Mejlon H A, Jaenson T G
Department of Zoology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Scand J Infect Dis. 1993;25(4):449-56. doi: 10.3109/00365549309008526.
The aim of this investigation was to estimate the seasonal risk of contracting human Lyme disease in different vegetation types in southern Sweden. Host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were collected with standardized methods during May-September 1988 and March-October 1989 at 10 different sampling sites. Tick abundance was greatest during May-June and August-September. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection of the ticks was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy complemented by immunology. Spirochetal infection of tick larvae was not detected. The prevalence of infection among nymphal ticks differed significantly between years and between sampling sites. Infection prevalence was greater in adult females than in nymphs, but was similar in female and male ticks. Among all vegetation types studied, the greatest Lyme disease risk was deemed to be from I. ricinus nymphs during May and September in mixed forest vegetation.
本研究的目的是评估瑞典南部不同植被类型中感染人类莱姆病的季节性风险。1988年5月至9月以及1989年3月至10月期间，采用标准化方法在10个不同的采样点采集寻找宿主的蓖麻硬蜱（蜱螨目：硬蜱科）。蜱的数量在5月至6月以及8月至9月期间最多。通过相差显微镜检查并辅以免疫学方法评估蜱中伯氏疏螺旋体感染的患病率。未检测到蜱幼虫的螺旋体感染。若蜱感染率在不同年份和不同采样点之间存在显著差异。成年雌性蜱的感染率高于若蜱，但雌性和雄性蜱的感染率相似。在所有研究的植被类型中，混合森林植被中5月和9月的蓖麻硬蜱若蜱被认为是莱姆病的最大风险来源。
