Background: Ticks are an important vector among arthropods associated with serious medical and veterinary problems. In this research, we investigate Borrelia species in ticks isolated from the surface of livestock (sheep and goat) in different regions of West Azerbaijan province. Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using specific primers targeting Borrelia spp. genes. Borrelia spp. was identified through PCR. The positive PCR products were sent to Pishgam Company for sequencing. Sequenced data were analyzed, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood method in MEGA V.10. Results: The detection rate of Borrelia spp. for 16srRNA gene 69 (n = 542; 12.7%; 95%Cl: 10.1%-15.8%), 42 (n = 542; 7.7%; 95%Cl: 5.78%-10.1%) positive on 5S-23SrRNA gene and ospA gene 4 (n = 542; 0.74%; 95%Cl: 0.29%-1.88%). Conclusion: These results are the first report in Iran to identify Borrelia spp. These results of the study showed that the Borrelia spp. in hard ticks detected by PCR and it was negative to soft ticks. it is important in public health implications at the studied areas.
Keywords: Borrelia spp.; Iran; PCR; West Azerbaijan; ticks.