ReviewPopulation genetics, taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

In order to understand the population structure and dynamics of bacterial microorganisms, typing systems that accurately reflect the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationship of the agents are required. Over the past 15 years multilocus sequence typing schemes have replaced single locus approaches, giving novel insights into phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of many bacterial species and facilitating taxonomy. Since 2004, several schemes using multiple loci have been developed to better understand the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and in this paper we have reviewed and summarized the progress that has been made for this important group of vector-borne zoonotic bacteria.

► Summarizes advances in population genetics, taxonomy, evolution of Lyme spirochetes. ► Highlights the impact of the complex ecology of LB group spirochetes on the population structure. ► Addresses importance of MLST/MLSA for bacterial population genetics studies and taxonomy. ► Insights in geographic distribution, contemporary population structure and dispersal pattern of Lyme borreliosis group of spirochetes.