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Updated: May 16, 2026
07:20
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Lyme disease: a multisystem infection that affects the nervous system
1Overlook Medical Center, Department of Neurosciences, 99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07902, USA. john.halperin@atlantichealth.org
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Diagnose and treat Lyme disease affecting the nervous system with serologic testing and oral antibiotics. Most cases of neuroborreliosis, including meningitis and neuritis, are curable with oral medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, affects the nervous system in approximately 15% of infected individuals.
- Neuroborreliosis presents with diverse neurological manifestations, including meningitis, cranial neuritis, and radiculitis.
Observation:
- Serologic testing for anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies is crucial for diagnosing nervous system Lyme disease.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination aids in diagnosing meningitis and CNS infections.
Findings:
- Serologic tests demonstrate high positive and negative predictive values in neuroborreliosis.
- Oral antibiotic therapy is effective for most cases of neuroborreliosis, including meningitis and neuritis.
- Parenchymal central nervous system (CNS) Lyme disease may require different treatment approaches.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of neuroborreliosis are essential for favorable patient outcomes.
- Understanding the spectrum of neuroborreliosis manifestations guides appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Further research may clarify optimal treatment for CNS Lyme disease involving brain parenchyma.
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