Case Report: Exposure to Relapsing Fever Group Borreliae in Patients with Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in Mexico

Abstract

Relapsing fever (RF) borreliosis is a neglected disease in Mexico. A retrospective serological survey using diagnostic antigens GlpQ and BipA from Borrelia turicatae was performed to evaluate human exposure to RF borreliae. Seventy serum samples were used from a cohort of patients with undifferentiated febrile illness in Mexico. Four samples were positive to GlpQ and three to BipA. Results indicate that RF borreliae continue to circulate in regions of Mexico and pose a risk to human health.

Isolation and genomic characterization of the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete,Borrelia turicatae, from ticks collected in a peridomestic setting of Camayeca, Mexico

“…Identifying infected O. turicata in a peridomestic setting suggests that the disease is likely under reported in Mexico. In support of this, retrospective serodiagnostic studies indicate human exposure to TBRF spirochetes in populations originally diagnosed with fever of unknown origin (14). That work and our current findings indicate the importance of understanding the distribution and ecology of O. turicata and other argasid ticks of human importance in Mexico.…”

Borrelia turicatae from Ticks in Peridomestic Setting, Camayeca, Mexico

“…Identifying infected O. turicata ticks in a peridomestic setting suggests that TBRF is likely underreported in Mexico. In support of this finding, retrospective serodiagnostic studies detected human exposure to TBRF spirochetes in populations originally diagnosed with fever of unknown origin ( 1 ). Given those observations and our findings, additional studies should be conducted to determine infection frequencies of argasid ticks collected in peridomestic settings and to define the distribution and ecology of O. turicata ticks and other argasid ticks of human importance in Mexico to increase knowledge and awareness of these ticks and the potential threat they pose to animal and human health.…”

“…Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) spirochetes are neglected pathogens in Mexico, and human infection is frequently misdiagnosed because of nonspecific symptoms ( 1 ). Borrelia turicatae infection is associated with irregular fevers, vomiting, rigors, nausea, and meningitis ( 2 ).…”