Detection of Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu Lato, in blacklegged ticks collected in the Grand River valley, Ontario, Canada
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-8-2017
Abstract
We document the presence of blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in the Grand River valley, Centre Wellington, Ontario. Overall, 15 (36%) of 42 I. scapularis adults collected from 41 mammalian hosts (dogs, cats, humans) were positive for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). Using real-time PCR testing and DNA sequencing of the flagellin (fla) gene, we determined that Borrelia amplicons extracted from I. scapularis adults belonged to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), which is pathogenic to humans and certain domestic animals. Based on the distribution of I. scapularis adults within the river basin, it appears likely that migratory birds provide an annual influx of I. scapularis immatures during northward spring migration. Health-care providers need to be aware that local residents can present with Lyme disease symptoms anytime during the year.
Publication Title
International Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume
14
Issue
2
First Page
150
Last Page
158
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.7150/ijms.17763
PubMed ID
28260991
ISSN
14491907
Citation Information
Scott, Foley, J. E., Anderson, J. F., Clark, K. L., & Durden, L. A. (2017). Detection of Lyme Disease Bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, in Blacklegged Ticks Collected in the Grand River Valley, Ontario, Canada. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 14(2), 150–158. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.17763