Borrelia burgdorferi

BorreliaDrawing

Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial species of the spirochete class of the genus Borrelia. It is well-known for being the causative agent of Lyme disease, which is the most common tick-borne disease in the North American and European continents.

Taxonomy

Borrelia burgdorferi belongs to the Borrelia genus, which is part of the larger Spirochaetes phylum. The genus Borrelia is further divided into three groups, with Borrelia burgdorferi being part of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex.

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Lyme Disease Bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi

Morphology

Borrelia burgdorferi is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium. It is highly motile due to the presence of flagella located within the periplasmic space.

Pathogenesis

Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Once in the bloodstream, the bacterium can disseminate to various tissues, causing a range of symptoms from fever and fatigue to more serious complications such as arthritis and neurological disorders.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Borrelia burgdorferi infection is typically based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with serological testing. Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, with doxycycline and amoxicillin being the most commonly prescribed.

Prevention

Prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infection primarily involves avoiding tick bites through the use of repellents, protective clothing, and checking for ticks after being in wooded or grassy areas.

See Also

• Lyme disease
• Ixodes
• Spirochaetes
• Borrelia

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