What is tick-borne Lyme disease? - briefly
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. Early manifestations include a characteristic erythema migrans rash, fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
What is tick-borne Lyme disease? - 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 feeding, enabling transmission within 24–48 hours of attachment.
The infection progresses through three clinical stages.
- Early localized stage (days to weeks): erythema migrans rash expands from the bite site, often accompanied by fever, headache, fatigue, and joint aches.
- Early disseminated stage (weeks to months): multiple rashes appear, cardiac involvement may cause atrioventricular block, neurological symptoms include facial palsy and meningitis, and migratory joint pain emerges.
- Late disseminated stage (months to years): chronic arthritis, especially of large joints, and persistent neurological deficits such as peripheral neuropathy may develop.
Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Serologic assays follow a two‑tier algorithm: an initial enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screens for antibodies, and a confirmatory Western blot identifies specific IgM and IgG bands. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detects bacterial DNA in synovial fluid or cerebrospinal fluid, supporting diagnosis in later stages.
Standard treatment employs oral doxycycline for 10–21 days in uncomplicated cases. Intravenous ceftriaxone or cefotaxime is recommended for severe neurological or cardiac involvement, with treatment duration extending to 14–28 days. Early initiation of antibiotics reduces the risk of long‑term complications.
Prevention focuses on minimizing tick exposure and prompt removal. Effective measures include:
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers in wooded or grassy areas.
- Applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin to skin and clothing.
- Conducting thorough body checks after outdoor activities and removing attached ticks with fine‑tipped tweezers within 24 hours.
- Treating pets with veterinarian‑approved tick control products.
«Lyme disease can be controlled through early detection, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and rigorous preventive practices».