Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato from Novosibirsk region (West Siberia, Russia) based on direct PCR

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infecting Ixodes persulcatus ticks near Novosibirsk, Russia were detected using PCR with primers specific to 5S and 23S rRNA genes. Two genospecies, B. afzelii and B. garinii, were identified by the PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with Tru9-I restriction endonuclease. Comparison of the corresponding nucleotide sequences revealed considerable diversity of the 5S-23S intergenic spacer structure among B. garinii.     

大兴安岭林区蜱和鼠中莱姆病螺旋体感染及其基因分型研究

目的 了解内蒙古大兴安岭林区蜱和鼠中伯氏疏螺旋体的感染及基因分型情况。方法 应用巢式PCR扩增蜱和鼠中伯氏疏螺旋体5S-23SrRNA间隔区片段，对阳性产物进行限制性片段长度多态性（RFLP）分析和单链构象多态性（SSCP）分析，RFLP分析显示特殊带型的样本测序分析。结果 检测全沟硬蜱1336只，293只阳性，阳性率为21．93％；森林革蜱144只，6只阳性，阳性率为4．17％；嗜群血蜱144只，未发现有伯氏疏螺旋体感染。检测鼠9种145只，感染伯氏疏螺旋体的4种5只，感染率为3．45％；其中检测8只棕背鼠平，2只阳性。RFLP分析及序列分析显示蜱中有B．garinii20047亚型、B．gariniiNT29亚型、B．afzelii基因型以及不同基因型或亚型伯氏疏螺旋体的混合感染；鼠感染的伯氏疏螺旋体包括B．garinii20047亚型和B．gariniiNT29亚型。SSCP分析结果显示带型多于36种。结论 大兴安岭林区蜱及鼠中均存在伯氏疏螺旋体的感染，其中全沟硬蜱的感染率较高；B．garinii型为主要基因型，且该地区伯氏疏螺旋体存在遗传多态性。单只蜱中存在同时感染不同基因型伯氏疏螺旋体的情况，人和宿主动物是否存在不同基因型伯氏疏螺旋体混合感染尚待进一步研究。全沟硬蜱和棕背鼾分别是该林区伯氏疏螺旋体的主要媒介和主要储存宿主。     

Detection of four species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in The Netherlands.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were investigated for their value as sentinel animals for Lyme borreliosis in the Netherlands. Serum was obtained from 114 roe deer, and 513 Ixodes ricinus, predominantly females (72%), were obtained from 47 animals (41%). The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a total of 190 ticks, comprising 106 engorged ticks and 84 non-engorged ticks. Borrelia DNA was detected in 24 engorged ticks (23%) and 26 non-engorged ticks (31%). This difference was not significant (P = 0.25). Four species of B. burgdorferi sensu lato were identified in the ticks. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii and group VS116. B. afzelii was most commonly found and present in 13 mixed infections, and in 28 single infections. Fifteen sera (13%) contained antibodies to Borrelia spp. Ticks are more appropriate sentinel animals for Lyme borreliosis than roe deer, an important host for I. ricinus. Although the viability of borrelia spirochaetes in engorged ticks collected from roe deer was not assessed, a bloodmeal taken from roe deer did not eliminate borrelia spirochaetes from the tick. The relevance of this finding for transovarial transmission of borrelia spirochaetes in ticks is discussed.     

