Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme borreliosis (LB) or Lyme disease. It possesses some genetic and phenotypic features that are unique among prokaryotes, such as a linear chromosome and multiple linear and circular plasmids in a single cell. B. burgdorferi is maintained in nature mainly by means of a rodent/bird-tick cycle and is occasionally transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. Clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis depend upon the stage of the infection and may affect dermatological, neurological, cardiac and musculoskeletal systems. This chapter presents the general aspects regarding B. burgdorferi sensu lato with a focus on its genome and molecular characteristics. Strategies for prevention and control of Lyme borreliosis include the reduction of tick host populations, ecological and chemical control of tick vectors, and personal protection of individuals who have a high risk for Lyme borreliosis. Practical and environmental approaches for reservoir and tick control have not, however, been well developed. Personal protection includes wearing light colored clothes to make crawling ticks visible, tucking trousers into socks to prevent ticks from gaining access to exposed skin, and using tick or insect repellents and vaccination.
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