Three New Papers Co-Authored by Galaxy Personnel Now Available

 

Galaxy is excited to announce that our co-founders, Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt and Dr. Ricardo Maggi, have co-authored three recently published scientific papers related to flea-and tick-borne pathogens. Dr. Breitschwerdt, chief scientific officer, and Dr. Maggi, chief technical officer, split their time between providing scientific expertise to Galaxy and conducting research at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. See below for links to the newly published findings:

Regional prevalences of Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia bissettiae, and Bartonella henselae in Ixodes affinis, Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis in the USA

• This study used PCR and DNA sequencing to study the prevalence of common tick-borne pathogens in 929 adult Ixodes ticks found in 16 states. The results were highly variable depending on location and tick species, but DNA from each pathogen was found in at least one of the tick samples. Overall, Ixodes affinis showed the highest prevalence of both Borrelia species and Bartonella henselae.

Bartonella spp. bloodstream infection in a Canadian family

• This clinical study followed seven Canadian family members over a 19-month period to further understand Bartonella bloodstream infections in immunocompetent populations. Antibody testing and/or DNA findings showed exposure to or active infection with one or multiple Bartonella species in each family member, but treatment success varied.

Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects

• The purpose of this paper was to review information regarding bartonellosis in cats and dogs as well as provide a European perspective on the infection. Most clinical studies are focused in North America, which may cause some to think that European infection is less probable. However, it is likely that Bartonella infections are widely underdiagnosed in Europe due to the spectrum of symptoms and disease manifestations. The authors call for future research to focus on characterizing the medical importance of Bartonella species infections so effective treatment protocols and preventative measures can be implemented.

The researchers at Galaxy are continuing to add to the understanding of these dangerous stealth infections as well as their associated vectors and hosts. However, there are still harmful gaps in the current knowledge. For example, the dynamics of Bartonella transmission in ticks is poorly understood and treatment of tick-borne illnesses often results in only partial success or complete failure.

This research—and much more like it—is needed to help alert public health officials to the risk these stealth infections pose.

 

About Galaxy Diagnostics Inc.

As a social venture and a One Health company, Galaxy Diagnostics is passionate about protecting the animal-human bond through the surveillance, prevention and clinical management of flea- and tick-borne diseases shared by humans and animals. Not only do we offer the best molecular and serology test options available, but we work with researchers and clinicians to generate new knowledge about emerging infectious diseases such as bartonellosis, borreliosis and other vector-borne diseases. Based on our scientific expertise, we are able to provide counsel to clinicians and researchers dedicated to achieving the most accurate diagnoses possible for their patients. This central goal is reflected in our corporate values and everyday interaction with patients, clinicians and researchers.

Media Contact: James Rebenski

contact@galaxydx.com