Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Science Blog

children-post-treatment-lyme-disease-syndrome
Lyme Science Blog

No evidence of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease in children treated early

Some children developed prolonged symptoms of neuroborreliosis (NB), including pain, fatigue or concentration difficulties, which can last more than 6 months after completing treatment, according to the authors. These patients were diagnosed with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Clinicians are divided over the cause of PTLDS, with some even questioning its existence. “Some experts believe […]

Lyme pain
Lyme Science Blog, Podcasts

Lyme pain

Welcome to another selection from my book “An Expert’s Guide on Navigating Lyme disease.” The books highlights the findings of my first 600 Lyme disease Science blogs.  In this episode, I will discuss Lyme pain. By Dr. Daniel Cameron Reported pain associated with Lyme disease includes headaches, eye pain, neck pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, […]

tick-disease-transmission
Lyme Science Blog

After a tick bite, how long for disease transmission?

People often ask: How long does it take for disease transmission to occur after a tick bite? According to investigators, Lyme disease may be transmitted faster if the tick previously fed on another host. In a 2014 article entitled “Lyme borreliosis: a review of data on transmission time after tick attachment,” Michael J Cook explored […]

lyme-disease-psoriatic-arthritis
Lyme Science Blog

Lyme disease misdiagnosed as psoriatic arthritis

The man, in his 70’s, presented with dactylitis (severe swelling of the fingers or toes), onycholysis of the nails (nail separates from the skin) and scalp psoriasis, which lead to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. However, he did not respond to treatment with corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. “A skin biopsy was performed showing histopathological […]

unique-EM-rash
Lyme Science Blog

A unique presentation of an EM rash

In the case report, “A Non-Classical Presentation of Erythema Migrans in a 51-Year-Old Woman With Early Manifestation of Lyme Neuroborreliosis (Bannwarth Syndrome),” Lorquet et al. describe a 51-year-old female who presented with general malaise, headache, neck stiffness, and an expanding rash consistent with Lyme neuroborreliosis.2 The woman reported having a worsening of her symptoms over […]

borrelia-miyamotoi
Lyme Science Blog

Review: Borrelia miyamotoi

In their article, “Human Borrelia miyamotoi Infection in North America,” Burde and colleagues discuss the frequency and location of infection in ticks and people, clinical presentation and complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Prevalence of B. miyamotoi B. miyamotoi-infected ticks have been reported throughout the northeastern, northern Midwestern, and western United States. They’ve also been detected […]

greenspace-ticks
Lyme Science Blog

Manicured greenspaces harbor infected ticks

It was once thought that well-kept, manicured yards, for instance, were safe and free of ticks. No longer. As this study finds, ticks can be found even in the most well-groomed recreational spaces. In their study, “Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Recreational Greenspaces in North Central Florida, USA,” Bhosale and colleagues examined the potential risk […]

Lyme Science Blog

Case report: Lyme neuroborreliosis triggers multiple strokes

In their article, “A case report of unilateral cerebral vasculitis in adults: keep in mind Lyme neuroborreliosis,” Riescher and colleagues examine the case of a 58-year-old man “with recurrent strokes in the same vascular territory without CSF pleocytosis, reflecting an unusual first manifestation of [Lyme neuroborreliosis].”¹ The authors point out that cerebral vasculitis is reported […]

lyme-disease-vaccine
Lyme Science Blog

3 Lyme disease vaccines in the pipeline

In 1998, the first Lyme disease vaccine was introduced by LYMErix but it was pulled from the market after 3 years due to poor sales and possible safety concerns. The FDA was never able to confirm that the vaccine caused harm despite concerns. Only recently have drug makers resumed researching new human Lyme vaccines. “But […]

Man in hospital bed with neurologic symptoms from Babesia.
Lyme Science Blog

Neurologic complications of Babesia

In their study, “Neurologic Complications of Babesiosis,” the authors “sought to describe the type and frequency of neurologic complications of babesiosis in a group of hospitalized patients and assess risk factors that might predispose patients to neurologic complications.” They examined the medical records of 163 patients admitted to Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut […]

young woman in hospital with lyme disease and covid symptoms
Lyme Science Blog

Case study: Lyme disease in patient with Long COVID

The authors cited the World Health Organizations definition of Long COVID as follows: definition of Post COVID-19 – “Post COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained […]

Lyme Science Blog

Investigators question the term “Australian Lyme”

The authors looked at patients admitted to their infectious disease clinic in Australia between 2014 – 2020. “Patients were included if they had debilitating symptoms suggested by either themselves or the referring clinician as being attributed to ticks.” They acknowledged that there are ill patients who have been seen at their infectious disease clinic who […]

Woman examining tick bite on young girl's leg.
Lyme Science Blog

What parts of the body do ticks prefer to bite?

In their study, “Human attachment site preferences of ticks parasitizing in New York,” Hart and colleagues describe which body parts black-legged and lone star ticks prefer to bite.¹ They collected ticks, submitted between April and December 2020 from individuals living in New York State, along with online questionnaires indicating where the tick was attached. They […]

Man with Lyme disease affecting his brain is holding his head.
Lyme Science Blog

Does Lyme disease affect the brain?

In their article entitled “Common Neurologic Features of Lyme Disease That May Present to a Rheumatologist,” Govil et al. describe the various ways that Lyme disease can affect the brain. The authors hope to make rheumatologists aware of the most common neurologic presentations of Lyme disease.1 It is particularly important, the authors write, for rheumatologists […]

elderly woman with lyme encephalitis laying in hospital bed
Lyme Science Blog

Abnormal MRI leads to Lyme encephalitis diagnosis

In their article “Lyme neuroborreliosis with encephalitis: A rare case,” Rosendahl and colleagues describe a 74-year-old immunocompromised woman, who was admitted to the hospital with confusion, paranoid delusions, weight loss, back pains, and a history of fever and vomiting suspect of cancer and infection of unknown origin.¹ The woman had been hospitalized 4 times over […]