Detection of Tickborne Relapsing Fever Spirochete, Austin, Texas, USA

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Infectious Diseases
• Bacteriology

Background:

• A febrile patient in Austin, Texas, was diagnosed with tickborne relapsing fever.
• The suspected exposure occurred at a conference center where an outbreak was previously noted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the causative agent of the tickborne relapsing fever.
• To investigate the presence and role of potential tick vectors in the Austin area.

Main Methods:

• Patient blood smear and molecular diagnostic assays were used for etiological identification.
• Tick surveillance was conducted in a public park near the suspected exposure site.
• Ornithodoros turicata ticks were trapped, and Borrelia turicatae was cultivated and identified using multilocus sequencing.

Main Results:

• Borrelia turicatae was identified as the causative agent in the patient.
• Ornithodoros turicata ticks were collected from two locations within the park.
• Cultivated Borrelia turicatae isolates from ticks were genetically identical to known isolates, confirming endemicity.

Conclusions:

• Borrelia turicatae is endemic in Ornithodoros turicata ticks in Austin, Texas.
• The study highlights the potential emergence of tickborne relapsing fever in urban environments.
• Public health surveillance and vector control are crucial for managing tickborne diseases.