what does borrelia mean

Borrelia is a genus of bacteria of the spirochete

phylum. Several species cause Lyme disease, also called Lyme borreliosis, a zoonotic, vector-borne disease transmitted by ticks. Other species of Borrelia cause relapsing fever, and are transmitted by ticks or lice, depending on the species of bacteria.

Full Answer

What is Borrelia mayonii?

Borrelia mayonii are a type of bacteria recently found in North America that can cause Lyme disease. These bacteria are different from the three types of bacteria that cause most cases of Lyme disease worldwide.

What is the genus and species of Borrelia?

Borrelia A genus of spiral-shaped bacteria that includes the organism Borrelia burgdoferi responsible for LYME DISEASE and Borrelia recurrentis that causes RELAPSING FEVER. (Amedee Borrel, 1867–1936, Strasbourg bacteriologist). Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Is Borrelia burgdorferi the same as Lyme disease?

Doesn’t require high concentrations of microbes to cause illness In the United States, mainstream Lyme testing is specific for Borrelia burgdorferi, but there are approximately 21 other species of borrelia that fall within the category of Lyme disease, as reported in the journal Healthcare (Basel).

How does Borrelia burgdorferi enter the body?

Borrelia burgdorferi is spirochete class bacterium. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. burgdorferi sensu lato, B. burgdorferi afzelii and B. burgdorferi garinii spirochetes enter the human body through tick bites. Mixed with tick saliva, Borrelia travels through the circulation and enters different tissues.

What does Borrelia mean in English?

Medical Definition of borrelia 1 capitalized : a genus of small flexible spirochetes of the family Spirochaetaceae that are parasites of humans and warm-blooded animals and include the causative agents of septicemia in chickens (B.

Is Borrelia the same as Lyme disease?

Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Ticks become infected when they feed on birds or mammals that carry the bacterium in their blood.

What happens if you get Borrelia?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

Where is Borrelia found in the body?

Animal studies have shown that Borrelia burgdorferi can be found in many tissues and organs including the skin, joints, heart, brain, bladder and other sites of untreated animals as well as in animals who receive antibiotic treatment (Barthold, 2012, and Embers, Barthold, Borda et.

Is Borrelia a parasite?

The spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is a tick-borne obligate parasite whose normal reservoir is a variety of small mammals [1]. Whereas infection of these natural hosts does not lead to disease, infection of humans can result in Lyme disease, as a consequence of the human immunopathological response to B.

Does Lyme disease stay in your body forever?

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).

Is Borrelia contagious to humans?

There is no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted from person-to-person. For example, a person cannot get infected from touching, kissing, or having sex with a person who has Lyme disease.

Can Borrelia cause nerve damage?

Borrelia, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, can invade the nervous system, creating a condition called Lyme neuroborreliosis. In the central nervous system, the infection can cause meningitis (swelling of the brain), and damage various nerves in the brain or brainstem.

Is Borrelia a virus?

Borrelia mayonii are a type of bacteria recently found in North America that can cause Lyme disease. These bacteria are different from the three types of bacteria that cause most cases of Lyme disease worldwide.

What organs does Lyme disease affect?

It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart. Patients with Lyme disease are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and various psychiatric illnesses, including depression.

What are the top 3 severe symptoms of Lyme disease?

These include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis. The appearance of the erythema migrans rash can vary widely. Erythema migrans (EM) rash (see photos): Occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected persons.

What are the first signs of having Lyme disease?

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?A red rash called erythema migrans (EM). Most people with Lyme disease get this rash. It gets bigger over several days and may feel warm. It is usually not painful or itchy. ... Fever.Chills.Headache.Fatigue.Muscle and joint aches.Swollen lymph nodes.

What is the type of Borrelia?

The type species is Borrelia anserina. Within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, three pathogenic groups have been identified in North America; all strains identified to date as human pathogens belong to the genospecies Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. [A. Borrel]

What is the genus of gram negative bacteria that causes borreliosis?

a genus of gram-negative, aerobic, spirochete bacteria that are parasites on mucous membranes and cause borreliosis and other conditions. B. burgdor´feri, transmitted by ixodid ticks, is the cause of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, erythema chronicum migrans, and lyme disease.

What is the name of the spiral-shaped bacteria that causes lyme disease?

A genus of spiral-shaped bacteria that includes the organism Borrelia burgdoferi responsible for LYME DISEASE and Borrelia recurrentis that causes RELAPSING FEVER. (Amedee Borrel, 1867–1936, Strasbourg bacteriologist).

What is the cause of relapsing fever?

B. recurren´tis is transmitted by the human body louse Pediculus humanus and causes epidemic relapsing fever in various countries around the world. A number of other species are spread by tick bites and also cause relapsing fever.

What is a genus of bacteria?

A genus of bacteria (family Treponemataceae) containing cells 8 to 16 mcm in length, with coarse, shallow, irregular spirals and tapered, finely filamented ends. These organisms are parasitic on many forms of animal life, are generally hematophytic, or are found on mucous membranes; most are transmitted to animals or humans by the bites ...

What is the name of the bacteria that live on mucous membranes?

Borrelia. A genus of bacteria (family Treponemataceae) containing cells 8-16 mcm in length, with coarse, shallow, irregular spirals and tapered, finely filamented ends. These organisms are parasitic on many forms of animal life, are generally hematophytic, or are found on mucous membranes; most are transmitted to animals or humans by the bites ...

What is Borrelia mayonii?

Borrelia mayonii are a type of bacteria recently found in North America that can cause Lyme disease. These bacteria are different from the three types of bacteria that cause most cases of Lyme disease worldwide.

What is the blacklegged tick?

The blacklegged tick can also transmit B. burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes almost all Lyme disease infections in the United States), and the germs that cause anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease.

Origin of borrelia

Origin: New Latin, after Amédée Borrel (1867-1936), French bacteriologist. (Source: American Heritage Dictionary)

Borrelia Sentence Examples

Lyme disease-An acute, recurrent, inflammatory disease involving one or a few joints, and transmitted by the bite of ticks carrying the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

How to test for borrelia?

If this is positive for Borrelia antibodies, the sample is put through an immunoblot test This is also known as a Western blot test.

How to tell if you have lyme disease?

You may need this test if your healthcare provider thinks that you have Lyme disease based on recent travel, physical exam, and symptoms. Symptoms include a red bump that looks like a spider bite that spreads into a red rash in a classic "bull's-eye" pattern. You may also have: 1 Fever 2 Chills 3 Headache 4 Fatigue 5 Swollen lymph nodes 6 Muscle and joint aches 7 Stiff neck 8 Shooting pains in the hands and feet

What is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S.?

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S. If not treated, Lyme disease can cause an infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). It can also cause: Liver and heart problems.

What does it mean if your Borrelia burgdorferi result is too high?

Increased risk of blood-brain barrier damage, neurological disorders and arthritis.

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What is this test?

This test measures the level of Borrelia antibodies in your blood. Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria cause Lyme disease.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if your healthcare provider thinks that you have Lyme disease based on recent travel, physical exam, and symptoms. Symptoms include a red bump that looks like a spider bite that spreads into a red rash in a classic "bull's-eye" pattern. You may also have:

What other tests might I have along with this test?

You may also have a test to look for Borrelia antibodies in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) if you have signs that your central nervous system has been affected. CSF is the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This test may also be done if the blood test results aren't clear.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

What might affect my test results?

The Lyme disease vaccine might affect your test results. If you are tested too soon after having been infected, you may get a false-negative result. If you have been treated with antibiotics, your results may also be affected.