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Published on: August 31, 2013
Borrelia miyamotoi-An Emerging Human Tick-Borne Pathogen in Europe
Katarzyna Kubiak1, Magdalena Szczotko2, Małgorzata Dmitryjuk2
1Department of Medical Biology, Collegium Medicum, School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland.
Abstract:
Borrelia miyamotoi is classified as a relapsing fever spirochete. Although B. miyamotoi is genetically and ecologically distinct from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, both microorganisms are transmitted by the same Ixodes tick species. B. miyamotoi was detected in I. persulcatus ticks in 1994 in Japan. A phylogenetic analysis based on selected sequences of B. miyamotoi genome revealed genetic differences between isolates from Asia, North America, and Europe, which are clearly separated into three genotypes. Symptomatic human cases of Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) were first reported in 2011 in Russia and then in North America, Europe, and Asia. The most common clinical manifestation of BMD is fever with flu-like symptoms. Several differences in rare symptoms (thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, or symptoms related to the central nervous system) have been noted among cases caused by Asian, European, and American types of B. miyamotoi. BMD should be considered in the diagnosis of patients after tick bites, particularly with meningoencephalitis, without anti-Borrelia antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid. This review describes the biology, ecology, and potential of B. miyamotoi as a tick-borne pathogen of public health concern, with particular emphasis on Europe.
Insights
Borrelia miyamotoi causes a relapsing fever illness. This tick-borne Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) presents with flu-like symptoms and is a growing public health concern, especially in Europe.
Area of Science:
- * Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- * Epidemiology and Public Health
Background:
- * Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by Ixodes ticks.
- * It is genetically and ecologically distinct from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.
- * First detected in Japan in 1994, Borrelia miyamotoi has since been identified globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the biology and ecology of Borrelia miyamotoi.
- * To highlight its significance as a tick-borne pathogen of public health concern.
- * To emphasize its prevalence and impact in Europe.
Main Methods:
- * Phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia miyamotoi genome sequences.
- * Review of published literature on Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) cases and symptoms.
- * Ecological and geographical distribution analysis of tick vectors and pathogen isolates.
Main Results:
- * Borrelia miyamotoi isolates from Asia, North America, and Europe are genetically distinct into three genotypes.
- * Symptomatic human cases (Borrelia miyamotoi disease) reported since 2011 show geographical variations in rare symptoms.
- * Common symptoms include fever and flu-like illness; neurological symptoms can occur.
Conclusions:
- * Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging tick-borne pathogen with global distribution.
- * Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) requires consideration in tick-exposed individuals, especially with meningoencephalitis.
- * Further research and surveillance are needed, particularly focusing on Europe.
