Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is a spirochete bacteria species belonging to the genus Borrelia, which is responsible for causing Lyme disease - the most common tick-borne illness worldwide. This bacteria is primarily transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus) in North America, and Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in Europe and Asia.
The name "Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto" emphasizes the specific strain or subspecies of Borrelia burgdorferi complex that is most commonly associated with human infections. It is named after Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, who discovered and isolated the bacteria in 1982.
The bacteria possess a unique spiral or helical shape, allowing it to penetrate tissues and evade the immune system effectively. Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto can lead to a wide range of symptoms, affecting various body systems, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease often include a characteristic skin rash, known as erythema migrans, along with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain. If left untreated, the bacteria can disseminate throughout the body, leading to more severe manifestations, including arthritis, cardiac problems, and neurological complications.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics are crucial to prevent the progression of Lyme disease and its long-term complications.
