BOLD IS BY J. SCHALLER, MD
Previous studies have shown that the Lyme spirochete could survive antibiotic therapy in monkeys and humans. In the present study, researchers analyzed 56 studies from the medical literature.
In 10 animal studies and 25 human studies (see table below), Lyme spirochetes were able to survive antibiotic therapy as shown by culture, tissue microscopy and xenodiagnosis (transfer of infection via tick bites).
Borrelia burgdorferi was detectable for 2-46 months after antibiotic therapy in rodents, dogs, monkeys, horses and humans.
“The presence of live spirochetes in symptomatic patients supports the role of ongoing infection in these patients,” said Lorraine Johnson. “When patients remain ill after antibiotic therapy, clinicians need to consider the possibility of persistent infection and the need for continued treatment.”
Dr. Stricker pointed to the implications for Lyme disease treatment raised by the study. Implying, single treatment for 1-14 days can result in persistent Lyme bacteria that requires better antibiotics immediately.
“This study is bad news for Lyme disease patients and their doctors,” he said. “We need to develop better antimicrobial treatments for these suffering patients, and we need to do it now.”
For more details see the study citation below or the Lymedisease.org summary that routinely has useful information (like a summary of this study).
Advances in Infectious Diseases.Vol.16 No.1, March 2026. Persistent Borrelia Infection in Chronic Lyme Disease: A Review of the Medical Literature. Raphael B. Stricker, Melissa C. Fesler, Lorraine Johnson. DOI: 10.4236/aid.2026.161005