Posted on Nov 14, 2025
Manganese is Lyme disease’s double-edge sword
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In a new study, Northwestern University and Uniformed Services University (USU) scientists have uncovered a surprising — and ironic — vulnerability in the hardy bacterium. By exploiting this vulnerability, researchers could help disarm B. burgdorferi, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for Lyme disease.
Manganese is Lyme disease’s double-edge sword
Posted from news.northwestern.eduPosted in these groups: 
Research
Medical
Northwestern University
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Research Medical Northwestern University Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Edited 22 d ago
Posted 22 d ago
Responses: 3
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Interesting study, now the trick is how to use this info in treating patients Lt Col Charlie Brown.
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SGT Kevin Hughes
That's always the bugaboo isn't it, Major? Trying to get the knowledge into practical use. I wish them speedy research.
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Given that manganese only becomes toxic late in the life of the bacterium, it seems like manganese deprivation is the way to go. The question is how much and how to deprive the patient of manganese long enough to kill off the bacteria without causing other problems. Or maybe there's a way to mess with the manganese in a way that keeps it bioavailable for the patient, but not the bacteria? Otherwise, it's as useful as the knowledge that VX is lethal to home invaders!
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