Maintenance by hares of European Borrelia burgdorferi in ecosystems without rodents.

摘要: During May-October 1991 shrews (Sorex spp.), small rodents (Apodemus spp., Clethrionomys glareolus [Schreber]), and hares (Lepus spp.) were sampled near Stockholm, Sweden. Nymphal Ixodes ricinus (L.) derived from blood-engorged larvae collected these mammals investigated by phase-contrast microscopy immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using the monoclonal antibody H6831 directed against OspB protein of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner. Three rodent species, previously known as vertebrate reservoirs for B. in Switzerland, are competent Lyme borreliosis also The first data presented showing disease reservoir competency European insectivores araneus L., S. minutus L.) lagomorphs europaeus Pallas, L. timidus L.). Lagomorphs only vertebrates to be both a source blood all stages I. ricinus. We propose that can maintained prolonged periods on islands, without insectivores, if present; and, such ecosystems, fluctuations lagomorph population levels may influence numbers burgdorferi-infected ticks hence risk human infection.