Borrelia burgdorferi
Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial species of the spirochete class of the genus Borrelia. B.burgdorferi is the predominant
causative agent of Lyme disease. In North America, the only bacterium involved is Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, while
in Europe and Asia, the bacteria B.afzelii and B.garinii are also causes of the disease.
Lyme disease (borreliosis) is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Typical symptoms include fever,
headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema chronicum migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread
to joints, the heart,
and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash),
and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful (ELISA, Western blot, PCR).
Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, amoxicillin,
cefuroxime axetil). Macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) are not recommended as first-line
therapy
for early Lyme disease (less effective in clinical trials; should
be reserved for patients who are intolerant of,
or should not take, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and cefuroxime axetil). More about Lyme disease treatment you can find here.
Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing
tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.
Borrelia burgdorferi micrographs
Borrelia burgdorferi vectors
Erythema migrans & how to remove a tick
Lyme disease symptoms
Images of Borrelia burgdorferi
Useful Links
WIKIPEDIACENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
Microbewiki (kenyon.edu)