Borrelia garinii

Borrelia garinii

Borrelia garinii is a species of bacteria within the genus Borrelia. It is one of the causative agents of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that affects humans and animals. Borrelia garinii is primarily transmitted by the Ixodes tick, commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick.

Taxonomy and Classification

Borrelia garinii belongs to the family Spirochaetaceae, which includes other notable species such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia afzelii. These species are collectively known as the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, which is responsible for Lyme disease in different geographical regions.

Morphology

Borrelia garinii is a spirochete, characterized by its spiral shape and motility. It is a Gram-negative bacterium, although it does not stain well with the Gram stain due to its unique cell wall structure. The bacterium is typically 10-30 micrometers in length and 0.2-0.3 micrometers in diameter.

Pathogenicity

Borrelia garinii is known for causing neurological symptoms in Lyme disease, such as neuroborreliosis. It is more prevalent in Europe and Asia, where it is a significant cause of Lyme disease. The bacterium can invade the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as meningitis, cranial neuritis, and radiculoneuritis.

Transmission

The primary vector for Borrelia garinii is the Ixodes ricinus tick in Europe and the Ixodes persulcatus tick in Asia. These ticks acquire the bacterium by feeding on infected hosts, such as small mammals and birds, and subsequently transmit it to humans through their bite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infection with Borrelia garinii is typically based on clinical symptoms, history of tick exposure, and laboratory testing. Serological tests, such as ELISA and Western blot, are commonly used to detect antibodies against Borrelia species. PCR testing can also be used to detect bacterial DNA in clinical samples.

Treatment

The treatment of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia garinii involves the use of antibiotics. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil. The choice of antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the stage of the disease and the presence of neurological symptoms.

Also see

• Lyme disease
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Borrelia afzelii
• Ixodes tick
• Neuroborreliosis