Borrelia are gram-negative microaerophilic Microaerophilic Helicobacter spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema. Owing to their small size, they are not easily seen on Gram stain Gram stain Klebsiella but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy Dark-field microscopy Treponema, Giemsa, or Wright stain. Spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema are motile and move in a characteristic spinning fashion due to axial Axial Computed Tomography (CT) filaments in the periplasmic space. The ability of Borrelia to express different repertoires of surface proteins Proteins Linear polypeptides that are synthesized on ribosomes and may be further modified, crosslinked, cleaved, or assembled into complex proteins with several subunits. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape the polypeptide will take, during protein folding, and the function of the protein. Energy Homeostasis allows for bacterial transmission and evasion of the host immune system Immune system The body's defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components. Primary Lymphatic Organs. Borrelia utilizes Ixodes ticks Ticks Blood-sucking acarid parasites of the order ixodida comprising two families: the softbacked ticks (argasidae) and hardbacked ticks (ixodidae). Ticks are larger than their relatives, the mites. They penetrate the skin of their host by means of highly specialized, hooked mouth parts and feed on its blood. Ticks attack all groups of terrestrial vertebrates. In humans they are responsible for many tick-borne diseases, including the transmission of rocky mountain spotted fever; tularemia; babesiosis; african swine fever; and relapsing fever. Coxiella/Q Fever, Ornithodoros ticks Ticks Blood-sucking acarid parasites of the order ixodida comprising two families: the softbacked ticks (argasidae) and hardbacked ticks (ixodidae). Ticks are larger than their relatives, the mites. They penetrate the skin of their host by means of highly specialized, hooked mouth parts and feed on its blood. Ticks attack all groups of terrestrial vertebrates. In humans they are responsible for many tick-borne diseases, including the transmission of rocky mountain spotted fever; tularemia; babesiosis; african swine fever; and relapsing fever. Coxiella/Q Fever, and the human body louse Human Body Louse Epidemic Typhus as vectors, and the resulting diseases include Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease and relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever.
Last updated: Sep 8, 2022
Dark-field microscopy Dark-field microscopy Treponema of Borrelia burgdorferi
Image: “Borrelia burgdorferi (CDC-PHIL-6631) lores” by CDC. License: Public Domain
Axial
Axial
Computed Tomography (CT) filaments of Borrelia:
Axial
Axial
Computed Tomography (CT) filaments are made up of multiple periplasmic
flagella
Flagella
A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called flagellin. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as cilia but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers.
Helicobacter (bottom picture). This allows the
spirochete
Spirochete
Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement.
Treponema (top picture) to move in a spinning fashion.
The following diseases are caused by Borrelia:
| Disease | Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease | Relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever |
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| Diagnosis | Clinical, supported using ELISA ELISA An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed. St. Louis Encephalitis Virus and Western blot | Clinical, dark-field microscopy Dark-field microscopy Treponema, Giemsa stain, or Wright stain of blood smear Blood smear Myeloperoxidase Deficiency |
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TBRF TBRF Relapsing Fever: tick-borne relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever
LBRF LBRF Relapsing Fever: louse-borne relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever
AV: atrioventricular
ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary edema without cardiac failure. Sepsis is the most common cause of ARDS. The underlying mechanism and histologic correlate is diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
ELISA ELISA An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed. St. Louis Encephalitis Virus: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
PEP PEP A monocarboxylic acid anion derived from selective deprotonation of the carboxy group of phosphoenolpyruvic acid. It is a metabolic intermediate in glycolysis; gluconeogenesis; and other pathways. Glycolysis: post-exposure prophylaxis Prophylaxis Cephalosporins
Classic erythema Erythema Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes. Chalazion migrans rash Rash Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever of Borrelia burgdorferi
Image: “Diagnostic challenges of early Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease: lessons from a community case series” by Aucott J, Morrison C, Munoz B, Rowe PC, Schwarzwalder A, West SK SK Seborrheic keratosis (sk) is the most common benign epithelial cutaneous neoplasm. The condition consists of immature keratinocytes. Seborrheic keratosis is the most common benign skin tumor in middle-aged and elderly adults and presents as a sharply demarcated, exophytic, skin lesion that may be tan or black and has a “stuck-on” appearance. Seborrheic Keratosis. License: CC BY 2.0Spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema are gram negative Gram negative Bacteria which lose crystal violet stain but are stained pink when treated by gram’s method. Yersinia spp./Yersiniosis, spiral Spiral Computed tomography where there is continuous x-ray exposure to the patient while being transported in a spiral or helical pattern through the beam of irradiation. This provides improved three-dimensional contrast and spatial resolution compared to conventional computed tomography, where data is obtained and computed from individual sequential exposures. Computed Tomography (CT) shaped, and motile. The following table briefly compares some clinically relevant spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema:
