Borrelia burgdorferi, a great chameleon: know it to recognize it!

Neurol Sci. 2010 Apr;31(2):193-6. doi: 10.1007/s10072-009-0175-y. Epub 2009 Nov 6.

Abstract

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochaete that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier in early infection and can cause endothelial damage other than central nervous system lesions. We describe a clinical case of neuroborreliosis that occurred in the absence of classical erythema migrans or arthralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings compatible with simil-vasculitis and demyelinating lesions associated with the presence of anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in the plasma or cerebrospinal liquid is an indication for antimicrobial treatment against B. burgdorferi. An early diagnosis and a prompt establishment of an adequate antibiotic treatment is needed for a successful recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Borrelia burgdorferi*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lyme Neuroborreliosis / diagnosis*
  • Lyme Neuroborreliosis / metabolism
  • Lyme Neuroborreliosis / pathology
  • Lyme Neuroborreliosis / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination / methods
  • Treatment Outcome