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Review
. 2025 Jul 29:28:101123.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101123. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Unmasking Borrelia species: A comprehensive review of their presence in Iran

Parisa Soltan-Alinejad  1 , Mahmood Nikbakhtzadeh  2 , Eslam Moradi-Asl  1
Affiliations
Review

Unmasking Borrelia species: A comprehensive review of their presence in Iran

Parisa Soltan-Alinejad et al. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. .

Abstract

Borrelia species are the causative agents of Lyme disease (LD) and tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in humans and animals. These pathogens are transmitted through hard and soft ticks. The increasing tick population, influenced by climate change, underscores the urgent need for enhanced research on tick-borne diseases. Iran, situated in southwestern Asia, boasts a diverse climate that supports a wide range of tick species and their vertebrate hosts. While TBRF is endemic to Iran, recent reports suggest the presence of LD in the country as well. Understanding the various Borrelia species, their tick vectors, human cases, affected reservoirs, and geographical distribution is crucial for assessing the epidemiology of TBRF and LD in Iran. This comprehensive review examines the epidemiological patterns, geographical distribution, detection methods for these pathogens, providing critical insights into their public health significance.

Keywords: Borrelia; Iran; Lyme disease; Relapsing fever; Tick; Tick-borne disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Image 1
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Different types of Borrelia species by the counties.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Identified Borrelia species in various hosts by the counties. The symbols represent humans, dogs, and rodents, indicating the Borrelia-infected specimens.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Identified Borrelia species in various tick species by the counties. The symbols represent different species of ticks infected with Borrelia.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Unidentified Borrelia species in various hosts and tick species by the counties.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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