Colorado Tick Fever
Colorado tick fever virus
Arboviruses
Colorado
Coltivirus
3-Deazauridine
Reoviridae
Ticks
Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of tickborne diseases in the United States. (1/8)
Signs and symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract and liver may provide important clues for the diagnosis of various tickborne diseases prevalent in different geographic areas of the United States. We review clinical and laboratory features that may be helpful in detecting a tickborne infection. Physicians evaluating patients who live in or travel to areas where tickborne diseases are endemic and who present with an acute febrile illness and gastrointestinal manifestations should maintain a high index of suspicion for one of these disease entities, particularly if the patient has received a tick bite. If detected early, many of these potentially serious illnesses can be easily and effectively treated, thereby avoiding serious morbidity and even death. (+info)Recombinant VP7-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies to Colorado tick fever virus. (2/8)
VP6, VP7, VP9, VP10, VP11, and VP12 of Colorado tick fever virus (CTF virus), a virus member of the genus Coltivirus, family Reoviridae, were expressed in bacteria with the pGEX-4T-2 vector. A partial sequence of VP7 (designated pVP7) was chosen to elaborate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting anti-CTF virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in humans. This was based on two observations: (i) among all expressed proteins, pVP7 showed the highest immunoreactivity to an anti-CTF virus hyperimmune ascitic fluid; (ii) to provide the highest selectivity of antibody detection, the expressed sequence was chosen within a region which is highly divergent (49% amino acid identity) from the homologous sequence of another coltivirus, the Eyach virus. The pVP7 ELISA was evaluated with 368 serum samples from French blood donors and found to provide 98.1% specificity. Assays with the Calisher set of human serum samples, positive for anti-CTF virus antibodies (C. H. Calisher, J. D. Poland, S. B. Calisher, and L. A Warmoth, J. Clin. Microbiol. 22:84-88, 1985), showed that the pVP7 ELISA provided 100% sensitivity for the tested population. After elaboration of recombinant-protein-based ELISAs for diagnosis of infections with members of the viral genera Orbivirus, Orthoreovirus, and Rotavirus, it was shown that a recombinant protein could be used to detect antibodies to the human pathogen Colorado tick fever virus. (+info)Diagnosis of Colorado tick fever virus infection by enzyme immunoassays for immunoglobulin M and G antibodies. (3/8)
An immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture enzyme immunoassay technique was adapted for the detection of antibody to Colorado tick fever virus in sera from 84 individuals for whom diagnosis had been confirmed by virus isolation or neutralization test. Titers were compared with those for IgG and neutralizing antibodies in these Colorado tick fever cases. IgM antibody titers were higher than neutralizing antibody titers, but neither appeared until 1 to 2 weeks after the onset of illness. Neutralizing antibodies were detected earlier than IgM antibodies, and both were detected with greater frequency than IgG antibodies. Late-convalescent-phase sera contained both neutralizing and IgG antibodies, but IgM was all but undetectable by 2 months after onset. Although the neutralization test may remain the serological test of choice, the enzyme immunoassay for IgM antibody offers a simple and more rapid method of serodiagnosis; the enzyme immunoassay is, however, less sensitive than the neutralization test. Furthermore, because there was a sharp decline in IgM antibody after 45 days, the presence of IgM antibody in a single serum sample provides a basis for the presumptive serodiagnosis of recent Colorado tick fever virus infection. (+info)Selective decrease in interferon production in immunotolerant mice. (4/8)
Mice, immunologically unresponsive to Newcastle disease virus, were impaired in their capacity to produce interferon when induced with Newcastle disease virus, but not when induced with an unrelated virus. (+info)Arbovirus infections in man in British Columbia. (5/8)
During the summer of 1971, the first laboratory-proved cases of acute encephalitis in man due to any of the known arboviruses occurred in the south-central region of British Columbia. Five human cases of encephalitis with two deaths were diagnosed; three of these patients, including one of the fatalities, were proven in the laboratory to have contracted western equine encephalitis.During 1968 and 1969, a human serum survey undertaken in approximately 2000 life-long residents of the province discovered low levels of hemagglutinin-inhibiting and/or complement-fixing as well as neutralizing antibodies for western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Powassan encephalitis, California encephalitis and Colorado tick fever. Evidence of recent sub-clinical infection was detected in some cases. (+info)Colorado tick fever virus: growth in a mosquito cell line. (6/8)
Two strains of Colorado tick fever virus grew in Singh's Aedes albopictus cells. In one of three experiments, virus growth continued for 7 weeks. (+info)Detection of Colorado tick fever virus by using reverse transcriptase PCR and application of the technique in laboratory diagnosis. (7/8)
Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus elicits an acute illness in humans, producing nonspecific flu-like symptoms and a biphasic fever in approximately 50% of patients. The disease is transmitted by the adult Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and therefore incidence is limited by the habitat and life cycle of that vector. The early symptoms of infection are difficult to distinguish from those of several other agents, especially Rickettsia rickettsii. Serologic testing is usually unable to provide evidence of CTF viral infection during the acute phase because of the late appearance of the various antibodies. Here we report the development and clinical application of a test to diagnose this disease during the acute stages. Oligonucleotide primers to the S2 segment of CTF (Florio) virus were made, and these were used in the amplification of a 528-bp fragment of DNA, transcribed from the double-stranded CTF virus RNA template by reverse transcriptase PCR. RNAs processed from 16 CTF virus isolates yielded similar results when analyzed on agarose gels. These were distinguishable from their antigenic relatives Eyach, S6-14-03, and T5-2092 and from other coltiviruses and an orbivirus but not from the antigenically distinct CTF virus-related isolate 720896. A mouse model demonstrated the utility of this method with whole-blood specimens, and CTF virus was successfully detected in human sera from the initial day of the onset of symptoms to 8 days later. The reverse transcriptase PCR method is a promising tool for the early diagnosis of CTF viral infection, or for ruling out CTF virus as the etiologic agent, in order to facilitate appropriate medical support. (+info)Serologic and molecular diagnosis of Colorado tick fever viral infections. (8/8)
Molecular and serologic methods usable for the biological diagnosis of Coltivirus infection are reported. We designed a multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction system that allowed the simultaneous and specific amplification of three genomic segments from as little as 0.01 plaque-forming units. Another system in the S2 viral segment permitted the differential diagnosis of American and European viral isolates. We also discuss some improvements of previous ELISAs, and the results obtained with paired sera from Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus-infected individuals. Western blot analysis was developed that allowed the detection of antibodies to a 38-kD viral protein in all tested sera. It also enabled the detection of anti-CTF virus antibodies in ELISA-negative sera. Specific IgM antibodies against a synthetic viral peptide could be detected in sera at the acute stage of the infection. Together, these results should permit the diagnosis of Coltivirus infection at any stage of the pathology. (+info)Colorado tick fever is a viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). The disease is named after the state where it was first identified, but it can also occur in other states including Montana, Wyoming, Utah, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
The virus that causes Colorado tick fever belongs to the family Reoviridae and is a bunyavirus. The symptoms of the disease typically appear within 3-6 days after the tick bite and may include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and sore throat. Some people may also experience a rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sensitivity to light.
The diagnosis of Colorado tick fever is usually based on the patient's clinical symptoms, history of tick exposure, and laboratory tests that can detect the virus in the blood. There is no specific treatment for the disease, and most people recover within a few days to a week with rest and supportive care. However, severe cases may require hospitalization and close monitoring.
Preventive measures include avoiding tick-infested areas, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly using tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling it straight out with steady pressure.
Colorado tick fever (CTF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). The causative agent of Colorado tick fever is a Coltivirus, named Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV). The disease is most commonly found in the western United States and Canada, particularly in mountainous regions between 4,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.
The symptoms of Colorado tick fever typically appear within 3-5 days after a tick bite and may include:
* Sudden onset of fever
* Chills
* Severe headache
* Muscle pain
* Fatigue
* Rash (occurs in about 10% to 50% of cases)
* Conjunctival infection (redness and swelling of the membrane lining the eyelids)
* Sensitivity to light
In some cases, more severe complications such as neurological symptoms or hemorrhagic manifestations may occur. However, these are rare.
There is no specific treatment for Colorado tick fever other than supportive care, which includes rest, hydration, and medication to relieve symptoms like fever and pain. Most people with CTF recover completely within a few weeks. Prevention measures include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors in tick-infested areas.
Arboviruses are a group of viruses that are primarily transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The term "arbovirus" is short for "arthropod-borne virus."
