Amplification of the flgE gene provides evidence for the existence of a Brazilian borreliosis.
BACKGROUND
The symptoms of Brazilian borreliosis resemble the clinical manifestations of Lyme disease (LD). However, there are differences between the two in terms of epidemiological and laboratory findings. Primers usually employed to diagnose LD have failed to detect Borrelia strains in Brazil.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to identify the Brazilian Borrelia using a conserved gene that synthesizes the flagellar hook (flgE) of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.


METHODS
Three patients presenting with erythema migrans and positive epidemiological histories were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected, and the DNA was extracted by commercial kits.


RESULTS
The gene flgE was amplified from DNA of all selected patients. Upon sequencing, these positive samples revealed 99% homology to B. burgdorferi flgE.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the existence of borreliosis in Brazil. However, it is unclear whether this borreliosis is caused by a genetically modified B. burgdorferi sensu stricto or by a new species of Borrelia spp.
Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Elenice
E
Mantovani
Roberta G
RG
Marangoni
Giancarla
G
Gauditano
Virgínia L N
VL
Bonoldi
Natalino H
NH
Yoshinari
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D001898:Borrelia / Q000235:genetics*; D001899:Borrelia Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D001938:Brazil; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C097681:FlgE protein, Bacteria