Tracking the Prevalence of Human Borrelia miyamotoi Infection in New England

Serosurveys in 2018 showed the prevalence of B. miyamotoi was 2.8%, compared with 11.0% for B. burgdorferi and 10.0% for Babesia microti.

Infection from Borrelia miyamotoi, first reported in 2011, may manifest as a febrile illness, a relapsing fever syndrome, or meningoencephalitis. Like B. burgdorferi and Babesia microti, this spirochete is transmitted by Ixodes ticks. However, its prevalence and geographic range of human infection are not well characterized. Researchers at several medical centers in New England and the FDA performed a comparative assessment using a cross-sectional serosurvey among residents in the New England region. From May through August 2018, 1153 serum samples from 11 clinical catchment sites were randomly obtained. Antibody assays to B. miyamotoi, B. burgdorferi, and B. microti were performed and seroprevalence of each pathogen determined.

Across all 1…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Tracking the Prevalence of Human Borrelia miyamotoi Infection in New England

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Reviewing Author