Ecology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and epidemiology of borrelial infections in Cumbria

摘要: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) is the causative agent of tick-borne zoonotic disease Lyme borreliosis (LB), which around 2-3000 cases are reported annually in UK. This project took a “One Health” approach to studying s.l. southern Cumbria exploring its medical and veterinary importance quantifying environmental hazard it presents region. Under umbrella, this comprised three discrete studies: (1) longitudinal study tick population dynamics, B. transmission dynamics these ticks, was carried out between June 2013 September 2017 separate but closely located woodlands, (2) role grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) natural maintenance assessed, (3) veterinarian-based survey ticks infesting companion animals completed. The most noteworthy findings studies were: phenologies questing populations studied were similar, there consistent significant variation abundance populations. Overall rose during study. circulated all populations, at significantly different prevalences. annual density infected varied sites asynchronous. Four genospecies encountered study, relative contribution each borrelial community markedly stayed constant through time. Grey susceptible (prevalence 19.74%) infection with four encountered. prevalence infections feeding on almost 11.57% higher than that local (3.69%). Three Ixodes species parasitized animals, I. ricinus being common. Parasitism peaked July. Infection rate animal-associated 1.29%, lower observed ticks. thesis provides an insight into phenology what bite area. Although peak bites did not coincide from can be explained by behaviour Regarding tend fluctuate throughout year temporary absence some sites. found had high particularly afzelii garinii. Both dominated holistic ecology shows should only discussed regard human explore wider concept gain better spirochetes place world.