Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Impact on Quality of Life Lyme disease can sometimes be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when patients present with joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In some cases, both conditions may coexist, leading to greater disability and a more complex clinical picture. For a full overview of Lyme arthritis, including […]

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. Key

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

Lyme Disease and Pregnancy: Findings from an 11-Patient Case Series Lyme disease and pregnancy remain areas where clinical evidence is limited but important for maternal and fetal care. A case series of pregnant women with Lyme borreliosis (LB) provides insight into possible outcomes and treatment approaches. The first confirmed case of Lyme borreliosis in pregnancy

Tafenoquine for Relapsing Babesia: A Treatment Option When Standard Therapy Fails For a complete overview of Babesia symptoms, testing, and treatment, visit our Babesia and Lyme disease guide. Tafenoquine Babesia treatment may offer hope for patients who relapse after standard therapy. Patients with relapsing Babesia often present with recurring symptoms such as night sweats, air