Unit 4 - Borrelia Flashcards
In regards to oxygen, what type of organism are in the genus Borrelia?
anaerobic
What type of organisms are in the genus Borrelia?
commensals and parasites
How are Borrelia species transmitted?
by arthropod vectors (ticks and lice)
What major diseases are associated with genus Borrelia?
relapsing fever and Lyme disease
What is the shape of species in the genus Borrelia?
small and slender with a serpentine shape
What is the main causative agent of lyme disease in North America?
Borrelia burgdorferi
What is the main causative agent of lyme disease in Europe?
Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii
How are the major lyme causative agents transmitted?
a tick feeds on an infected animal and the organism passes from one stage of the tick of the life cycle to the next - the tick can be transmitted to any organism it bites
What species can be infected with Lyme?
dogs, horses, cattle, deer, humans, and others
When does transmission of Lyme disease typically occur?
in the summer
How many stages are involved with Lyme disease?
3 stages
Initially, what does Lyme disease manifest as?
a distinctive skin lesion called erythema chronicum migrans
When can the initial manifestation of Lyme disease occur?
1 day to 1 month following the tick bite
What occurs during the second stage of Lyme disease?
the organism invades the bloodstream and is disseminated to multiple sites
What clinical signs are involved with the second stage of Lyme disease?
fever, headache, and other non-specific complaints such as joint pain, malaise etc.
What is the tertiary stage of Lyme disease characterized by?
arthritis, neuritis, and cardiac complications which can be fatal
What does successful therapy of lyme disease involve?
long term doxycycline or amoxicillin early in the course of the disease - the lesions are reversible
Are there bacterins available for Lyme disease and if so in what species?
Yes, in dogs only - the human one was pulled off of the market
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
C6 SNAP test in canines, darkfield exas, and culturing
What does Borrelia burgdorferi cause in dogs and cattle?
inflammatory joint disease in dogs, cattle, and possibly horses
How does clinical lyme disease present in dogs?
fever, myalgia, anorexia, and acute recurrent episodes of arthritis
Generally, what does Borrelia anserina cause?
fowl spirochaetosis
What species does fowl spirochaetosis affect?
chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese
What specifically does fowl spirochaetosis cause?
fever, diarrhea, drowsiness, emaciation, and death within 3-4 days - the birds beecome anemic and have enlarged spleens
