Genetic Variability within Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Genospecies Established by PCR-Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analysis of the rrfA-rrlB Intergenic Spacer in Ixodes ricinus Ticks from the Czech Republic

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.69.1.509-516.2003
• Publication Date: 2003-01-03T22:02:44Z
• Authors: Markéta Derdáková; Lorenza Beati; Branislav Pet'ko; Michal Stanko; Durland Fish
• Keywords: Borrelia garinii; Borrelia afzelii; Single-strand conformation polymorphism; Intergenic region; Sensu

ABSTRACT In Europe the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex is represented by five distinct genospecies: stricto, afzelii , garinii valaisiana and lusitaniae. These taxonomic entities are known to differ in their specific associations with vertebrate hosts provoke clinical manifestations human patients. However, exceptions these rules have often been observed, indicating that strains belonging a single genospecies may be more heterogeneous than expected. It is, therefore, important develop alternative identification tools which able distinguish not only at level but also intraspecific level. DNA from sample of 370 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected Czech Republic was analyzed PCR for presence ∼230-bp fragment rrfA-rrlB intergenic spacer spp. A total 20.5% were found positive. The infecting identified analyzing amplified products restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) method enzyme Mse I single-strand conformation (SSCP) analysis. two methods compared, PCR-SSCP analysis appeared valuable tool rapid spirochetes level, particularly when large samples examined. Furthermore, using we previously unknown genotype, genotype I-77, would gone unnoticed if RFLP alone had used.