First records of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in voles and selected Apodemus species in Serbia

Abstract

Background Voles and Apodemus mice are recognized as important hosts for numerous parasites and pathogens. Understanding the occurrence of zoonoses, key host characteristics, and the factors influencing their population dynamics and distribution is essential for predicting disease occurrence and assessing the risks of transmission and spread. Determining the role of voles and field mice, in maintaining Borrelia burgdorferi, s.l. in the environment clarifies its transmission during tick activity periods and highlights the need for timely monitoring and control measures.

Results We examined the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in solid heart tissue of small rodent species (Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus spp., Microtus spp.). Detection and molecular typing of bacteria was completed using real-Time PCR and Sanger sequencing. The presence of the pathogen Borrelia afzelii in voles (Microtus arvalis, C. glareolus) and mice (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus sylvaticus) was recorded in Serbia for the first time during this study. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. infection in the collected M. arvalis and C. glareolus was 12.9%. and 8.2%, respectively. The prevalence of infected A. agrarius and A. sylvaticus was 66.7% and 20%, respectively.

Conclusions The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the sampled animals suggests that rodent species may act as hosts for this pathogen and contribute to its maintenance in the environment.