Lyme Science Blog

Tick Bite Risk in Children and Older Adults: New Hampshire Study Findings Tick bites affect all age groups, but young children and older adults may be at higher risk of seeking care and experiencing complications. A study from New Hampshire highlights age-related patterns in tick bite encounters. More than 10,359 tick bite encounters were documented […]

Parkinsonism and Lyme Disease: Subacute Neurologic Complication Lyme disease can affect the central nervous system and, in rare cases, present with movement disorders. Case reports describe subacute parkinsonism as a potential complication of neuroborreliosis. This raises an important question: can Lyme disease mimic Parkinson’s disease? In some cases, infection-related inflammation and vascular changes may lead

Tracking Ticks with Digital Images: Surveillance Study Findings Digital tools may improve how ticks are identified and tracked. A study from Canada suggests that image-based tick identification can support surveillance when images are of sufficient quality. This raises an important question: can digital images reliably identify ticks and assess risk? In many cases, image-based methods

Reversible Heart Block in Lyme Disease: Canadian Case Report Lyme disease can affect the heart and, in some cases, cause serious conduction abnormalities. A case from Canada highlights reversible complete heart block as a manifestation of early disseminated Lyme disease. This raises an important question: can Lyme disease cause severe heart block in otherwise healthy

Western Blot vs Modified Two-Tier Testing in Lyme Disease The 2017 Proposal to Replace Western Blot Testing Lyme disease testing continues to evolve, but important limitations remain. In 2017, researchers proposed replacing Western blot testing with newer methods designed to simplify and standardize diagnosis. This raises an important question: are newer Lyme disease tests actually

Antibiotic Combinations Show Activity Against Lyme Disease in Culture Laboratory studies continue to explore how different antibiotics affect Borrelia burgdorferi. In vitro research suggests that certain combinations may be more effective than single drugs, particularly against stationary phase organisms. This raises an important question: can combination antibiotic therapy improve treatment outcomes in Lyme disease? Findings

Temporary Pacemaker in Lyme Carditis: Reversible Heart Block Case Temporary pacemaker use in Lyme carditis demonstrates that even severe heart block can be fully reversible. This case — the first to capture day-by-day electrocardiographic progression — shows high-degree AV block evolving to complete heart block and then resolving to normal sinus rhythm within two weeks.

Hedgehogs and Tick-Borne Diseases: Urban Reservoir Study Findings Urban wildlife may play a larger role in tick-borne diseases than previously recognized. A study of European hedgehogs found high rates of infection in ticks, including multiple pathogens within the same tick. This raises an important question: can urban animals contribute to the spread of Lyme disease

Could slowing down the swimming speed of the Lyme disease spirochete help treatment? The Lyme disease bacterium moves through the body using a unique corkscrew-like motion. Laboratory research suggests that altering this motility may influence how the organism survives and causes infection. This raises an important question: could slowing the movement of Borrelia burgdorferi make

Nanotrap Lyme Test: Urine-Based Detection and Early Findings New approaches to Lyme disease testing are exploring direct detection methods rather than relying on antibody response. The Nanotrap® test is a urine-based approach designed to identify Lyme antigens, though its clinical role is still being defined. This raises an important question: can a urine test improve