[First isolation of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme spirochaeta) from ticks in Hungary]

Abstract

31 field collected Ixodes ricinus adult ticks were investigated for the Lyme-disease spirochete. 5/31 Ixodes ricinus contained Borrelia burgdorferi. The spirochete was successfully cultivated in four cases, and they were found in two ticks by immunofluorescence technique and dark field microscopy, as well. Two of the isolated strains were tested by Western blot. The antigen pattern in both strains showed marked bands in 41 and 60 kD antigen, but only a week band appeared at 32 kD, with the lack of the OspB. The mechanism of infection and the way of prevention is discussed.