Lyme Borreliosis - a Multisystem Disease

Lyme borreliosis, due to the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bb.sl), causes significant morbidity throughout the world. Preliminary studies have indicated the presence of the arthropod vector and the pathogen in North Africa. A few clinical cases have been reported. Our objective is to evaluate whether Lyme borreliosis constitutes a threat to public health. To access our objective, we plan to establish a map of the tick distribution, to evaluate the prevalence of Borrelia infection in ticks, to identify Borrelia strains and to determine their genetic diversity, to identify reservoirs used to maintain Bb.sl, and to evaluate the incidence of the disease in the human population. The knowledge of the natural enzootic cycle involving arthropods and wild vertebrates in the maintenance of Bb.sl should permit to develop prevention strategies to counter any public health threat.