Amplification of the flgE gene provides evidence for the existence of a Brazilian borreliosis
Keywords:
Lyme disease, Lyme disease-like, SpirochaetalesAbstract
INTRODUCTION: The symptoms of Brazilian borreliosis resemble the clinical manifestations of Lyme disease (LD). However, there are differences between the two in terms of epidemiological and laboratory findings. Primers usually employed to diagnose LD have failed to detect Borrelia strains in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the Brazilian Borrelia using a conserved gene that synthesizes the flagellar hook (flgE) of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. METHOD: Three patients presenting with erythema migrans and positive epidemiological histories were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected, and the DNA was extracted by commercial kits. RESULTS: The gene flgE was amplified from DNA of all selected patients. Upon sequencing, these positive samples revealed 99% homology to B. burgdorferi flgE. CONCLUSION: These results support the existence of borreliosis in Brazil. However, it is unclear whether this borreliosis is caused by a genetically modified B. burgdorferi sensu stricto or by a new species of Borrelia spp.Downloads
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Published
2012-06-01
Issue
Section
Microbiology
How to Cite
Mantovani, E., Marangoni, R. G., Gauditano, G., Bonoldi, V. L., & Yoshinari, N. H. (2012). Amplification of the flgE gene provides evidence for the existence of a Brazilian borreliosis . Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 54(3), 153-158. https://revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/31469