三种蜱媒传染病在媒介蜱和鼠类中复合感染的研究

目的 了解中国部分地区埃立克体病和其他蜱媒传染病病原体的复合感染情况。方法 运用聚合酶链反应方法对内蒙古自治区、黑龙江省、北京市的蜱和鼠类标本粒细胞埃立克体、莱姆病螺旋体、斑点热群立克次体的感染进行检测，对福建省的蜱和鼠脾脏标本中查菲埃立克体、斑点热立克次体及莱姆病螺旋体的感染情况进行检测。结果 内蒙古采集的全沟硬蜱408只，人粒细胞埃立克体感染率68％，莱姆病螺旋体感染率7．8％，斑点热群立克次体感染率45．6％，其中粒细胞埃立克体与莱姆病螺旋体复合感染标本5份(5／408)，粒细胞埃立克体与斑点热群立克次体复合感染标本1份(1／408)。黑龙江采集的46只全沟硬蜱中人粒细胞埃立克体感染率6．5％，莱姆病螺旋体感染率10．8％，斑点热群立克次体感染率34．8％，其中粒细胞埃立克体与莱姆病螺旋体复合感染标本1份(1／46)。北京市采集的蜱类标本922只，有2只检测到莱姆病螺旋体的DNA片段。福建省宁化地区采集的优势蜱种越原血蜱283组(659只)中，查菲埃立克体最小阳性率为3．8％(25组阳性)，38份野鼠脾脏的阳性率为564％(21只阳性)，检测出有2只(2／659)蜱同时感染了粒细胞埃立克体和斑点热群立克次体，野鼠的脾脏标本中，也发现有一只同时感染了查菲埃立克体和斑点热立克次体。结论 人粒细胞埃立克体和莱姆病螺旋体复合感染以及查菲埃立克体和斑点热群立克次体复合感染可能在特定地区发生；其地区的蜱类、鼠类存在着极低的复合感染。     

用聚合酶链方法对北京林区莱姆病疫源地及莱姆病病原体基因型的探索性研究

目的：进一步明确北京林区是否存在莱姆病的自然疫源地及其分布，方法基于莱姆病螺旋体外膜蛋白A基因建立半巢式聚合酶链式反应(polymerase chain reactio,PCR)方法，对从北京6个林区采集的蜱和鼠进行检测和基因分型，选择阳性标准本进行克隆和序列测定，与已知序进行同源性比较，间接免疫荧光法检测抗莱姆病螺旋体IgG抗体，从长角血蜱中分离莱姆病螺旋体。结果：从门头沟区东灵山采集的标本中检测到莱姆病螺旋体DNA片段，3只游离全沟硬蜱1只检测阳性，57只寄全沟硬蜱若蜱中1只检测阳性；119只野鼠中9只检测阳性，其中8只，B.garinii阳性，1只B.afzelii阳性。50份野鼠血清有5份莱姆病螺旋体IgG抗体阳性，采集采的160只长角血蜱（20只／组）。未分离到莱姆病螺旋体菌株。结论：北京门头沟区东灵山可能存在莱姆病的自然疫源地，包括两个基因型，全沟硬蜱可能是莱姆病的传播媒体，野鼠可能是贮存宿主。     

Single-step polymerase chain reaction in the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi and the genome species in the Ixodes ricinus tick

The objective of the work to introduce screening PCR into the diagnosis of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the vector selection of the most suitable primer, derived from chromosomal DNA and detection of different genome species. The sensitivity of primers, described in the literature (LD, 16S, Wk, 5S-23S) was tested by different amounts of DNA strains of borrelias. The most sensitive primer--LD was used for detection of borrelias in the vector. Ticks were collected in municipal parks from 1995-1997. A total of 635 ticks were examined. The positivity of the group differs in individual years: 9.2% in 1995, 3.4% in 1996, and 4.5% in 1997. Adult ticks were markedly more infected than nymphs. Borrelia garinii prevails at the site, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was not detected so far. Mixed infection with Borrelia garinii/Borrelia afzelii was found in 1997 in one sample (female ticks). PCR is a sensitive and specific method suitable for assessment of the herd immunity of ticks with borrelias. It makes it possible to differentiate with a relatively high sensitivity individual genome species of Borrelia burgdorferi in the vector. Before its use the sensitivity of the reaction must be tested in the presence of tick DNA.     

Borrelia garinii in seabird ticks (Ixodes uriae), Atlantic Coast, North America

Borrelia garinii is the most neurotropic of the genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato that cause Lyme disease in Europe, where it is transmitted to avian and mammalian reservoir hosts and to humans by Ixodes ricinus. B. garinii is also maintained in an enzootic cycle in seabirds by I. uriae, a tick found at high latitudes in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. To determine whether B. garinii is present in seabird ticks on the Atlantic Coast of North America, we examined 261 I. uriae ticks by polyclonal antiborrelial fluorescent antibody. Ten of 61 ticks from Gull Island, Newfoundland, were positive for borreliae by this screen. Amplicons of DNA obtained by PCR that targeted the B. garinii rrs-rrla intergenic spacer were sequenced and matched to GenBank sequences for B. garinii. The potential for introduction of this agent into the North American Lyme disease enzootic is unknown.     

