Lyme Science Blog

Does a “Watch and Wait” Approach Work for Lyme Disease? Some patients with persistent symptoms after Lyme disease are advised to follow a “watch and wait” approach rather than receive additional treatment. However, several studies suggest that a significant proportion of patients do not fully recover after standard therapy. What Do the Data Show? Investigators […]

Babesia Sweats and Lyme Coinfection: Why Symptoms Last Longer Babesia sweats are a common symptom—but they are only part of the picture. When Lyme disease and Babesia occur together, symptoms are often more severe, more persistent, and harder to treat. Key Insight: If night sweats come with fatigue, air hunger, or symptoms that don’t improve

Do Different Lyme Strains Affect Treatment Outcomes? Not all Lyme disease infections are the same. Differences in Borrelia burgdorferi strains may help explain why some patients experience more severe illness—or do not respond as expected to treatment. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Strain Differences and Virulence Researchers have identified multiple genetic variants of Borrelia burgdorferi, each expressing a different

More Evidence of Lyme Disease in the Southern United States Lyme disease has traditionally been considered a Northeastern and Midwestern illness. However, growing evidence suggests that the geographic risk may be broader than previously recognized. Ticks capable of carrying Borrelia burgdorferi are now found across a large portion of the United States, including many Southern

The True Cost of Lyme Disease: A Growing Economic Burden Lyme disease carries a significant cost—not only to individual patients, but to society as a whole. When persistent symptoms develop, the financial impact rises sharply. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Cost of Early vs Chronic Lyme Disease For patients with early Lyme disease, the average annual cost is relatively

Is Lyme Disease New? What History Reveals About an Ancient Infection Is Lyme disease new? Although Lyme disease was first recognized in Connecticut in the 1970s, evidence suggests the bacteria responsible for the illness have existed for thousands — and possibly millions — of years. Lyme disease is not new—it is an ancient infection that

New Drug Combinations Target Lyme Persister Cells Researchers have identified novel drug combinations that may be effective against Lyme disease “persister” cells—forms of Borrelia burgdorferi that appear more tolerant to standard antibiotics in laboratory studies. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} What Are Persister Forms? Under stress—such as exposure to antibiotics or nutrient limitation—the Lyme bacterium can change shape. Instead

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: Why Some Patients Remain Ill for Years Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) describes patients who continue to experience symptoms months or even years after treatment. A growing body of research highlights the long-term impact of Lyme disease in a subset of individuals. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Persistent Symptoms Are Well Documented Several studies have

Do Short Courses of Antibiotics Fall Short in Lyme Disease? Standard treatment for Lyme disease often includes a 2–3 week course of antibiotics. However, several studies have raised questions about whether this duration is sufficient for all patients. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Early Concerns About Treatment Duration As early as 1990, Logigian and colleagues suggested that a two-week