What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by tick bites. It causes rash and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. 

B. burgdorferi is carried by the black-legged tick, also known as deer tick, although not all species of ticks carry these bacteria. Nymphs, which are small immature ticks roughly the size of a pinhead, pick up bacteria when they feed on small B. burgdorferi–infected animals such as mice. They can then transmit Lyme disease when they bite humans.

What are the stages of Lyme disease?

Lyme disease has many symptoms that are similar to those of other disorders, thus making diagnosis difficult. Signs may vary depending on the stage of the disease:

• Stage I: Early localized
  • This is the initial stage called erythema migrans.
  • Bacteria have not spread all over the body yet.
  • On physical examination, your doctor may note a rash near the tick bite.
  • The rash typically appears a couple weeks after being bitten.
• Stage II: Early disseminated
  • Bacteria has begun to spread throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream.
  • Symptoms such as fever and pain appear during this stage.
  • Bacteria may eventually start to affect the nervous system and heart.
• Stage III: Late disseminated
  • This stage begins several weeks after the initial tick bite.
  • In this stage, the bacteria has spread to every part of the body.
  • Symptoms involving the joints or neurological system are common.

It is important to understand each stage of Lyme disease because blood testing is not equally helpful at each level. Blood testing is often ineffective in the early stages because antibodies have not had enough time to form.

This is why blood tests alone are insufficient to diagnose Lyme disease. Physical examination, symptoms, and the possibility of tick exposure are essential for proper diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

The first symptom of Lyme disease is usually a circular, red rash (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite, sometimes called a bullseye rash. This generally emerges within 4 weeks of getting bitten. Other symptoms may include:

What is the treatment for Lyme disease?

Your doctor will make decisions about a treatment regimen after taking into consideration factors such as your age, medical history, underlying health concerns, or allergies.

Patients with early stage Lyme disease recover completely with appropriate antibiotic therapy. 

However, if the disease is detected in later stages, recovery may take longer and patients will need longer courses of antibiotics. In some cases, intravenous administration of antibiotics is required. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, or cephalosporins are generally used.