Recent discoveries and advancements in research on the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

Abstract

This review highlights some of the highest-profile developments and advancements in the research onBorrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete, that have emerged in the last two years. Particular emphasis is placed on the controversy surrounding genus nomenclature, antigenic variation at thevlsElocus, genes involved in infectivity and virulence, membrane characteristics ofB. burgdorferi, and developments in experimental approaches.