Detection by PCR of Borrelia theileri in ticks and anti-rGlpQ antibodies in cattle from Guanajuato, Mexico.

Bovine borreliosis is caused by Borrelia theileri, it is rarely reported, and it has a worldwide distribution, but its circulation in Mexico is poorly studied. In this report, a retrospective serological analysis of 100 bovine sera from the state of Guanajuato to detect exposure to Borrelia sp. was performed by Western blot for the detection of antibodies against the recombinant proteins rGlpQ and three versions of rBipA. A positive reaction was obtained in 3 individuals for rGlpQ, but not for the rBipA versions. A posterior collection of sera in 21 cows showed that two of them were reactive to a Borrelia turicatae extract and rGlpQ. Additionally, field sampling was carried out in herds with seroreactive animals to collect ticks that were morphologically and molecularly classified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The flaB gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced in four of the ticks, resulting in the identification of Borrelia theileri. Our results indicate that B. theileri is present in ticks and suggest it may be infecting cattle in this region of Mexico.