What is the disease Lyme disease transmitted by ticks? - briefly
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Symptoms often start with a characteristic skin rash and can advance to joint, cardiac, or neurological complications if untreated.
What is the disease Lyme disease transmitted by ticks? - in detail
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The pathogen resides in the tick’s midgut and migrates to the salivary glands during prolonged attachment, enabling inoculation into the host’s skin.
The infection progresses through three clinical phases.
- Early localized stage (3–30 days post‑bite) – erythema migrans rash, flu‑like symptoms, headache, fatigue.
- Early disseminated stage (weeks to months) – multiple skin lesions, cardiac involvement (e.g., atrioventricular block), neurologic manifestations such as facial palsy or meningitis, migratory arthritis.
- Late disseminated stage (months to years) – chronic arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, persistent fatigue.
Diagnosis relies on a two‑tier serologic algorithm. The initial screen employs an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect IgM/IgG antibodies; a positive result is confirmed by a western blot that identifies specific B. burgdorferi protein bands. Direct detection methods (polymerase chain reaction, culture) are reserved for atypical presentations.
Recommended antimicrobial regimens vary with disease stage. Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days) is first‑line for early disease without contraindications. Alternative agents include amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil. Intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g daily for 14–28 days) is indicated for severe neurologic or cardiac involvement. Treatment duration may be extended for persistent manifestations, guided by clinical response.
Prevention focuses on minimizing tick exposure and prompt removal. Effective measures comprise:
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers in endemic habitats.
- Applying repellents containing DEET or picaridin to skin and permethrin to clothing.
- Conducting thorough body checks after outdoor activities; removing attached ticks within 24 hours reduces transmission risk.
- Landscaping modifications (removing leaf litter, maintaining short grass) to deter tick habitats.
«Early detection and appropriate antimicrobial therapy substantially reduce the risk of long‑term complications».