What is the condition caused by ticks called? - briefly
The illness transmitted by tick bites is known as Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It is the most prevalent tick‑borne disease in many regions.
What is the condition caused by ticks called? - in detail
Ticks transmit a range of infectious agents, the most prevalent being a bacterial illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This disease is commonly referred to as Lyme disease. The pathogen resides in the midgut of the tick and enters the human bloodstream during a blood meal, typically after the tick has been attached for 36–48 hours.
Early manifestations appear within 3–30 days and include:
- Erythema migrans: a expanding, erythema‑free rash often resembling a bull’s‑eye.
- Flu‑like symptoms: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches.
- Neck stiffness and facial palsy in some cases.
If untreated, the infection can progress to disseminated disease, presenting with:
- Multiple erythema migrans lesions.
- Cardiac involvement (atrioventricular block, myocarditis).
- Neurologic signs (meningitis, radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy).
- Arthritis, especially in large joints such as the knee.
Diagnosis relies on a two‑tier serologic algorithm:
- Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgM/IgG antibodies.
- Confirmation with Western blot for specific protein bands.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may be employed for synovial fluid or cerebrospinal fluid when serology is inconclusive.
Standard treatment consists of oral doxycycline for 10–21 days in most patients. Alternative regimens include amoxicillin or cefuroxime for those who cannot tolerate doxycycline. Intravenous ceftriaxone is reserved for severe neurologic or cardiac involvement.
Prevention strategies focus on minimizing tick exposure:
- Use EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin on skin and permethrin on clothing.
- Perform thorough body checks after outdoor activities in endemic areas.
- Prompt removal of attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily.
Other notable tick‑borne illnesses include Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii), ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and tick‑borne encephalitis. Each has distinct vectors, geographic distribution, clinical patterns, and therapeutic requirements, underscoring the importance of accurate identification and timely management of tick‑related infections.