Human exposure to spirochete-infected Ornithodoros turicata collected from the home of an individual in the Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

Abstract

A Central Texas resident found an engorging Ornithodoros turicata tick attached to their leg while at home. The tick was submitted for testing, which confirmed that it was infected with a Borrelia species. Spirochetes were successfully cultured and whole genome sequencing confirmed that the species was Borrelia turicatae. The tick submitter reported being hospitalized and was recovering from Bells Palsy. Searching the Texas National Electronic Disease Surveillance System indicated that the individual had an undiagnosed febrile illness that spanned three weeks prior to finding the tick attached on them. These findings indicated possible recurrent tick exposure in a domestic environment.