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Isolation and transmission of the Lyme disease spirochete from the southeastern United States
J H Oliver1, F W Chandler, M P Luttrell
1Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460.
Abstract:
The isolation of the Lyme disease spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) from the southeastern United States is reported. Three isolates, two from cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus) and one from the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), were recovered from Sapelo Island, Georgia, in July and September 1991. The spirochetes were characterized by indirect fluorescent antibody assay using a battery of five monoclonal antibodies, by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) of whole cell lysates, and by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using primers for three DNA target sequences found in B. burgdorferi reference strain B-31. Transmission experiments indicate that the three Georgia isolates can infect experimentally inoculated hamsters and mice. Tick transmission of one of the isolates has been attempted so far; I. scapularis transmitted isolate SI-1 from hamsters to mice, but the lone-star tick, Amblyomma americanum, did not.
Insights
Researchers isolated the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in Georgia, USA. These findings confirm its presence in the southeastern United States, impacting disease ecology and transmission dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoology
Background:
- Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi.
- The geographic distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi in the southeastern United States was previously not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the isolation and characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi from the southeastern United States.
- To investigate the potential for transmission of these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of spirochetes from cotton mice and black-legged ticks.
- Characterization using indirect fluorescent antibody assay, SDS/PAGE, and PCR.
- Infection and transmission experiments in hamsters, mice, and ticks.
Main Results:
- Three Borrelia burgdorferi isolates were recovered from Sapelo Island, Georgia.
- Isolates were confirmed using serological, biochemical, and molecular methods.
- Experimental infections in rodents were successful, and tick transmission was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Borrelia burgdorferi is present in the southeastern United States.
- Ixodes scapularis can transmit the Lyme disease spirochete in this region.
- Further research is needed to understand the full ecological impact and transmission potential.