The prevalence of Borrelia miyamotoi infection, and co-infections with other Borrelia spp. in Ixodes scapularis ticks collected in Canada

Commentary: I had recently posted on the spread of Borrelia miyamotoi, the relapsing fever spirochete, across the US. It is now being found in Canada. In this study,B. miyamotoi was detected in blacklegged ticks from all provinces except Newfoundland, although the infection prevalence was low (<1%). B. miyamotoi infection can cause a viral-like illness, and imitate the symptoms of Lyme disease. It should be considered in patients with a Lyme-like illness that are seronegative on standard tests for Borrelia burgdorferi.Commentary: May is Lyme awareness month. I will be speaking about the role of tick-borne co-infections in Lyme disease at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, in Albany, N.Y. on Saturday, May 3rd. There will be a book signing after the event. My good friend and colleague Dr Ronald Stram is hosting the event, and he will have Dr Carsten Nicolaus come from Germany to discuss new integrative protocols for Lyme and associated tick-borne disorders. The event details are listed below. Please click on the link for more information and to register for the event (there are less than 75 seats left). The prevalence of Borrelia miyamotoi infection, and co-infections with other Borrelia spp. in Ixodes scapularis ticks collected in Canada, Parasites & Vectors