1992 Volume 1 Issue 1 Pages 27-35
To clarify the epidemiological situation of Lyme borreliosis in Fukui Prefecture, we surveyed tick fauna and the prevalence of the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi(Bb)in 14 mountainous points of the Prefecture during April to July in 1991. In this time, 4 genera and 13 species(including 2 unassociated species)belonging family Ixodidae were found. Of these, most of the common species including Ixodes ovatus(Io)were collected throughout the hilly or lower mountainous areas, and the southern species, Amblyomma testudinarium and Dermacentor taiwanensis were recorded first in Fukui Pref. The famous northern species, I. persulcatus(Ip)was collected at higher mountains over 800m.
A total of 307 adult ticks consisting of 4 genera and 9 species were individually examined to isolate Borrelia. As results, 32 and 3 Bb strains were isolated from Io(32/154=20.8%)and Ip(3/27=11.1%), respectively. While almost all of strains were positive to a monoclonal antibody(H5332: specific to outer surface protein A)by IFA, but 2 of 3 strains from Ip were not responsible. Additionally, one strain was first isolated from the nymphal stage of Haemaphysalis flava.
