Lyme Science Blog

Diplopia and Heart Block in Early Disseminated Lyme Disease Lyme disease can affect both the nervous system and the heart in its early disseminated stage. Neurologic symptoms such as double vision and cardiac conduction abnormalities may occur together, even when initial symptoms appear limited. One month prior to evaluation, a 49-year-old man removed a tick […]

Malaria and Lyme Disease Co-Infection: Case Report Findings Co-infections can complicate diagnosis and treatment in infectious diseases. A case report describes a patient with both malaria and Lyme disease, highlighting the importance of considering multiple infections when symptoms evolve or do not respond as expected. “As far as we are aware, we are writing the

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

Can Lyme Disease Mimic Parkinson’s? When Symptoms May Be Reversible Can Lyme disease mimic Parkinson’s disease? In rare cases, patients may develop tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, or changes in speech—symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease. But in some instances, these symptoms are not degenerative. They may be caused by infection-related inflammation affecting the brain. This distinction

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 Quick Answer: Modified Two-Tier Testing (MTTT) replaces Western blot with two enzyme immunoassays, but both approaches have limitations—especially in early Lyme disease. Clinical Insight: Lyme disease testing methods have evolved, but no current approach reliably detects all cases. Clinical judgment remains essential. Is Modified Two-Tier Testing

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 HEART BLOCK FROM LYME DISEASE? IT CAN PROGRESS RAPIDLY BUT MAY BE REVERSIBLE Temporary pacemaker use in Lyme carditis shows that even severe heart block can be reversible. Quick Answer: High-degree AV block and even complete heart block in Lyme carditis may resolve with antibiotics, allowing

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