Borrelia mayonii

Borrelia mayonii is a bacterial species belonging to the genus Borrelia. It is known to cause Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease that affects both humans and animals. Borrelia mayonii was first identified in the Midwestern United States in 2016.

Discovery

Borrelia mayonii was discovered by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in 2016. The discovery was made when six out of approximately 9,000 samples from residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota with suspected Lyme disease were found to be infected with Borrelia mayonii. This was the first time a new species of Borrelia had been identified in over two decades.

Characteristics

Borrelia mayonii is a spirochete, a type of bacteria that is long, slender, and spiral-shaped. It is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that is the primary cause of Lyme disease in the United States. However, Borrelia mayonii is genetically distinct and has been found to cause slightly different symptoms.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of Borrelia mayonii infection are similar to those of Borrelia burgdorferi, but can be more severe. They include fever, headache, rash, and neck pain. In later stages, patients may experience arthritis, neurological problems, and heart problems. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical symptoms and serological testing.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for Borrelia mayonii infection typically involves a course of antibiotics. Prevention strategies include avoiding areas where ticks are common, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outdoors.

See Also

• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Lyme disease
• Tick-borne diseases