Detection of Lyme disease pathogens in isolated ticks at Aibi Lake, Alataw Pass, Xinjiang Autonomous Region

Objective In order to understand the major tick species, Borrelia burgdorferi infection and genotype status at Aibi Lake, Alataw Pass, Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Methods Free- living ticks were collected by drag- flag method from April to August, 2014, and the morphological identification was carried out. Borrelia spp. was detected by 5S- 23S rRNA gene primers. The PCR products were sequenced and analyzed with BLAST. Results One hundred fifty- two isolated ticks were collected, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus (12), Hyalomma asiaticum (59) and Dermacentor Marginatus (81). The positive rate of Borrelia spp. was 34.87% (53/152). The positive rate of Hyalomma asiaticum (57.63%, 34/59) was higher than that of Dermacentor Marginatus (22.22%, 18/81, χ2 = 18.328, P < 0.05) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (8.33%, 1/12, χ2 = 9.694, P < 0.05). The analysis of 5S- 23S rRNA sequencing indicated the pathogen was Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. Conclusions Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in ticks is firstly detected in Alataw region. The results conveyed us Aibi Lake was natural epidemic focus of Lyme disease. Key words: Ticks; PCR; Borrelia burgdorferi; Genotype