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies in host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks in selected South Bohemian locations (Czech Republic)

In selected localities of Ceské Bud?jovice and Cesky, Krumlov districts, well known by stable high incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) human cases but with low incidence of Lyme borreliosis, monitoring of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in Ixodes ricinus ticks was performed. Research was also aimed at the spread of I. ricinus to mountain areas of this region (National Park Sumava), as well as at investigating this tick for B. burgdorferi s.l. genospecies and TBE virus infection. Altogether 498 nymphs, 88 females and 11 males of I. ricinus from lower locations and 58 nymphs from mountain locations (760-1080 m above sea level) were tested by polymerase chain reaction. In lower locations total prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in Ixodes ricinus ticks was 35%. Single infection of Borrelia afzelii, B. garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) was found in 59, 50 and 63 ticks, respectively (i.e. in 12.8, 11.2 and 14.1%). Double infection was found in 42 ticks (6.0%) and triple infection in three ticks (0.4%). The high frequency of B. burgdorferi s.s. exceeds the as yet reported occurrence in Central Europe. These circumstances are discussed. In mountain locations B. afzelii was found in five ticks, that including two co-infection with B. garinii, in elevations of 762 m and 1024 m above sea level, respectively. This fact signals a real danger of human infections in a region that was previously deemed to be without risk. Moreover, this region is more and more the target destination of tourist activities. The results also suggest that the penetration of infection can be rapid and formation and establishment of natural focus of Lyme borreliosis might be rather quick.     

Acarological risk of exposure to agents of tick-borne zoonoses in the first recognized Italian focus of Lyme borreliosis

Acarological risk was calculated as the probability of encountering at least one host-seeking Ixodes ricinus tick infected by the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in 100 m transects in the province of Genoa, Italy. The seasonal pattern of I. ricinus was studied using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with negative binomial error, to consider overdispersion of tick counts and repeated sampling of the same dragging sites from April 1998 to March 1999. Prevalence of infection by B. burgdorferi s.l. was evaluated by PCR and hybridization with genospecies-specific probes. Acarological risk (R) peaked in April (R = 0.2, 95% CI 0.13-0.26) and November (R = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.46). Borrelia garinii and B. valaisiana were the most common genospecies at our study site suggesting a major role of birds as reservoirs. DNA from Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in humans and animals, was amplified from an adult I. ricinus.     

The distribution and prevalence of B. burgdorferi genomospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks in Ireland

Questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from six locations throughout Ireland and 638 nymphs, 111 females and 118 males were investigated for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). The total prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the ticks was determined as 14.9% by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the spacer region of 5S-23S rRNA genes. Infection prevalence was significantly higher in adult (20.1%) Ixodes ricinus compared to nymphs (13.1%). The prevalence of infection in adult male and female ticks was similar (19.5% and 20.7% respectively). The genomospecies B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii and group VS116 were identified by reverse line blot (RLB) using genomospecies specific oligonucleotide probes. The most prevalent B. burgdorferi genomospecies identified were VS116 (34.6%), B. garinii (24.3%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (18.4%). B. afzelii was uncommon (6.6%). Multiple infections were observed in 13.2% of the infected ticks. The distribution of the genomospecies showed geographical variation and also seemed to be influenced by the nature of the habitat. A broad range of genomospecies seemed to be associated with the presence of a wide spectrum of potential reservoir hosts in the habitat and also with a high overall prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l.     

