1. Correlation between COVID-19 severity and previous exposure of patients to Borrelia spp.
- Author
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Szewczyk-Dąbrowska A, Budziar W, Harhala M, Baniecki K, Pikies A, Jędruchniewicz N, Kaźmierczak Z, Gembara K, Klimek T, Witkiewicz W, Nahorecki A, Barczyk K, Kłak M, Grata-Borkowska U, and Dąbrowska K
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, SARS-CoV-2, Borrelia, Borrelia burgdorferi, COVID-19 epidemiology, Ixodes, Lyme Disease diagnosis
- Abstract
Predictors for the risk of severe COVID-19 are crucial for patient care and control of the disease. Other infectious diseases as potential comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still poorly understood. Here we identify association between the course of COVID-19 and Lyme disease (borreliosis), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted to humans by ticks. Exposure to Borrelia was identified by multi-antigenic (19 antigens) serological testing of patients: severe COVID-19 (hospitalized), asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 (home treated or not aware of being infected), and not infected with SARS-CoV-2. Increased levels of Borrelia-specific IgGs strongly correlated with COVID-19 severity and risk of hospitalization. This suggests that a history of tick bites and related infections may contribute to the risks in COVID-19. Though mechanisms of this link is not clear yet, screening for antibodies targeting Borrelia may help accurately assess the odds of hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, supporting efforts for efficient control of COVID-19., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
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