Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato refers to a complex group of bacteria within the genus Borrelia that are known to cause Lyme disease. This group is composed of several closely related species or genospecies of bacteria, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and others. These bacteria are transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks, specifically those belonging to the Ixodes genus.
Members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group are characterized by their corkscrew shape, a distinguishing feature of the genus Borrelia. These bacteria are spiral-shaped and possess flagella that facilitate their locomotion in various environments, including mammalian tissues.
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria are known for their ability to establish long-lasting infections in humans and animals. When an infected tick bites a mammalian host, such as a human, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to various organs and tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms associated with Lyme disease, including fever, fatigue, joint pain, and neurological complications.
To diagnose a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, various laboratory tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serological assays, are utilized to detect the presence of specific antibodies against these bacteria in the patient's blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infections typically involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or ceftriaxone, depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Early detection and prompt treatment of Lyme disease
