Genus Borrelia. Borrelia burgdorferi

• What is the Gram stain result for the genus Borrelia?

  Gram -ve
• What is the shape of Borrelia bacteria?

  Spirals
• Why is Borrelia considered very motile?

  It has axial fibrils for movement
• Does Borrelia have a capsule?

  No capsule
• What type of oxygen requirement does Borrelia have?

  Microaerophilic
• What is the largest spirochete?

  Borrelia
• What are axial fibrils used for in Borrelia?

  Rotation and flexion movements
• Name one species of Borrelia.

  Borrelia Recurrentis
• What is another species of Borrelia?

  Borrelia Burgdorferi
• What is the reservoir for B. Recurrentis?

  Louse
• What is the reservoir for B. Burgdorferi?

  Mammals or ticks
• How is Borrelia transmitted?

  Bite of infected tick or louse
• What virulence factor does B. Recurrentis use to evade the immune response?

  Antigenic variation
• What do variable major proteins (VMPs) do in B. Recurrentis?

  Alter to evade host immune response
• What is the role of OspA in B. Burgdorferi?

  Initial attachment to tick vector
• How does OspC help B. Burgdorferi?

  Modulates inflammatory response
• What role do adhesion molecules play in B. Burgdorferi?

  Facilitate attachment to host tissues
• How does spirochete motility benefit B. Burgdorferi?

  Allows movement through tissues and organs
• What clinical manifestation is associated with B. Recurrentis?

  Relapsing fever
• What is the progression of B. Recurrentis infection?

  Bacteraemia and invasion of all organs
• What are the symptoms of B. Recurrentis infection?

  Chills and fever for 3-5 days
• What is the incubation period for B. Burgdorferi?

  3-23 days
• How does B. Burgdorferi spread in the body?

  Migrates from skin lesion to bloodstream
• What are the symptoms of Stage I Lyme Disease?

  Erythema migrans and flu-like symptoms
• What are the symptoms of Stage II Lyme Disease?

  Migratory arthralgia and Lyme carditis
• What are the symptoms of Stage III Lyme Disease?

  Lyme arthritis and late neuroborreliosis
• What is the microbiological diagnosis method for Borrelia infections?

  ELISA then Western Blot + CSF testing
• What is the treatment for Borrelia infections?

  Amoxicillin or Ceftriaxone