What is Lyme disease from a tick in a person? - briefly
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi that enters the body through the bite of an infected black‑legged tick. Early signs include a characteristic rash, fever, headache and fatigue, while untreated cases may lead to joint, cardiac and neurological complications.
What is Lyme disease from a tick in a person? - in detail
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, resides in the tick’s midgut and is transmitted when the tick remains attached for typically 36–48 hours. Early infection often manifests within 3–30 days as a circular erythema migrans rash, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and sometimes facial nerve palsy.
If untreated, the disease may progress to disseminated stages. Common manifestations include multiple erythema migrans lesions, cardiac involvement (e.g., atrioventricular block), neurological symptoms (meningitis, radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy), and migratory arthritis, especially in large joints such as the knee. Chronic manifestations can persist for months to years, presenting as lingering fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and intermittent joint swelling.
Diagnosis relies on a two‑tier serologic algorithm. The first tier uses an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgM and IgG antibodies; a positive result triggers a confirmatory Western blot that identifies specific B. burgdorferi proteins. In early disease before antibody development, clinical presentation and documented tick exposure guide treatment decisions.
Recommended antimicrobial regimens vary by disease stage and patient factors. For early localized infection, oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days) is standard; alternatives include amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil. Disseminated disease with neurological or cardiac involvement may require intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g daily for 14–28 days). Treatment duration typically ranges from 14 to 28 days, with longer courses considered for persistent symptoms.
Prevention strategies focus on tick avoidance and prompt removal. Effective measures include:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants in endemic areas.
- Applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Performing thorough body checks after outdoor exposure and removing attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers within 24 hours.
- Maintaining yard hygiene (mowing, removing leaf litter) to reduce tick habitats.
Understanding the pathogen’s life cycle, early clinical signs, diagnostic protocols, and evidence‑based therapy reduces morbidity and limits long‑term complications associated with this tick‑borne illness.