Lyme disease – chipmunks may affect tick infection but the risk of transmission is more complex

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the bite of an infected tick of the Ixodes genus. Researchers from the Institut Pasteur have investigated tick infection when Siberian chipmunks are present, as these rodents are thought to be a reservoir for the bacteria. This pet, which was popular in the 1970s, was introduced to some forests where it now thrives, like in Sénart forest, south-east of Paris. The research has confirmed that these chipmunks were responsible for an increase in tick infection. But there are fewer ticks where the chipmunks are found. Why is this?

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