Lyme Science Blog

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: Is Risk Increasing? Is Lyme disease spreading in Tennessee? Infected ticks have been identified locally. But many cases may still be missed. Lyme disease in Tennessee is emerging as infected deer ticks expand into the region. Key Question: Is Lyme disease becoming more common in Tennessee—and are cases being missed? This

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

Lyme Disease Vision Loss: Optic Neuritis in a 46-Year-Old Woman SUDDEN VISION LOSS? BLURRED VISION GETTING WORSE? COULD LYME DISEASE AFFECT THE OPTIC NERVE? Lyme disease vision loss can occur when infection affects the optic nerve—a rare but serious neurologic complication known as optic neuritis. “My vision kept getting worse—and no one knew why.” This

Are We Dismissing Lyme Disease in Children? Recommendations for managing Lyme disease in children may underestimate the seriousness of persistent symptoms—particularly when treatment options are limited to symptom management alone. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of Lyme disease in children can be complex and, at times, dramatic. “Case reports of neuropsychological manifestations of Lyme disease include Alice in

How Concerned Are People About Tick Bites and Tick-Borne Diseases? Public concern about tick bites varies widely—ranging from high anxiety to complete underestimation of risk. A study published in PLoS One found that 43% of respondents considered tick bites a “large or very large risk” to their health or their family’s health. Interestingly, this perceived

Long-Term Problems in Lyme Neuroborreliosis: What Studies Show Long-term problems in Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) may be less severe at a population level—but individual patients can still experience meaningful declines in health and function. A large European study examined long-term survival, health, education, and social outcomes in patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis. Overall, the authors found no