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[Borrelia strains that cause erythema migrans in Alsace, France]
N Antoni-Bach1, B Jaulhac, Y Hansmann
1Service de Dermatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France.
Introduction:
In Europe, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are known as pathogens among the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. Since it is not yet known which Borrelia are responsible for Lyme borreliosis in France, the objective of this study was to identify the species of Borrelia responsible for erythema migrans in the region of Alsace, France.
Patients And Methods:
Eighteen patients with erythema migrans (EM) of more than 5 cm of diameter were included in this prospective study. All patients were investigated at the Strasbourg University Hospital. Patients were biopsied on the active border of their lesion. Cutaneous biopsies of the active border of the lesion were cultivated in BSK-H medium (Sigma) and analysed in vitro by PCR after 8 weeks of culture, using flagellin consensus sequences which are present in all species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group as primers. Species-specific oligotyping was used for species identification.
Results:
Among the 18 patients biopsied, 7 had evidence of borrelia infection revealed by culture and/or PCR. Borrelia afzelii was detected in 4 patients and Borrelia garinii in three.
Conclusion:
These preliminary results appear to confirm that Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the predominant borrelial species in EM lesions in our geographic area, as in other European countries.
Insights
Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the main causes of erythema migrans (EM) in Alsace, France. This study identified these Borrelia species in patients with EM, confirming their role in Lyme borreliosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Lyme borreliosis is a significant tick-borne illness in Europe.
- The specific Borrelia species causing erythema migrans (EM) in France were previously unknown.
- Alsace, France, is a region where Lyme borreliosis is prevalent.
Purpose:
- To identify the Borrelia species responsible for erythema migrans (EM) in Alsace, France.
- To determine the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group species in French EM lesions.
Summary:
- Eighteen patients with EM lesions underwent cutaneous biopsies for Borrelia detection.
- Cultures and PCR analysis identified Borrelia afzelii in 4 patients and Borrelia garinii in 3 patients.
- Borrelia infection was confirmed in 7 out of 18 patients.
Impact:
- This study identifies Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii as the predominant species causing EM in Alsace.
- Findings contribute to understanding the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis in France.
- Results support the need for targeted diagnostics and treatment strategies for Lyme borreliosis in the region.