Lyme Science Blog

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 Red Meat Allergy: Alpha-Gal Syndrome Explained ALLERGIC TO MEAT AFTER A TICK BITE? SYMPTOMS HOURS AFTER EATING? COULD THIS BE ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME? A tick bite can trigger a red meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome—a delayed immune reaction that many patients do not immediately connect to prior tick exposure. “I ate meat my

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 STILL RELAPSING AFTER BABESIA TREATMENT? WHEN STANDARD THERAPY ISN’T ENOUGH “I got better—but then it came back.” Relapsing Babesia is a frustrating pattern many patients recognize—symptoms improve, then return weeks or months later. Quick Answer: Tafenoquine may be an option for relapsing Babesia when

Facial Nerve Dysfunction After Lyme Disease: What Persists Facial weakness may not fully resolve Symptoms can persist after treatment Recovery is often incomplete Quick Answer: Facial nerve dysfunction after Lyme disease can persist for months or longer, especially in patients treated with corticosteroids. Symptoms may include weakness, synkinesis, tearing, and long-term functional impairment. Facial nerve

Babesia and Anaplasmosis in a Child with Leukemia Babesia immunocompromised patients face elevated risks — and this case shows why clinicians must consider tick-borne infections even in children undergoing cancer treatment. A 5-year-old with leukemia developed both Babesia and Anaplasmosis after a tick bite. “A 5-year-old male with National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard risk B-cell

Anaplasmosis and Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Rare Neurologic Case Anaplasmosis can affect the nervous system Severe facial pain may not be typical But rare presentations do occur Quick Answer: Anaplasmosis can cause neurologic symptoms, including rare cases of trigeminal neuralgia. Diagnosis may require PCR testing, and symptoms often improve with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Anaplasmosis trigeminal neuralgia

Bell’s Palsy and Lyme Disease: When Facial Paralysis Is Not Idiopathic Is it really Bell’s palsy? Facial paralysis can be caused by Lyme disease. Missing it can delay the right treatment. Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease are often confused, especially when facial paralysis appears suddenly. Key Question: When should facial paralysis raise concern for Lyme