Tick species and tick-borne infections identified in population from a rural area of Spain

To determine the tick species that bite humans in the province of Soria (Spain) and ascertain the tick-borne pathogens that threaten people's health in that province, 185 tick specimens were collected from 179 patients who sought medical advice at health-care centres. The ticks were identified, and their DNA examined by PCR for pathogens. Most ticks were collected in autumn and spring (59 and 57 respectively). Nine species of ticks were identified, the most frequent being Dermacentor marginatus (55.7%), Ixodes ricinus (12.4%) and Rhipicephalus bursa (11.9%). Ninety-seven females, 66 males, 21 nymphs and one larva were identified. Twenty-six ticks carried DNA from Rickettsia spp. (11 Rickettsia slovaca, 6 Rickettsia spp. RpA4/DnS14, 1 Rickettsia massiliae/Bar29, and 8 unidentified); two ticks carried DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and seven ticks harboured DNA from Anaplasma phagocytophilum.     

Borrelia lusitaniae and green lizards (Lacerta viridis), Karst Region, Slovakia

In Europe, spirochetes within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex are transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks. Specific associations are described between reservoir hosts and individual genospecies. We focused on green lizard (Lacerta viridis) as a host for ticks and potential host for borreliae. In 2004 and 2005, a total of 146 green lizards infested by ticks were captured, and 469 I. ricinus ticks were removed. Borrelial infection was detected in 16.6% of ticks from lizards. Of 102 skin biopsy specimens collected from lizards, 18.6% tested positive. The most frequently detected genospecies was B. lusitaniae (77.9%-94.7%). More than 19% of questing I. ricinus collected in areas where lizards were sampled tested positive for borreliae. B. garinii was the dominant species, and B. lusitaniae represented 11.1%. The presence of B. lusitaniae in skin biopsy specimens and in ticks that had fed on green lizards implicates this species in the transmission cycle of B. lusitaniae.     

New record of Rickettsia vini in Ixodes lividus ticks from Lithuania

Ixodes lividus Koch, 1844 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks are parasites specific to the sand martin (Riparia riparia). The distribution range of I. lividus covers Europe and Asia and they are found wherever sand martins nest. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii and Rickettsia vini have recently been detected in I. lividus ticks in Central Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and Borrelia spp. (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in I. lividus ticks in Lithuania. A total of 2622 non-engorged I. lividus from two different colonies comprising 40 sand martin nests were collected in Lithuania in 2013 and 2015. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 106 of the 117 pooled larvae samples, in all examined seven nymphs, four females and one male specimen. Sequence analysis of partial gltA, ompA and htrA genes showed 99–100 % identity with the corresponding R. vini sequences deposited in GenBank. None of I. lividus tested was infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. This is the first time that the presence of R. vini has been reported in Lithuania.     

Humans infected with relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia miyamotoi, Russia

Borrelia miyamotoi is distantly related to B. burgdorferi and transmitted by the same hard-body tick species. We report 46 cases of B. miyamotoi infection in humans and compare the frequency and clinical manifestations of this infection with those caused by B. garinii and B. burgdorferi infection. All 46 patients lived in Russia and had influenza-like illness with fever as high as 39.5°C; relapsing febrile illness occurred in 5 (11%) and erythema migrans in 4 (9%). In Russia, the rate of B. miyamotoi infection in Ixodes persulcatus ticks was 1%-16%, similar to rates in I. ricinus ticks in western Europe and I. scapularis ticks in the United States. B. miyamotoi infection may cause relapsing fever and Lyme disease-like symptoms throughout the Holarctic region of the world because of the widespread prevalence of this pathogen in its ixodid tick vectors.     

