Ability to cause erythema migrans differs between Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The variety of characteristic and non-specific clinical manifestations is partially explained by its genetic diversity. We investigated the ability of B. burgdorferi sl isolates to cause erythema migrans.

Methods

The genetic constellation of isolates from ticks was compared to isolates found in erythema migrans. PCR and sequence analysis was performed on the plasmid-encoded ospC and the chromosomal 5S-23S rDNA spacer region (IGS).

Results

Seven different B. burgdorferi sl genospecies were identified in 152 borrelia isolates from ticks and erythema migrans biopsies. B afzelii (51%) and B. garinii (27%) were the most common in ticks. From the 44 sequences obtained from erythem

SUBMITTER: Tijsse-Klasen E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3599126 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature