First Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA in Serum of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Northern Portugal by Nested-PCR

Ecohealth. 2015 Mar;12(1):183-7. doi: 10.1007/s10393-014-0973-4. Epub 2014 Sep 18.

Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne zoonosis in the northern hemisphere. Several vertebrates are crucial in the epidemiological cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, but the role of wild boar as a reservoir is still unknown. Sera were collected from 90 wild boars shot in the Trás-os-Montes region, Northern Portugal (hunting season 2011/2012). In this study, Borrelia DNA was detected for the first time by nested-PCR in three different sera, suggesting that the wild boar may be a potential reservoir for this spirochete. Sequencing results show 100% similarity with Borrelia afzelii. Further studies are needed to evaluate the public health risks associated with boar hunting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / microbiology*
  • Borrelia burgdorferi Group
  • Borrelia burgdorferi*
  • DNA, Bacterial / blood
  • Disease Reservoirs / microbiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Lyme Disease / epidemiology
  • Lyme Disease / veterinary*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Sus scrofa / blood
  • Sus scrofa / microbiology*
  • Swine
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology
  • Swine Diseases / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial