Study of the presence of Borrelia spp. in ticks of the genus Amblyomma from Argentina

Búsqueda de Borrelia spp. en garrapatas del género Amblyomma de Argentina

Objetive. The aim of the present study was to detect Borrelia spp. in different species of ticks of the genus Amblyomma from Argentina. Materials and methods. Amblyomma tick specimens collected from various provinces of Argentina (Entre Ríos, Misiones, Formosa, Salta, Córdoba, San Luis and Buenos Aires) were analyzed by nested PCR for a 306 bp fragment of the gene fla of the genus Borrelia. Results. A total of 422 tick specimens (Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma tigrinum, Amblyomma tonelliae and Amblyomma triste) from various regions of Argentina were studied. All samples were negative by PCR for a fragment of the gene fla of Borrelia spp. Conclusions. The tick species of the genus Amblyomma analyzed in the present study are important for public health; although infection with bacteria of the genus Borrelia was not detected. However, considering the few previous antecedents in the region, future studies on this genus of ticks are necessary.

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