[The role of ticks in the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis]

Abstract

In this paper the current knowledge of the natural circulation of Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis, and its relationships both to hard ticks (Ixodidae) serving as vectors, and to certain vertebrates which function as tick hosts and pathogen reservoirs is reviewed. The modes of transmission of borreliae (by salivation, regurgitation, defecation) by ticks to their animal hosts and men as well as prophylactic measures against tick-bites are also discussed.