Lyme Science Blog

When Lyme Disease Mimics Sjögren’s Syndrome Lyme disease can present like an autoimmune disorder—leading to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary treatment. A 43-year-old woman initially presented to an oncology clinic with lymphadenopathy and systemic symptoms, including low-grade fever, generalized swelling of lymph nodes, migrating joint pain, dry mouth and eyes, weight loss, and fatigue for six […]

Study Finds Tiny Larval Ticks Can Transmit Borrelia miyamotoi Larval ticks may pose a greater infection risk than previously recognized—especially for Borrelia miyamotoi. Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, female ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi can pass the bacteria to their offspring. “Therefore, in addition to nymphs and adults, larvae can vector

Do Steroid Injections Help Children With Lyme Arthritis of the Knee? Steroid injections may help some children with persistent Lyme arthritis—but timing and clinical context matter. Premature use of steroids “has been reported as a potential risk factor for the development of antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis (ARLA) in children and adults,” writes Horton et al. [1]

Scientific Community Discounts Lyme Disease Patients When patient experience is dismissed, gaps in care widen—especially in complex illnesses like Lyme disease. The authors of a review dismiss concerns about chronic manifestations of Lyme disease, stating, “The infection annual incidence is modest (< 30,000 cases) and is not supposed to be fatal.” [2] Such conclusions risk

Are Lone Star Ticks in Your Neighborhood? Lone star ticks are expanding rapidly—and many encounters are happening closer to home than expected. Between 2006 and 2016, researchers received 8,608 ticks from 22 U.S. states. [1] Most were collected in Monmouth County, New Jersey, a region long recognized as endemic for Lyme disease. Surprisingly, lone star

Small Fiber Neuropathy and Autonomic Dysfunction in Lyme Disease Objective findings may explain why patients with persistent Lyme symptoms experience pain, sensory changes, and dysautonomia. A retrospective study of 10 patients diagnosed with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome found that all had small fiber neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, and abnormal cerebral blood flow—providing measurable evidence for symptoms

Northern “Immigrant” Ticks Causing Concern in the South Changes in tick behavior may increase Lyme disease risk in regions previously considered lower risk. Ticks locate hosts through a behavior known as “questing.” According to the CDC, ticks hold onto leaves and grass with their hind legs while extending their front legs outward, waiting to latch

Northern “Immigrant” Ticks Causing Concern in the South Changes in tick behavior may increase Lyme disease risk in regions previously considered lower risk. Ticks locate hosts through a behavior known as “questing.” According to the CDC, ticks hold onto leaves and grass with their hind legs while extending their front legs outward, waiting to latch

Brazilian Lyme-Like Syndrome: Why It Remains a Clinical Concern Brazilian Lyme-like syndrome (BYS) continues to challenge clinicians, with growing evidence supporting a true Borrelia infection. Recent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing has confirmed the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in Brazil, strengthening the case that this condition represents a borrelial infection rather than a

Acute Transverse Myelitis in a 25-Year-Old Man With Lyme Disease Acute transverse myelitis is a rare but serious neurologic complication of Lyme disease that can lead to significant disability if not recognized early. Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is characterized by bilateral motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. Symptoms may progress rapidly over hours to days, writes