Related Experiment Videos
Culture-positive Lyme borreliosis
B J Hudson1, M Stewart, V A Lennox
1Microbiology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW. bhudson@med.usyd.edu.au
The Medical Journal of Australia
|June 19, 1998
Summary
This case study highlights a persistent Lyme borreliosis infection caused by Borrelia garinii, acquired in Australia. Despite extensive antibiotic treatment and negative standard tests, the infection was confirmed via skin biopsy culture.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia species.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in non-endemic regions or with atypical presentations.
- Standard diagnostic methods include serology and histopathology.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of Lyme borreliosis.
- The patient had a history of travel to Europe, but symptom onset suggested potential Australian acquisition.
- Skin biopsy culture was positive for Borrelia garinii.
Findings:
- Culture of skin biopsy confirmed Borrelia garinii infection.
- Diagnosis was achieved despite negative serological and histopathological tests.
- The patient had received multiple courses of antibiotics prior to diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case suggests Borrelia garinii may be endemic in Australia.
- Culture of skin biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool for persistent Lyme borreliosis.
- Challenges in diagnosing Lyme borreliosis necessitate considering alternative diagnostic methods.