‘Near-universal’ negative experiences with healthcare providers reported by Lyme disease patients
Lyme disease can be a challenging illness for both physicians and their patients. In an article entitled “Knowing the entire story - a focus group study on patient experiences with chronic Lyme-associated symptoms (chronic Lyme disease),” Baarsma et al. share various perspectives of self-identified chronic Lyme disease patients from the Dutch Lyme community.
Lyme meningitis leading to hyponatremia
In their article “A Tick-borne Cause of Hyponatremia: SIADH Due to Lyme Meningitis,” Windpessl and colleagues describe a patient who was initially treated for sudden onset of shoulder pain associated with hyponatremia but later diagnosed with Lyme meningitis. [1]
Lyme arthritis with rheumatoid arthritis leads to poor quality of life
Lyme Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can greatly impair a person’s quality of life. A recent study examines survey results from 90 patients to assess the levels of impairment for patients with both these conditions.
Erythema migrans rash doesn’t always have bull’s eye appearance
An erythema migrans (EM) rash, sometimes referred to as a bull's eye rash, has been considered the signature rash for Lyme disease, leading to a definitive diagnosis. Yet only 1 in 4 erythema migrans rashes present with a bull’s eye appearance.
Single dose doxycycline for treatment of tick bite only prevents Lyme disease rash
In a review entitled “Lyme Disease: Emergency Department Considerations,” Applegren et al. recommend using a one-time, single dose of doxycycline for the prophylactic treatment of a tick bite, [1] despite the fact that there has been only one study exploring the effectiveness of such a limited dosage. The article also neglects to mention that there are doctors who take a different approach and advise against a one-time, single dose. [3]
When babesiosis turns deadly
In their case report “Fatal Babesiosis in an Immunocompetent Patient,” Selig and colleagues describe a 48-year-old man who died within days of being admitted to the hospital from babesiosis and yet, he didn’t have any significant risk factors for severe presentation of the illness. [1]
Meningoencephalitis due to Borrelia miyamotoi
In their case report, Gandhi and colleagues, describe an immunocompetent patient who developed acute-onset, progressive encephalopathy due to an infection with Borrelia miyamotoi.
Tick bite induces red meat allergy
In their case report, Wuerdeman and Harrison described a 33-year-old service member who presented with “recurring episodes of urticaria, palpitations, flushing, and itching after ingestion of red meat.”[1]
COVID-19: When Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses may not be considered
In their article “Case 9-2022: A 56-Year-Old Woman with Fever, Myalgias, Diarrhea, and Cough,” Vyas and colleagues present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with what doctors believed to be atypical symptoms of COVID-19. [1]
Lyme disease causes mix of symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction
In the case report “A Patient with SIADH, Urinary Retention, Constipation, and Bell's Palsy following a Tick Bite,” Leone and colleagues describe a patient who developed an unusual combination of Lyme disease symptoms, all of which resolved following treatment. [1]
