Lyme Science Blog

Babesia Risk Expands: Citizen Scientists Identify Emerging Threat Babesia risk is expanding across the United States, with new data showing infected ticks in areas not previously considered endemic. A study by Nieto and colleagues used a citizen science approach to better understand human exposure to tick-borne infections, including Babesia microti. Unlike traditional surveillance, this study […]

Borrelia miyamotoi Diagnosis: Challenges for Clinicians Borrelia miyamotoi diagnosis remains challenging, as symptoms often overlap with Lyme disease and standard testing may miss the infection. Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by the same ticks that carry Lyme disease. Despite this shared vector, the infection is frequently overlooked in clinical practice. Why Borrelia

Double Vision from Lyme Disease: A 69-Year-Old Man Case Study Double vision from Lyme disease can signal neuroborreliosis involving cranial nerves—a rare but reversible condition when recognized early. When Double Vision Signals Neuroborreliosis Prefer to listen? Listen to this case on our podcast A 69-year-old man presented to an emergency room in New York City

Larval Deer Ticks Can Transmit Borrelia miyamotoi Borrelia miyamotoi transovarial transmission means larval deer ticks can be infected at birth—making them a previously underrecognized risk. Unlike Lyme disease, where larval ticks are typically not infected, Borrelia miyamotoi can be passed from adult ticks to their offspring through transovarial transmission. This means larvae may already carry

7 Tick-Borne Pathogens Identified in Minnesota Tick-borne pathogens in Minnesota include at least seven infectious agents—highlighting the growing complexity of tick exposure in this region. A study published in Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases analyzed 1,240 host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (black-legged) nymphal ticks collected in Minnesota. Researchers identified seven pathogens: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Lyme disease) Borrelia

Lyme Disease in Tennessee: Doctors Urged to Be Vigilant Lyme disease in Tennessee is emerging as infected deer ticks expand into the region—prompting experts to urge greater clinical awareness. Studies have documented the geographic expansion of Lyme disease into the southeastern United States, including Tennessee. Lantos and colleagues reported that human Lyme disease cases have

Lyme Disease Mimics Autoimmune Disorder in Elderly Woman Lyme disease can mimic autoimmune disorders such as dermatomyositis—leading to potential misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. A case report highlights a 76-year-old woman who presented with fatigue, malaise, weight loss, and progressive proximal muscle weakness following a flare of shoulder arthritis. Her clinical presentation was consistent with dermatomyositis

Should the Name “Lyme Disease” Be Changed? An infectious disease expert has proposed renaming Lyme disease—but the question remains whether a new name would improve diagnosis or create more confusion. Lyme disease was first described in 1977 as “Lyme arthritis,” after a cluster of cases in Connecticut. By 1979, the name was changed to Lyme

When Should You Worry About Ticks in Your Neighborhood? Ticks in your neighborhood may pose a risk beyond the summer months—and even in places you consider safe, like parks and walkways. A study examining tick exposure in “built environments” such as college campuses, parks, and playgrounds found significant numbers of infected ticks in areas with