Lyme Science Blog

Chronic Babesia: Why Some Infections Relapse Despite Treatment Chronic Babesia may persist despite treatment Immunocompromised patients face higher relapse risk Persistent parasitemia may require prolonged therapy Chronic Babesia can be difficult to eradicate in some patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised or have underlying hematologic disorders. While many individuals improve with standard therapy, others experience […]

Top Lyme Disease Blogs of 2022 These top Lyme disease blogs of 2022 were the most popular articles for readers during the year. The list highlights important clinical insights about Lyme disease, Babesia, Borrelia miyamotoi, anaplasmosis, and other tick-borne illnesses. Click on the headline to read the full blog. Top Lyme Disease Blogs of 2022

Can Lyme Disease Affect the Thyroid? What to Know About Thyroiditis Can Lyme disease affect the thyroid? In rare cases, infection with Borrelia burgdorferi has been associated with autoimmune thyroiditis—raising important questions about how infection may influence immune function. Lyme disease thyroiditis may occasionally occur when infection triggers inflammation affecting multiple systems. In the article

Lyme Arthritis vs Septic Arthritis in Children: Can MRI Help? Symptoms can overlap closely Children may appear seriously ill MRI may guide decisions Distinguishing Lyme arthritis from septic arthritis in children can be challenging because both conditions may present with fever, knee swelling, elevated inflammatory markers, and difficulty walking. Researchers examined whether MRI findings could

Lyme Disease Brachial Plexopathy: Arm Weakness and Nerve Pain Brachial plexopathy may occur in Lyme neuroborreliosis. Arm weakness, radicular pain, and meningitis can overlap. Tick exposure may go unrecognized. Lyme disease brachial plexopathy is an uncommon neurologic presentation that may initially resemble cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or other nerve disorders. In one published case, a

Why Are Doctors Reluctant to Treat Lyme Disease? Why are doctors reluctant to treat Lyme disease? Many clinicians face regulatory pressure, professional stigma, insurance barriers, and the clinical complexity of managing persistent Lyme symptoms. Doctors may be reluctant to treat Lyme disease when symptoms persist beyond standard treatment—especially when care requires time-intensive, individualized evaluation. These

Are Lyme Disease Patients at Greater Risk for Developing Severe COVID-19? Researchers examined whether prior Borrelia exposure correlated with severe COVID-19. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were more likely to test positive for Borrelia antibodies. The authors emphasized that correlation does not prove causation. A new study looks at the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with

Babesia and Asplenia: Why Treatment May Take Longer Babesia infection may persist longer in patients without a spleen Parasitemia can remain despite standard treatment Careful follow-up may reduce relapse risk Babesia infection can be more severe and more difficult to clear in patients with asplenia. Without a functioning spleen, the body may have greater difficulty

Illinois clinicians demonstrate gaps in understanding of tick-borne co-infections Carson and colleagues surveyed clinicians between August 2020 and February 2022 and reported their findings in the article “Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Illinois medical professionals related to ticks and tick-borne disease.” ¹ The respondents included RNs (61.3%), physicians (21.4%), and APNs/PAs (17.3%). The authors found

Powassan Virus Encephalitis: Symptoms and Risks After a Tick Bite Powassan virus can affect the brain. Symptoms include confusion, weakness, and speech problems. Early recognition is critical. Powassan virus encephalitis is a rare but serious tick-borne infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne infection that can rapidly affect