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[Borrelia burgdorferi, taxonomy, pathogenicity and spread]
G Baranton1, N Marti Ras, D Postic
1Unité de Bactériologie Moléculaire et Médicale, Institut Pasteur, Paris.
Annales De Medecine Interne
|January 28, 1999
Summary
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato comprises pathogenic and non-pathogenic species. Pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto likely originated in America and recently spread to Europe, differing from Eurasian species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a complex of over 10 bacterial species.
- Most Borrelia species are non-pathogenic to humans and have restricted vector specificity.
- Pathogenic species, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii, exhibit broader host and vector ranges.
Purpose:
- To differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic Borrelia species.
- To understand the geographical distribution and vector transmission of Borrelia species.
- To investigate the origin and recent migration of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto.
Summary:
- Pathogenic Borrelia species (B.b.s.s., B.g., B.a.) are transmitted by diverse tick vectors and show organotropism (joints, nervous system, skin).
- Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii are Eurasian, spread by Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus.
- Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is unique, found in North America and Europe, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes pacificus, and Ixodes ricinus.
Impact:
- Epidemiological and molecular data suggest Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto originated in America.
- Recent migration of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto to Europe post-1492 is indicated.
- Understanding Borrelia distribution aids in predicting and managing Lyme disease spread.