Successful diagnosis and treatment of Borrelia miyamotoi in a patient with joint and muscle pains, ME/CFS and cognitive dysfunction following tick bites: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Diagnosing Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) presents challenges due to its overlap with Lyme disease (LD) symptoms and the lack of reliable laboratory diagnostics. This case study demonstrates the successful use of phage-based PCR (phb-PCR) in identifying B. miyamotoi in a patient with multiple tick bites. A 46-year-old female presented with joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment after being bitten by ticks in Europe. Standard diagnostic tests, including Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblot for LD, and antibody tests for Bartonella, Anaplasma, and autoimmune conditions, all returned negative results. However, phb-PCR identified the presence of B. miyamotoi. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, oral azithromycin, and intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy, resulting in significant improvement in symptoms, including reduced pain, improved cognitive function, and decreased fatigue. This case emphasises the importance of direct diagnostic methods like phb-PCR for accurately identifying BMD, especially when conventional serological tests fail. Clinicians should consider testing for B. miyamotoi in cases of complex tick-borne diseases for timely and effective management.

Introduction

Diagnosing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) like Lyme disease (LD) and tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is challenging because they share overlapping symptoms, such as fever, chills, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, arthritis and neurological manifestations (Guérin et al., 2023). Although both LD and TBRF diagnoses are difficult, the presence of the erythema migrans (EM) rash in approximately 60%–80% of LD patients provides a slight advantage in identifying LD (Steere et al., 2016; Grąźlewska and Holec-Gąsior, 2023). In contrast, the absence of this characteristic rash in TBRF complicates its diagnosis (Jakab et al., 2022).

The geographic distribution of LD-causing Borrelia species varies greatly. For instance, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) is the most common LD-causing species in the United States, whereas B. garinii and B. afzelii are predominant in Europe and Asia. Additionally, other Borrelia species such as B. mayonii, B. spielmanii, B. bissettii and B. valaisiana are also linked to LD, although they are encountered less frequently (Marques et al., 2021). This geographic specificity begs the question of the need for regionally tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies.

The increasing complexity of relapsing fever (RF)-causing Borrelia species has significantly complicated their diagnosis and management. Borrelia species commonly causing TBRF include B. coriaceae, B. lonestari, B. duttonii, B. crocidurae, B. hispanica, B. parkeri, B. turicatae and B. hermsii, all of which are transmitted by soft-bodied ticks (Ras et al., 1996). In contrast, B. recurrentis, which also causes RF, is transmitted by the human body louse (Cutler et al., 1997). Additionally, B. miyamotoi, discovered in Japan in 1995, is an exception among TBRF Borrelia species because it is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks, the same vectors responsible for LD (Fukunaga et al., 1995). Consequently, a single bite from a hard-bodied tick could potentially transmit both LD and TBRF. This co-transmission of LD and TBRF has overwhelmed diagnostic resources, highlighting the need for improved detection methods and more adaptable testing protocols that are practical for clinical use.

Diagnosing B. miyamotoi disease (BMD), a type of TBRF, is challenging because it shares symptoms with LD but lacks the characteristic EM rash (Platonov et al., 2011; Krause and Barbour, 2015). Due to these diagnostic challenges, laboratory detection of B. miyamotoi is crucial. However, current serological detection methods are unsuitable due to cross-reactivity (Koetsveld et al., 2020; Grąźlewska and Holec-Gąsior, 2023). The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends PCR testing to detect B. miyamotoi, but bacteria-based PCR methods often have low sensitivity (Karan et al., 2018; Boyer et al., 2020).

To enhance PCR sensitivity, phage-based PCR (phb-PCR) has emerged as a promising solution for the sensitive detection of bacterial species. Unlike traditional PCR, which targets bacterial DNA directly, phb-PCR detects multiple-copy phage sequences associated with the bacteria, providing higher sensitivity (Luo et al., 2010; Shan et al., 2021). This approach leverages the intrinsic specificity of phages for their bacterial hosts, ensuring that phage detection strongly indicates the presence of the target bacteria (Mandilara et al., 2006; Shivaram et al., 2023). Researchers have successfully used phb-PCR to detect tuberculosis, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Borrelia miyamotoi (Swift et al., 2020; Shan et al., 2021; Shan et al., 2023).

In this case report, we showcased the positive impact of phb-PCR in diagnosing BMD and developing an effective treatment plan. After encountering multiple negative serological tests and struggling to identify the causative agent, we turned to phb-PCR. Recognising the increasing cases of B. miyamotoi, we specifically tested for this pathogen (Wormser et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2021; Cleveland et al., 2023). Our approach exemplifies the potential of phb-PCR in identifying B. miyamotoi infections and guiding appropriate treatment strategies. Testing for B. miyamotoi when serological tests yield negative results in complicated tick-borne diseases could be a wise decision when coupled with clinical judgement. Clinicians, scientists and patient charity workers should collaborate to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases and BMD, ensuring patients receive timely and accurate diagnostics and treatment.

