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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Cultivation Methods of Spirochetes from Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Complex and Relapsing Fever Borrelia
Published on: November 25, 2022
Borrelia hispanica relapsing fever, Morocco
M'hammed Sarih1, Martine Garnier, Najma Boudebouch
1Institut Pasteur, Casablanca, Morocco.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 29, 2009
Summary
Tick-borne relapsing fever affects over 20% of patients with unexplained fevers in northwestern Morocco. Borrelia hispanica was identified using molecular detection of the 16S rRNA gene.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Unexplained fever presents a diagnostic challenge in endemic regions.
- Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a significant zoonotic disease.
- Limited data exists on TBRF prevalence in northwestern Morocco.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of tick-borne relapsing fever in patients with unexplained fever in northwestern Morocco.
- To identify the causative agent of TBRF using molecular methods.
- To evaluate the utility of specific genetic markers for Borrelia species identification.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients presenting with unexplained fever.
- Molecular detection targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Borrelia species.
- Sequencing of the noncoding intergenic spacer region for species-specific identification.
Main Results:
- Tick-borne relapsing fever was diagnosed in 20.5% of patients.
- Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Borrelia hispanica.
- The 16S rRNA gene and intergenic spacer sequences demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- Borrelia hispanica is a notable cause of unexplained fever in northwestern Morocco.
- Molecular diagnostics are crucial for accurate TBRF diagnosis.
- Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of TBRF in the region.
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