Arboviruses can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the specific virus and the individual host's immune response. Some common symptoms associated with arboviral infections include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and fatigue. In severe cases, arboviral infections can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), or hemorrhagic fever (bleeding disorders).
There are hundreds of different arboviruses, and they are found in many parts of the world. Some of the most well-known arboviral diseases include dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus infection, West Nile virus infection, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis.
Prevention of arboviral infections typically involves avoiding mosquito bites and other arthropod vectors through the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors during peak mosquito feeding times. Public health efforts also focus on reducing vector populations through environmental management and the use of larvicides. Vaccines are available for some arboviral diseases, such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.
I believe you are looking for a medical condition or term related to the state of Colorado, but there is no specific medical definition for "Colorado." However, Colorado is known for its high altitude and lower oxygen levels, which can sometimes affect visitors who are not acclimated to the elevation. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and headaches, a condition sometimes referred to as "altitude sickness" or "mountain sickness." But again, this is not a medical definition for Colorado itself.
Coltivirus is a genus of viruses in the Reoviridae family, which are double-stranded RNA viruses. Coltiviruses are known to infect and cause disease in humans and animals, particularly rodents. The name "coltivirus" comes from "COLumbia-TIbet" viruses, as the first two isolates of this genus were found in ticks in these locations.
The most well-known coltivirus is Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, primarily the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). CTFV infection can cause a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. In some cases, more severe complications like meningitis or encephalitis may occur, although this is rare.
Prevention of coltivirus infections primarily involves avoiding tick bites through the use of insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and checking for and removing ticks promptly after being outdoors in areas where infected ticks are known to be present. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments available for coltivirus infections, and treatment is generally supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms and managing complications as they arise.
3-Deazauridine is a chemical compound that is an analog of the nucleoside uridine. In this case, the nitrogen atom at the 3 position of the uracil ring has been replaced with a carbon atom. This modification can affect the way the molecule is processed in cells and can be used in research to study various biological processes. It's important to note that 3-Deazauridine itself does not have any specific medical definition or application, but it might be used in certain biochemical or pharmacological studies.
Reoviridae is a family of double-stranded RNA viruses that are non-enveloped and have a segmented genome. The name "Reoviridae" is derived from Respiratory Enteric Orphan virus, as these viruses were initially discovered in respiratory and enteric (gastrointestinal) samples but did not appear to cause any specific diseases.
The family Reoviridae includes several important human pathogens such as rotaviruses, which are a major cause of severe diarrhea in young children worldwide, and orthoreoviruses, which can cause respiratory and systemic infections in humans. Additionally, many Reoviridae viruses infect animals, including birds, mammals, fish, and insects, and can cause a variety of diseases.
Reoviridae virions are typically composed of multiple protein layers that encase the genomic RNA segments. The family is divided into two subfamilies, Sedoreovirinae and Spinareovirinae, based on structural features and genome organization. Reoviruses have a complex replication cycle that involves multiple steps, including attachment to host cells, uncoating of the viral particle, transcription of the genomic RNA, translation of viral proteins, packaging of new virions, and release from infected cells.
A medical definition of "ticks" would be:
Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that belong to the arachnid family, which also includes spiders. They have eight legs and can vary in size from as small as a pinhead to about the size of a marble when fully engorged with blood. Ticks attach themselves to the skin of their hosts (which can include humans, dogs, cats, and wild animals) by inserting their mouthparts into the host's flesh.
Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. It is important to remove ticks promptly and properly to reduce the risk of infection. To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water and disinfect the tweezers.
Preventing tick bites is an important part of protecting against tick-borne diseases. This can be done by wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves and pants), using insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin, avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass, and checking for ticks after being outdoors.
A "tick infestation" is not a formal medical term, but it generally refers to a situation where an individual has a large number of ticks (Ixodida: Acarina) on their body or in their living environment. Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
An infestation can occur in various settings, including homes, gardens, parks, and forests. People who spend time in these areas, especially those with pets or who engage in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or hunting, are at a higher risk of tick encounters.
Tick infestations can lead to several health concerns, as ticks can transmit various diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, among others. It is essential to take preventive measures to avoid tick bites and promptly remove any attached ticks to reduce the risk of infection.
If you suspect a tick infestation in your living environment or on your body, consult a healthcare professional or a pest control expert for proper assessment and guidance on how to proceed.