Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi isolated from erythema migrans lesions: Interrelationship of three molecular typing methods

Genetic diversity among Borrelia burgdorferi isolates recovered from the sk in of Lyme disease patients was assessed by ribosomal DNA (rDNA) spacer res triction fragment length polymorphism analysis, genomic restriction site po lymorphism analysis, and plasmid content analysis. There was a significant association between the three rDNA spacer types, the six pulsed-field gel t ypes, and plasmid content (P < 0.001). The association between distinct chr omosomal and plasmid markers implies a clonal origin for each genotype.