吉林省珲春地区蜱中伯氏疏螺旋体与斑点热群立克次体复合感染研究

目的了解吉林省珲春地区伯氏疏螺旋体与斑点热群立克次体的复合感染情况.方法运用PCR方法对吉林省珲春地区采集的蜱标本,进行伯氏疏螺旋体5S～23S rRNA间隔区基因与斑点热群立克次体外膜蛋白A（ompA）基因的检测.测序并用PHYLIP软件进行序列分析.结果全沟硬蜱中伯氏疏螺旋体感染率为36.0%,在全沟硬蜱中检测到了斑点热群立克次体的感染,其感染率为2 0%.二者的复合感染率为2.0%;森林革蜱中伯氏疏螺旋体感染率30.9%,斑点热群立克次体感染率29.1%,二者的复合感染率16.8%.伯氏疏螺旋体的序列分析显示吉林地区的伯氏疏螺旋体都属于B.garinii基因型,同源性较高.对斑点热阳性片段序列分析表明新测序列与斯洛伐克新发现的IRS3株和IRS4株核苷酸序列同源性为97%.结论吉林省珲春地区全沟硬蜱及森林革蜱中检测到伯氏疏螺旋体与斑点热群立克次体的感染,并检测到2种病原体的复合感染情况.     

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, and Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis, southern coastal Maine

Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) from Maine were tested for multiple infections by polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. In 1995, 29.5%, 9.5%, and 1.9% of deer ticks were infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti, respectively. In 1996 and 1997, the number of A. phagocytophilum-infected ticks markedly declined. In 1995 through 1996, 4 (1.3%) of 301 were co-infected.     

Molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato,Coxiella burnetii and piroplasms) in questing and feeding hard ticks from North-Western Spain

The occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of human and veterinary interest was studied in questing and feeding ticks collected from wild animals in a region in North-Western Spain. A total of 529 ticks (489 questing, 40 feeding) of seven different species (386 Ixodes ricinus, 53 Haemaphysalis concinna, 27 Haemaphysalis punctata, 25 Dermacentor marginatus, 21 Haemaphysalis inermis, 15 Dermacentor reticulatus, and two Rhipicephalus bursa) were analyzed. Molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA gene in I. ricinus ticks, revealed the presence of two phylogenetic groups in the region. Most of the sequenced ticks (96%) were assigned to I. ricinus haplogroup and 4% of the ticks were phylogenetically related to I. inopinatus haplogroup. Feeding ticks were removed from 17 animals from seven wild species (seven roe deer -Capreolus capreolus-, three wolves -Canis lupus-, two Iberian red deer -Cervus elaphus hispanicus-, two European wild boar -Sus scrofa-, one Cantabrian brown bear -Ursus arctos-, one Eurasian badger -Meles meles-, and one red fox -Vulpes vulpes-). Presence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, piroplasms, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and Coxiella burnetii were tested in ticks by specific PCR. A total of 92 (17.4%) of the 529 ticks analyzed were positive for at least one of the TBPs tested. Sequencing revealed the presence of the genospecies “Candidatus Rickettsia rioja”, Rickettsia raoultii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in both questing and feeding ticks. Rickettsia slovaca, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and Babesia bigemina were only detected in questing ticks, while Babesia sp. badger type A, Theileria OT3 and Hepatozoon canis occurred only in engorged ticks. None of the ticks were positive for C. burnetii. The analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of A. phagocytophilum revealed the presence of three variants (I, X and W) circulating in the region. New host-tick-pathogen interactions have been revealed, finding for the first time the human pathogen R. raoultii in D. reticulatus removed from a Cantabrian brown bear. Co-occurrence between different TBPs were detected in 4.3% of the ticks. The association B. burgdorferi s.l./Rickettsia spp. was detected in questing ticks; and Rickettsia spp./piroplasms and A. phagocytophilum/Theileria OT3 in feeding ticks. The presence of pathogenic agents constitutes a threat to human and animal health, and should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment after a tick bite. This study increases the knowledge on TBPs diversity of medical and veterinary interest circulating between ticks and their hosts in North-Western Spain.     

Risk of Lyme disease: perceptions of residents of a Lone Star tick-infested community.

