. We conclude that the introduction of RV vaccination reduced the transmission of RV in the community in Nicaragua. However, the burden of diarrhea in the country remains high, and the high prevalence of NoVs in hospital and municipal wastewater is noteworthy. This study highlights the need for further assessment of NoV following RV vaccine introduction.

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  • 17.
    Bucardo, Filemon
    et al.
    Department of Microbiology, University of León, UNAN-León, Nicaragua.
    Nordgren, Johan
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Carlsson, Beatrice
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Molecular Virology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Paniagua, Margarita
    Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology Centre, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Espinoza, Felix
    Department of Microbiology, University of León, UNAN-León, Nicaragua.
    Svensson, Lennart
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Molecular Virology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Pediatric norovirus diarrhea in Nicaragua2008In: Journal of Clinical Microbiology, ISSN 0095-1137, E-ISSN 1098-660X, Vol. 46, no 8, p. 2573-2580Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Information about norovirus (NoV) infections in Central America is limited. Through a passive community and hospital pediatric diarrhea surveillance program, a total of 542 stool samples were collected between March 2005 and February 2006 in León, Nicaragua. NoV was detected in 12% (65/542) of the children; of these, 11% (45/409) were in the community and 15% (20/133) were in the hospital, with most strains (88%) belonging to genogroup II. NoV infections were age and gender associated, with children of <2 years of age (P < 0.05) and girls (P < 0.05) being most affected. Breast-feeding did not reduce the number of NoV infections. An important proportion (57%) of NoV-infected children were coinfected with diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. A significant proportion (18/31) of NoV-positive children with dehydration required intravenous rehydration. Nucleotide sequence analysis (38/65) of the N-terminal and shell region in the capsid gene revealed that at least six genotypes (GI.4, GII.2, GII.4, GII.7, GII.17, and a potentially novel cluster termed "GII.18-Nica") circulated during the study period, with GII.4 virus being predominant (26/38). The majority (20/26) of those GII.4 strains shared high nucleotide homology (99%) with the globally emerging Hunter strain. The mean viral load was approximately 15-fold higher in children infected with GII.4 virus than in those infected with other G.II viruses, with the highest viral load observed for the group of children infected with GII.4 and requiring intravenous rehydration. This study, the first of its type from a Central American country, suggests that NoV is an important etiological agent of acute diarrhea among children of <2 years of age in Nicaragua.

  • 18.
    Bäckman, Jenny
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
    Kasimir Klemedtsson, Åsa
    Klemedtsson, Leif
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology.
    Clear-cutting affects the ammonia-oxidising community differently in limed and non-limed coniferous forest soils2004In: Biology and Fertility of Soils, ISSN 0178-2762, E-ISSN 1432-0789, Vol. 40, no 4, p. 260-267Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The effects of clear-cutting on the ammonia-oxidising bacterial community were studied in the soil of limed and non-limed spruce forest plots located in the central part of southern Sweden. The communities were studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiling after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from total DNA with primers reported to be specific for β-subgroup ammonia-oxidising bacteria. The bands on the DGGE were sequenced and each unique sequence was interpreted as representing one ammonia-oxidising population. The relative abundance of each population was determined by measuring the fluorescence of the respective DGGE bands. In both limed and non-limed soil, the same two Nitrosospira populations were found, one belonging to cluster 2 (NScl2) and one to cluster 4 (NScl4). However, while NScl4 first appeared a year after the clear-cutting in the non-limed plot, it was present both before and after the cutting in the limed plot. Irrespective of previous liming, clear-cutting caused a shift in the ammonia-oxidiser community, from dominance by the NScl2 population to a community with approximately equal relative abundance of NScl2 and NScl4. In both plots the total size of the community increased after clear-cutting (based on increased DGGE band intensity), most likely due to increased NH4+ availability, but the growth response was faster in the limed plot. Hence, the prior liming increased the responsiveness of the ammonia-oxidisers to the changes caused by cutting. This is the first study to report the effects of clear-cutting on the ammonia-oxidising community, and the results show a clear correlation between increased potential nitrification and a shift in the ammonia-oxidiser community.

  • 19.
    Börjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dienues, Olaf
    Department of Clinical Microbiology, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Jarnheimer, Per-Åke
    Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, Sweden.
    Olsen, Björn
    Department of Natural Science, University of Kalmar, Kalmar, Sweden/Department of Clinical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Matussek, Andreas
    Department of Clinical Microbiology, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden/Unilabs, Capio, St Goumlran's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Quantification of genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides, β-lactams and tetracyclines in wastewater environments by real-time PCR2009In: International Journal of Environmental Health Research, ISSN 0960-3123, E-ISSN 1369-1619, p. 1-12Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In this study real-time PCR assays, based on the LUX-technique, were developed for quantification of genes mediating resistance to aminoglycosides [aac(6 ')-Ie + aph(2 ' ')], beta-lactams (mecA), and tetracyclines (tetA and tetB), for use in wastewater environments. The developed assays were applied on DNA extracted from three wastewater-associated environments: soil from an overland flow area treating landfill leachates, biofilm from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and sludge from a hospital wastewater pipeline. The highest concentration of all genes was observed in the hospital pipeline and the lowest in the overland flow system. TetA and aac(6 ')-Ie + aph(2 ' ') could be detected in all environments. The tetB gene was detected in the overland flow area and the hospital wastewater pipeline and mecA was detected in the wastewater treatment plant and the hospital pipeline. The developed LUX real-time PCR assays were shown to be fast and reproducible tools for detection and quantification of the four genes encoding antibiotic resistance in wastewater.

  • 20.
    Börjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Mattsson, Ann
    Ryaverket, Gryaab, Göteborg, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Genes encoding tetracycline resistance in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant investigated during one yearManuscript (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Tetracycline-resistant bacteria and genes encoding tetracycline resistance are common in anthropogenic environments. We studied how wastewater treatment affects the prevalence and concentration of two genes that encode resistance to tetracycline: tetA and tetB. Using real-time PCR we analysed wastewater samples collected monthly for one year at eight key-sites in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). We detected tetA and tetB at each sampling site and the concentration of both genes, expressed per wastewater volume or per total-DNA, decreased over the treatment process. The reduction of tetA and tetB was partly the result of the sedimentation process. The ratio of tetA and tetB, respectively, to total DNA was lower in or after the biological processes. Taken together our data show that tetracycline resistance genes occur throughout the WWTP and that the concentrations are reduced under conventional operational strategies. However, it is not possible to conclude the eventual risk for humans with respect to resistance spreading.

  • 21.
    Börjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Matussek, Andreas
    County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden/Laboratory Services, Unilabs, Göteborg, Sweden.
    Melin, Sara
    County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Löfgren, Sture
    County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in municipal wastewater: An uncharted threat?Manuscript (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was recently detected in municipal wastewater, why there is a need for further studies to elucidate if MRSA in wastewater constitutes a health risk, and to determine how wastewater treatment processes affects MRSA. We cultivated MRSA from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant to characterise the indigenous MRSA-flora and to investigate how the wastewater treatment process affects the clonal distribution. MRSA isolates were characterised using spa typing, antibiograms, SSCmec typing and detection of Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. We found that the wastewater MRSA-flora has a close genetic relationship to clinical isolates, but we also isolated novel spa types, primarily from the activated sludge treatment step. The number of isolates and the diversity of MRSA are reduced by the treatment process, but the process also selects for more extensive antibiotic resistant strains as well as for PVL positive strains.

