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Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Acute cervical myelomeningitis secondary to Lyme neuroborreliosis
Jawad Laaguili1, Zakaria Chandid Tlemcani1, Cherkaoui Mandour1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Military Hospital Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco.
Background:
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can cause multi-systemic signs and symptoms, including peripheral and central nervous system disease. Lyme neuroborreliosis rarely presents with spinal cord involvement.
Case Description:
We describe a case of a 62-year-old man presenting with fever, meningeal syndrome, rapidly progressive flaccid tetraplegia with preserved sensory function, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated extensive intramedullary T2 hyperintensity associated with diffuse circumferential pachymeningeal enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid analyses revealed positive anti-B. burgdorferi immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies, confirming a diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Lyme neuroborreliosis should be considered in patients presenting with acute myelomeningitis. MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosis, and early recognition is essential to initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Insights
Lyme neuroborreliosis, a rare spinal cord complication of Lyme disease, can cause rapid paralysis. Early MRI diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing this serious neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by *Borrelia burgdorferi*, affects multiple body systems, including the nervous system.
- Lyme neuroborreliosis, a neurological manifestation, rarely involves the spinal cord.
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