| Organism | Treponema pallidum Treponema pallidum The causative agent of venereal and non-venereal syphilis as well as yaws. Treponema pallidum | Other T. pallidum subspecies | Treponema Treponema Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema carateum | Borrelia burgdorfi | Borrelia recurrentis | Leptospira interrogans Leptospira interrogans A genus of question mark-shaped bacteria spirochetes which is found in freshwater that is contaminated by animal urine. It causes leptospirosis. Leptospira/Leptospirosis |
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| Virulence Virulence The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its virulence factors. Proteus |
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| Reservoir Reservoir Animate or inanimate sources which normally harbor disease-causing organisms and thus serve as potential sources of disease outbreaks. Reservoirs are distinguished from vectors (disease vectors) and carriers, which are agents of disease transmission rather than continuing sources of potential disease outbreaks. Humans may serve both as disease reservoirs and carriers. Escherichia coli | Humans | Humans | Humans |
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| Transmission | Sexual contact | P2P contact | P2P contact | Ixodes tick | Louse | Direct contact with animal tissue or fluids |
| Clinical | Syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pallidum (T. p. pallidum), which is usually spread through sexual contact. Syphilis has 4 clinical stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Syphilis |
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Pinta Pinta An infectious disease of the skin caused by treponema carateum that occurs only in the Western hemisphere. Age of onset is between 10 and 20 years of age. This condition is characterized by marked changes in the skin color and is believed to be transmitted by direct person-to-person contact. Yaws, Bejel, and Pinta | Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease | Relapsing fever Relapsing fever Relapsing fever is a vector-borne disease caused by multiple species of the spirochete Borrelia. There are 2 major forms of relapsing fever: tick-borne relapsing fever (caused by multiple species, such as B. hermsii, B. miyamotoi, and B. turicatae) and louse-borne relapsing fever (caused by B. recurrentis). Patients go through recurrent stages of fever, crisis phase, and afebrile periods. Relapsing Fever |
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Osp: outer surface protein
LPS: lipopolysaccharide Lipopolysaccharide Lipid-containing polysaccharides which are endotoxins and important group-specific antigens. They are often derived from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and induce immunoglobulin secretion. The lipopolysaccharide molecule consists of three parts: lipid a, core polysaccharide, and o-specific chains (o antigens). When derived from Escherichia coli, lipopolysaccharides serve as polyclonal b-cell mitogens commonly used in laboratory immunology. Klebsiella
P2P: person-to-person
Microaero: microaerophilic Microaerophilic Helicobacter
VDRL VDRL Treponema: Venereal Disease Research Research Critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation, having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical application of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws. Conflict of Interest Laboratory test
FTA-ABS: fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption Absorption Absorption involves the uptake of nutrient molecules and their transfer from the lumen of the GI tract across the enterocytes and into the interstitial space, where they can be taken up in the venous or lymphatic circulation. Digestion and Absorption
ELISA ELISA An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed. St. Louis Encephalitis Virus: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
PCR PCR Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique that amplifies DNA fragments exponentially for analysis. The process is highly specific, allowing for the targeting of specific genomic sequences, even with minuscule sample amounts. The PCR cycles multiple times through 3 phases: denaturation of the template DNA, annealing of a specific primer to the individual DNA strands, and synthesis/elongation of new DNA molecules. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Visual comparison of spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema on electron micrograph: thick spirals of Treponema Treponema Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema
Image: “ Treponema pallidum Treponema pallidum The causative agent of venereal and non-venereal syphilis as well as yaws. Treponema” by Dr. David Cox. License: Public Domain
Visual comparison of spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema on electron micrograph: Borrelia, which are larger than Treponema Treponema Treponema is a gram-negative, microaerophilic spirochete. Owing to its very thin structure, it is not easily seen on Gram stain, but can be visualized using dark-field microscopy. This spirochete contains endoflagella, which allow for a characteristic corkscrew movement. Treponema
Image: “ Lyme disease Lyme disease Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted by the black-legged Ixodes tick (known as a deer tick), which is only found in specific geographic regions. Patient presentation can vary depending on the stage of the disease and may include a characteristic erythema migrans rash. Lyme Disease parasite, Borrelia burgdorferi” by Claudia Molins. License: Public Domain
Visual comparison of spirochetes Spirochetes An order of slender, flexuous, helically coiled bacteria, with one or more complete turns in the helix. Treponema on electron micrograph: hooked ends of Leptospira Leptospira Leptospira is a spiral or question mark-shaped, gram-negative spirochete with hook-shaped ends. The disease, leptospirosis, is a zoonosis, infecting animals. Rodents are the most important reservoir. Bacteria shed in the urine of rodents and other animals can be transmitted to humans via contaminated water. Leptospira/Leptospirosis
Image: “A filtration-based technique for simultaneous SEM and TEM sample preparation for the rapid detection of pathogens” by Beniac DR, Siemens CG, Wright CJ, Booth TF. License: CC BY 3.0, edited by Lecturio.USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.
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