Lyme Science Blog

Relapsing Babesiosis Treatment: Can Malarone Help? Relapsing babesiosis may not respond to standard treatment Malarone showed promise in one treatment-resistant case Immunocompromised patients may require longer monitoring Relapsing babesiosis treatment can be challenging, particularly in immunocompromised patients who do not respond fully to standard antimicrobial therapy. Babesiosis is a tick-borne infection caused by Babesia, a […]

Lyme Arthritis in Children: Symptoms May Appear Years Later Lyme arthritis in children may appear years after a tick bite Joint swelling may resemble septic arthritis or injury Delayed diagnosis may prolong symptoms and treatment Lyme arthritis in children may appear months or even years after a tick bite, making diagnosis challenging. Parents often expect

Wheelchair-Bound Man Walks Again After Lyme Disease Treatment Severe knee pain left him wheelchair-bound Lyme disease complicated existing joint disease Treatment changed mobility and surgical planning In this case report, “Exacerbation of Osteoarthritic Joint Pain by Lyme Disease,” Bennani and colleagues describe how identifying an underlying tick-borne infection dramatically changed mobility, treatment decisions, and quality

Babesia Symptoms: When They Don’t Look Typical Babesia symptoms may not follow the textbook Older adults can present atypically Delayed recognition may increase complication risk Babesia symptoms often include night sweats, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. But not every patient follows the textbook presentation. Common symptoms of Babesia may include fever, drenching

Lyme Disease Eye Problems: Uveitis, Blurred Vision, and Vision Loss Lyme disease can affect the eyes in multiple ways. Uveitis, blurred vision, and eye pain may occur in Lyme disease. Delayed diagnosis can increase the risk of vision complications. Lyme disease is typically associated with flu-like symptoms or neurologic complications, but infection with Borrelia burgdorferi

Atypical Lyme Disease Rash: When It’s Mistaken for Shingles or Cellulitis An atypical Lyme disease rash doesn’t always look like a bull’s-eye. It may resemble shingles, cellulitis, or even a serious skin infection—leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Quick answer: Lyme disease rashes can appear in many forms. When a rash doesn’t respond to standard

Can Lyme Disease Cause Encephalitis? Lyme neuroborreliosis can rarely lead to encephalitis. A 74-year-old woman was hospitalized four times before diagnosis. MRI findings and spinal fluid testing confirmed CNS involvement. Lyme neuroborreliosis can rarely present with encephalitis, confusion, psychiatric symptoms, and MRI abnormalities. A 74-year-old woman had been hospitalized four times over a period of

Can Lyme Disease Cause Constipation and Autonomic Dysfunction? Constipation and stomach symptoms may occur in Lyme disease Autonomic dysfunction can affect digestion, bladder function, and nerves Unusual symptoms may delay diagnosis “Our case emphasizes that Lyme disease is capable of causing a mix of symptoms, which may be difficult to interpret, leading to a delay

How Fast Can a Tick Transmit Babesia? Why There Is No Safe Window How fast can a tick transmit Babesia? In some cases, transmission may occur almost immediately after the tick begins feeding. Many people assume they have 24–48 hours to safely remove a tick before infection develops. That assumption may not apply to Babesia.

Atypical case of Lyme carditis in Florida woman A 42-year-old New York City man quarantining upstate during COVID-19 developed Lyme carditis that progressed to cardiac arrest within two weeks of tick bite. The case demonstrates how rapidly Lyme carditis can deteriorate when diagnosis is delayed – and how completely patients recover when treatment finally begins.