Lyme Disease

Overview

Lyme disease is classified as a bacterial infection caused by a specific family of bacteria called the borrelia bacteria. This bacteria is usually carried on ticks, which then spreads to humans through tick bites. Although it’s a more recently discovered disease, with the first reporting being in the town of Old Lyme in the US in 1977, it’s even more of a rare occurrence in India. However, a possible explanation for this may just come down to a lack of diagnosis and a lack of awareness.

It’s a lot more common in the United States and parts of Canada, where ticks that carry borrelia bacteria often live closer to the urban areas and can cause a significant issue in more populated cities.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

The predominant symptom of Lyme disease is a slowly growing red rash in a roughly circular shape, usually centred around a red spot at the location of the tick bite. The rash is known as erythema migrans, which can last for weeks without appropriate treatment. Generally, the patient may also feel feverish symptoms like chills in the body, headaches, weakness in the muscles and stiffness or excessive pain in their joints.

This erythema migrans rash, which appears 3–30 days after the tick bite, is the telltale sign of Lyme disease. 70–80% of the time, this growing red ring, which often resembles a bull’s-eye, occurs at the bite site. Not everyone, however, gets the rash. Other early signs that resemble the flu could be:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

However, if these symptoms are left untreated, the bacteria can spread further and trigger:

• Multiple rashes in different areas
• Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
• Severe joint pain and swelling (Lyme arthritis)
• Heart problems (Lyme carditis)
• Neurological issues like confusion, memory loss, and tingling in hands and feet

Do also bear in mind that some individuals also experience post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), which is a condition in which some people's symptoms continue even after receiving antibiotics. The disease's aftereffects are highlighted by this poorly understood disorder.

Causes behind Lyme disease

Lyme disease is mostly spread via tick bites, although these bites are usually caused specifically by black-legged ticks carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. These microorganisms, which are found in ticks' stomachs, are fed to humans.

However, just because a black-legged tick bit you does not mean you will get infected. After attachment, Borrelia burgdorferi usually takes 36–48 hours to transmit. For this reason, eliminating ticks as soon as possible is essential to avoiding Lyme disease.

Furthermore, not all black-legged ticks carry the bacteria. The northern, upper Midwest, and Pacific Coast regions of the United States have the greatest infection rates in the world. Geographical factors also influence the danger and impact the tick's life stage. The most common transmitters are young nymphs, around the size of a poppy seed, because they feed energetically.

Unfortunately, factors outside human control also play a role in the aetiology of Lyme disease. Because black-legged tick populations are increasing and their range is expanding as a result of climate change, there is a higher likelihood of encounters. Tick habitats can also be enhanced by changes to animal populations and land use.

The primary cause of Lyme disease is the spread of a specific bacteria by infected black-legged ticks, but there are several other factors that might affect the risk of infection, such as the duration of the bite, the stage of the tick's life cycle, and the surrounding environment. Understanding these consequences is critical to the effective prevention and early detection of this potentially debilitating illness.

How to prevent Lyme disease?

The simplest way to prevent Lyme disease is taking the necessary steps to avoid tick bites in general. Like wearing thick clothes, for example as you venture into tick-populated regions. You can also make it easier to notice ticks by tucking your pants into socks and wear long sleeves, ideally in a light colour. For extra protection, use hats with brims and closed-toe shoes.

On exposed skin, apply insect repellant if you’re particularly unsure about your locale. Do remember to reapply as directed by the product, particularly after swimming or perspiring. Repellants only serve to discourage; they do not provide protection.

Check yourself and your loved ones carefully for ticks after being outside, especially in warm, moist areas like behind the ears and under the arms. Also bear in mind that pets can be notorious tick carriers, so it’s crucial to inspect pets, as they may bring these unwelcome guests inside.

Ticks love tall grass and leaves that have fallen. Trim any brush and undergrowth surrounding your house, and line lawns and forested areas with wood chips or gravel to create tick-free zones. Although EPA-registered acaricides are a good option, keep in mind that they are not a miracle cure.

When hiking, stay on designated pathways; ticks can be found in the tall grass and shrubs. Following the well-traveled route reduces your risk.

Being aware of the telltale signs of Lyme disease, such as the recognisable bull's-eye rash, fever, and lethargy, allows you to take prompt action. See a doctor right away if you have symptoms or think you may have been bitten. Immediate identification and intervention can guarantee a more seamless recover and reduce possible issues.

Stages of Lyme disease

Stage 1
The first stage of Lyme disease usually happens sometimes within the first 30 days after a tick bite. You don’t generally notice as many symptoms at this stage, however the first immediately noticeable symptom would be the ash that develops at the site of the tick bite. It’s important to bear in mind that this bite usually isn’t painful or itchy compared to rashes caused by other conditions.

Stage 2
If left untreated, however, this condition can get more painful. The symptoms of the second stage generally show up sometime after the third week and may start causing more severe variations on the symptoms from the first stage. This "early disseminated" stage occurs weeks to months after the bite and is characterised by the germs travelling through the bloodstream and possibly damaging the skin, joints, nervous system, and even the heart. Facial palsy, excruciating joint pain, and neurological problems including vertigo or tingling in the hands and feet are some of the symptoms.

Stage 3
In the final stage, also known as the late-disseminated disease, the predominant condition observed is arthritis in the knees, or other large joints in the body. These symptoms may be recurring at different points in time. This chronic stage is characterised by ongoing arthritis, joint pain, and neurological issues that impair mood, memory, and focus. Although less frequent than the previous stages, it can nevertheless have a big effect on quality of life.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Lyme disease may be a particular concern for those who are living in an area with a known tick population. If you’re looking to get tested for whether or not you have Lyme disease yourself, just bear in mind that a diagnosis usually involves a blood test to detect any disease-fighting antibodies that may have been deployed to deal with Lyme disease. If the diagnosis doesn’t turn anything up, they might look into your medical history to assess whether or not you may have been exposed to ticks in your recent past, alongside an exhaustive review of your symptoms and signs.