Isolation and genomic characterization of the tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete,Borrelia turicatae, from ticks collected in a peridomestic setting of Camayeca, Mexico

Abstract Surveillance studies were implemented in Sinaloa, Mexico to determine the circulation of tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes. Argasid ticks were collected from a human dwelling in the village of Camayeca and spirochetes were isolated. Genomic analysis indicated that Borrelia turicatae is a threat to those living in resource limited settings. Article Summary Line We report the collection of argasid ticks from a peridomestic setting in Mexico and the isolation of Borrelia turicatae ; increased surveillance efforts are needed on this overlooked vector-borne pathogen.