  • 22.
    Börjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Melin, Sara
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Matussek, Andreas
    County Hospital Ryhov.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    A seasonal study of the mecA gene and Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus in a municipal wastewater treatment plant2009In: Water Research, ISSN 0043-1354, E-ISSN 1879-2448, Vol. 43, no 4, p. 925-932Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in which the mecA gene mediates resistance, threatens the treatment of staphylococcal diseases. The aims were to determine the effect of wastewater treatment processes on mecA gene concentrations, and the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA over time. To achieve this a municipal wastewater treatment plant was investigated for the mecA gene, S. aureus and MRSA, using real-time PCR assays. Water samples were collected monthly for one year, at eight sites in the plant, reflecting different aspects of the treatment process. The mecA gene and S. aureus could be detected throughout the year at all sampling sites. MRSA could also be detected, but mainly in the early treatment steps. The presence of MRSA was verified through cultivation from inlet water. The concentration of the mecA gene varied between months and sampling sites, but no obvious seasonal variation could be determined. The wastewater treatment process reduced the mecA gene concentration in most months. Taken together our results show that the mecA gene, S. aureus and MRSA occur over the year at all sites investigated.

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  • 23.
    Börjesson, Stefan
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Melin, Sara
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Matussek, Andreas
    Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden; Unilabs, Capio S:t Görans Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Department of Clinical Microbiology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Correction: A seasonal study of the mecA gene and Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (in WATER RESEARCH, Volume 43, Issue 4, Pages 925-932)2009In: Water Research, ISSN 0043-1354, E-ISSN 1879-2448, Vol. 43, no 15, p. 3900-3900Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    n/a

  • 24.
    Caliz, Joan
    et al.
    University of Girona.
    Vila, Xavier
    University of Girona.
    Marti, Esther
    University of Barcelona.
    Sierra, Jordi
    University of Barcelona.
    Nordgren, Johan
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Baneras, Lluis
    University of Girona.
    Montserrat, Genoveva
    University of Girona.
    The microbiota of an unpolluted calcareous soil faces up chlorophenols: Evidences of resistant strains with potential for bioremediation2011In: Chemosphere, ISSN 0045-6535, E-ISSN 1879-1298, Vol. 83, no 2, p. 104-116Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    To highlight the effects of a variety of chlorophenols (CP) in relation to the response of an indigenous bacterial community, an agricultural Mediterranean calcareous soil has been studied in microcosms incubated under controlled laboratory conditions. Soil samples were artificially polluted with 2-monochlorophenol (MCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP), at concentrations ranging from 0.1 up to 5000 mg kg(-1). Both activity and composition of the microbial community were assessed during several weeks, respectively, by respirometric methods and PCR-DGGE analysis of extracted DNA and RNA. Significant decreases in soil respirometric values and changes in the bacterial community composition were observed at concentrations above 1000 mg kg(-1) MCP and TCP, and above 100 mg kg(-1) PCP. However, the persistence of several active bacterial populations in soil microcosms contaminated with high concentration of CP, as indicated by DGGE fingerprints, suggested the capacity of these native bacteria to survive in the presence of the pollutants, even without a previous adaptation or contact with them. The isolation of potential CP degraders was attempted by culture plating from microcosms incubated with high CP concentrations. Twenty-three different isolates were screened for their resistance to TCP and PCP. The most resistant isolates were identified as Kocuria palustris, Lysobacter gummosus, Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas putida, according to 16S rRNA gene homology. In addition, these four isolates also showed the capacity to reduce the concentration of TCP and PCP from 15% to 30% after 5 d of incubation in laboratory assays (initial pollutant concentration of 50 mg L(-1)). Isolate ITP29, which could be a novel species of Bacillus, has been revealed as the first known member in this bacterial group with potential for CP bioremediation applications, usually wide-spread in the soil natural communities, which has not been reported to date as a CP degrader.

  • 25.
    Carlströmer Berthén, Nellie
    et al.
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, The Aland Islands, Finland; Bimelix AB, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Tompa, Eszter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Olausson, Susanne
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands,The Aland Islands, Finland;Bimelix AB, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Nyberg, Clara
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Nyman, Dag
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, The Aland Islands, Finland;Bimelix AB, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Ringbom, Malin
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, The Aland Islands, Finland;The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Perander, Linda
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, The Aland Islands, Finland;The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    Svärd, Joel
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden.
    Sjöwall, Johanna
    Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Region Östergötland, Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Nordberg, Marika
    Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Island, The Aland Islands, Finland;The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, The Aland Islands, Finland.
    The AxBioTick Study: Borrelia Species and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Ticks, and Clinical Responses in Tick-Bitten Individuals on the Aland Islands, Finland2023In: Microorganisms, E-ISSN 2076-2607, Vol. 11, no 5, article id 1100Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The AxBioTick Study: Borrelia Species and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Ticks, and Clinical Responses in Tick-Bitten Individuals on the Aland Islands, Finlandby  Nellie Carlströmer Berthén 1,2,*,† , Eszter Tompa 3,† , Susanne Olausson 1,2, Clara Nyberg 1, Dag Nyman 1,2, Malin Ringbom 1,4, Linda Perander 1,4, Joel Svärd 3, Per-Eric Lindgren 3,5, Pia Forsberg 3, Peter Wilhelmsson 3,5,‡, Johanna Sjöwall 3,6,‡  and Marika Nordberg 1,4,‡  1Borrelia Research Group of the Aland Islands, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland2Bimelix AB, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland3Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linkoping University, 581 83 Linkoping, Sweden4The Aland Islands Healthcare Services, 22100 Mariehamn, The Aland Islands, Finland5Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, County Hospital Ryhov, 551 85 Jonkoping, Sweden6Department of Infectious Diseases, Vrinnevi Hospital, 603 79 Norrkoping, Sweden*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.†These authors contributed equally to the study.‡These authors contributed equally to the study.Microorganisms 2023, 11(5), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051100Received: 30 March 2023 / Revised: 17 April 2023 / Accepted: 19 April 2023 / Published: 22 April 2023(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens)

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    AbstractThe AxBioTick study was initiated to investigate the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens and their impact on antibody and clinical responses in tick-bitten individuals on the Aland Islands. This geographical area is hyperendemic for both Lyme borreliosis (LB) and Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Blood samples and ticks were collected from 100 tick-bitten volunteers. A total of 425 ticks was collected, all determined to Ixodes ricinus using molecular tools. Of them 20% contained Borrelia species, of which B. garinii and B. afzelii were most common. None contained the TBE virus (TBEV). Blood samples were drawn in conjunction with the tick bite, and eight weeks later. Sera were analyzed for Borrelia- and TBEV-specific antibodies using an ELISA and a semiquantitative antibody assay. In total 14% seroconverted in Borrelia C6IgG1, 3% in TBEV IgG, and 2% in TBEV IgM. Five participants developed clinical manifestations of LB. The high seroprevalence of both Borrelia (57%) and TBEV (52%) antibodies are likely attributed to the endemic status of the corresponding infections as well as the TBE vaccination program. Despite the similar prevalence of Borrelia spp. detected in ticks in other parts of Europe, the infection rate in this population is high. The AxBioTick study is continuing to investigate more participants and ticks for co-infections, and to characterize the dermal immune response following a tick bite.

