Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Patients withLyme Borreliosis

Overview

In 18 patients with Lyme borreliosis the authors proved the persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensulato by detection of the causal agent by immune electron microscopy or of its DNA by PCR in plasmaor cerebrospinal fluid after an interval of 4–68 months. Clinical manifestations common in Lymeborreliosis were present in only half the patients, in the remainder non-specific symptoms werefound. In nine subjects with confirmed Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the cerebrospinal fluidthe cytological and biochemical finding was normal. Examination of antibodies by the ELISAmethod was negative in 7 of 18 patients during the first examination and in 12 of 18 during the secondexamination. In all negative examinations the specific antibodies were assessed by the Western blotor ELISA method after liberation from the immunocomplexes. In the authors’ opinion it is advisableto examine repeatedly plasma and other biological material from potentially affected organs by PCRand subjects with persisting or relapsing complaints after the acute form of Lyme borreliosis as wellas to examine cerebrospinal fluid in case on non-specific symptoms and concurrent pathic EEG orMR findings.

Key words:
Borrelia burgdorferi – persistence – PCR – immune electron microscopy.