Systemic Spirochetes (lecture)

Question 1

Patient exhibiting targetoid rashes, arthritic complaints, and paralysis of the left side of her face who returned from a camping trip to Norther Virginia in June. What is the likely causal organism and mode of infection? After confirmation, what is the nest step in treatment?

Answer 1

• This is Lyme disease - caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (a spirochete)
• It is transmitted via hard ticks (Ixodes). At least three days are needed for the tick to transmit the disease.
• Doxy is first line treatment

Question 2

What are the screening and diagnostic tests for Borrelia infection?

Answer 2

ELISA or IFA are screening.
Western Blot (protein testing)

Question 3

Homeless man presents with a history of relapsing and remitting fever. He reports many of his friends displaying similar symptoms. A spirochete is identified on staining. What is the likely causal organism and mode of transmission?

Answer 3

This is likely Borrelia recurrentis, a lice borne spirochete.

Question 4

What genus of spirochete is known to cause relapsing fever?

Answer 4

Borellia

Question 5

Philippino man recently returns from visiting family and presents with renal failure, jaundice, and meningitis. A question mark shaped spirochete is isolated. What is the organism, treatment, and mode of transmission?

Answer 5

Leptospira interagans (question mark) is spread via urine of infected animals.
Doxy is first line Tx.