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  • 26.
    Chiappa, Giulia
    et al.
    Univ Milan, Italy.
    Perini, Matteo
    Univ Milan, Italy.
    Cafiso, Alessandra
    Univ Milan, Italy.
    Nodari, Riccardo
    Univ Milan, Italy.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden.
    Omazic, Anna
    Natl Vet Inst, Sweden.
    Ullman, Karin
    Natl Vet Inst, Sweden.
    Moutailler, Sara
    Ecole Natl Vet Alfort, France.
    Kjellander, Petter
    Swedish Univ Agr Sci, Sweden.
    Bazzocchi, Chiara
    Univ Milan, Italy.
    Grandi, Giulio
    Natl Vet Inst, Sweden; Swedish Univ Agr Sci, Sweden.
    A Novel High Discriminatory Protocol for the Detection of Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto and Borrelia garinii in Ticks2022In: Pathogens, E-ISSN 2076-0817, Vol. 11, no 11, article id 1234Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex are the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (LB). Even if the conventional diagnosis of LB does not rely on the species itself, an accurate species identification within the complex will provide a deepened epidemiological scenario, a better diagnosis leading to a more targeted therapeutic approach, as well as promote the general publics awareness. A comparative genomics approach based on the 210 Borrelia spp. genomes available in 2019 were used to set up three species-specific PCR protocols, able to detect and provide species typing of Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) and Borrelia garinii, the three most common and important human pathogenic Lyme Borrelia species in Europe. The species-specificity of these protocols was confirmed on previously identified B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. garinii specimens detected in Ixodes ricinus samples. In addition, the protocols were validated on 120 DNA samples from ticks collected in Sweden, showing 88% accuracy, 100% precision, 72% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The proposed approach represents an innovative tool in epidemiological studies focused on B. burgdorferi s.l. occurrence in ticks, and future studies could suggest its helpfulness in routine diagnostic tests for health care.

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  • 27.
    Cronhjort, Samuel
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Department of Clinical Microbiology, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Karlsson, Linda
    Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden.
    Thelaus, Johanna
    Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden.
    Sjödin, Andreas
    Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Department of Clinical Microbiology, Jönköping, Sweden.
    The Tick-Borne Diseases STING study: Real-time PCR analysis of three emerging tick-borne pathogens in ticks that have bitten humans in different regions of Sweden and the Aland islands, Finland2019In: Infection Ecology & Epidemiology, ISSN 2000-8686, E-ISSN 2000-8686, Vol. 9, no 1, article id 1683935Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    A milder climate has during the last decade contributed to an increased density and spreading of ixodid ticks, thus enhancing their role as emerging vectors for pathogenic microorganisms in northern Europe. It remains unclear if they contribute to the occurrence of infections caused by the bacteria Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in Sweden and on the Åland islands, Finland. In this study, we want to improve understanding of the tick-borne transmission of these pathogens. Volunteers were recruited at primary healthcare centers. Ticks and blood samples were acquired from participants recruited in 2008 and 2009. Health questionnaires were completed, and medical records were acquired where applicable. Feeding time was estimated and screening of pathogens in the ticks was performed through real-time PCR. Ticks (n = 1849) were of mixed developmental stages: 76 larvae, 1295 nymphs, 426 adults and 52 undetermined. All analyzed ticks were considered negative for these pathogens since the CT-values were all below the detection limit for Bartonella spp. (1663 ticks), Francisella spp. (1849 ticks) and Toxoplasma gondii (1813 ticks). We assume that infections with these pathogens are caused by other transmission pathways within these regions of Sweden and the Åland islands, Finland.

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  • 28.
    Dalin, Erik
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Ansker,
    Stockholm vatten.
    Häggström,
    Stockholm vatten.
    Dahlberg, B
    Göteborg vatten.
    Pott, B-M
    Sydvatten.
    Ericsson, P
    Norrvatten.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
     Analysmetoder för norovirus i ytvatten:  Utveckling av molekylärbiologisk metodik för detektion och kvantifiering i vatten och slam2010Report (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Viruses causing water-borne outbreaks and concentration methods for viruses in water is described. Analysis methodology for measuring background levels of norovirus in surface water sources has been developed. The detection is performed using an automated molecular analysis chain.

  • 29.
    Dessau, R. B.
    et al.
    Slagelse Hosp, Denmark.
    van Dam, A. P.
    OLVG Gen Hosp and Publ Hlth Lab, Netherlands.
    Fingerle, V.
    Natl Reference Ctr Borrelia, Germany.
    Gray, J.
    Univ Coll Dublin, Ireland.
    Hovius, J. W.
    Univ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
    Hunfeld, K. -P.
    Goethe Univ, Germany; INSTAND eV, Germany.
    Jaulhac, B.
    Hop Univ Strasbourg, France.
    Kahl, O.
    Tick Radar GmbH, Germany.
    Kristoferitsch, W.
    Karl Landsteiner Inst Neuroimmunol and Neurodegener, Austria.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Markowicz, M.
    Med Univ Vienna, Austria.
    Mavin, S.
    Raigmore Hosp, Scotland.
    Ornstein, K.
    Skanevard Kryh, Sweden.
    Rupprecht, T.
    HELIOS Klinikum Munchen West, Germany.
    Stanek, G.
    Med Univ Vienna, Austria.
    Strle, F.
    Univ Med Ctr Ljubljana, Slovenia.
    To test or not to test? Laboratory support for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis - Authors reply2018In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection, ISSN 1198-743X, E-ISSN 1469-0691, Vol. 24, no 2, p. 211-212Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    n/a

