Role of Avian Hosts in Spread and Maintenance of Borrelia Spp. and Rickettsia Spp. in Ixodes Spp. Collected off Birds in Southeastern Virginia

The role that birds play in the maintenance and the movement of ticks and tick-borne pathogens is an important area of research. The home ranges of resident bird species, and the migratory nature of others, can influence vector-borne disease ecology in a region. Of particular interest is the interaction of birds, both resident and migratory, with Ixodes spp. which are the primary vector species of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. This genus has also been associated with the detection of other tick-borne pathogens, including Rickettsia rickettsii. In this study, Ixodes spp. were removed from birds captured at various locations in southeastern Virginia. All ticks were pulverized, and their DNA extracted and tested for Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. The results from this study reveal the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in Ixodes spp. collected off of resident bird species as well as the discovery of R. parkeri and Candidatus R. mendelii in Ixodes brunneus collected off of resident bird species.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/graduate_school/1000/thumbnail.jp

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes affinis in Southeastern Virginia

Lyme disease, the result of infection by the tick-borne pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, affects thousands of people per year in the United States. The pathogen is primarily transmitted by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Ixodes scapularis, along with another vector, Ixodes affinis, are known to be established in southeastern Virginia. This study determines prevalence of B. burgdorferi within these ticks. Presence of the pathogen in these ticks could be an indicator of the risk of human B. burgdorferi infections in southeastern Virginia. Questing I. scapularis and I. affinis were collected by flagging at various field sites between 2010 and 2012. The presence of Borrelia spp. was determined by screening extracted DNA from the collected ticks using real-time PCR. Identification of Borrelia spp. positive by real time was determined by the sequencing the ospC gene. A real-time PCR assay was used to differentiate I. scapularis and I. affinis, with sequencing was done to confirm results. This study shows a notable percentage of Borrelia infections in both tick species, with a much higher percentage in I. affinis. Ixodes affinis acts as a reservoir for the pathogen and contributes to the increased prevalence of Borrelia within southeastern Virginia. Further research and surveillance is needed on these disease vectors and the pathogens they carry

Optical and IR photometry of the Soft X-ray Transient XTE J1859+226 during the 1999 outburst cycle

We present optical and ifra-red photometry of the new X-ray transient source XTE J1859+226. The source exhibits a typical X-ray nova behaviour with a fast rise (~5 days) and an exponential decline (~23 days). Week photometric modulations are seen at several periods ranging from 9.15 hours to 20 minutes. The evolution of the spectral energy distribution of the source can be fitted very well with a model of an X-ray irradiated accretion disc

Cognitive Performance during a 24-Hour Cold Exposure Survival Simulation

Survivor of a ship ground in polar regions may have to wait more than five days before being rescued. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore cognitive performance during prolonged cold exposure. Core temperature (Tc) and cognitive test battery (CTB) performance data were collected from eight participants during 24 hours of cold exposure (7.5°C ambient air temperature). Participants (recruited from those who have regular occupational exposure to cold) were instructed that they could freely engage in minimal exercise that was perceived to maintaining a tolerable level of thermal comfort. Despite the active engagement, test conditions were sufficient to significantly decrease Tc after exposure and to eliminate the typical 0.5–1.0°C circadian rise and drop in core temperature throughout a 24 h cycle. Results showed minimal changes in CTB performance regardless of exposure time. Based on the results, it is recommended that survivors who are waiting for rescue should be encouraged to engage in mild physical activity, which could have the benefit of maintaining metabolic heat production, improve motivation, and act as a distractor from cold discomfort. This recommendation should be taken into consideration during future research and when considering guidelines for mandatory survival equipment regarding cognitive performance