Application of the Single-step PolymeraseChain Reaction for Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato and their GenomeSpecies in Ixodes ricinus Ticks

Overview

The objective of the work to introduce screening PCR into the diagnosis of Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato in the vector selection of the most suitable primer, derived from chromosomal DNA anddetection of different genome species.The sensitivity of primers, described in the literature (LD, 16S, Wk, 5S-23S) was tested by differentamounts of DNA strains of borrelias. The most sensitive primer – LD was used for detection ofborrelias in the vector. Ticks were collected in municipal parks from 1995 – 1997. A total of 635 tickswere 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 prevailsat the site, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was not detected so far. Mixed infection with Borreliagarinii/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 withborrelias. It makes it possible to differentiate with a relatively high sensitivity individual genomespecies of Borrelia burgdorferi in the vector. Before its use the sensitivity of the reaction must betested in the presence of tick DNA.

Key words:
tick – Lyme borrelosis – PCR – Borrelia.