Conversion of Borrelia garinii cystic forms to motile spirochetes in vivo^Note

Abstract

Cystic forms (also called spheroplasts or starvation forms) and their ability to reconvert into normal motile spirochetes have already been demonstrated in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The aim of this study was to determine whether motile B. garinii could develop from cystic forms, not only in vitro but also in vivo, in cyst-inoculated mice. The cysts prepared in distilled water were able to reconvert into normal motile spirochetes at any time during in vitro experiments, lasting one month, even after freeze-thawing of the cysts. Motile spirochetes were successfully isolated from 2 out of 15 mice inoculated intraperitoneally with cystic forms, showing the infectivity of the cysts. The demonstrated capacity of the cysts to reconvert into motile spirochetes in vivo and their surprising resistance to adverse environmental conditions should lead to further studies on the role and function of these forms in Lyme disease.

In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii

“…2000; Gruntar et al . 2001; Stewart and Costerton 2001; Jefferson 2004; Murgia and Cinco 2004), although further studies are warranted. The detection of only rounded forms of B. burgdorferi in human specimens indicates the need for further studies assessing a relationship between the presence of atypical forms of Borrelia sp.…”

Destruction of spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi round-body propagules (RBs) by the antibiotic Tigecycline

“…Transition from one growth medium to a second of different viscosity or temperature stimulates the formation of RBs. Starvation, threat of desiccation, exposure to oxygen gas, total anoxia and/or sulfide may induce RB formation (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). RBs revert to the active helical swimmers when favorable conditions that support growth return (3)(4)(5).…”

Growth, cysts and kinetics of Borrelia garinii (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetacea) in different culture media

“…According to Brorson and Brorson (1997), adverse conditions such as the presence of antibiotics, stimulate the appearance of cysts, which may be a consequence of the microorganisms ability to survive in deficient or extreme conditions. Cystic forms and their ability to convert into normal motile spirochetes have already been demonstrated in the B. burgdorferi s. l. complex (Gruntar et al 2001). These authors also showed the capacity of the B. garinii cysts to reconvert into motile spirochetes in vitro and in vivo with unexpected resistance to adverse environmental conditions.…”

“…These authors also showed the capacity of the B. garinii cysts to reconvert into motile spirochetes in vitro and in vivo with unexpected resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Gruntar et al (2001) also proposed that Borrelia spirochetes are not fragile and delicate microorganism as might be expected from their difficult isolation. According to Murgia and Cinco (2004), the phenomenon of conversion to cysts by B. burgdorferi provides a limited survival potential.…”

“…Many modified culture media have been evaluated, aimed at achieving the best spirochete growing conditions to produce a sufficient amount of cell mass for immunodiagnostics, the production of immunogens and for the culture of clinical specimens (Preac-Mursic et al 1991, Pollack et al 1993, Gruntar et al 2001. Oliveira et al (2004) studied the growth behavior of Borrelia burgdorferi using eight different culture media and observed that spirochete growth occurred from week four and reached a plateau between 8-12 weeks.…”