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Title: Lizards and the enzootic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
Abstract

Emerging and re‐emerging pathogens often stem from zoonotic origins, cycling between humans and animals, and are frequently vectored and maintained by hematophagous arthropod vectors. The efficiency by which these disease agents are successfully transmitted between vertebrate hosts is influenced by many factors, including the host on which a vector feeds. The Lyme disease bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato has adapted to survive in complex host environments, vectored byIxodesticks, and maintained in multiple vertebrate hosts. The versatility of Lyme borreliae in disparate host milieus is a compelling platform to investigate mechanisms dictating pathogen transmission through complex networks of vertebrates and ticks. Squamata, one of the most diverse clade of extant reptiles, is comprised primarily of lizards, many of which are readily fed upon byIxodesticks. Yet, lizards are one of the least studied taxa at risk of contributing to the transmission and life cycle maintenance of Lyme borreliae. In this review, we summarize the current evidence, spanning from field surveillance to laboratory infection studies, supporting their contributions to Lyme borreliae circulation. We also summarize the current understanding of divergent lizard immune responses that may explain the underlying molecular mechanisms to confer Lyme spirochete survival in vertebrate hosts. This review offers a critical perspective on potential enzootic cycles existing between lizard‐tick‐Borreliainteractions and highlights the importance of an eco‐immunology lens for zoonotic pathogen transmission studies.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10512221
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Molecular Microbiology
Volume:
121
Issue:
6
ISSN:
0950-382X
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: p. 1262-1272
Size(s):
p. 1262-1272
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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