Lyme Disease

6th August, 2024 Health

Lyme disease

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

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Context:

Lyme disease is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 476,000 individuals in the US each year, primarily through black-legged tick bites.

Details:

The global spread of Lyme disease is being fueled by climate change, making diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
These spider-like arachnids have evolved to secrete an anti-inflammatory substance that masks their feeding, allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream undetected.
First identified in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, Lyme disease has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, posing a growing health concern.

About Lyme disease:

Lyme disease is a vector-borne infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks).

It cannot spread between humans or from pets to humans, nor through air, food, water, or bites from mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. The disease is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, especially during warmer months, and is most common in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Key Points:

Transmission and Symptoms	Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive bullseye rash called erythema migrans, though not all patients develop this rash.
Diagnosis Challenges	Diagnosis is difficult because not all patients exhibit the bullseye rash. Doctors rely on clinical evaluations and lab tests, which can sometimes be inaccurate, leading to misdiagnosis. Example: A patient with an atypical rash was initially misdiagnosed by multiple doctors before being correctly diagnosed and treated in the U.S.
Post-treatment Complications	Some patients develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), experiencing chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties even after antibiotic therapy. The reasons for PTLDS development are still under investigation.
Human-Induced Environmental Changes	Deforestation and urbanization have increased tick populations and expanded their habitats, leading to higher disease transmission. Increased education and awareness among healthcare providers are needed to better recognize and manage Lyme disease.