B. recurrentis

Definition

Borrelia recurrentis is a spirochete bacterium responsible for causing relapsing fever, primarily transmitted through body lice. It leads to repeated episodes of fever and other systemic symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Borrelia recurrentis is typically transmitted by the human body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis).
2. The bacterium causes relapsing fever, characterized by recurring episodes of high fever, headache, muscle pain, and nausea.
3. Relapsing fever occurs due to antigenic variation in Borrelia recurrentis, allowing the bacteria to evade the host's immune system.
4. Diagnosis is often confirmed through blood smears during febrile episodes where spirochetes are visible under a microscope.
5. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as doxycycline or penicillin.

Review Questions

• How is Borrelia recurrentis transmitted?
• What are the characteristic symptoms of an infection caused by Borrelia recurrentis?
• Why does Borrelia recurrentis cause relapsing episodes of fever?

Related terms

Spirochete: A group of spiral-shaped bacteria that includes pathogens like Borrelia and Treponema.

Antigenic Variation:

A mechanism by which an infectious organism alters its surface proteins to evade immune detection.

Doxycycline:

An antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections including those caused by Borrelia species.