Lyme borreliosis, commonly known as Lyme disease, is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and deer ticks (Ixodes pacificus). The disease is named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first recognized in 1975.
The initial symptoms of Lyme borreliosis often include a characteristic skin rash known as erythema migrans, which appears as a red expanding bull's eye-shaped lesion. Other early signs may include fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to various body systems, leading to more severe symptoms such as joint inflammation, nervous system impairment, cardiac problems, and even cognitive difficulties.
Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is typically based on a combination of clinical symptoms, history of potential tick exposure, and laboratory tests such as serologic assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of blood or other bodily fluids.
Treatment for Lyme borreliosis usually involves a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or ceftriaxone, depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent the development of more serious complications.
Prevention of Lyme borreliosis primarily revolves around personal protective measures, including avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, thoroughly checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing ticks. Vaccines against Lyme disease are also being developed and evaluated.
