# Broad range molecular detection methods identify only Borrelia spp. in erythema migrans biopsies and blood of tick-bitten patients **Authors:** Philippe Pérot, Laura Tondeur, Sara Moutailler, Delphine Chrétien, Nicole Corre-Catelin, Muriel Vayssier-Taussat, Marc Eloit, Catherine Chirouze, Céline Cazorla, Laurence Arowas, Laurence Arowas, Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers, Céline Cazorla, Catherine Chirouze, Delphine Chrétien, Nicole Corre-Catelin, Marc Eloit, Pascale Frey-Klett, Arnaud Fontanet, Clémence Galon, Karine Lacombe, Sara Moutailler, Philippe Pérot, Véronique Perronne, Valentine Piquard, Marie Préau, Costanza Puppo, Laura Tondeur, Marie-Noelle Ungeheuer, Muriel Vayssier-Taussat, Ayla Zayoud PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100886 · 2024-08-30 ## TL;DR This study found that only Borrelia bacteria, not other pathogens, were present in skin and blood samples from patients with tick-bite-related rashes. ## Contribution The study confirms Borrelia spp. as the sole pathogen in erythema migrans, using advanced detection methods. ## Key findings - No microorganisms other than Borrelia spp. were detected in skin biopsies. - Blood samples also showed no evidence of other pathogens. - High-throughput and metagenomic methods confirmed the specificity of Borrelia spp. presence. ## Abstract In this multicenter study conducted in France, we challenged the hypothesis of the transmission of pathogens other than Borrelia spp. in 22 patients developing erythema migrans following a tick bite. Using a combination of high-throughput microfluidic PCRs and agnostic metagenomics on skin biopsies and blood samples, no microorganisms other than Borrelia spp. was found. ## Linked entities - **Diseases:** erythema migrans (MONDO:0007655) ## Full-text entities - **Diseases:** tick bite (MESH:D064927), erythema migrans (MESH:D005929) - **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606] --- Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11403503