Zoonotic Implications of (Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato) in Camel (Camelus Dromedarius) Populations: Molecular Surveillance and Risk Factors Modelling in Semi-Arid Regions of Pakistan
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to find out if Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is present in camels from two areas of Punjab, Pakistan. We collected a total of 405 samples from these areas. Gathered information on things that might increase the risk of infection. We used a test to look at the 16S rRNA gene and found that 3.70% of the samples were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. This means that out of 405 camels, 15 had the infection. When we looked at the genes of the infected camels, we found that they were similar to but not the same as genes from infected animals. We also found that some things, like the age, type, and sex of the camel and whether or not it had ticks, were linked to the infection. This study is the first to show that B. burgdorferi s.l. is present in camels in Pakistan. Our findings suggest that camels might be able to carry and spread the infection to animals and humans.
Keywords: Camel, B. Burgdorferi S.L., Risk Factors, PCR, And Phylogenetic Analysis.
