Detection, identification and genotyping of Borrelia spp. in ticks of Coastal-Karst and Littoral-Inner Carniola regions in Slovenia

• DOI: 10.14411/fp.2023.007
• Publication Date: 2023-03-31T10:30:12Z
• Authors: Jana Šušnjar; Tjaša Cerar Kišek; Katja Strašek Smrdel; Eva Ružić-Sabljić; Katja Adam; Vladimir Ivović
• Keywords: Borrelia garinii; Borrelia afzelii; Sensu

The density and spread of tick vector species have increased throughout Europe in the last 30 years, leading to an increase Lyme borreliosis cases, including Slovenia.The aim this study was isolate Borrelia strains determine prevalence B. burgdorferi sensu lato miyamotoi adults Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) collected 2019 two regions country (Coastal-Karst Littoral-Inner Carniola) by cultivation PCR.We isolated s.l. culture method 28/559 (5%) ticks from both regions.Culture-negative samples (531/559, i.e., 95%) were additionally tested real-time PCR.In 155/531 (29.2%)PCR-positive samples, a fragment flaB or glpQ amplified further sequenced identify Borrelia.Using methods, PCR, spp.prevalence 32.7% Coastal-Karst region 33.0% Carniola region.Genotyping spp.isolates revealed that 17/28 (60%) garinii subtype Mlg2.Of all for 8/398 (2%) PCR positive.Based on previous studies these regions, we had expected more be infected with afzelii, but genotyping most abundant.