Borrelia

The genus Borrelia consists of spiral-shaped bacteria known as spirochetes. These bacteria are responsible for causing infectious diseases in humans, most notably relapsing fever and Lyme disease.123

Borrelia are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks or lice. Relapsing fever can spread through lice in conditions of crowding and poor hygiene, or via ticks, particularly in areas with rodents. Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by ticks, such as Ixodes scapularis in North America and Ixodes ricinus in Europe.14

Symptoms of Borrelia infections vary. Relapsing fever is characterized by recurring episodes of fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Lyme disease often begins with a distinctive rash, followed by flu-like symptoms. If untreated, it can progress to more severe stages involving joint pain, arthritis, and neurological or cardiac disorders. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing these diseases.1342