Lyme Science Blog

‘Near-universal’ negative experiences with healthcare providers reported by Lyme disease patients “Healthcare providers frequently struggle to provide effective care to patients with chronic Lyme-associated symptoms…potentially causing these patients to feel misunderstood or neglected by the healthcare system,” the authors wrote. They listed 6 themes that emerged from the participants experiences: Late diagnosis, abandonment, loss, unpredictability, […]

Lyme Meningitis Leading to Hyponatremia (SIADH) Hyponatremia from Lyme disease can signal underlying neuroborreliosis causing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. An 83-year-old woman developed persistent low sodium levels (125-126 mmol/L) initially attributed to blood pressure medication, but after one month of diagnostic confusion and medication changes, a lumbar puncture finally revealed Lyme meningitis

Lyme Disease vs Rheumatoid Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference Is it Lyme disease or rheumatoid arthritis? Both conditions can cause joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility—making them easy to confuse. Quick answer: Lyme disease can mimic rheumatoid arthritis, but the underlying cause is infection rather than autoimmune inflammation. In some cases, both conditions may

Bullous Erythema Migrans: An Atypical Lyme Disease Rash Erythema migrans rash does not always appear as the classic bull’s-eye lesion associated with Lyme disease. Several reports have described urticarial, linear, granulomatous, and bullous variants, which can lead to misidentification, delayed diagnosis, and delayed treatment. In their article, “Vesiculobullous Lyme disease: A case series,” the authors

Doxycycline After Tick Bite: Does It Prevent Lyme? A single dose of doxycycline is often recommended after a tick bite to prevent Lyme disease. However, the evidence supporting this strategy is limited and primarily shows a reduction in the Lyme disease rash known as erythema migrans rather than reliable prevention of Lyme disease itself. Deciding

Fatal Babesiosis: When a Tick-Borne Infection Turns Deadly Fatal babesiosis is uncommon but well documented. While many cases occur in older or immunocompromised patients, severe infection can occasionally develop in individuals without classic risk factors. In this case report, a man without asplenia or advanced age died from babesiosis despite receiving appropriate treatment. Key Point:

Meningoencephalitis Borrelia Miyamotoi: Case Report Meningoencephalitis Borrelia Miyamotoi: Case ReportMeningoencephalitis Borrelia miyamotoi can occur even in immunocompetent patients. A 73-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a 16-day history of confusion and intermittent headaches. He was an avid gardener and reportedly had tick bites in the past but none that he noticed in the

Tick Bite Can Trigger Red Meat Allergy (Alpha-Gal Syndrome) A tick bite can trigger a delayed allergic reaction to red meat known as alpha-gal syndrome. In these case reports, patients developed repeated allergic reactions hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb following tick bites. Key Point: Alpha-gal syndrome is a delayed red meat allergy linked

COVID-19: When Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses may not be considered The woman presented with fever, myalgias, diarrhea, and a dry cough. The authors discuss the risk of premature closure in such cases. “Premature closure refers to forming a conclusion and stopping the diagnostic assessment too early in the diagnostic process, in which case alternative

Congenital Babesia Transmission in Twins When Vertical Transmission Affects Only One Twin Congenital babesia is rare—but this case proves it happens. The patient was born at 36 5/7 weeks by C-section. At five-weeks-old the newborn presented to the emergency department with pallor, increased lethargy and difficulty feeding. The newborn was “more difficult to arouse and