  • 30.
    Dessau, R. B.
    et al.
    Slagelse Hosp, Denmark.
    van Dam, A. P.
    OLVG Gen Hosp, Netherlands; Publ Hlth Lab, Netherlands.
    Fingerle, V.
    Natl Reference Ctr Borrelia, Germany.
    Gray, J.
    Univ Coll Dublin, Ireland.
    Hovius, J. W.
    Univ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
    Hunfeld, K-P
    Goethe Univ, Germany; INSTAND eV, Germany.
    Jaulhac, B.
    Hop Univ Strasbourg, France.
    Kahl, O.
    Tick Radar GmbH, Germany.
    Kristoferitsch, W.
    Karl Landsteiner Inst Neuroimmunol and Neurodegener, Austria.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Markowicz, M.
    Med Univ Vienna, Austria.
    Mavin, S.
    Raigmore Hosp, Scotland.
    Ornstein, K.
    Skanevard Kryh, Sweden.
    Rupprecht, T.
    HELIOS Klinikum Munchen West, Germany.
    Stanek, G.
    Med Univ Vienna, Austria.
    Strle, F.
    Univ Med Ctr Ljubljana, Slovenia.
    To test or not to test? Laboratory support for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis: a position paper of ESGBOR, the ESCMID study group for Lyme borreliosis2018In: Clinical Microbiology and Infection, ISSN 1198-743X, E-ISSN 1469-0691, Vol. 24, no 2, p. 118-124Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The most frequent clinical manifestations are erythema migrans and Lyme neuroborreliosis. Currently, a large volume of diagnostic testing for LB is reported, whereas the incidence of clinically relevant disease manifestations is low. This indicates overuse of diagnostic testing for LB with implications for patient care and cost-effective health management. Aim: The recommendations provided in this review are intended to support both the clinical diagnosis and initiatives for a more rational use of laboratory testing in patients with clinically suspected LB. Sources: This is a narrative review combining various aspects of the clinical and laboratory diagnosis with an educational purpose. The literature search was based on existing systematic reviews, national and international guidelines and supplemented with specific citations. Implications: The main recommendations according to current European case definitions for LB are as follows. Typical erythema migrans should be diagnosed clinically and does not require laboratory testing. The diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis requires laboratory investigation of the spinal fluid including intrathecal antibody production, and the remaining disease manifestations require testing for serum antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Testing individuals with non-specific subjective symptoms is not recommended, because of a low positive predictive value. (C) 2017 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 31.
    Dessau, Ram B
    et al.
    Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark.
    Fryland, Linda
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Ekerfelt, Christina
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Neuro and Inflammation Science. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Nyman, Dag
    Åland University, Mariehamn, Finlad.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Study of a Cohort of 1,886 Persons To Determine Changes in Antibody Reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi 3 Months after a Tick Bite2015In: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, ISSN 1556-6811, E-ISSN 1556-679X, Vol. 22, no 7, p. 823-827Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The most frequent clinical manifestation is a rash called erythema migrans. Changes in antibody reactivity to B. burgdorferi 3 months after a tick bite are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). One assay is based on native purified flagellum antigen (IgG), and the other assay is based on a recombinant antigen called C6 (IgG or IgM). Paired samples were taken at the time of a tick bite and 3 months later from 1,886 persons in Sweden and the Åland Islands, Finland. The seroconversion or relative change is defined by dividing the measurement units from the second sample by those from the first sample. The threshold for the minimum level of significant change was defined at the 2.5% level to represent the random error level. The thresholds were a 2.7-fold rise for the flagellar IgG assay and a 1.8-fold rise for the C6 assay. Of 1,886 persons, 102/101 (5.4%) had a significant rise in antibody reactivity in the flagellar assay or the C6 assay. Among 40 cases with a diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, the sensitivities corresponding to a rise in antibodies were 33% and 50% for the flagellar antigen and the C6 antigen, respectively. Graphical methods to display the antibody response and to choose thresholds for a rise in relative antibody reactivity are shown and discussed. In conclusion, 5.4% of people with tick bites showed a rise in Borrelia-specific antibodies above the 2.5% threshold in either ELISA but only 40 (2.1%) developed clinical Lyme borreliosis.

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  • 32.
    Dienus, Olaf
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Sokolova, Ekaterina
    Chalmers, Sweden.
    Nyström, Fredrik
    Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Neuro and Inflammation Science. Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden; Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.
    Matussek, Andreas
    Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Löfgren, Sture
    Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Blom, Lena
    Chalmers, Sweden; City Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Pettersson, Thomas J. R.
    Chalmers, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Norovirus Dynamics in Wastewater Discharges and in the Recipient Drinking Water Source: Long-Term Monitoring and Hydrodynamic Modeling2016In: Environmental Science and Technology, ISSN 0013-936X, E-ISSN 1520-5851, Vol. 50, no 20, p. 10851-10858Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Norovirus (NoV) that enters drinking water sources with wastewater discharges is a common cause of waterborne outbreaks. The impact of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on the river Gota alv (Sweden) was studied using monitoring and hydrodynamic modeling. The concentrations of NoV genogroups (GG) I and II in samples collected at WWTPs and drinking water intakes (source water) during one year were quantified using duplex real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mean (standard deviation) NoV GGI and GGII genome concentrations were 6.2 (1.4) and 6.8 (1.8) in incoming wastewater and 5.3 (1.4) and 5.9 (1.4) log(10) genome equivalents (g.e.) L-1 in treated wastewater, respectively. The reduction at the WWTPs varied between 0.4 and 1.1 log(10) units. In source water, the concentration ranged from below the detection limit to 3.8 log(10) g.e. L-1. NoV GGII was detected in both wastewater and source water more frequently during the cold than the warm period of the year. The spread of NoV in the river was simulated using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. The modeling results indicated that the NoV GGI and GGII genome concentrations in source water may occasionally be up to 2.8 and 1.9 log(10) units higher, respectively, than the concentrations measured during the monitoring project.

  • 33.
    Eliassen, Knut Eirik
    et al.
    Univ Bergen, Norway.
    Ocias, Lukas Frans
    Statens Serum Inst, Denmark; Karlstad Hosp, Sweden.
    Krogfelt, Karen A.
    Statens Serum Inst, Denmark; Roskilde Univ, Denmark.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Dudman, Susanne Gjeruldsen
    Univ Oslo, Norway; Oslo Univ Hosp, Norway.
    Andreassen, Åshild
    Norwegian Inst Publ Hlth, Norway; Univ South Eastern Norway, Norway.
    Lindbak, Morten
    Univ Oslo, Norway.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Tick-transmitted co-infections among erythema migrans patients in a general practice setting in Norway: a clinical and laboratory follow-up study2021In: BMC Infectious Diseases, E-ISSN 1471-2334, Vol. 21, no 1, article id 1044Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background Erythema migrans (EM) is the most common manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. Here, we examined EM patients in Norwegian general practice to find the proportion exposed to tick-transmitted microorganisms other than Borrelia, and the impact of co-infection on the clinical manifestations and disease duration. Methods Skin biopsies from 139/188 EM patients were analyzed using PCR for Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. Follow-up sera from 135/188 patients were analyzed for spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, A. phagocytophilum and Babesia microti antibodies, and tested with PCR if positive. Day 0 sera from patients with fever (8/188) or EM duration of &gt;= 21 days (69/188) were analyzed, using PCR, for A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp. and N. mikurensis. Day 14 sera were tested for TBEV IgG. Results We detected no microorganisms in the skin biopsies nor in the sera of patients with fever or prolonged EM duration. Serological signs of exposure against SFG Rickettsia and A. phagocytophilum were detected in 11/135 and 8/135, respectively. Three patients exhibited both SFG Rickettsia and A. phagocytophilum antibodies, albeit negative PCR. No antibodies were detected against B. microti. 2/187 had TBEV antibodies without prior immunization. There was no significant increase in clinical symptoms or disease duration in patients with possible co-infection. Conclusions Co-infection with N. mikurensis, A. phagocytophilum, SFG Rickettsia, Babesia spp. and TBEV is uncommon in Norwegian EM patients. Despite detecting antibodies against SFG Rickettsia and A. phagocytophilum in some patients, no clinical implications could be demonstrated.

