Host association of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato–the key role of host complement
K Kurtenbach, S De Michelis, S Etti, SM Schäfer… - Trends in …, 2002 - cell.com
K Kurtenbach, S De Michelis, S Etti, SM Schäfer, HS Sewell, V Brade, P Kraiczy
Trends in microbiology, 2002•cell.comBorrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl), the tick-borne agent of Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial
species complex comprising 11 genospecies. Here, we discuss whether the delineation of
genospecies is ecologically relevant. We provide evidence that B. burgdorferi sl is structured
ecologically into distinct clusters that are host specific. An immunological model for niche
adaptation is proposed that suggests the operation of complement-mediated selection in the
midgut of the feeding tick. We conclude that vertebrate hosts rather than tick species are the …
species complex comprising 11 genospecies. Here, we discuss whether the delineation of
genospecies is ecologically relevant. We provide evidence that B. burgdorferi sl is structured
ecologically into distinct clusters that are host specific. An immunological model for niche
adaptation is proposed that suggests the operation of complement-mediated selection in the
midgut of the feeding tick. We conclude that vertebrate hosts rather than tick species are the …
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the tick-borne agent of Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial species complex comprising 11 genospecies. Here, we discuss whether the delineation of genospecies is ecologically relevant. We provide evidence that B. burgdorferi s.l. is structured ecologically into distinct clusters that are host specific. An immunological model for niche adaptation is proposed that suggests the operation of complement-mediated selection in the midgut of the feeding tick. We conclude that vertebrate hosts rather than tick species are the key to Lyme borreliosis spirochaete diversity.
cell.com