Bussurmanov Z.N.
TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF THE GENUS BORRELIA *
Аннотация:
this paper aims to investigate the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of bacteria of the genus Borrelia, the causative agents of a number of diseases of public health significance, including Lyme disease and relapsing fever. The introduction covers the general characteristics of the genus, emphasizing the unique morphology of the spirochetes and their ability to effectively move within host tissues. A historical overview of Borrelia research is provided, noting the contributions of scientists such as A. Borrell and W. Burgdorfer to the discovery and study of these microorganisms. The diseases caused by different Borrelia species, their clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods are considered in detail. Particular attention is paid to modern diagnostic approaches based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as treatment methods using antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of further studies of the genomic diversity of Borrelia, mechanisms of adaptation to different hosts and vectors, as well as the development of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of borreliosis. The work is intended to contribute to a deeper understanding of the biology of Borrelia and the development of effective strategies to combat the diseases they cause. The review uses both classical works that laid the foundation for studying the genus Borrelia and modern studies reflecting current trends in the field of microbiology and medicine.
Ключевые слова:
Borrelia, taxonomy, phylogenetics, borreliosis
The genus Borrelia belongs to the phylum Spirochaetes, class Spirochaetia, order Spirochaetales and family Borreliaceae, and includes many species that differ in pathogenicity, spectrum of vectors and geographic distribution. Spirochetes, in turn, are characterized by a unique morphology, including long, spiral-shaped cells and the presence of periplasmic flagella, which ensure the motility of bacteria. This distinctive feature allows them to effectively move in viscous environments, such as the blood and tissues of the host organism, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the diseases they cause [1]. Taxonomic diversity within the genus Borrelia is determined by differences in genetic material, antigenic properties and ecological niches occupied by different species. Traditionally, the classification of Borrelia was based on phenotypic features such as cell morphology, metabolic features and serological reactions. However, with the development of molecular biology and genomics, the taxonomic structure of the genus has undergone significant changes based on the analysis of nucleotide sequences of genes such as 16S rRNA, flaB (flagellin gene) and ospC (surface protein C gene) [2]. These genetic markers allow a more accurate determination of the phylogenetic relationships between different Borrelia species and the identification of new taxonomic groups. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Borrelia are the subject of ongoing research aimed at establishing the evolutionary pathways and origins of different species. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparison of genetic sequences allows the construction of phylogenetic trees reflecting the degree of relationship between different Borrelia species. These trees provide valuable information on the evolution of pathogenicity, adaptation to different vectors and the geographic distribution of Borrelia species. It is important to note that phylogenetic relationships do not always coincide with traditional taxonomy based on phenotypic features, which emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to the classification of bacteria.In the context of this study, taxonomic diversity refers to the number and distribution of different Borrelia species and genotypes in different ecological niches and geographic regions. This includes the study of genetic diversity within species, as well as the identification of new, previously unknown Borrelia species. The study of taxonomic diversity is important for understanding the epidemiology of borreliosis and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies [3]. Phylogenetic relationships, in turn, are defined as the evolutionary relationships between different Borrelia species based on the analysis of their genetic material. Phylogenetic analysis allows us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Borrelia genus, determine ancestral forms, and establish relationships between different species that differ in pathogenicity and ecological characteristics [4]. Understanding phylogenetic relationships is necessary for the development of more accurate and reliable methods for diagnosing borreliosis, as well as for predicting the evolution of the pathogenicity and distribution of Borrelia. The size of Borrelia bacteria varies depending on the species, but in general they are characterized by their relatively large size compared to other bacteria. The length of the cells can reach 10-30 µm, and the diameter is about 0.2-0.5 µm. This elongated and spiral-shaped cell shape is a distinctive feature of spirochetes and plays an important role in their motility and ability to penetrate the tissues of the host organism. The morphological features of Borrelia were first described in detail by scientists studying the etiology of borreliosis, which served as a starting point for further taxonomic and phylogenetic studies [5].Historically, the discovery and study of the genus Borrelia is associated with the names of several prominent scientists. In particular, Amédée Borrell, a French physician and microbiologist, made significant contributions to the study of spirochetes, including Borrelia. He was the first to discover and describe the spirochete that causes relapsing fever, which gave the genus its name. Willi Burgdorfer, an American scientist of Swiss descent, identified Borrelia burgdorferi as the causative agent of Lyme disease, which became a turning point in understanding the etiology of this disease and developing methods for its diagnosis and treatment [6]. The work of these and other scientists laid the foundation for further research into the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Borrelia. Borrelia are the causative agents of various diseases, the most well-known of which is Lyme disease, or tick-borne borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi in North America and Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii in Europe and Asia. Lyme disease is characterized by a multisystem lesion affecting the skin, nervous system, joints, and heart. Other Borrelia species are the causative agents of relapsing fever, transmitted by lice or ticks. These diseases, although different in epidemiology and clinical manifestations, have a common etiology - infection with bacteria of the genus Borrelia. In the field of medicine, the study of Borrelia is of paramount importance for the development of effective methods for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of borreliosis. Diagnosis of borreliosis is based on the detection of antibodies to Borrelia in the blood serum of patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot. However, serological diagnostic methods have their limitations associated with cross-reactions with antigens of other bacteria and the late appearance of antibodies after infection. In this regard, more sensitive and specific diagnostic methods are being developed based on the detection of Borrelia DNA in biological samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment of borreliosis is carried out with antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin and ceftriaxone. However, the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of complications. In some cases, especially with chronic Lyme disease, treatment can be long and complicated. Prevention of borreliosis includes measures to protect against tick bites, such as the use of repellents, wearing protective clothing and examining the body after being in a forest or park [7]. Vaccines against Lyme disease are also being developed, which can provide effective protection against infection.Analysis of the taxonomic diversity of Borrelia allows us to identify new species and genotypes, expanding our understanding of the ecological niches and geographic distribution of these bacteria. This, in turn, facilitates the development of more accurate and specific diagnostic methods that take into account the genetic characteristics of different Borrelia species.Phylogenetic studies allow us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Borrelia genus, determine the routes of distribution and adaptation to different vectors and hosts. This knowledge is necessary for predicting the evolution of pathogenicity and developing strategies aimed at preventing the spread of the most dangerous strains.Modern methods of molecular biology and genomics play a key role in studying the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Borrelia. Further development of these methods, in combination with traditional approaches in microbiology and epidemiology, will provide a more complete understanding of the biology of these bacteria and develop more effective methods for combating the diseases they cause. Future research directions include: deeper analysis of the genomic diversity of Borrelia, study of mechanisms of adaptation to different hosts and vectors, development of new diagnostic methods based on the identification of specific genetic markers, and search for new targets for the development of antibiotics and vaccines.
Номер журнала Вестник науки №6 (87) том 2
Ссылка для цитирования:
Bussurmanov Z.N. TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF THE GENUS BORRELIA // Вестник науки №6 (87) том 2. С. 2415 - 2419. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/24178 (дата обращения: 09.07.2025 г.)
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