Antigenicity and immunogenicity of different morphological forms of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes.

ABSTRACT: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is a species complex of pleomorphic spirochetes, including species that cause Lyme disease (LD) in humans. In addition to classic spiral forms, these bacteria are capable of creating morphological forms referred to as round bodies and aggregates. The subject of discussion is their possible contribution to the persistence of infection or post-infection symptoms in LD. This study investigates the immunological properties of these forms by monitoring reactivity with early (n = 30) and late stage (n = 30) LD patient sera and evaluating the immune response induced by vaccination of mice. In patient sera, we found a quantitative difference in reactivity with individual morphotypes, when aggregates were recognized most intensively, but the difference was statistica

SUBMITTER: Sloupenska K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10874929 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature