Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome of Patients with Acute Lyme Disease

During acute Lyme disease, bacteria can disseminate to
the central
nervous system (CNS), leading to the development of meningitis and
other neurologic symptoms. Here we have analyzed pooled cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF) allowing a deep view into the proteome for patients diagnosed
with early disseminated Lyme disease and CSF inflammation. Additionally,
we analyzed individual patient samples and quantified differences
in protein abundance employing label-free quantitative mass spectrometry-based
methods. We identified 108 proteins that differ significantly in abundance
in patients with acute Lyme disease from controls. Comparison between
infected patients and control subjects revealed differences in proteins
in the CSF associated with cell death localized to brain synapses
and others that likely originate from brain parenchyma.