BACKGROUND: Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) have been suggested as a vector of the agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) in the USA, based on associations with an infection manifesting mainly as erythema migrans. In laboratory experiments, however, they failed to transmit B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. METHODS: In this study, carried out from 1994 to 1996, we determined the seroprevalences of B. burgdorferi (1.2%), Ehrlichia chaffeensis (7%), E. phagocytophila (0%), Rickettsia rickettsii (0%), R. typhi (0%), Coxiella burneti (0%), Francisella tularensis (0%), and Babesia microti (0%) by standard serological methods for 325 residents (97% of the total population) of Gibson Island, coastal Maryland, USA, where 15% of the residents reported having had Lyme disease within a recent 5-year span. FINDINGS: Of the 167 seronegative individuals who were followed up prospectively for 235 person-years of observation, only 2 (0.85%) seroconverted for B. burgdorferi. Of 1556 ticks submitted from residents, 95% were identified as Lone Star ticks; only 3% were deer ticks (Ixodes dammini), the main American vector of Lyme disease. B. burgdorferi s.s. infected 20% of host-seeking immature deer ticks, and borreliae ("B. lonestari") were detected in 1-2% of Lone Star ticks. Erythema migrans was noted in 65% of self-reports of Lyme disease, but many such reports indicated that the rash was present while the tick was still attached, suggesting a reaction to the bite itself rather than true Lyme disease. Sera from individuals reporting Lyme disease generally failed to react to B. burgdorferi or any other pathogen antigens. CONCLUSION: The residents of Gibson Island had an exaggerated perception of the risk of Lyme disease because they were intensely infested with an aggressively human-biting and irritating nonvector tick. In addition, a Lyme disease mimic of undescribed etiology (named Masters' disease) seems to be associated with Lone Star ticks, and may confound Lyme disease surveillance. The epidemiological and entomological approach used in this study might fruitfully be applied wherever newly emergent tickborne zoonoses have been discovered.     

中国六省蜱中莱姆病螺旋体分离与鉴定

目的 了解中国6省蜱中莱姆病螺旋体携带情况.方法 在6省各选取2个采样点捕蜱,采用病原分离培养和巢式PCR方法对蜱进行莱姆病螺旋体检测,通过基因测序确定分型.结果 6省共采集到2200余只蜱,约1000只蜱用于病原分离培养,从吉林省长白县全沟硬蜱标本中分离到13株螺旋体,从贵州省道真粒形硬蜱标本中分离到9株螺旋体.1255只蜱用于PCR检测,从6省的蜱标本中检测到莱姆病螺旋体特异片段,其中吉林省(长白县27.08%、通化县20.41%)、青海省(互助县25.06%、黄南县21.11%)和贵州省(道真县25.63%)蜱中莱姆病螺旋体阳性率较高,山西省(垣曲县4.72%、交城县3.64%)蜱中莱姆病螺旋体阳性率较低.通过序列同源性分析确定吉林、青海、甘肃和山西省蜱中莱姆病螺旋体基因型均为Borrelia garinii.贵州、湖南省的基因型均为Borrelia valaisiana.结论 6省蜱中均带有莱姆病螺旋体,且带菌率有差异;山西省蜱中存在Borrelia ganmi型莱姆病螺旋体,湖南省蜱中存在Borrelia valaisiana型莱姆病螺旋体.     

Prevalence and diversity of Lyme borreliosis bacteria in marine birds

A potential role of seabirds in spreading Lyme disease (LB) spirochetes over large spatial scales was suggested more than 10 years ago when Borrelia garinii was observed in marine birds of both hemispheres. Since then, there have been few studies examining the diversity of Borrelia spp. circulating in seabirds, or the potential interaction between terrestrial and marine disease cycles. To explore these aspects, we tested 402 Ixodes uriae ticks collected from five colonial seabird species by amplification of the flaB gene. Both the average prevalence (26.0%+/-3.9) and diversity of LB spirochetes was high. Phylogenetic analyses grouped marine isolates in two main clades: one associated with B. garinii and another with B. lusitaniae, a genospecies typically associated with lizards. One sequence also clustered most closely with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Prevalence in ticks varied both among seabird species within colonies and among colonies. However, there was no clear association between different Borrelia isolates and a given seabird host species. Our findings indicate that LB spirochetes circulating in the marine system are more diverse than previously described and support the hypothesis that seabirds may be an important component in the global epidemiology and evolution of Lyme disease. Future work should help determine the extent to which isolates are shared between marine and terrestrial systems.