Borreli

Borreli is a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Spirochaetaceae. The genus is named after the French microbiologist Joseph Borrel, who first described the spirochetes in 1896. Borreli species are characterized by their spiral or helical shape, which is a common feature among spirochetes. They are motile, moving through their environment using a flagellum-like structure called an axial filament.

Borreli species are known to be associated with various diseases in humans and animals. The most notable species is Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the causative agent of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a multisystemic illness that can affect the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. Other Borreli species have been implicated in diseases such as relapsing fever and borreliosis.

Borreli bacteria are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks. The most common vectors are species of the genus Ixodes, particularly Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in North America, and Ixodes ricinus in Europe. The bacteria can also be transmitted through sexual contact, although this is less common.

Diagnosis of Borreli infections typically involves serological tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, as well as molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment usually involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment.