However, the simple classification of B burgdorferi into 3 genospecies underestimates the genetic diversity of this species complex. All 3 representatives of the B burgdorferi sensu lato group, B burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia afzelii, have been reported in Europe, 1 but only B burgdorferi sensu stricto has been reported on the North American continent. Three genospecies have been identified as human pathogens. LYME DISEASE is an arthropod-borne infection that is caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. Results Two of the 16 patients in this cohort were infected with 2 B burgdorferi sensu stricto strains, as evidenced by 2 ospC alleles in their skin biopsy results.Ĭonclusion This is the first documented description of the existence of more than a single strain of B burgdorferi sensu stricto in a human specimen. Patients Sixteen patients presenting with erythema migrans. Setting A private dermatology office and a university medical center outpatient department. Further single-strand conformation polymorphism patterns of amplified ospC genes from culture isolates were compared with polymerase chain reaction products obtained directly from erythema migrans biopsy specimens. To determine allelic differences and strain identification of B burgdorferi, the biopsy specimens were analyzed by cold single-strand conformation polymorphism of an amplified fragment of the outer surface protein C ( ospC) gene. Objective To assess human skin biopsy specimens from erythema migrans lesions for the presence of infection with multiple strains of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi.ĭesign Skin biopsy specimens were obtained prospectively from patients with erythema migrans. Shared Decision Making and Communication. Scientific Discovery and the Future of Medicine.
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