Borrelia burgdorferi- The Cause of Lyme Disease

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Introduction

Borrelia burgdorferi is an ancient spirochete-shaped bacteria that is responsible for Lyme disease [1]. These bacteria symbiotically live within the bodies of ticks, benefitting from this relationship, whereas the ticks do not. Borrelia burgdorferi is a part of the Spircochete phylum, which is distinctive for bacteria that have a spirally shaped body and flagella that are found in the periplasmic space between the inner and outer membranes [1]. Borrelia burgdorferi are excellent swimmers, and are able to navigate their way from ticks to new, vertebrate hosts such as small mammals, birds, and lizards [1]. Oftentimes, ticks in their larval feeding phase pick up Borrelia burgdorferi from rodents infected with the bacteria [1]. As the ticks grow into their adult phase, they eventually target only large mammals, infecting them with Borrelia burgdorferi as they feed. Interestingly, Borrelia burgdorferi are almost never transferred transovarially [1]. Humans typically obtain Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme disease as a result from nymphal ticks, because they are smaller and more difficult to spot than adult ticks, allowing the nymphs to feed for longer periods of time [1]. Lyme disease can cause an array of symptoms in patients, the most infamous being the distinctive bullseye pattern rash that appears on the skin, called erythra migrans [1]. Because Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted via ticks, Lyme disease is most prevalent in rural areas, where ticks can be more commonly found [1]. In the United States, Lyme disease can most commonly be found in New England, mid-Atlantic states, upper north-central states, and in some areas of California in the northwest [2]. Furthermore, this infection is seasonal, when ticks are the most active and most likely to come into contact with humans. Research on Lyme disease has been heavily prioritized, with more than $3.5 million per year granted by the CDC to fund new research [2]. In order to better understand Lyme disease and its impacts, it is important to recognize the unique characteristics of Borrelia burgdorferi through its genome, metabolism, morphology, motility, and chemotaxis.

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References

1.Tilly K, Rosa PA, Stewart PE. 2008 Biology of Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America 22, 217–234. [1]

2. Bratton RL, Whiteside JW, Hovan MJ, Engle RL, Edwards FD. 2008 Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 83, 566–571. [2]