Case reports: Orbital myositis due to Lyme disease
In their article “Two Cases of Orbital Myositis as a Rare Feature of Lyme Borreliosis,” Sauer et al. describe two female patients with focal orbital myositis due to Lyme disease. [1]
Lyme carditis presents without typical Lyme disease symptoms
A case report entitled “An Atypical Case of Lyme Disease Presenting With Lyme Carditis,” by Najam et al. demonstrates the importance of considering Lyme disease in patients who present with signs and symptoms of AV block and no other manifestations of Lyme disease. [1]
Round bodies, blebs and biofilms in Lyme disease
In a recent study entitled “Pleomorphic Variants of Borreliella (syn. Borrelia) burgdorferi Express Evolutionary Distinct Transcriptomes,” investigators describe several pleomorphic forms which develop along Borrelia burgdorferi’s lifecycle. Their biological and medical relevance, however, is unknown.
Intravenous antibiotics helpful for PTLDS
Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) can develop in patients even after receiving antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. Although the exact cause of PTLDS is unknown, it could be due to a persistent infection. PTLDS is characterized by fatigue, pain and cognitive difficulties.
What does Borrelia miyamotoi cause?
Borrelia miyamotoi is a co-infection that can be transmitted by the same tick that carries Lyme disease. B. miyamotoi can lead to Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD). In their article “Borrelia miyamotoi: A Comprehensive Review,” Cleveland and colleagues reviewed the clinical manifestations of BMD. [1]
Fatal case of Heartland Virus
The Heartland virus (HRTV) is an emerging tick-borne illness which can be acquired through the bite of an infected Lone Star tick. The virus was first reported in 2009 in Missouri. Since then, it has spread to other states including Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, and North Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Borrelia miyamotoi can be transmitted from mother ticks to offspring
Lyme disease and Borrelia miyamotoi can be transmitted from a tick to a host and vice versa (horizontal transmission). B. miyamotoi can also be transmitted from the mother to their offspring (vertical transmission).
Pacemakers for Lyme carditis
Some patients with Lyme carditis (LC) require implantation of a pacemaker. Yeung and Baranchuk discussed the need for “preventing unnecessary implantation of permanent pacemakers in otherwise healthy young individuals” in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2019.
Similarities of Long-COVID and Lyme disease in children
Both COVID-19 and Lyme disease can lead to long term illness in children. In their article, “Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations,” Davis and colleagues summarized the symptoms of Long-COVID in children. [1]
Stroke associated with Lyme disease in a 59-year-old man
Stroke is a rare presentation of Lyme disease with only 5 cases reported in the U.S. But a recent study reminds us of the importance of considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis “in patients who present with stroke or acute confusional state in endemic areas for Lyme disease.”[1]
