Lyme borreliosis stands as the most prevalent tick-borne infectious disease across Europe. In Austria, it is estimated that around 70,000 new cases arise each year. This bacterial infection can lead to long-term health issues for those affected. A research team from MedUni Vienna has made noteworthy advancements in understanding how the infection operates, and they have pinpointed a potential direction for creating targeted treatments that do not depend on antibiotics. Their findings were recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
The scientific team, spearheaded by Margarida Ruivo and Michiel Wijnveld at MedUni Vienna’s Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, concentrated on the restriction-modification system (RMS) of Borrelia bacteria during their study. RMS functions as a protective mechanism for the Borrelia bacteria, playing a crucial role in their defense against foreign genetic material (DNA) and can be viewed as a basic immune system for these pathogens. “Our objective was to understand and characterize the RMS of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii, the primary culprits of Lyme borreliosis in Europe, as well as its significance for the bacteria’s survival during host infection,” explains study leader Michiel Wijnveld, providing insights into their research background.
Targeted therapy as a potential alternative to antibiotics
To delve deeper into the RMS, the researchers employed a unique approach involving the modification and analysis of the DNA from Borrelia bacteria. They found that DNA methylation, a process where small molecules attach to the bacteria’s own DNA, is crucial for shielding the bacteria from foreign DNA. Additional experiments revealed that by pre-methylating DNA molecules to mimic the bacteria’s own DNA, the ability of these bacteria to absorb new genetic material considerably improves. This discovery offers a platform for investigating how Borrelia maintains itself in a host like humans and suggests a new, unexplored strategy for researching and developing innovative therapies against Lyme borreliosis, independent of antibiotics. The team is particularly interested in exploring phage therapy as an alternative treatment option. This method employs bacteriophages—viruses that target bacteria—to specifically attack the pathogens. “With further investigation, this approach could potentially minimize our reliance on antibiotics and help prevent antibiotic resistance,” states Wijnveld.
Lyme borreliosis is recognized as the most widespread tick-borne illness in Europe. Humans become infected with Borrelia bacteria when bitten by ticks that carry the infection. Recent research from the same group at MedUni Vienna indicates that one in four ticks in Austria is infected with Borrelia. For effective treatment, antibiotics should be administered as soon as Lyme borreliosis is diagnosed. If the infection goes unrecognized for too long, it can result in serious complications such as inflammation of the heart and joints, neurological issues, and lingering symptoms after treatment. Presently, there is no vaccine available for Lyme borreliosis. Contrary to common belief, vaccination for TBE does not offer protection against Lyme borreliosis.
