Persistence of borrelia burgdorferi in ligamentous tissue from a patient with chronic lyme borreliosis
Article first published online: 9 DEC 2005
DOI: 10.1002/art.1780361118
Copyright © 1993 American College of Rheumatology
Additional Information(Show All)
Abstract
Objective. To document the persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ligamentous tissue samples obtained from a woman with chronic Lyme borreliosis.
Methods.
Spirochetes were isolated from samples of ligamentous tissue, and the
spirochetes were characterized antigenetically and by molecular biology
techniques. The ligamentous tissue was examined by electron microscopy.
Humoral and cellular immune responses were analyzed.
Results.
Choroiditis was the first recognized manifestation of Lyme disease in
this patient. Despite antibiotic therapy, there was progression to a
chronic stage, with multisystem manifestations. The initially
significant immune system activation was followed by a loss of the
specific humoral immune response and a decrease in the cellular immune
response to B burgdorferi over the course of the disease.
“Trigger finger” developed, and a portion of the flexor retinaculum
obtained at surgery was cultured. Viable spirochetes were identified.
Ultramorphologically, the spirochetes were situated between collagen
fibers and along fibroblasts, some of which were deeply invaginated by
these organisms. The cultured bacteria were identified as B burgdorferi
by reactions with specific immune sera and monoclonal antibodies, and
by polymerase chain reaction amplification and Southern blot
hybridization techniques.
Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of B burgdorferi from ligamentous tissue. This suggests that tendon tissues serve as a specific site of spirochete residence in human hosts.