A Novel High Discriminatory Protocol for the Detection of , Sensu Stricto and in Ticks.

Bacteria of the sensu lato complex are the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (LB). Even if the conventional diagnosis of LB does not rely on the species itself, an accurate species identification within the complex will provide a deepened epidemiological scenario, a better diagnosis leading to a more targeted therapeutic approach, as well as promote the general public's awareness. A comparative genomics approach based on the 210 spp. genomes available in 2019 were used to set up three species-specific PCR protocols, able to detect and provide species typing of , sensu stricto (s.s.) and , the three most common and important human pathogenic Lyme species in Europe. The species-specificity of these protocols was confirmed on previously identified , s.s. and specimens detected in samples. In addition, the protocols were validated on 120 DNA samples from ticks collected in Sweden, showing 88% accuracy, 100% precision, 72% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The proposed approach represents an innovative tool in epidemiological studies focused on s.l. occurrence in ticks, and future studies could suggest its helpfulness in routine diagnostic tests for health care.