The global distribution and the risk prediction of relapsing fever group Borrelia: a data review with modelling analysis

Recently published LANCET Microbe paper by Tang et al. deserving a very special attention:

The research aims to map the diversity, distribution, and potential infection risk of the Relapsing fever group Borrelia (RFGB), an emerging threat to public health. A variety of sources were consulted to collate global data on RFGB detection in vectors, animals, and humans, along with clinical information about human patients.

The study discovered 29 RFGB species worldwide, with 16 causing human infection. The RFGB species with the widest distribution was Borrelia miyamotoi. Ecoclimatic factors such as annual mean temperature significantly affect their geographical distribution.

The study suggests that the predicted high-risk regions for RFGB infections are larger than previously reported. As such, there is a need for identification, surveillance, and diagnosis of RFGB infections world-wide. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection and effective treatment of RFGB infections to prevent patients from suffering recurrent febrile symptoms.

All presented findings challenge the historical assumption that RFGB can be found only in particular hosts and vectors within a given geographical region. This study underscores the necessity for RFGB surveillance as the number of RFGB cases is likely underestimated.

It is important to remember that Phelix Phage Borrelia test, available at R.E.D. Laboratories is able to uncover the presence of these pathogens in ticks and human biological materials (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluids, biopsies, etc) evidencing an active disease and not only the exposure.