Lyme Science Blog

Could Azlocillin Become a Treatment for Late-Stage Lyme Disease? Researchers are investigating whether azlocillin could become a future treatment for late-stage Lyme disease. Scientists identified azlocillin after screening nearly 8,000 drug compounds. In laboratory studies and mouse models, azlocillin was effective against drug-tolerant Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. What Is Azlocillin? Azlocillin […]

Babesia microti in Texas: Raccoons Suggest the Parasite Is Spreading Babesia microti, the parasite responsible for most human babesiosis cases in the United States, may be expanding beyond its traditional northeastern range. A new study detected Babesia microti in raccoons in East Texas, raising questions about emerging human risk in the South. Is Babesia microti

Why Tick-Borne Illnesses Persist for Decades Tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease behave differently from many infectious diseases. Instead of appearing suddenly and disappearing quickly, these infections circulate quietly between ticks and wildlife reservoirs, allowing them to persist in nature for decades. This ecological pattern helps explain why Lyme disease tests the limits of medicine

Babesia Travel Cases: How Tick-Borne Infections Cross Borders Babesia travel cases are increasingly reported as international travelers carry tick-borne infections across borders. Several countries have documented imported babesiosis in travelers returning from endemic areas such as the Northeastern United States. Babesia is frequently transmitted by the same ticks that spread Lyme disease, which is why

Babesia Blood Safety: What the FDA Workshop Revealed Babesia blood safety is a growing concern in the United States. In their article, the authors summarized discussions from a public workshop organized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The workshop, entitled “Emerging Tick-Borne Diseases and Blood Safety,” included experts on tick-borne diseases, representatives from blood

Can Service Dogs Help Lyme Disease Patients? Watch a 13-second video of a Lyme patient with a service dog Many patients with Lyme disease experience fatigue, dizziness, pain, or neurologic symptoms that can make everyday activities difficult. For some individuals living with chronic illness, trained service dogs may provide practical assistance and emotional support. Service

Using Dogs to Map Lyme Disease Risk Dogs may help researchers map the geographic spread of Lyme disease. Because dogs are frequently exposed to ticks and are routinely tested by veterinarians, canine infection data can provide valuable insight into where Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, is circulating. There is often a delay

What Nesting Songbirds Reveal About Lyme Disease in Canada Migratory birds are increasingly recognized as an important factor in the spread of Lyme disease–carrying ticks across North America. Researchers estimate that migratory birds disperse between 50 million and 175 million Ixodes scapularis ticks across Canada each spring. The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly called the

Nonflaccid Facial Palsy After Bell’s Palsy (15–30% Risk) Nonflaccid Facial Palsy After Bell’s Palsy Nonflaccid facial palsy (NFFP) is a complication that can develop after Bell’s palsy and other facial nerve injuries. Studies suggest that approximately 15–30% of patients with Bell’s palsy develop nonflaccid facial palsy. Facial nerve palsy is also one of the most

Suggestions for SEO and Body Improvements These are small improvements that strengthen SEO and readability while keeping your voice and argument intact. 1. Add One Context Sentence Near the Top Add this after the first paragraph: Neurologic Lyme disease occurs when Borrelia burgdorferi infects the nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.