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  • 34.
    Eskeland, Sveinung
    et al.
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Stuen, Snorre
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Crosby, Francy L.
    Univ Florida, FL 32608 USA.
    Lybeck, Kari
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway.
    Barbet, Anthony F.
    Univ Florida, FL 32608 USA.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Tollefsen, Stig
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Infection and Inflammation. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Tollersrud, Tore S.
    Norwegian Meat and Poultry Res Ctr, Norway.
    Makvandi-Nejad, Shokouh
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway.
    Granquist, Erik G.
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Assessing the clinical and bacteriological outcomes of vaccination with recombinant Asp14 and OmpA against A. phagocytophilum in sheep2019In: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, ISSN 0165-2427, E-ISSN 1873-2534, Vol. 218, article id UNSP 109936Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick borne bacterium, causing disease in sheep and other mammals, including humans. The bacterium has great economic and animal welfare implications for sheep husbandry in Northern Europe. With the prospect of a warmer and more humid climate, the vector availability will likely increase, resulting in a higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum. The current preventive measures, as pyrethroids acting on ticks or long acting antibiotics controlling bacterial infection, are suboptimal for prevention of the disease in sheep. Recently, the increased awareness on antibiotic- and pyrethorid resistance, is driving the search for a new prophylactic approach in sheep against A. phagocytophilum. Previous studies have used an attenuated vaccine, which gave insufficient protection from challenge with live bacteria. Other studies have focused on bacterial membrane surface proteins like Asp14 and OmpA. An animal study using homologous proteins to Asp14 and OmpA of A. marginate, showed no protective effect in heifers. In the current study, recombinant proteins of Asp14 (rAsp14) and OmpA (rOmpA) of A. phagocytophilum were produced and prepared as a vaccine for sheep. Ten lambs were vaccinated twice with an adjuvant emulsified with rAsp14 or rOmpA, three weeks apart and challenged with a live strain of A. phagocytophilum (GenBank acc.nr M73220) on day 42. The control group consisted of five lambs injected twice with PBS and adjuvant. Hematology, real time qPCR, immunodiagnostics and flow cytometric analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were performed. Vaccinated lambs responded with clinical signs of A.phagocytophilum infection after challenge and bacterial load in the vaccinated group was not reduced compared to the control group. rAsp14 vaccinated lambs generated an antibody response against the vaccine, but a clear specificity for rAsp14 could not be established. rOmpA-vaccinated lambs developed a strong specific antibody response on days 28 after vaccination and 14 days post-challenge. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear monocytes revealed no difference between the three groups, but the percentage of CD4, CD8(+), gamma delta TcR+, lambda-Light chain(+), CD11b(+), CD14(+) and MHC II+ cells, within the groups changed during the study, most likely due to the adjuvant or challenge with the bacterium. Although an antigen specific antibody response could be detected against rOmpA and possibly rAsp14, the vaccines seemed to be ineffective in reducing clinical signs and bacterial load caused by A. phagocytophilum. This is the first animal study with recombinant Asp14 and OmpA aimed at obtaining clinical protection against A. phagocytophilum in sheep.

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  • 35.
    Eskeland, Sveinung
    et al.
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Stuen, Snorre
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Munderloh, Ulrike G.
    Univ Minnesota, MN 55108 USA.
    Barbet, Anthony
    Univ Florida, FL 32608 USA.
    Crosby, Liliana
    Univ Florida, FL 32608 USA.
    Lybeck, Kari
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Makvandi-Nejad, Shokouh
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway.
    Tollefsen, Stig
    Norwegian Vet Inst, Norway; Coalit Epidem Preparedness CEPI, Norway.
    Granquist, Erik G.
    Norwegian Univ Life Sci, Norway.
    Clinical and immunological responses in sheep after inoculation with Himar1-transformed Anaplasma phagocytophilum and subsequent challenge with a virulent strain of the bacterium2021In: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, ISSN 0165-2427, E-ISSN 1873-2534, Vol. 231, article id 110165Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Norway, the tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum is estimated to cause tick-borne fever (TBF) in 300 000 lambs on pastures each year, resulting in economic and animal welfare consequences. Today, prophylactic measures mainly involve the use of acaricides, but a vaccine has been requested by farmers and veterinarians for decades. Several attempts have been made to produce a vaccine against A. phagocytophilum including antigenic surface proteins, inactivated whole cell vaccines and challenge followed by treatment. In the current study, a virulent wild type strain of A. phagocytophilum named Ap.Norvar1 (16S rRNA sequence partial identical to sequence in GenBank acc.no M73220) was subject to genetic transformation with a Himar1-transposon, which resulted in three bacterial mutants, capable of propagation in a tick cell line (ISE6). In order to test the immunogenicity and pathogenicity of the live, mutated bacteria, these were clinically tested in an inoculation- and challenge study in sheep. One group was inoculated with the Ap.Norvar1 as an infection control. After inoculation, the sheep inoculated with mutated bacteria and the Ap.Norvar1 developed typical clinical signs of infection and humoral immune response. After challenge with Ap.Norvar1, 28 days later all groups inoculated with mutated bacteria showed clinical signs of tick-borne fever and bacteremia while the group initially inoculated with the Ap.Norvar1, showed protection against clinical disease. The current study shows a weak, but partial protection against infection in animals inoculated with mutated bacteria, while animals that received Ap.Norvar1 both for inoculation and challenge, responded with homologues protection.

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  • 36.
    Fomsgaard, Anders
    et al.
    University of Southern Denmark, Denmark .
    Fertner, Mette E
    Statens Serum Institute, Denmark .
    Essbauer, Sandra
    Institute Mikrobiol Bundeswehr, Germany .
    Nielsen, Alex Y
    Statens Serum Institute, Denmark .
    Frey, Stefan
    Institute Mikrobiol Bundeswehr, Germany .
    Lindblom, Pontus
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Bodker, Rene
    Technical University of Denmark, Denmark .
    Weidmann, Manfred
    University of Medical Gottingen, Germany .
    Dobler, Gerhard
    Institute Mikrobiol Bundeswehr, Germany .
    Letter: Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus, Zealand, Denmark, 20112013In: Emerging Infectious Diseases, ISSN 1080-6040, E-ISSN 1080-6059, Vol. 19, no 7, p. 1171-1173Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    n/a

  • 37.
    Fryland, Linda
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases in Östergötland.
    Sandin, Linnea
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Cell Biology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Cell Biology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindblom, Pontus
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Nyman, Dag
    Aland Borrelia Grp.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Ernerudh, Jan
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine.
    Ekerfelt, Christina
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology.
    Biomarkers in blood a few days after a bite by a Borrelia burgdorferi infected tick:: Asymptomatic Borrelia burgdorferi-infected subjects show higher Th1-associated response compared with subjects who later develop Lyme borreliosis2012Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The clinical outcome following infection with Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) differs between individuals, ranging from asymptomatic infection to Lyme borreliosis (LB) with persistent symptoms post-treatment. Previous studies in mice and humans have generated the hypothesis that a successful outcome of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection is associated with an early strong pro-inflammatory T helper (Th)1-like immune response. The aim of this study was to assess the early course of events in B. burgdorferi s.l.-associated inflammation by screening for possible early immune biomarkers in peripheral blood from newly tick-bitten persons. The study subjects bitten by B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected ticks were divided into (1) those later developing clinical LB, (2) those who developed anti-B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies but not clinical LB, (3) those who neither developed antibodies nor clinical LB. A fourth group consisted of bitten study subjects without development of antibodies or clinical LB. Two sets of samples, both comprising all four groups, were collected in order to repeat the analyses and confirm the data. Sera or plasma collected a few days after the tick bite were analysed for 18 biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-27, TNF, CCL18, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, calprotectin, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9) by multiplex bead assay and ELISA. In the first set of samples, the neutrophil activation marker calprotectin was increased in subjects who developed clinical LB compared with subjects who developed antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. but did not develop LB. However, the finding could not be confirmed in the second set of samples, thus the study failed to identify an early prognostic marker for development of clinical LB. Interestingly, both sets of samples showed increases in two different Th1-associated markers, CXCL10 and IL-12p70, respectively, in subjects who following a bite by a B. burgdorferi s.l.-infected tick developed antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. but did not develop LB compared with subjects who developed clinical LB, thus supporting the hypothesis of an early strong Th1-response being important for optimal resolution of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection.

