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Vienna, Austria – A research team at MedUni Vienna has made significant strides in developing alternative treatments for Lyme borreliosis, the most common tick-borne disease in Europe. Affecting up to 70,000 new patients each year in Austria alone, Lyme borreliosis can cause lasting health complications. The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, explores a potential breakthrough in targeted therapies that could reduce the reliance on antibiotics.
The research, led by Dr. Margarida Ruivo and Dr. Michiel Wijnveld from MedUni Vienna’s Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, focused on the restriction-modification system (RMS) of Borrelia bacteria. This system acts as a primitive immune defense, helping the bacteria resist foreign genetic material. Understanding this system could be key to developing therapies aimed specifically at disabling the bacteria without relying on antibiotics.
Exploring the Borrelia Bacteria’s Defenses
The study centered on the RMS of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii, two of the primary bacteria responsible for Lyme borreliosis in Europe. “Our aim was to characterize the RMS of these bacteria and understand its significance for bacterial survival during infection,” explained Dr. Wijnveld.
Using advanced DNA-modifying techniques, the researchers identified that DNA methylation—where small molecules attach to the bacteria’s DNA—plays a crucial role in protecting the bacteria from foreign genetic material. By pre-methylating DNA molecules to mimic the bacteria’s own DNA, the researchers were able to significantly improve the bacteria’s ability to stably acquire new genetic material. This insight provides a novel tool for studying Borrelia and opens up new possibilities for developing therapies that disrupt the bacteria’s defense mechanisms.
A Path Towards Antibiotic-Free Treatment
Perhaps the most promising aspect of the study is its potential to reduce the use of antibiotics, which are currently the primary treatment for Lyme borreliosis. Delayed treatment can lead to severe complications, including heart and joint inflammation, neurological issues, and chronic symptoms. However, the overuse of antibiotics poses risks of developing resistance.
The researchers are investigating bacteriophage therapy as a targeted alternative. Bacteriophages are viruses that attack specific bacteria, offering a way to combat the Borrelia bacteria without antibiotics. “This method has the potential to pave the way towards reducing our reliance on antibiotics and preventing the development of antibiotic resistance,” said Dr. Wijnveld.
Lyme Borreliosis: A Growing Concern
Lyme borreliosis is transmitted to humans through tick bites, with recent studies showing that one in four ticks in Austria carries Borrelia bacteria. Currently, there is no vaccine for Lyme borreliosis, and common misconceptions persist that vaccinations for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) offer protection, which they do not.
The new findings could play a crucial role in developing effective treatments that not only target Borrelia more precisely but also alleviate the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. The MedUni Vienna team’s research represents a promising step forward in addressing the global health challenge posed by Lyme borreliosis.
Journal Reference:
Ruivo, M., Wijnveld, M., et al. Optimising Transformation Efficiency in Borrelia: Unravelling the Role of the Restriction-Modification System of Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/ijms252111343
