Borrelia Burgdorferi invasion of B lymphocytes

Authors

Jacob Bailey, Brigham Young University
Richard Robinson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Borrelia Burgdorferi, lyme treatment, B lymphocytes

College

Life Sciences

Department

Microbiology and Molecular Biology

Abstract

The goal of this project was to determine if Borrelia Burgdorferi’s linear plasmid 36 is required for intracellular localization in B lymphocytes. A more complete understanding of the intracellular localization of B. burgdorferi may provide the means to effective Lyme treatment. It has been proposed that intracellular localization of Lyme spirochetes may be, at least in part, responsible for Post Treatment Lyme Disease. As the spirochetes are safe within human cells, Borrelia are able to evade host immune system responses and be protected from antibiotic treatment. A more complete understanding of the intracellular localization of B. burgdorferi may provide the means to better treat and clear Lyme infection.

Recommended Citation

Bailey, Jacob and Robinson, Richard (2018) "Borrelia Burgdorferi invasion of B lymphocytes," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2018: Iss. 1, Article 159.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2018/iss1/159