Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Endocarditis: A Rare but Serious Cardiac Manifestation LYME DISEASE CAN AFFECT MORE THAN HEART RHYTHM RARE CASES MAY INVOLVE HEART VALVES AND MIMIC OTHER SERIOUS CARDIAC CONDITIONS Lyme endocarditis is a rare but serious cardiac manifestation of Lyme disease involving inflammation or infection of heart valves. This case highlights how Lyme infection can mimic […]

Lyme Disease Is Widespread in the New York City Metro Area Lyme disease is not confined to rural areas—Borrelia burgdorferi is widespread throughout the New York City metropolitan region. This has important implications for both clinicians and patients who may underestimate risk based on location alone. Evidence of Widespread Infection According to Herrin and colleagues,

Are There Deer Ticks in Kentucky? Lyme Disease Risk Is Rising Ticks are increasingly common across Kentucky Deer ticks may carry Lyme disease bacteria Prevention remains important as tick exposure rises Many people assume Lyme disease is primarily a northeastern problem. However, growing evidence suggests ticks and Lyme disease risk are expanding in Kentucky and

Blacklegged Tick “Hot Spots” Emerging in Northern Canada Blacklegged ticks are appearing in unexpected regions of Canada, creating new “hot spots” of Lyme disease risk—even in areas previously considered unsuitable. This shift highlights the evolving geographic footprint of tick-borne disease. Unexpected Tick Hot Spots Identified Ticks were collected through a surveillance program involving veterinary clinics

Lyme Disease in the Elderly: Higher Prevalence, Different Symptom Patterns Lyme disease occurs in older adults Rates may be higher than expected Symptoms can differ from younger patients Diagnosis still requires careful evaluation Lyme disease in the elderly may be more common than expected—and may present differently than in younger patients. This study highlights how

Can Babesia Be Asymptomatic? Hidden Infection and Blood Transfusion Risks Babesia infections may go unnoticed for months. Asymptomatic blood donors can still transmit the parasite. Transfusion-related babesiosis cases continue to rise in the U.S. Asymptomatic Babesia infections may be more common than many clinicians realize. Some individuals infected with Babesia microti never develop classic symptoms

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in Lyme Disease Tinnitus and hearing loss in Lyme disease may be more common than many patients—and clinicians—realize. In one study of patients with tick-borne illnesses, nearly three-fourths reported ear, nose, and throat symptoms, raising important questions about how often these symptoms are overlooked. Tinnitus Reported in 76% of Patients In

Infected Ticks in Your Yard: Lyme Disease Risk Close to Home Infected ticks in your yard may be more common than expected. A Canadian study found that hundreds of ticks, including those carrying Lyme disease, were collected from a single residential backyard over several years. Four citizen scientists in Saint John, New Brunswick, recovered several

Lyme Disease Insomnia and Sleep Problems Lyme disease may disrupt sleep quality and recovery Pain, neurologic symptoms, and stress may contribute to insomnia Persistent sleep problems may continue in some patients after treatment Lyme disease insomnia and sleep problems are common complaints among patients with early and persistent Lyme disease. Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening,