Abstract: Described herein is a method of reducing virulence of a bacterial species with a segmented genome which has infected a mammalian host or mammalian host cell, by exposing the bacterial genome to an RNA-guided nuclease and a guide RNA (gRNA), thus generating a double-stranded or single-stranded break in the bacterial genome and causing loss of the targeted genome segment.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of reducing virulence of a bacterial species with a segmented genome which has infected a mammalian host or mammalian host cell, by exposing the bacterial genome to an RNA-guided nuclease and a guide RNA (gRNA), thus generating a double-stranded or single-stranded break in the bacterial genome and causing loss of the targeted genome segment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of diagnosing Lyme disease in a subject comprising measuring the level of B. burgdorferi peptidoglycan or the level of an antibody that specifically binds to B. burgdorferi peptidoglycan (“anti-peptidoglycan agent”). The present disclosure also relates to a method of treating a Lyme disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an antagonist against B. burgdorferi peptidoglycan (e.g., an anti-peptidoglycan antibody or a peptidoglycan-specific hydrolase). Antagonists (e.g., anti-peptidoglycan antibodies) suitable for the present methods are also disclosed.