Lyme Science Blog

Quality of Life in Lyme Disease: What the Netherlands Study Reveals Quality of life in patients with Lyme disease can be significantly impaired, particularly in those with persistent symptoms following treatment. Findings from the Netherlands PLEASE trial highlight the extent of this burden. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Quality of Life Scores Remain Low Participants in the PLEASE trial […]

Do Steroids Worsen Lyme Disease Outcomes? Use of corticosteroids in patients with Lyme disease has been associated with worse long-term outcomes in several studies, particularly when infection is not yet recognized. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Lyme Facial Palsy vs Bell’s Palsy Distinguishing Lyme disease–associated facial palsy (LDFP) from idiopathic or viral Bell’s palsy is important. While corticosteroids are

Women and Chronic Lyme Disease: Could Immune Response Play a Role? Women appear to be overrepresented among patients with chronic symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. This observation has raised questions about both diagnosis and underlying mechanisms. Gender Differences in Chronic Lyme Symptoms In one study, patients labeled with chronic Lyme disease were significantly more likely

How Lyme Disease Can Affect Work and Productivity Lyme disease can affect more than physical health—it may also impact a person’s ability to work and maintain daily functioning. Studies examining patients with chronic and post-treatment Lyme disease highlight the potential burden on employment and productivity. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Impact on Employment In a study of patients with

How important are T-cell chemokines in chronic manifestations of Lyme disease? T-cell chemokines may play an important role in the development of persistent symptoms following Lyme disease. Research has identified CCL19 as a potential marker associated with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} What Is CCL19? CCL19 is a chemokine involved in regulating immune responses,

How to Kill a Tick on Your Clothes (What Actually Works) Quick Answer: To kill a tick on your clothes, place the clothing directly in a dryer on high heat for at least 6 minutes. If clothes need washing first, use hot water of at least 130°F. This simple step can make a meaningful difference

Does a “Watch and Wait” Approach Work for Lyme Disease? Some patients with persistent symptoms after Lyme disease are advised to follow a “watch and wait” approach rather than receive additional treatment. However, several studies suggest that a significant proportion of patients do not fully recover after standard therapy. What Do the Data Show? Investigators

Babesia Sweats and Coinfection: Why Symptoms Last Longer Babesia sweats are a common symptom — but they are only one part of the picture. When patients have both Babesia and Lyme disease, illness is often more severe and longer lasting. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} A landmark study found that 50% of coinfected patients remained symptomatic for 3 months

Do Different Lyme Strains Affect Treatment Outcomes? Not all Lyme disease infections are the same. Differences in Borrelia burgdorferi strains may help explain why some patients experience more severe illness—or do not respond as expected to treatment. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Strain Differences and Virulence Researchers have identified multiple genetic variants of Borrelia burgdorferi, each expressing a different

More Evidence of Lyme Disease in the Southern United States Lyme disease has traditionally been considered a Northeastern and Midwestern illness. However, growing evidence suggests that the geographic risk may be broader than previously recognized. Ticks capable of carrying Borrelia burgdorferi are now found across a large portion of the United States, including many Southern