  • 38.
    Fryland, Linda
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medical Microbiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Nyman, Dag
    Aland Borrelia Grp.
    Ekerfelt, Christina
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases in Östergötland.
    Low risk of developing Borrelia burgdorferi infection in the south-east of Sweden after being bitten by a Borrelia burgdorferi-infected tick2011In: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, ISSN 1201-9712, Vol. 15, no 3, p. E174-E181Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: The risk of developing Lyme borreliosis (LB) from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb)-infected ticks in Sweden is largely unknown. In the current study, we investigated the prevalence of Bb in ticks that had bitten humans and the risk of developing LB from Bb-infected ticks. Methods: Health questionnaires, blood samples, and ticks were collected from 394 tick-bitten study subjects in the County of Ostergotland, Sweden, at the time of the tick bite. Questionnaires and blood samples were also collected 3 months later. Ticks were screened for Bb DNA with PCR, while sera were analyzed for antibodies against Bb using two ELISA assays. Seroconversion, i.e., an at least two-fold increase in anti-Bb antibodies after 3 months, was confirmed using a Strip-Immunoassay. Results: Seventy-five of 397 ticks collected from the study subjects were determined to be Bb-positive. Sixty-four of the tick-bitten subjects had been bitten by Bb-infected ticks. Four of them showed seroconversion and were therefore considered to have an active Bb infection. None of these four subjects had sought health care due to symptoms, but one reported symptoms. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the risk of developing LB after being bitten by a Bb-infected tick is low, and asymptomatic Bb infections appear to be more frequent than symptomatic infections.

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  • 39.
    Generó, Magalí Martí
    et al.
    Linköping University, The Tema Institute, Tema Environmental Change. Linköping University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
    Juottonen, Heli
    MEM-group, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Robroek, Bjorn J.M.
    Ecology and Biodiversity Group, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
    Yrjälä, Kim
    MEM-group, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
    Danielsson, Åsa
    Linköping University, The Tema Institute, Tema Environmental Change. Linköping University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Svensson, Bo
    Linköping University, The Tema Institute, Tema Environmental Change. Linköping University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
    Nitrogen and methanogen community composition within and among three Sphagnum dominated peatlands in Scandinavia2015In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, ISSN 0038-0717, E-ISSN 1879-3428, Vol. 81, p. 204-211Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ombrotrophic raised bogs are nutrient poor acidic peatlands accumulating organic matter. They are widely spread on northern latitudes and are substantial sources of methane emissions to the atmosphere being of great concern from a climate change perspective. We investigated the methanogen community composition along microtopographic gradients within three bogs in Scandinavia, receiving different amounts of nitrogen precipitation. Methanogenic community analyses by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism of the mcrA gene showed different profiles among the three sites, while no in- fluence of the microtopographic gradients was observed. Peat temperature and dissolved organic carbon were the major edaphic variables explaining 38% of the variation of the methanogenic community di- versity among the bogs. The family Methanoregulaceae (hydrogenotrophic methanogens) showed the largest relative proportion and highest activity in all three sites. Quantitative PCR of the mcrA gene and transcripts showed that the most northern site, receiving the lowest atmospheric nitrogen load, had significantly lower abundance and activity of methanogens (4.7 106 and 2.4 104 mcrA copies per gram of soil, respectively), compared to the most southern site (8.2 107 and 4.6 105 mcrA copies per gram of soil, respectively), receiving the highest nitrogen load. No patterns of the mcrA gene and tran- script abundances were observed along the microtopography. The results indicated that the difference in occurrence of methanogens is mainly due to geoclimatological conditions rather than site intrinsic microtopographic variation. The study further suggests that environmental changes on the site intrinsic topography will not affect the methanogenic activity, while increasing average temperatures in Scan- dinavian ombrotrophic raised bogs might contribute to an increase of the methanogenic archaeal activity resulting in an increase of methane production. 

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  • 40.
    Grandi, Giulio
    et al.
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden; Swedish Univ Agr Sci SLU, Sweden.
    Chiappa, Giulia
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Ullman, Karin
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Cty Hosp Ryhov, Sweden.
    Olivieri, Emanuela
    Ist Zooprofilatt Sperimentale Lombardia & Emilia R, Italy.
    Sassera, Davide
    Univ Pavia, Italy.
    Ostlund, Emma
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Omazic, Anna
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Perissinotto, Debora
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Soderlund, Robert
    Natl Vet Inst SVA, Sweden.
    Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of Swedish ticks through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of whole ticks and of individual tick organs2023In: Parasites & Vectors, E-ISSN 1756-3305, Vol. 16, no 1, article id 39Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background The composition of the microbial flora associated with ixodid ticks has been studied in several species, revealing the importance of geographical origin, developmental stage(s) and feeding status of the tick, as well as substantial differences between tissues and organs. Studying the microbiome in the correct context and scale is therefore necessary for understanding the interactions between tick-borne pathogens and other microorganisms as well as other aspects of tick biology. Methods In the present study the microbial flora of whole Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus and I. trianguliceps ticks were analyzed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Additionally, tick organs (midguts, Malpighian tubules, ovaries, salivary glands) from flat and engorged I. ricinus female ticks were examined with the same methodology. Results The most abundant bacteria belonged to the group of Proteobacteria (Cand. Midichloria mitochondrii and Cand. Lariskella). 16S amplicon sequencing of dissected tick organs provided more information on the diversity of I. ricinus-associated microbial flora, especially when organs were collected from engorged ticks. Bacterial genera significantly associated with tick feeding status as well as genera associated with the presence of tick-borne pathogens were identified. Conclusions These results contribute to the knowledge of microbial flora associated with ixodid ticks in their northernmost distribution limit in Europe and opens new perspectives for other investigations on the function of these bacteria, including those using other approaches like in vitro cultivation and in vitro models.