Methods

We explored the complex medical history of a 46-year-old female patient who experienced three distinct tick exposures. The first exposure occurred in July 2006, the second in April 2016, and the third in June 2016. Following these exposures, the patient presented with symptoms including joint and muscle pains, fever, chill, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and cognitive dysfunction (‘brain fog’), but did not exhibit the hallmark EM rash of LD.

The various diagnostic tests conducted for the patient are summarised in Table 1. The patient underwent diagnostic evaluation at the National Reference Centre for Lyme Diseases in Strasbourg, France. Initial screening used Enzygnost® Borrelia Lyme IgM and Enzygnost® Borrelia Lyme link VlsE/IgG Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by Siemens to detect the patient’s immune response to B. burgdorferi s.l. species (Hjetland et al., 2014). Immunoblot testing employed the Borrelia Europe plus TpN17 LINE immunoblot by Sekisui Virotech to analyse the detailed immune response to specific Borrelia antigens (De Bont et al., 2022).

Table 1. Summary of diagnostic test results for the patient

Subsequent diagnostic efforts included multiple tests to identify the causative agent. Vircell’s Bartonella indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) kits were used to screen for IgG antibodies against B. henselae and B. quintana (Aydin et al., 2014), while Focus Diagnostics IFA kits were employed to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Chochlakis et al., 2009).

To explore potential autoimmune disorders, an antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test was conducted using the indirect immunofluorescence technique on HEp-2 cells (Sack et al., 2009). Additionally, specific antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) and other nuclear and cytoplasmic components were tested using ELISA for specific autoantibodies included anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Scl-70 and anti-dsDNA antibodies. Finally, anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) were assessed using ELISA for IgG and IgM (Subasic et al., 2009).

A proprietary phb-PCR test designed to detect B. miyamotoi was employed (Shan et al., 2018). This test, offered by RED Laboratories, was performed in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice and conducted according to the MIQE guidelines (Bustin et al., 2009). The phb-PCR test has been evaluated using analytical, clinical and tick samples and its accuracy and reliability have been validated and peer-reviewed, with results published in scientific literature (Shan et al., 2021, 2023). The PCR product was sequenced using the Sanger method.

To evaluate the patient’s progress post-treatment, a series of detailed follow-up assessments were conducted:

1. 1. Quality of life measurements: Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (Ware et al., 1992). The SF-36 evaluates multiple dimensions of health, including physical functioning, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, emotional role functioning and mental health.

2. 2. Symptom severity tracking: Symptom severity was tracked using the Fatigue Severity Scale (Shahid et al., 2012) and the Visual Analogue Scale (Hawker et al., 2011) for pain assessment. These scales provide objective data on symptom progression and treatment response, which is essential for effectively managing and adjusting therapeutic strategies.

3. 3. Cognitive function assessment: Cognitive function in patients was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Nasreddine et al., 2005). This assessment is crucial for detecting cognitive impairments commonly seen in LD and TBDs and tracking improvements with treatment.

4. 4. Laboratory testing: We conducted phb-PCR on the patient’s sample after completing the treatment to confirm the absence of B. miyamotoi.

Results

1. Diagnostic results

For clarity and ease of access, detailed diagnostic results and interpretations are summarised in Table 1. Each individual test and its results are explained in the text below.

The patient’s diagnostic evaluation for LD yielded negative results. The IgG and IgM ELISA showed IgG levels below the diagnostic threshold (<4 U/mL) and a negative IgM result. Additionally, the immunoblot detected no reactive bands. These findings collectively suggest that the patient has not been exposed to B. burgdorferi sensu lato and does not have an active or previous infection.

Subsequent diagnostic efforts using IFA tests revealed no evidence of exposure to B. henselae or B. quintana, as indicated by negative IgG results (<1:64) for both pathogens. For A. phagocytophilum, the IFA tests showed an inconclusive IgM result at 1:20 and a negative IgG result (<1:64). These findings jointly suggest that there is no detectable immune response indicative of infection by B. henselae, B. quintana or A. phagocytophilum in the patient.

The ANA test for autoimmune markers showed a positive result at a dilution of 1:320 with a homogeneous irregular/speckled pattern. This positive ANA suggests a possible autoimmune aetiology. However, specific autoantibodies, including anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-Sm, anti-RNP and anti-Scl-70 (detailed in Table 2), were all negative, indicating no evidence of specific autoimmune diseases commonly associated with these antibodies. Additionally, anti-dsDNA antibodies tested negative, with levels measured at <30 U/mL, which is below the reference value of <50 U/mL.

Table 2. Autoantibodies, their target antigens, associated diseases in autoimmune conditions

In summary, while the positive ANA result suggests a potential autoimmune condition, the absence of specific autoantibodies does not support the initial ANA finding, thereby excluding certain autoimmune diseases.

Given the negative results from the serological tests, we decided to switch from antibody-based methods to a direct test for detecting B. miyamotoi. The phb-PCR assay detected B. miyamotoi, and sequencing of the PCR product confirmed its identity. All controls (positive, negative, internal and extraction) in the PCR functioned correctly.

