Induction of cystic forms by different stress conditions in Borrelia burgdorferi

Abstract

Cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi might represent a low metabolic activity state or phase of B. burgdorferi cells that allows the spirochete to survive in a hostile environment until conditions are favourable to multiply again. In this study we evaluated the rate of cyst formation induced by oxidative stress, pH variations, and heating, reconversion of cysts to vegetative forms, and some aspects of their metabolic activity. We observed cyst formation in the presence of extreme pH values, and at high temperature, but the best production of cystic forms was observed in the presence of H2O2. When transferred to BSK II medium, the cystic forms reconverted to spirochetes in relation to their age and type of induction treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated a low metabolic activity of cystic forms by measuring amino acid incorporation. Overall, these data suggest that the phenomenon of conversion to cysts by B. burgdorferi provides a limited survival potential. This short-term survival, however, gives borreliae an additional chance to overcome unfavourable environmental conditions.

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.…”

Biological Aspects of Lyme Disease Spirochetes: Unique Bacteria of the Borrelia Burgdorferi Species Group

“…The mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of these proteins are not fully understood but known is the essential role of alternative sigma factors -RpoN (σ 54 ) and RpoS (σ 38 , σ s ). RpoS expression is activated by RpoN cooperating with response regulatory protein (Rrp2) under conditions such as increased temperature or decreased pH.…”

“…It seems that at least some of these transformations are reversible. A number of authors propose that these alternations are signifi cant in the pathogenesis, immune evasion and/or antibiotic resistance of at least B. burgdorferi s. s. 15,16,[51][52][53][54][55] . Classic microbiological technologies are unsatisfactory for identifying Borrelia species and hence, molecular biology approaches (PCR, RFLP-PCR) prevail today.…”

Sexual transmission of Lyme disease: challenging the tickborne disease paradigm

“…B. burgdorferi contains enzymes that facilitate tissue penetration, and the spirochete has the ability to form cystic structures and hide in biofilms [11][12][13][14][15]. These properties allow the organism to persist in a variety of tissues and hostile environments and to escape the reach of antibiotics.…”