Whole genome sequencing of human Borrelia burgdorferi isolates reveals linked blocks of accessory genome elements located on plasmids and associated with human dissemination

Abstract Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in North America and Europe. The clinical manifestations of Lyme disease vary based on the genospecies of the infecting Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete, but the microbial genetic elements underlying these associations are not known. Here, we report the whole genome sequence (WGS) and analysis of 299 B. burgdorferi (Bb) isolates derived from…

Children are more than twice as likely to lose their detectable antibodies to Lyme disease bacteria

Background Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), is the most common tick-borne infection in Germany. Antibodies against Bb are prevalent in the general population but information on temporal changes of prevalence and estimates of seroconversion (seroincidence) and seroreversion are lacking, especially for children and adolescents. Aim We aimed at assessing antibodies against Bb and factors associated with seropositivity…

Lyme neuroborreliosis: A case report

Abstract Key Clinical Message Lyme neuroborreliosis is the manifestation of Lyme borreliosis that impacts the nervous system. It gives rise to various neurological and psychiatric conditions, and its diagnosis is challenging. The timely administration of antibiotics is effective. A male patient, aged 55, was admitted to the emergency department due to the sudden onset of…

Why Lyme treatments often fail

Monica Embers, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University, Director of Vector-Borne Disease Research and member of the Tulane National Primate Research Center has been a leading participant in Lyme research. In addition she presents three free CME courses on [IN]VISIBLE for healthcare professionals. Her research program regarding Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme…

6-year-old may need to relearn how to walk, talk after tick bite leads to ICU, mom says

A bite from a tick left a 6-year-old Arkansas boy fighting for his life, his mother says, and he may not be the same when he wakes up. In late June, Aiden Debusk went on a short hike with his family, his mother, Laiken Debusk, told KTHV. She checked her kids for ticks when they…