Lyme Science Blog

Case report: Meningitis secondary to Lyme disease Lyme disease aseptic meningitis can present as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) with dementia, confusion, and gait disturbance — leading doctors to miss the underlying infection. An 80-year-old man in Pennsylvania developed progressive weakness, confusion, nausea, and fatigue over several days. CSF studies showed aseptic meningitis, CT scan revealed […]

Borrelia antibodies found in patients with coronary heart disease How many patients who underwent surgery for coronary heart disease (CHD) had evidence of a prior infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium which causes Lyme disease)? A study by Pietruszka and colleagues, “Serologic Status of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Patients with Cardiovascular Changes,” sought to

Can Lyme Disease Trigger Autoimmune Disease Like Lupus? Can infection trigger autoimmunity? In rare cases, Lyme disease may contribute to immune dysregulation. Lupus-like symptoms can sometimes emerge after infection. Lyme disease may trigger autoimmune disease in some patients, including conditions such as lupus. In rare cases, infection with Borrelia burgdorferi may contribute to immune dysregulation

Lyme Carditis and Heart Block: A Case You Don’t Want to Miss Can Lyme disease affect the heart? It can cause sudden heart block. Even in young, otherwise healthy patients. Lyme carditis heart block is a serious complication that can develop rapidly—and may be missed if symptoms are nonspecific. Lyme carditis often presents with symptoms

Lyme Disease and Vision Loss: When It Mimics Giant Cell Arteritis Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. But the cause is not always clear. This is where Lyme disease can be missed. Lyme disease can cause vision problems, including rare cases of sudden vision loss—sometimes mimicking other serious conditions such as giant cell arteritis

Lyme Disease in Canada: Symptoms, Neurologic Cases, and Regional Trends Neurologic Lyme disease cases increased over time. Bell’s palsy and arthritis affected both children and adults. Regional differences emerged across Canada. Lyme disease in Canada presents with a broad range of symptoms, including erythema migrans rashes, neurologic complications, Lyme arthritis, and cardiac involvement, according to

Bartonella and Lyme Disease Mimicking ALS and MS: A Misdiagnosis Case Bartonella and Lyme disease mimicking ALS and MS is a recognized clinical challenge, particularly when neurologic symptoms worsen while testing remains inconclusive. For an overview, see Bartonella. In their article, “Bartonella- and Borrelia-Related Disease Presenting as a Neurological Condition Revealing the Need for Better

RMSF in Pregnancy Without Rash: A Missed Diagnosis Risk No rash. No tick bite Symptoms escalate quickly Diagnosis is often delayed Quick Answer: RMSF in pregnancy can occur without a rash or known tick bite. Atypical presentations may delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe complications if treatment is not started promptly. RMSF in pregnancy

Can Babesia Cause Anemia? When Infection Destroys Red Blood Cells Can Babesia infection cause anemia? Yes—and in some cases, it can lead to rapid destruction of red blood cells, causing fatigue, weakness, and serious complications. Babesia infects red blood cells directly, and in rare cases may also trigger autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), where the body

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms: Atypical Case and Missed Diagnosis SYMPTOMS DON’T LOOK TYPICAL? RMSF MAY BE MISSED Can Rocky Mountain spotted fever symptoms be missed when they don’t follow the typical pattern? Quick Answer: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) symptoms can be atypical and difficult to recognize early. Delayed diagnosis is common when symptoms