2. Therapeutic interventions

Following the detection of B. miyamotoi from the patient’s blood, a targeted treatment regimen was established, focusing on antibiotic therapy against B. miyamotoi, complemented by comprehensive nutritional support (Eikeland et al., 2024). The treatment regimen involved:

Antibiotic therapy

• Intravenous Ceftriaxone: Administered in 12-day cycles.

• Oral Azithromycin: Administered concurrently with the intravenous ceftriaxone cycles.

• Rest Periods: Each antibiotic cycle was followed by a three-week rest period.

Nutritional support

During the antibiotic treatment phase, the patient received intravenous nutrient infusions for 18 days. This nutritional support was critical in maintaining the patient’s overall health and aiding recovery (Yadav et al., 2023). The infusions included:

• Vitamin C

• B complex vitamins

• Essential minerals

• Calcium gluconate

• Neurobion (Vitamin B1)

• Spasmag (Magnesium Sulphate)

• Cyanocobalamin

Symptom improvement

Table 3 illustrates the significant clinical improvements observed with the treatment regimen. The SF-36 scores showed an overall enhancement in quality of life. The patient experienced a marked reduction in fatigue and pain severity scores, along with improved cognitive function and enhanced general well-being. Fatigue and pain scores dropped from high and sever to low and moderate, while cognitive function improved from low to acceptable, indicating substantial recovery. Additionally, the negative phb-PCR result post-treatment confirms the clearance of B. miyamotoi infection. This result provides strong microbiological evidence of the treatment’s effectiveness.

Table 3. Improvement in symptoms before and after treatment

Following the completion of the treatment regimen, the patient underwent regular follow-up assessments to monitor for potential recurrence of the infection and to evaluate overall health and symptomatology. The therapeutic effects have been sustained for eight months, during which the patient has not experienced any relapse of symptoms. After this period, the patient experienced some flare-ups, which were successfully managed with non-antibiotic therapies, including non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers.

Discussion

Given the complexities and challenges associated with diagnosing TBDs, and in light of the guidance provided by the CDC, IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) and ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), our decision to use phb-PCR for diagnosing B. miyamotoi was justified by several factors. Initially, the patient underwent standard serological testing for LD and other common co-infections such as Bartonella and A. phagocytophilum, which all returned negative results. These tests are typically prioritised due to the higher prevalence of LD and its co-infections, as well as the more established diagnostic protocols available for these diseases. Additionally, comprehensive autoimmune screenings were conducted to rule out conditions that could mimic TBD symptoms.

Despite these negative serological results, the clinical presentation of the patient continued to suggest a tick-borne aetiology, warranting further investigation. The CDC and IDSA both acknowledge that B. miyamotoi is an emerging pathogen and recommend considering it in differential diagnoses, particularly when standard tests do not yield conclusive results, but clinical suspicion remains high (Lantos et al., 2020; Kubiak et al., 2021; Burde et al., 2023; Coder et al., 2024). Phb-PCR offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity by targeting the phage genes associated with B. miyamotoi, which are part of the pathogen’s epigenetic makeup and present in multiple copies within the bacterial cells.

Therefore, the use of phb-PCR was a logical next step to accurately identify B. miyamotoi, allowing for the timely initiation of an effective treatment regimen. This approach underscores the importance of utilising advanced diagnostic techniques when standard methods fail to provide definitive answers, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.

After detecting B. miyamotoi, we initiated a treatment regimen involving intravenous ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin, supplemented with nutrient infusions. This approach leverages the distinct mechanisms of action of two antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance development. The inclusion of nutritional supplementation was not merely an adjunct but a pivotal component that mitigates the side effects commonly associated with prolonged antibiotic use, such as gastrointestinal disturbances and nutrient depletion. This strategy supports the body’s natural defences and facilitates a more effective recovery.

We recognise the complexities in TBDs. This case report advocates for clinicians to recognise the rising incidence of B. miyamotoi in ticks and patients when making differential diagnoses of TBDs. Utilising sensitive direct diagnostic tests, such as phage-based PCR, enhances diagnostic accuracy. This prevents delayed diagnoses and misdiagnoses, reduces patient suffering and addresses antibiotic resistance issues. This case exemplifies the synergy between laboratory diagnostics and clinical judgment, ultimately improving patient care. By integrating advanced diagnostics with clinical expertise, we can refine the diagnostic algorithm for TBRF and significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Conclusions

This case report highlights the critical importance of direct diagnostic methods for accurately identifying BMD. Diagnosing BMD is challenging due to its symptom overlap with LD and unreliable serological tests. In this case, multiple negative serological tests prompted the use of phb-PCR, which successfully detected B. miyamotoi in the patient’s blood. This detection facilitated a tailored treatment plan that included intravenous ceftriaxone, oral azithromycin and nutritional support, resulting in significant symptom improvement.

The success of phb-PCR in diagnosing BMD underscores its value in managing complex TBDs. Clinicians should consider B. miyamotoi testing when serological tests for LD and other common TBDs yield negative results, yet the clinical presentation suggests a tick-borne aetiology. Incorporating BMD testing into diagnostic protocols will ensure timely and accurate treatment.