Experience of PCR research on Lyme borreliosis in children from the Ternopil Region

Background
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a multisystem infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Lyme borreliosis has become more common among children. Improving the methods of etiological diagnosis of Lyme disease is especially important.

Objectives
The survey covered 30 parents of children who were bitten by ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and B. garinii), B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum were identified.

Material and methods
For the identification of pathogens of blood-borne infections among children, we observed a group of children (30) aged 1 to 14 years. Ticks were identified using a stereomicroscopic SEO system. The DNA of B. burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) (B. burgdorferi sensu strictо, B. afzeliі and B. garinii), B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum were determined by real-time PCR and dark field microscopy.

Results
In the study of blood of children B. burgdorferi was found in 2 people (6.6%), A. phagocytophilum – in 2 (6.6%), B. miyamotoi – in 3 (10.0%), B. burgdorferi s.l. compatible with A. phagocytophilum and B. miyamotoi – detected in 1 child (3.3%).

Conclusions
Early detection and identification of Lyme borreliosis in particular and preventive treatment can prevent an increase in the incidence of this infection in children. It is necessary to take into account the epidemiological risks not only for borreliosis but also granulocytic anaplasmosis.