Molecular detection and identification of relapsing fever Borrelia in ticks and wild small mammals in China

Abstract

We identified relapsing fever (RF) Borrelia in 1.45% (145/10426) of the ticks and 1.40% (40/2850) of the wild mammals in a field investigation in China. Three RF Borrelia species, including human-pathogenic Borrelia miyamotoi , Borrelia persic a and unclassified Babesia sp. were determined. Main species determined from ticks was B. miyamotoi (44.14%), followed by the unclassified Borrelia sp. (42.76%), and Borrelia theileri (13.10%). In wild mammals, main species found was B. persica (57.50%), followed by the unclassified Borrelia sp. (40.00%), and B. miyamotoi (2.50%). We determined B. theileri and B. persica in China for the first time . The coexistence of RF Borrelia species in one tick species in a given region was observed, with the most frequent coexistence seen for B. miyamotoi and the unclassified Borrelia sp. in Dermacentor silvarum, Haemaphysalis japonica, Haemaphysalis longicornis, and Ixodes persulcatuss respectively. The wide distribution and high variety of RF Borrelia in China pose a potential threat to public health.

Tick-borne zoonotic flaviviruses and Borrelia infections in wildlife hosts: What have field studies contributed?

“…In studies with over 40 tested individuals, the percentage of active infections nevertheless ranged from 0.4% for B. lusitaniae in Eastern grey squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) to 90% for Bbsl in cotton mouse ( Peromyscus gossypinus ) [ 31 ]. Regarding only relapsing-fever associated Borrelia , direct detection ranged from 0.2% in house mouse ( Mus musculus ) for an unknown relapsing-fever Borrelia [ 32 ] to 50% for B. miyamotoi in wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) [ 33 ]. In mammals, including rodents, artiodactyls and carnivores, the level of direct detection and seroprevalence of Borrelia spp.…”

Tick-borne bacterial agents in Hyalomma asiaticum ticks from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China

“…In 2020, Zhao et al reported a previously undescribed Borrelia species in Rhipicephalus turanicus from Xinjiang based on the groEL sequence [ 15 ]. In 2022, a nationwide survey revealed the remarkable genetic diversity of relapsing fever Borrelia in ticks from China [ 16 ]. However, no Hy.…”

Tick-borne zoonotic flaviviruses andBorreliainfections in wildlife hosts: what have field studies contributed?

“…When considering all Borrelia species, all studies confounded, overall detection and seroprevalence tended to uniformize between 15% and 30% as the number of tested individuals increased (Figure 4A). In studies with over 50 tested individuals, the proportion of active infections ranged from 0.1% for B. lusitaniae in Eastern grey squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) to 76% for Bbsl in white-footed mouse[83], and from 0.2% for relapsing fever associated species in house mouse ( Mus musculus )[84] to 50% for B. miyamotoi in wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo )[85]. In mammals, including rodents, artiodactyls and carnivores, the level of direct detection and seroprevalence of Borrelia spp.…”