Evolutionary dynamics and geographical dispersal of .

BACKGROUND

is a species within the complex sensu lato, associated with lizards as reservoirs and as its main vector. is predominantly distributed in Central and Southeast Europe, and in countries of the Mediterranean basin, such as Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy where this spirochete appears to infect vector ticks more frequently than other genospecies. Evolution of this zoonotic tick-borne microparasite is shaped by different environmental factors. Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis may give insight into how spreads to new geographic locations.

AIM

We applied Bayesian statistical methods to multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data to study the migration routes of and its potential for further spread.

RESULTS

The discrete phylogeographic analysis placed origins of in Southeast Europe and identified at least two introductions of . from Europe to North Africa. Estimated effective reproductive potential (Re), as a key indicator for a pathogen spread, suggested potential for further spread.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study can provide beneficial information about the potential for further spread of in Europe and North Africa and estimation of necessity for the development of strategies to monitor and control Lyme borreliosis.