Causes and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue, fever, headache, and a distinctive skin rash called erythema migrans. Left untreated, later symptoms can involve the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease

Diagnosing Lyme Disease Treatment,can sometimes be difficult as its symptoms mimic those of other illnesses. If seen early, a bulls-eye rash may indicate an active infection. Later symptoms are often vague, affecting different parts of the body. Doctors use a two-tiered testing method involving an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA) screening test followed by a supplemental immunoblot test. These look for antibodies the body produces against B. burgdorferi bacteria.

Most guidelines suggest lyme disease treatment if the rash is present but testing may be negative, or if antibodies are detected on later testing. Some cases go undiagnosed because not all patients recall a tick bite or rash.

Treating Early Lyme Disease

When caught early, within the first several weeks of infection, Lyme disease can usually be treated effectively with oral antibiotics. Doxycycline is often the first choice for adults, while amoxicillin is preferred for children under eight. Treatment typically involves taking a single 200mg capsule orally once per day for two to four weeks to clear the infection. Patients are advised to use protection against sunlight during and after treatment due to increased photosensitivity risks with doxycycline.

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