Lyme disease was first discovered in the United States in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. There were prior clinical presentations of the disease but the cases were never investigated. Leading up to the discovery, a surprisingly large number of children were struck with juvenile arthritis, leading their parents to call for an investigation into the matter.
What Causes Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochetal bacteria. This means that when viewed microscopically, it looks like a corkscrew. It is carried by different species of ticks (depending on the area of the world) and is transmitted when the tick feeds on humans. In eastern North America, the bacterium is carried by the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis.
Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease usually has 2 stages: an early stage and a late stage.
In the early stage, many, but not all, patients get a rash at the infection site which occurs within the first 30 days after the bug bite. These rashes look like a target with a clear central area that is hard to the touch and a red ring around it. These rashes are referred to as erythema migrans. At this stage, symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, arthritis in different joints of the body, heart complications, and even neurologic disorders. Other rashes may occur weeks after the initial rash. The bacterium prefers solid tissue rather than blood and often migrates from the blood stream into muscle tissue and causes damage in the joints, heart, and nervous system.
During the late stages, patients may have reoccurring arthritis and swelling of the joints years after the initial infection. If left untreated, the attacks decrease in severity and eventually disappear altogether.
Treatment and Prevention of Lyme Disease
Antibiotics are successfully used to treat Lyme disease. Treatment depends on age and stage of the disease.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to be as fully covered up as possible when going into wooded areas or areas with tall vegetation. Ticks may hide in tall grass and attach to hikers passing by. Ticks have a more difficult time of biting humans who are properly attired. When hiking, wear pants tucked into socks and a long sleeve shirt. Also wear a hat with a cloth (i.e. a handkerchief) attached to the back of the hat to protect the neck and keep the ticks from falling down the back of the shirt. After spending time in an area where there are ticks, have a friend take a look to make sure there are no ticks hitching a ride on clothing or on any exposed skin. Do a self check of areas where the skin creases, such as the armpit, backs of the knees, and insides of elbows.
Carefully checking oneself, family, and friends and wearing proper clothing are the best ways of preventing Lyme disease from striking.
Reference
Mahon, Connie R., Manuselis, George. Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2000.
Melody Tang - I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. I am also certified in the field. I have worked in a government ...
