Borrelia mayonii | What is Lyme Disease?

What is Borrelia mayonii

Borrelia mayonii is a new bacteria that has been discovered, a gram-negative, host-associated spirochete that is capable of causing Lyme Disease. This organism can infect various vertebrate and invertebrate hosts such as humans and ticks, primarily Ixodes scapularis. [source]

According to the CDC:“Borrelia mayonii is a new bacteria species recently found to cause Lyme disease in six people who live in the upper Midwestern United States. Worldwide, Lyme disease is caused by three main species of bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi, B. afzelii, and B. garinii. Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease in the United States, while the other two species are the leading causes of Lyme disease in Europe and Asia. Borrelia mayonii is a new species that is genetically distinct from these three species and is the only species besides B. burgdorferi shown to cause Lyme disease in North America. Regardless of the bacteria’s species, the illness is still called Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis.”

Where does B. mayonii occur?

So far B. mayonii has been found in the upper Midwestern United States in ticks. It has been identified in deer ticks collected in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

What are the Symptoms of B. mayonii?

fever
nausea
neck pain
vomiting
spotty rashes
higher concentration of bacteria in the blood

How is B. mayonii Disagnosed?

B. mayonii spirochetes may sometimes be seen on a blood smear or specifically identified by Lyme disease PCR tests. The two tiered testing that is used for Borrelia Burgdoferi is also used.

How is B. mayonii treated?

B. Mayonii is often treated with 2-4 week course of doxycycline. Amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, orcefuroxime.

How can I avoid this disease?

So far the best prevention method is to avoid ticks. Make sure to avoid grassy, bushy or woody areas. Stick to trails. Wear insect repellent. Perform tick checks and properly remove ticks if found. Click here for more prevention methods.