Lyme disease – symptoms and causes

Key takeaways

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, with approximately 476,000 cases reported annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Lyme disease is endemic in wooded and grassy areas of North America, Europe, and Asia, with the highest incidence in the northeastern and upper Midwestern regions of the United States.
Lyme disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, belonging to the Ixodes genus.
The bacterium responsible for Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi. It can infect various mammals, including humans, and is transmitted to humans during the feeding process of infected ticks.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically include a characteristic bull’s-eye rash called erythema migrans, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms, including chronic joint inflammation, neurological complications such as meningitis and neuropathy, and cardiac abnormalities such as heart palpitations and arrhythmias.

Lyme disease is one of the vector-borne illnesses that has raised concerns globally especially in regions where infected ticks thrive. This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of Lyme disease, shedding light on the characteristic signs such as erythema migrans rash and flu-like symptoms, as well as the underlying bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Overview of Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Lyme disease is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas where these ticks thrive, particularly in regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The characteristic early sign of Lyme disease is a red, expanding rash called erythema migrans, which often resembles a bull’s-eye pattern and may appear within days to weeks after a tick bite.

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of Lyme disease in the United States is a significant public health concern. Based on insurance records, it is estimated that each year, approximately 476,000 Americans receive diagnoses and subsequent treatment for Lyme disease.

Diagnosis of Lyme disease is primarily based on clinical symptoms and may be supported by laboratory tests. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the disease. Prevention strategies include avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and promptly removing ticks from the skin.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of the infection and may include:

Early Signs and Symptoms (3 to 30 days after tick bite):

Erythema Migrans: A characteristic rash that appears as a red, expanding bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite.
Flu-like Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Later Signs and Symptoms (days to months after tick bite):

Joint Pain: Recurrent episodes of arthritis, particularly in large joints such as the knees.
Neurological Symptoms: Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Heart Problems: Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).

Chronic Lyme Disease (months to years after tick bite):

Persistent Symptoms: Some individuals may experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive impairment (brain fog), and sleep disturbances despite receiving treatment for Lyme disease.
Neurological Complications: Chronic Lyme disease may lead to long-term neurological complications, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood disorders.

Frequently asked questions

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Lyme disease is primarily based on clinical symptoms and may be supported by laboratory tests such as blood tests to detect antibodies against the Lyme bacteria or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect the DNA of the bacteria.

Where is Lyme disease commonly found?

Lyme disease is most commonly found in wooded and grassy areas where infected ticks thrive, particularly in regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Can Lyme disease be prevented?

Yes, Lyme disease can be prevented by taking precautions to avoid tick bites, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, performing tick checks after outdoor activities, and avoiding tick-infested areas.

What should I do if I find a tick on my body?

If you find a tick attached to your body, it’s important to remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin’s surface and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Is Lyme disease treatable?

Yes, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. Treatment is most effective when started early in the course of the disease, typically with oral antibiotics for early-stage Lyme disease and intravenous antibiotics for more severe cases.

What happens if Lyme disease is left untreated?

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more severe symptoms and complications, including chronic joint inflammation, neurological problems, and heart abnormalities.

Can Lyme disease be transmitted from person to person?

No, Lyme disease is not directly transmitted from person to person. It can only be transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?

Previously, a vaccine for Lyme disease was available, but it is no longer on the market. Research is ongoing to develop new vaccines for Lyme disease prevention.

Sources

Bobe, J. R., Jutras, B. L., Horn, E. J., Embers, M. E., Bailey, A., Moritz, R. L., Zhang, Y., Soloski, M. J., Ostfeld, R. S., Marconi, R. T., Aucott, J., Keesing, F., Lewis, K., Mamoun, C. B., Rebman, A. W., McClune, M. E., Breitschwerdt, E. B., Reddy, P. J., Maggi, R., . . . Fallon, B. A. (2021). Recent Progress in Lyme Disease and Remaining Challenges. Frontiers in Medicine, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.666554

Skar GL, Simonsen KA. Lyme Disease. [Updated 2024 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431066/

Adkison, H., & Embers, M. E. (2023). Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1183344. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1183344

Patton, Susan Kane PhD, MHSA, MSN, APRN; Phillips, Bailey BSN, RN. CE: Lyme Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. AJN, American Journal of Nursing 118(4):p 38-45, April 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000532071.32468.f7