Lyme borreliosis
| Lyme disease | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Lyme borreliosis |
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| An adult deer tick | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Expanding area of redness at the site of a tick bite, fever, headache, feeling tired |
| Complications | Facial nerve paralysis, arthritis, meningitis |
| Usual onset | A week after a bite |
| Causes | Borrelia spread by ticks |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, tick exposure, blood tests |
| Prevention | Prevention of tick bites (long pants, DEET), doxycycline |
| Medication | Doxycycline, amoxicillin, cefuroxime |
| Frequency | 365,000 per year |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Borrelia type which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin, known as erythema migrans, that begins at the site of a tick bite about a week after it has occurred. The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful. Approximately 25–50% of infected people do not develop a rash. Other early symptoms may include fever, headache and feeling tired. If untreated, symptoms may include loss of the ability to move one or both sides of the face, joint pains, severe headaches with neck stiffness, or heart palpitations, among others. Months to years later, repeated episodes of joint pain and swelling may occur. Occasionally, people develop shooting pains or tingling in their arms and legs. Despite appropriate treatment, about 10 to 20% of people develop joint pains, memory problems, and feel tired for at least six months.
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks of the Ixodes genus. Usually, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours before the bacteria can spread. In North America, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii are the cause. In Europe and Asia, the bacteria Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are also causes of the disease. The disease does not appear to be transmissible between people, by other animals, or through food. Diagnosis is based upon a combination of symptoms, history of tick exposure, and possibly testing for specific antibodies in the blood. Blood tests are often negative in the early stages of the disease. Testing of individual ticks is not typically useful.
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