Excerpt:

In this study we compared some common Bartonella culturing methodologies
using four diverse species causing human illnesses. Based on a review of the
literature, we focused on three major inconsistencies between protocols:
base media, cell co-culture and temperature. Our data showed that B. tamiae
demonstrated temperature-dependent growth limitations between common
culturing conditions only 2 degrees C apart. Additionally, growth of B.
quintana was significantly enhanced by the presence of mammalian cell
co-culture within mammalian culture conditions, however when the media was
modified to incorporate insect culture-based media, co-culturing with
mammalian cells was no longer needed. In this study, we were able to
overcome these temperature and cell dependent limitations and accommodate
all of the strains tested by combining mammalian culture-based media with
insect culture-based media.

Excerpt:

Millions of travelers visit the United States every year during
warm months when risk of vector-borne disease is highest. The
epidemiology and geographic distribution of the principal
vector-borne diseases in the United States are reviewed and
recommendations for visitors to reduce their risk of disease are
described. Travel advice should focus on preventing Lyme disease,
anaplasmosis and babesiosis in the northeast and north central
States, West Nile virus disease in western plains States, and
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia in the southeast;
other diseases and itineraries requiring particular attention are
described. All travelers to the United States should be advised
to practice personal protection against arthropod bites,
including appropriate use of insect repellents, especially when
visiting rural and suburban areas during the warm months.
Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In Italy, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming infected by
different vector-borne pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria,
and helminths. Ticks, fleas, phlebotomine sand flies, and
mosquitoes are recognized vectors of pathogens affecting cats and
dogs, some of which (e.g., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia
burgdorferi, Dipylidium caninum, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria
immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) are of zoonotic concern. Recent
studies have highlighted the potential of fleas as vectors of
pathogens of zoonotic relevance (e.g., Rickettsia felis) in this
country. While some arthropod vectors (e.g., ticks and fleas) are
present in certain Italian regions throughout the year, others
(e.g., phlebotomine sand flies) are most active during the summer
season.