ISOLATION OF BORRELIA-BURGDORFERI FROM 2 PATIENTS IN MICHIGAN

Borrelia burgdorferi was isolated from skin biopsy specimens of erythe ma chronicum migrans lesions on two individuals residing in Menominee County, Michigan, in 1992. To our knowledge, these are the first two c ases of culture-confirmed Lyme disease in Michigan. In spite of prompt treatment and resolution of illness, antibodies to B. burgdorferi wer e detectable for at least 3 months in both patients. Both specimens we re obtained at different rural medical practices, thus demonstrating t hat with adequate laboratory support it is feasible to confirm a diagn osis of acute Lyme disease by culture in rural hearth care settings.