A relapsing fever group Borrelia sp. similar to Borrelia lonestari found among wild sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks in Hokkaido, Japan

Researchers have identified a relapsing fever Borrelia species, similar to Borrelia lonestari (B. lonestari-like), in wild sika deer and Haemaphysalis ticks in Hokkaido, Japan. The study found significant regional variation in prevalence, with 17% of deer in Shiretoko testing positive compared to just 2.8% in Shibetsu. Fawns exhibited a higher infection rate (21.9%) than adults (9.4%). Notably, B. lonestari-like was detected in Haemaphysalis ticks for the first time, suggesting these ticks may serve as vectors. The study also conducted the first phylogenetic analysis of this organism in Asia, providing insights into its distribution and potential public health implications.

Lee, K., Takano, A., Taylor, K., Sashika, M., Shimozuru, M., Konnai, S., Kawabata, H., & Tsubota, T. (2014). A relapsing fever group Borrelia sp. similar to Borrelia lonestari found among wild sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks in Hokkaido, Japan. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 5(6), 841–847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.06.006