Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto DNA in Field-Collected Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks, Pennsylvania, United States

We collected questing Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from southeastern counties of Pennsylvania, USA. Of 263 ticks tested by PCR for pathogens, 1 adult female was positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, yielding a 0.4% infection rate. Continued monitoring of this invasive tick is essential to determine its public health role.

Automated summary

Ticks of Haemaphysalis longicornis collected from southeastern Pennsylvania were tested for pathogens, with 1 adult female testing positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, resulting in an infection rate of 0.4%. It is crucial to continue monitoring this invasive tick species to assess its impact on public health.