Atypical Forms of Borrelia burgdorferi in Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Author Information
Author(s): Judith Miklossy, Sandor Kasas, Anne D. Zurn, Sherman McCall, Sheng Yu, Patrick L. McGeer
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Can atypical forms of Borrelia burgdorferi persist in the brain and cause chronic neuroinflammation in Lyme neuroborreliosis?
Conclusion
Atypical and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and local neuroinflammation occur in the brain in chronic Lyme neuroborreliosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Atypical forms of Borrelia burgdorferi were induced under various harmful conditions.
- Identical atypical forms were observed in the brains of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis.
- Reactive microglia and astrocytes were present in the cerebral cortex of patients.
Takeaway
This study found that some germs that cause Lyme disease can change into different shapes and hide in the brain, which might make it harder to treat the infection.
Methodology
The study involved inducing atypical forms of Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro and analyzing brain tissues from patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis using various microscopy techniques.
Limitations
The study was limited to three patients, and the generalizability of the findings may be restricted.
Participant Demographics
Three patients aged 74, 78, and 86 years with chronic Lyme neuroborreliosis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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