Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Lyme Endocarditis: A Case Report
Mayyadah H Alabdely1, Patricia Bartley1, Carmela D Tan2
1Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Abstract:
A 67-year-old woman from Pennsylvania underwent mitral valve repair for regurgitation that developed shortly after Lyme disease treatment. Warthin-Starry stain revealed spirochetes in valve tissue and molecular testing found DNA of Borrelia spp. We report the first Lyme endocarditis case supported by visualization of spirochetes in cardiac valve tissue.
Insights
This study presents the first documented case of Lyme endocarditis. Spirochetes, the bacteria causing Lyme disease, were visualized in heart valve tissue, confirming the infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is a tick-borne illness with diverse manifestations.
- Cardiac involvement in Lyme disease, such as Lyme carditis, is well-recognized but endocarditis is exceptionally rare.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis I: Introduction

