The successful isolation and cultivation of Lyme disease spirochetes have their roots in early attempts to cultivate relapsing fever borreliae. Early researchers, such as Noguchi and Kligler and Robertson, laid the groundwork by identifying optimal conditions for borrelial growth, including the use of serum, protein-rich fluids, and specific media formulations. These efforts were crucial for the later isolation of Lyme disease spirochetes from ticks, mammals, and patients. Dr. Alan G. Barbour, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made significant contributions to the cultivation of these spirochetes. He developed a medium, BSK II, which contains various components like Yeastolate, CMRL 1066, and serum, essential for reliable growth. Barbour's work also involved optimizing temperature and pH conditions, noting that optimal growth occurs between 30-37°C. He observed that the spirochetes tend to form large aggregates, which may reflect important in vivo phenomena such as tissue binding and resistance to phagocytosis. Barbour's research not only advanced the understanding of Lyme disease but also provided insights into the metabolic characteristics and pathogenesis of the spirochetes. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of Lyme disease research and diagnostics.The successful isolation and cultivation of Lyme disease spirochetes have their roots in early attempts to cultivate relapsing fever borreliae. Early researchers, such as Noguchi and Kligler and Robertson, laid the groundwork by identifying optimal conditions for borrelial growth, including the use of serum, protein-rich fluids, and specific media formulations. These efforts were crucial for the later isolation of Lyme disease spirochetes from ticks, mammals, and patients. Dr. Alan G. Barbour, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made significant contributions to the cultivation of these spirochetes. He developed a medium, BSK II, which contains various components like Yeastolate, CMRL 1066, and serum, essential for reliable growth. Barbour's work also involved optimizing temperature and pH conditions, noting that optimal growth occurs between 30-37°C. He observed that the spirochetes tend to form large aggregates, which may reflect important in vivo phenomena such as tissue binding and resistance to phagocytosis. Barbour's research not only advanced the understanding of Lyme disease but also provided insights into the metabolic characteristics and pathogenesis of the spirochetes. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of Lyme disease research and diagnostics.