| Description | Borreliella afzelii is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that thrives in moderate temperatures, making it a mesophilic organism. As a chemoheterotroph, it obtains energy by breaking down organic compounds and depends on other organisms for its carbon source. This microbe is primarily found in the blood and tissues of its hosts, particularly in the skin and nervous systems of various mammals, including humans, where it can lead to Lyme disease and other related conditions. The Gram-negative nature of B. afzelii is characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which contributes to its virulence by evading the host’s immune response. Its spiral shape, typical of the genus Borrelia, allows it to efficiently navigate through viscous environments, aiding in its transmission via tick bites, primarily by Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes scapularis. The mesophilic temperature range (about 30-37°C) is optimal for the survival and replication of this bacterium within the mammalian host. As a chemoheterotroph, B. afzelii requires organic molecules from its environment, primarily derived from its host. It has adapted to survive in various body sites, using unique metabolic pathways to thrive in blood and tissues. The ability to adapt to a range of oxygen levels makes it a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments within the host. Borreliella afzelii is notable for its complex life cycle, involving both a tick vector and a mammalian host, which is critical for its transmission and survival. Its ability to express different surface proteins allows it to evade the host's immune system, making infections challenging to treat. Additionally, research indicates that B. afzelii may be involved in various neurological disorders, raising concerns about its broader implications in human health. |
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