Lyme Science Blog

EM Rash: Lyme Disease Rash May Not Be a Bull’s-Eye A Lyme rash may look like a red circle. It may spread without a bull’s-eye. And it can be mistaken for cellulitis. An EM rash, or erythema migrans rash, is one of the most important early signs of Lyme disease. But it does not always […]

Borrelia Miyamotoi Review: North America Infection Guide In their article, “Human Borrelia miyamotoi Infection in North America,” Burde and colleagues discuss the frequency and location of infection in ticks and people, clinical presentation and complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Prevalence of B. miyamotoi B. miyamotoi-infected ticks have been reported throughout the northeastern, northern Midwestern, and

Can Ticks Live in Manicured Yards and Greenspaces? Ticks are not limited to deep woods. Infected ticks may still be found in manicured greenspaces. Well-kept lawns and trails may not eliminate exposure risk. It was once thought that well-maintained lawns and carefully groomed recreational spaces were relatively safe from ticks. However, newer research suggests that

When Lyme Neuroborreliosis Leads to Recurrent Strokes RECURRENT STROKES? WHEN LYME DISEASE IS MISSED Lyme neuroborreliosis can rarely trigger cerebral vasculitis and recurrent strokes—even when spinal fluid testing appears normal. In their article, “A case report of unilateral cerebral vasculitis in adults: keep in mind Lyme neuroborreliosis,” Riescher and colleagues examine the case of a

Lyme Disease Vaccines in Development: What to Know About Current Candidates New Lyme vaccines are in development Protection may target ticks before transmission Questions remain about long-term effectiveness Lyme disease vaccines are once again being actively developed as Lyme disease rates continue to rise across the United States and Europe. In 1998, the first Lyme

Neurologic Babesia Symptoms: How Babesiosis Affects the Brain (and Is Missed) It’s not just fatigue or fever. Patients become confused—or unsteady. This is where Babesia affects the brain. Neurologic Babesia symptoms are more common than many expect—and may be severe in hospitalized patients. This is where Babesia infection extends beyond typical symptoms. In a study

Lyme Disease and Long COVID: A Case of Overlapping Symptoms Symptoms began months after COVID-19 infection Fatigue, brain fog, and autonomic symptoms developed Lyme disease was later identified as a contributing factor The World Health Organization defines Long COVID as symptoms that persist or develop at least 3 months after infection, lasting for at least

Investigators question the term “Australian Lyme” The authors looked at patients admitted to their infectious disease clinic in Australia between 2014 – 2020. “Patients were included if they had debilitating symptoms suggested by either themselves or the referring clinician as being attributed to ticks.” They acknowledged that there are ill patients who have been seen

Where Do Ticks Bite? Common Bite Locations and What to Check Where do ticks bite? Tick bite locations vary by species and life stage—but ticks that transmit Lyme disease can attach almost anywhere on the body. In their study, “Human attachment site preferences of ticks parasitizing in New York,” Hart and colleagues examined where ticks

How Lyme Disease Affects the Brain: Symptoms, Brain Fog, and Nerve Problems Lyme disease can affect the brain and nervous system. Symptoms include brain fog, memory loss, and nerve pain. Neurologic symptoms are often more common than arthritis. How does Lyme disease affect the brain? Lyme disease can affect the brain and nervous system, leading