Upotreba q16 real-time PCR-a za utvrđivnje prisustva spiroheta Borrelia u krpeljima

Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is tick-borne disease caused by Borrelia spirochaetes. It is transmitted by several hard ticks of the genus Ixodes, mainly Ixodes ricinus in Europe. The higher environment temperature caused by climate changes is linked to higher activity of ticks during the most of the year, thus the importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing in the region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Genesig q16 Real-Time PCR (design and launched by Primerdesign Ltd. UK) as diagnostic tool for fast detection of causative agents of Lyme disease in ticks in a routine laboratory. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii are the most significant causative agents of Lyme disease in this region. The kit detects a target gene which has previously been shown to be a good genetic marker for these three species. A total of 90 ticks were collected by removing from humans. Every tick collected was identified regarding species. The total of 79 ticks belonging to the genus Ixodes were tested for presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii by a real-time PCR assay targeting the RecA gene. In total, 8 of them were tested positive. These results were confirmed by other methodology as well. This study showed that the Genesig q16 Real-Time PCR is sufficient and reliable diagnostic test for fast detection of Borrelia spirochetes in ticks.