Why is a Borrelia‑infected tick dangerous? - briefly
A tick carrying Borrelia can transmit the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, producing skin lesions, joint inflammation, cardiac disturbances, and neurological impairment. Early infection frequently lacks obvious signs, permitting the pathogen to disseminate before effective treatment can prevent lasting damage.
Why is a Borrelia‑infected tick dangerous? - in detail
A tick that carries the bacterium Borrelia can transmit Lyme disease directly into the bloodstream when it attaches and feeds. The pathogen quickly spreads from the bite site, exploiting the host’s immune system and establishing infection in multiple tissues.
The danger stems from several biological mechanisms:
- Efficient transmission: Salivary proteins suppress local immune responses, allowing the bacteria to enter the host before the bite is noticed.
- Rapid dissemination: Within days, Borrelia migrates through the circulatory system, reaching joints, heart tissue, and the nervous system.
- Persistent inflammation: The organism triggers chronic immune activation, leading to arthritis, carditis, and neuroborreliosis if untreated.
- Diagnostic challenges: Early symptoms—fever, fatigue, headache—are nonspecific, often delaying treatment and increasing the likelihood of complications.
- Antibiotic resistance potential: Prolonged infection can reduce the efficacy of standard doxycycline therapy, necessitating more intensive regimens.
Consequences of infection include:
- Joint swelling and pain that may become irreversible.
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities, potentially causing arrhythmias.
- Neurological deficits such as facial palsy, meningitis, or peripheral neuropathy.
- Cognitive impairment and chronic fatigue, impacting quality of life.
Preventive measures—regular tick checks, proper removal, and prompt medical evaluation after a bite—directly reduce the risk of these severe outcomes. Early antibiotic intervention, administered within 72 hours of removal, typically resolves infection and prevents long‑term damage.