Genetic Analysis of Bacterial Strains Causing Lyme Disease Could Transform Treatment

A global team of scientists has discovered the genetic code for 47 strains of bacteria causing Lyme disease. The findings, published in mBio, could advance more precise tests and focus treatments against the leading tick-transferred disease in the US and Europe. Lyme disease cases are predicted to surge due to climate change and increased knowledge surrounding the ailment’s evolution and gene exchange could prepare us for shifts in disease-causing abilities. Researchers also created software tools that lets scientists evaluate and pinpoint causes of human pathogenicity in Borrelia genomes.