Lyme disease Pathenogenisis

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Introduction

This illustration depicts a three-dimensional (3D), computer-generated image, of a group of Gram-positive, Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) bacteria. The photo credit for this image belongs to Alissa Eckert, who is a medical illustrator at the CDC.

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Borrelia burgdorferi

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Transmission

Ticks that carry B. burgdorferi are able to transmit Lyme disease to many different organisms. Two types of ticks can carry and transmit the microbe, and they are both blacklegged ticks. One type, the blacklegged tick, is prevalent throughout the majority of the United States and is responsible for transmission on the Atlantic Coast, in the northeast, and in the central U.S. The other, the western blacklegged tick, is responsible for spreading the microbe throughout the western U.S. Ticks have multiple stages in their life cycle. They start as larva, then grow to nymphs, and then adults. Most transmissions are caused by nymphs, as the tick must be attached for more than 36 hours for transmission to occur. Because the nymphs are quite small compared to the adult ticks, they can be more hidden and stay attached long enough for transmission to occur. Lyme disease can’t be passed from person to person through any type of contact. For infection to occur, one must have been bitten by a tick carrying the microbe. In very rare cases, it can be passed from mother to child if an expecting mother is not undergoing any treatment but is infected.

The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary. Often, a rash occurs shortly after transmission. The rash is circular, centering around the bite and expanding out over the course of several days. In rare cases, it may cause pain or itchiness, but it typically won’t cause any type of discomfort. In the case that a rash doesn’t appear, other beginning symptoms might take its place, such as aches, fatigue, fever, headache, or chills. These symptoms and the rash typically won’t occur together. After the initial infection period, which lasts anywhere from 3-30 days, additional symptoms may occur. The main symptom is joint and muscle pain or stiffness. Swelling of the joints can also occur, and more rashes can appear on other parts of the body. This disease can be very dangerous and cause complications with the heart, spinal cord, and even brain.

Immune Response

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References

Authored for BIOL 238 Microbiology, taught by Joan Slonczewski, 2022, Kenyon College