A Novel Rapid Sample Preparation Method for MALDI-TOF MS Permits Sensu Lato Species and Isolate Differentiation.

The genus comprises vector-borne bacterial pathogens that can severely affect human and animal health. Members of the sensu lato species complex can cause Lyme borreliosis, one of the most common vector-borne diseases in the Northern hemisphere. Besides, members of the relapsing fever group of spirochetes can cause tick-borne relapsing fever in humans and various febrile illnesses in animals in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions.