Researchers have conducted a genetic analysis of the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, which could lead to better methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing this tick-borne illness.
A research team headed by biologists from the CUNY Graduate Center has carried out a genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria that may make it easier to diagnose, treat, and prevent this tick-borne condition.
Weigang Qiu, a Biology professor at CUNY Graduate Center and Hunter College, along with an international group including lead author Saymon Akther, a former Ph.D. student in Biology at CUNY Graduate Center, successfully mapped the entire genetic structure of 47 strains of Lyme disease-related bacteria from across the globe. This work creates a valuable resource for identifying the specific bacterial strains infecting patients, potentially leading to more precise diagnostic tests and treatments that target the particular bacteria responsible for each individual’s condition.
“By understanding how these bacteria evolve and share genetic material, we gain insights into their transmission and how they affect human health,” explained Qiu, the study’s corresponding author.
The findings were published in the journal mBio.
The genetic data revealed in this study could aid scientists in developing more effective vaccines against Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne illness in North America and Europe, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. It is caused by bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, which transmit to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash. If untreated, the infection has the potential to spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, leading to more serious health issues.
Cases of Lyme disease are continually on the rise, with approximately 476,000 new cases reported each year in the United States, and researchers warn that this trend may accelerate due to climate change.
This research collaboration, involving scientists from the CUNY Graduate Center, Hunter College, Rutgers University, Stony Brook University, and over a dozen other research institutions, sequenced the complete genomes of Lyme disease bacteria representing all 23 known species in this group, many of which had not been sequenced prior to this research. The project was funded by the National Institutes of Health and focused on strains most often linked to human infections, as well as some species not known to cause disease in people.
By comparing these genomes, the researchers were able to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Lyme disease bacteria, tracing their origins back millions of years. They found that the bacteria likely originated before the separation of the ancient supercontinent Pangea, which explains their global distribution today.
The research also revealed how these bacteria share genetic material both within and among species. This recombination process facilitates rapid evolution and adaptation to new environments. The team identified specific regions in the bacterial genomes where this genetic exchange happens frequently, typically involving genes that help the bacteria interact with their tick vectors and animal hosts.
To support ongoing research, the team has created web-based software tools (BorreliaBase.org) that enable scientists to compare Borrelia genomes and pinpoint factors contributing to human pathogenicity.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to broaden their analysis to include additional strains of Lyme disease bacteria, particularly from regions that are not well-studied. They also intend to explore the functions of genes that are specific to disease-causing strains to identify new therapeutic targets. As Lyme disease’s geographic distribution expands due to climate change, this research offers crucial tools and insights to address this growing public health challenge.
The study has received financial support from NIH and a grant from the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation.