United States – Researchers have recently completed the genetic sequencing of all 23 known species of the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, offering significant benefits for both medical professionals and researchers, as reported by HealthDay.
“This high-quality sequencing investigation into Lyme disease and its related bacteria establishes a solid foundation for advancing the field,” stated Steven Schutzer, co-author of the study and professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “This work will enhance a wide range of research areas, from clinical studies to public health, ecology, bacterial physiology, medical tool development, and host-bacteria interactions.”
A Persistent Global Challenge
Lyme disease is still the most wide-spread tick-borne disease: hundreds of thousands people get sick every year. This disease is caused by a bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is conveyed by the use of tick’s sting. Mild onset signs are fever, headache, rash and fatigue; late complications are arthralgia, carditis, encephalitis and even death may occur.
The goal of the study was to capture the whole-genome sequences of all the 23 different species of the B. burgdorferi sl complex, including those species, which posed the highest risk to humans.
Ancient Origins and Adaptive Capabilities
The preliminary research made on these bacteria indicates that they might be as old as Pangaean assemblage, or even older. These bacteria can be traced back their lineages to the prehistoric period yet they can respond to their environment by a high adaptability, consequently improving their nodulation to not only animals but also humans.
“We can better predict and respond to changes in bacterial behavior, including potential shifts in their disease-causing abilities, by understanding their evolution and genetic material exchange,” said Weigang Qiu, senior author of the study and professor of biology at City University of New York.
Implications for Future Prevention and Treatment
The new genetic insights could lead to significant improvements in Lyme disease prevention and treatment. Researchers believe that understanding how specific bacterial strains cause infection and how they might be regulated could pave the way for more effective cures, as reported by HealthDay.
“This seminal study provides researchers with crucial data and tools for refining treatments for Lyme disease and sets the stage for similar approaches to other infectious diseases,” noted Benjamin Luft, co-author and professor of medicine at Stony Brook University.