Lyme Science Blog

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

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 A URINE TEST FOR LYME DISEASE? DIRECT DETECTION HAS BEEN EXPLORED BUT CLINICAL USE REMAINS UNCERTAIN Efforts to improve Lyme disease testing have led to the development of new approaches, including attempts to directly detect Borrelia antigens rather than relying on antibody response. One example is the

Lyme Disease and Kidney Disease: Can Lyme Trigger Minimal Change Disease? Lyme disease is primarily associated with neurologic, cardiac, and musculoskeletal symptoms, though less common organ involvement has been described. A case report raises the possibility of an association between Lyme disease and kidney disease. Lyme disease kidney disease associations are rare, and most evidence

Tick Bite Risk at Outdoor Events: Study Findings Outdoor events may increase exposure to ticks, particularly in endemic areas. A study of long-distance mountain racers in Scotland highlights the frequency of tick bites during multi-day outdoor activities. This raises an important question: how common are tick bites during outdoor events? Findings suggest that exposure may

Debate Over Lyme Disease Research and Clinical Experience The understanding of Lyme disease has evolved through the contributions of clinicians, researchers, and patient communities. Several key observations have shaped current knowledge: Polly Murray’s children and neighbors were found to have Lyme disease rather than juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Alan Steere described a cluster of cases in

Borrelia Miyamotoi Relapsing Fever Is Not a Reliable Sign Borrelia miyamotoi is classified as a relapsing fever spirochete, yet many patients do not develop the classic pattern of recurrent fevers. Clinical findings suggest that relapsing fever may not be a reliable diagnostic feature of this infection. This raises an important question: does Borrelia miyamotoi behave

Lyme Disease in a Traveler: Diagnosis in an American Patient Abroad Lyme disease can present in travelers outside endemic regions, creating diagnostic challenges for clinicians unfamiliar with the condition. A case from Colombia highlights the importance of recognizing exposure history in patients presenting abroad. This raises an important question: how often is Lyme disease missed

Borrelia Miyamotoi in Travelers: Imported Case with Lyme Coinfection Borrelia miyamotoi is an emerging tick-borne infection that may affect travelers returning from endemic regions. A case from Japan highlights the risk of infection after exposure in the United States. This raises an important question: should Borrelia miyamotoi be considered in travelers with fever after tick