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  • 41.
    Grankvist, Anna
    et al.
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Sahlgrens University Hospital, Sweden.
    Labbe Sandelin, Lisa
    Kalmar County Hospital, Sweden; Uppsala University, Sweden.
    Andersson, Jennie
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Sahlgrens University Hospital, Sweden.
    Fryland, Linda
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. County Hospital Ryhov, Sweden.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Wenneras, Christine
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Sahlgrens University Hospital, Sweden.
    Infections with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Cytokine Responses in 2 Persons Bitten by Ticks, Sweden2015In: Emerging Infectious Diseases, ISSN 1080-6040, E-ISSN 1080-6059, Vol. 21, no 8, p. 1462-1465Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The prevalence of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis infection was determined in 102 persons bitten by ticks in Sweden. Two infected women had erythematous rashes; 1 was co-infected with a Borrelia sp., and the other showed seroconversion for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Both patients had increased levels of Neoehrlichia DNA and serum cytokines for several months.

  • 42.
    Granquist, Erik G.
    et al.
    Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway.
    Kristiansson, Malin
    Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Matussek, Andreas
    Ryhov County Hospital, Sweden.
    Nodtvedt, Ane
    Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway.
    Okstad, Wenche
    Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway.
    Stuen, Snorre
    Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway.
    Evaluation of microbial communities and symbionts in Ixodes ricinus and ungulate hosts (Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries) from shared habitats on the west coast of Norway2014In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, ISSN 1877-959X, E-ISSN 1877-9603, Vol. 5, no 6, p. 780-784Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Recent reports suggest a potential for transmission of a newly discovered rickettsial endosymbiont, Midichloria mitochondrii, to animals and humans from feeding ticks (Ixodes ricinus). Using molecular methods: I. ricinus, sheep and red deer in Anaplasma phagocytophilum-endemic areas of Norway, were examined to see if they were infected by M. mitochondrii or related organisms like Wolbachia pipientis and Rickettsia spp. A total of 532 ticks collected from pastures, 76 blood samples from grazing lambs and 12 organ samples from hunted deer, were analyzed during the study. All larval pools, 60.4% pooled nymphs and 35.1% of adult ticks were positive for M. mitochondrii. There was a significant difference between geographical areas in the prevalence of M. mitochondrii infection among nymphs. A total of 2.2% pooled nymphs and 5.3% adult ticks were positive for A. phagocytophilum. Eleven percent of pooled nymphs were positive for Borrelia spp, 2.2% of pooled nymphs and 3.5% of adult ticks were positive for Rickettsia spp. and none of the ticks were positive for W. pipientis. The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum infection was 54% and 75% in grazing lambs and deer, respectively. No animals were positive for Borrelia spp., M. mitochondrii, Rickettsia spp. or W. pipientis. The reported findings suggest that M. mitochondrii is widespread in tick populations at different geographical sites, and may appear in co-infection with A. phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in ticks.

  • 43.
    Gyllemark, Paula
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Infect Dis, Sweden.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden.
    Elm, Camilla
    Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden.
    Hoornstra, Dieuwertje
    Univ Med Ctr Locat AMC, Netherlands.
    Hovius, Joppe W.
    Univ Med Ctr Locat AMC, Netherlands; European Soc Clin Microbiol & Infect Dis, Switzerland.
    Johansson, Marcus
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Microbiol, Jönköping,Sweden.
    Tjernberg, Ivar
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Chem & Transfus Med, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden; European Soc Clin Microbiol & Infect Dis, Switzerland.
    Jonsson Henningsson, Anna
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Center for Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Microbiology. Dept Clin Microbiol, Sweden; European Soc Clin Microbiol & Infect Dis, Switzerland.
    Sjöwall, Johanna
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Are other tick-borne infections overlooked in patients investigated for Lyme neuroborreliosis?: A large retrospective study from South-eastern Sweden2021In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, ISSN 1877-959X, E-ISSN 1877-9603, Vol. 12, no 5, article id 101759Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In Europe, the hard tick Ixodes ricinus is considered the most important vector of human zoonotic diseases. Human pathogenic agents spread by I. ricinus in Sweden include Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia helvetica, the recently described Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia miyamotoi, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Babesia spp. (Babesia microti, Babesia venatorum and Babesia divergens). Since these pathogens share the same vector, co-infections with more than one tick-borne pathogen may occur and thus complicate the diagnosis and clinical management of the patient due to possibly altered symptomatology. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., TBEV and B. miyamotoi are well-known to cause infections of the central nervous system (CNS), whereas the abilities of other tick-borne pathogens to invade the CNS are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and clinical impact of tick-borne pathogens other than B. burgdorferi s.l. in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of patients who were under investigation for Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in a tick-endemic region of South-eastern Sweden. CSF and serum samples from 600 patients, recruited from the Regions of center dot Ostergo center dot tland County, Jo center dot nko center dot ping County and Kalmar County in South-eastern Sweden and investigated for LNB during the period of 2009-2013, were retrospectively collected for analysis. The samples were analysed by real-time PCR for the presence of nucleic acid from B. burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., N. mikurensis, TBEV and Babesia spp. Serological analyses were conducted in CSF and serum samples for all patients regarding B. burgdorferi s.l., and for the patients with CSF mononuclear pleocytosis, analyses of antibodies to B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, TBEV and B. microti in serum were performed. The medical charts of all the patients with CSF mononuclear pleocytosis and patients with positive PCR findings were reviewed. Of the 600 patients, 55 (9%) presented with CSF mononuclear pleocytosis, 13 (2%) of whom had Borrelia-specific antibodies in the CSF. One patient was PCRpositive for N. mikurensis, and another one was PCR-positive for Borrelia spp. in serum. No pathogens were detected by PCR in the CSF samples. Four patients had serum antibodies to B. miyamotoi, four patients to A. phagocytophilum, five patients to SFG rickettsiae, and six patients to TBEV. One patient, with antibodies to SFG

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  • 44. Hallin, S
    et al.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology.
    PCR detection of genes encoding nitrite reductase in denitryifying bacteria.1999In: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, ISSN 0099-2240, E-ISSN 1098-5336, Vol. 65, p. 1652-1657Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 45. Hallin, S
    et al.
    Lydmark, P
    Kokalj, S
    Hermansson, M
    Sorensson, F
    Jarvis, A
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology.
    Community survey of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in full-scale activated sludge processes with different solids retention time2005In: Journal of Applied Microbiology, ISSN 1364-5072, E-ISSN 1365-2672, Vol. 99, no 3, p. 629-640Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: To study the effects of different solids retention time (SRT) on the nitrification activity and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in two full-scale activated sludge processes during a 5-month period. Methods and Results: The AOB community composition was analysed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and the identified populations were enumerated by quantitative FISH. Potential nitrification rates were determined in batch tests and the in situ rates were calculated from mass balances of nitrogen in the plants. Increased SRT reduced the nitrification activity, but neither the number per mixed liquor suspended solids nor community composition of AOB were affected. Two dominant AOB populations related to Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrosomonas oligotropha were identified by FISH, whereas only the latter could be detected by DGGE. Conclusions: The effect of a longer SRT on the activity was probably because of physiological changes in the AOB community rather than a change in community composition. Significance and Impact of the Study: Physiological alterations of a stable AOB community are possible and may stabilize activated sludge processes. The commonly used FISH probes designed to target all beta-proteobacterial AOB does not detect certain Nitrosomonas oligotropha populations, leading to an underestimation of AOB if a wider set of probes is not used. © 2005 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

  • 46.
    Henningsson, Anna
    et al.
    Regional Jonköping County, Sweden.
    Lindqvist, Richard
    Umeå University, Sweden.
    Norberg, Peter
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Lindblom, Pontus
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Roth, Anette
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases.
    Bergstrom, Tomas
    University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Overby, Anna K.
    Umeå University, Sweden.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Regional Jonköping County, Sweden.
    Human Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Characterization of Virus from Biting Tick2016In: Emerging Infectious Diseases, ISSN 1080-6040, E-ISSN 1080-6059, Vol. 22, no 8, p. 1485-1487Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We report a case of human tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in which the TBE virus was isolated from the biting tick. Viral growth and sequence were characterized and compared with those of a reference strain. Virus isolation from ticks from patients with TBE may offer a new approach for studies of epidemiology and pathogenicity.

