Lyme Disease--Beyond the Stigma
Lyme disease, also called borreliosis, is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus. Its main features are flu-like symptoms that can progress to more serious complications such as arthritis. The condition is also called "the great imitator," for it mimics various symptoms of common diseases. Because it is a zoonosis, it can also affect animals, so it requires extra attention with pets, which can bring ticks into the house.
Borreliosis is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of some species of ticks that feed on human blood. However, the tick can only transmit the bacteria if it lasts more than 24 hours in the person. In the United States and Europe, the main species of Lyme disease is Ixodes ricinus, popularly known as the "deer tick", because of its predilection for these animals. Originally, the tick does not carry Borrelia burgdorferi, but acquires it by stinging and feeding on the blood of some animal carrying the bacterium. Thus it becomes a guest, which transmits the bacteria to the other animals (and humans) from which it feeds. As the disease is transmitted by ticks, the greatest risk factor is the contact with nature or animals, especially while wearing inappropriate clothing and/or footwear.
The symptoms of Lyme disease are divided over the 3 phases of the disease. The first phase is called “Localized early-on stage.” The main symptom of this stage is migratory erythema (red spot), although it is not always present. Many people do not notice the blemish while others suffer from huge blemishes that do not necessarily itch or ache, but can be sensitive to the touch. The erythema can manifest itself at the site of the bite, as well as migrate to other parts of the body, and the possibility of having more than one spot at a time is very high. Its appearance resembles a target, with a red center and reddish rings around. Sometimes it may look like just a big reddish stain. Others are irregularly shaped. There are cases where it looks like a scab wound. This stain tends to increase in size over time, until it disappears after about 4 weeks. In some cases, it may reappear, even after it has completely disappeared.
The second phase is called “Stage of premature dissemination.” At this stage, after the incubation of the bacteria, the main symptoms begin: tiredness, chills, fever, headache, rigidity in the neck, muscle ache, joint pain, migratory erythema in other parts of the body, back pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Some of these symptoms may disappear and reappear, but the feeling of malaise and tiredness lingers. For some people, there may be the development of more serious complications, which can affect the nervous system and the heart.
The third phase is known as “Late stage.” When left untreated, infection can lead to a late stage, in which symptoms become severe complications. More than half of people develop arthritis as a result of the disease, and swelling pain recur in the large joints, especially the knee. There may be development of cysts behind the knee that, when broken, cause even more pain. Other people may develop symptoms of cognitive malfunction, having memory, sleep patterns, mood and speech affected. There is a risk of facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy), as well as meningitis (inflammation in the meninges, tissue that line and protect the brain). Arrhythmias and other heart problems are also common.
Fortunately, Lyme disease has a cure, but it can leave sequelae for life, especially if the treatment is not followed correctly or it is started too late. The treatment is based on the use of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control inflammation in the joints (arthritis). The quality of life of patients with Lyme disease, especially those who have developed the chronic form of the disease, may be as poor as that of a patient with chronic limiting diseases. Therefore, coexistence with borreliosis is not simple. Taking medications at the right times and following the schedule that the doctor prescribed is extremely important, so that the treatment has the expected effectiveness. Lyme disease is painful and limiting, but it can have a cure with proper treatment.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651
