Lyme Science Blog

Borrelia burgdorferi Activates Astrocytes: Implications for Neurologic Lyme Disease Borrelia burgdorferi may affect the brain by triggering inflammatory responses in key support cells. Laboratory findings show that the bacterium can activate human astrocytes, raising questions about its role in neurologic Lyme disease. This raises an important question: how does Borrelia burgdorferi affect brain function? Research […]

Questions to Ask Patients About Lyme Disease in Cardiac Cases Lyme disease may present with cardiac symptoms that resemble more common conditions. A case of arrhythmia highlights the importance of asking targeted questions about possible tick exposure. This raises an important question: when should Lyme disease be considered in patients with cardiac abnormalities? Clinical context

What if a pronounced TH17 cytokine response in Lyme arthritis were caused by a persistent infection? Immune responses in Lyme arthritis may vary over time, raising questions about their role in disease progression. A pronounced TH17 cytokine response has been linked to both early infection and later autoimmune features. This raises an important question: could

Borrelia Miyamotoi in Urban Areas: Ticks Expanding Into Cities Ticks carrying Lyme disease and related pathogens are increasingly being identified in urban environments. Studies suggest that city parks, woodland edges, and recreational green spaces may serve as habitats for infected ticks. This raises an important question: are urban areas becoming a growing source of tick

Cochrane Review and Neurologic Lyme Disease: Missing U.S. Evidence A Cochrane review evaluating antibiotic treatment for neurologic Lyme disease highlights important findings—but also notable gaps. While several European trials were included, no U.S.-based studies on chronic neurologic Lyme disease met inclusion criteria. This raises an important question: how should clinicians interpret evidence when major studies

Can Ticks Survive a Southern Summer? What the Research Shows Ticks are well known for surviving harsh northern winters, but their ability to persist in hot southern climates is less often discussed. Research suggests that environmental conditions, particularly humidity, play a key role in tick survival. This raises an important question: can ticks survive the

Does Azithromycin Gel Prevent Lyme Disease After a Tick Bite? A Critique of the Trial Preventing Lyme disease after a tick bite remains challenging Researchers evaluated whether topical azithromycin gel could prevent infection The trial failed to show meaningful protection against Lyme disease Patients and clinicians continue searching for simple strategies to prevent Lyme disease

Lyme Disease in North Carolina: Deer Ticks Found in the Outer Banks Lyme disease occurs in North Carolina Infected deer ticks have been found in the Outer Banks Reported cases may underestimate risk by Daniel J. Cameron, MD MPH People often ask whether Lyme disease is common in North Carolina, especially in coastal areas like

Top Lyme Disease Blog Topics from 2016: What Still Matters Today Some Lyme disease topics continue to surface year after year. Others highlight gaps in diagnosis, treatment, or awareness that remain relevant today. Looking back at these widely read posts offers insight into patterns clinicians and patients still encounter—from neurologic complications to co-infections and treatment

Lyme Disease in the South: Additional Evidence from North Carolina Ticks Lyme disease is often thought of as a Northeastern illness. But growing evidence suggests that Borrelia burgdorferi-infected ticks may also be established in parts of the Southeast. Findings from North Carolina raise an important point: infected ticks may persist in regions not always recognized