  • 47.
    Henningsson, Anna
    et al.
    Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping.
    Wilhelmsson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Gyllemark, Paula
    Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping.
    Kozak Ljunggren, Monika
    Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology.
    Matussek, Andreas
    Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping.
    Nyman, Dag
    Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping.
    Ekerfelt, Christina
    Bimelix Biomedical Laboratory, Mariehamn, Åland, Finland .
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping.
    Forsberg, Pia
    Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Region Östergötland, Heart and Medicine Center, Department of Infectious Diseases. Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine.
    Low risk of seroconversion or clinical disease in humans after a bite by an Anaplasma phagocytophilum-infected tick2015In: Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, ISSN 1877-959X, E-ISSN 1877-9603, Vol. 6, no 6, p. 787-792Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The risk of contracting human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) after a tick bite is mainly unknown. In this study we investigated the clinical and serological response in 30 humans bitten by ticks positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Group A), 30 humans bitten by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.)-positive ticks (Group B), and 30 humans bitten by ticks negative for both A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. (Group C). Ticks, blood samples and questionnaires were collected from tick-bitten humans at 34 primary healthcare centres in Sweden and in the Åland Islands, Finland, at the time of the tick bite and after three months. A total of 2553 ticks detached from humans in 2007-2009 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, and 31 (1.2%) were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 556 (21.8%) were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l., and eight (0.3%) were co-infected by A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma IgG antibodies in the included participants (n=90) was 17%, and there was no significant difference between the groups A-C. Only one of the participants (in Group C) showed a four-fold increase of IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum at the three-month follow-up, but reported no symptoms. The frequency of reported symptoms did not differ between groups A-C, and was unrelated to the findings of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. in the detached ticks. We conclude that the risk for HGA or asymptomatic seroconversion after a tick bite in Sweden or in the Åland Islands is low, even if the tick is infected by A. phagocytophilum.

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  • 48. Hermansson, A
    et al.
    Hermansson, A
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology.
    Quantification of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in arable soil by real-time PCR2001In: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, ISSN 0099-2240, E-ISSN 1098-5336, Vol. 67, no 2, p. 972-976Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Real-time PCR was used to quantify populations of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria representing the ▀ subdivision of the class Proteobacteria in samples of arable soil, both nitrogen fertilized and unfertilized, from Mellby, Sweden. Primers and probes targeting a 16S ribosomal DNA region of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were designed and used. In the fertilized soil there were ~6.2 x 107 ammonia-oxidizing bacteria per g of soil, three times more than the number of bacteria in the unfertilized soil. The lyric efficiency of bead beating in these soils was investigated by using populations of free or loosely attached bacteria, bacteria tightly bound to particles, and bacteria in nonfractionated samples. The shapes of the curves generated in these tests showed that the concentration of template DNA released at various times remained constant after 10 to 100 s of bead beating.

  • 49. Hermansson, Anna
    et al.
    Bäckman, Jenny
    Linköping University, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
    Svensson, Bo
    Linköping University, The Tema Institute.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Medical Microbiology.
    Quantification of ammonia-oxidising bacteria in limed and non-limed acidic coniferous forest soil using real-time PCR2004In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, ISSN 0038-0717, E-ISSN 1879-3428, Vol. 36, no 12, p. 1935-1941Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) in limed and non-limed acidic coniferous forest soil were investigated using real-time PCR. Two sites in southern Sweden were studied, 244 Åled and Oxafällan. The primers and probe used earlier appeared to be specific to the 16S rRNA gene of AOB belonging to the β-subgroup of the Proteobacteria [Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 67 (2001) 972]. Plots treated with two different doses of lime, 3 or 6 t ha-1, were compared with non-limed control plots on two occasions during a single growing season. Three different soil depths were analysed to elucidate possible differences in the density of their AOB communities. The only clear effect of liming on the AOB was recorded in the beginning of the growing season at 244 Åled. In samples taken in April from this site, the numbers of AOB were higher in the limed plots than in the control plots. At the end of the growing season the AOB communities were all of a similar size in the different plots at both sites, irrespective of liming. The number of AOB, determined using real-time PCR, ranged between 6×106 and 1×109 cells g-1 soil (dw) at the two sites, and generally decreased with increasing soil depth. The results showed no correlation between community density and potential nitrification. This may indicate a partly inactive AOB community. Furthermore, more than 107 cells g-1 soil (dw) were recorded using real-time PCR in the control plot at 244 Åled, although Bäckman et al. [Soil Biol. Biochem. 35 (2003) 1337] detected no AOB like sequences in the same plots using PCR followed by DGGE. Taken together our results strongly suggest that the primers and probe set used are not well suited for quantifying AOB in acidic forest soils, which is probably due to an insufficient specificity. This shows that it is extremely important to re-evaluate any primers and probe set when used in a new environment. Consideration should be given to the specificity and sensitivity, both empirically and using bioinformatic tools.

  • 50.
    Hoffman, Tove
    et al.
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Lindeborg, Mats
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Barboutis, Christos
    Hellen Ornithol Soc Birdlife, Greece.
    Erciyas-Yavuz, Kiraz
    Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Turkey.
    Evander, Magnus
    Umeå Univ, Sweden.
    Fransson, Thord
    Swedish Museum Nat Hist, Sweden.
    Figuerola, Jordi
    Estn Biol Donana, Spain; Ciber Epidemil and Salud Publ, Spain.
    Jaenson, Thomas G. T.
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Kiat, Yosef
    Hebrew Univ Jerusalem, Israel.
    Lindgren, Per-Eric
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Lundkvist, Ake
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Mohamed, Nahla
    Umea Univ, Sweden.
    Moutailler, Sara
    Agence Natl Secur Sanit Alimentat, France.
    Nyström, Fredrik
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
    Olsen, Bjorn
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Salaneck, Erik
    Uppsala Univ, Sweden.
    Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus RNA in Hyalomma rufipes Ticks Infesting Migratory Birds, Europe and Asia Minor2018In: Emerging Infectious Diseases, ISSN 1080-6040, E-ISSN 1080-6059, Vol. 24, no 5, p. 879-882Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus RNA was detected in immature Hyalomma rufipes ticks infesting northward migratory birds caught in the North Mediterranean Basin. This finding suggests a role for birds in the ecology of the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus and a potential mechanism for dissemination to novel regions. Increased surveillance is warranted.

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