Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi in endomyocardial biopsies in patients with new-onset unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy
Abstract
Infectious and autoimmune mechanisms, together with genetic abnromalities, have been reported as three majoc cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Czech republic represents a highly endemic area for Lyme disease.
In endomyocardial biopises taken from 39 consecutive patients with new-onset unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy we have found Borrelia burgdorferi genom or particles in 8 subjects (21%). The treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone led in positively tested patients to significant improvement in left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities and heart failure symptoms, respectively.
Borrelia burgdorferi infection thus probably represents an important and treatable cause on new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy in endemic regions for Lyme disease.