First Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in Serum of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Northern Portugal by Nested-PCR

• DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0973-4
• Publication Date: 2014-09-17T18:34:47Z
• Authors: Ana S. Faria; Maria das Neves P...; Mónica Nunes; Teresa Carreira; Hélia M. Vale-Gon...; Octávia Veloso; Catarina Coelho; João A. Cabral; Madalena Vieira-P...; Maria L. Vieira
• Keywords: Wild boar; Animal ecology; Sensu; Zoonosis

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne zoonosis in the northern hemisphere. Several vertebrates are crucial in the epidemiological cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, but the role of wild boar as a reservoir is still unknown. Sera were collected from 90 wild boars shot in the Trás-os-Montes region, Northern Portugal (hunting season 2011/2012). In this study, Borrelia DNA was detected for the first time by nested-PCR in three different sera, suggesting that the wild boar may be a potential reservoir for this spirochete. Sequencing results show 100% similarity with Borrelia afzelii. Further studies are needed to evaluate the public health risks associated with boar hunting.