Publication details
Detekce Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato u drobných savců v blízkosti skládky komunálního odpadu
| Title in English | Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in small mammals near a municipal waste landfill |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | The aim of the study was to detect Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and to detect antibodies in rodents caught at a landfill. Antibodies were detected using the serological ELISA method from heart lavage and direct detection of Bbsl. using the molecular PCR method from kidney tissue. Antibodies against IgM were detected in 10.5% (18/170) of rodents and antibodies against IgG in 10% (17/170) of rodents. The most infected species was A. sylvaticus (29%, 9/31), while the least infected was Sorex araneus (8.7%, 2/23). Using PCR, Bbsl. was detected in 14.7% (25/170) of individuals, namely 22.6% (7/31) in A. sylvaticus and 17.9% (17/95) in M. arvalis. The species A. uralensis was negative (0/20). The age and sex of the rodents did not affect positivity. A significant difference was found in rodent positivity within the seasons, with the highest positivity in spring (27%, 10/37) and the lowest positivity in summer (8.5%, 8/94). The resulting prevalence of Bbsl. is lower than we would expect given the number of potential reservoir animals in a small area. The lower prevalence of Bbsl. can be explained by the fact that the conditions at the landfill do not correspond to the natural environment for ticks. Since vertical transmission of Bbsl. in reservoir animals has not yet been demonstrated, the spread of infection is difficult without a vector. However, the risk of infection applies to people and pets who move around the landfill. |