Treatment of Lyme disease

Article Abstract:

Lyme disease, an infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by Ixodid ticks and occurs most often in the early summer. The disease progresses in three stages characterized by: (1) the development of a skin lesion called erythema migrans and flu-like symptoms; (2) disease of the heart and nervous system; and (3) arthritis, or inflammation and pain in the joints, and long-term nerve disease. The laboratory diagnosis consists of isolating the spirochete from the blood and skin, although yield is often low. The detection of antibodies, or specialized proteins that are produced by the body to specifically inactivate the spirochete, confirm the diagnosis. However, antibodies may not be detectable for three to six months after the onset of the disease. The spirochete detaches from the tick and invades the human within two days after attachment. Insect repellent can be used to prevent tick attachment, and the spirochete is susceptible to penicillins, tetracyclines and erythromycin. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and erythromycin shorten the duration of the rash and flu-like symptoms, and may prevent the progression of the disease. These oral antibiotics may also be used to treat nerve, heart and joint disorders. In addition, penicillin G and ceftriaxone administered intravenously, or directly into the circulation, are also effective. Although antibiotics may be used to treat all stages of lyme disease, further investigation is needed to determine the optimal treatment of heart and nerve disorders and arthritis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects

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Treatment of Lyme disease

Article Abstract:

It is probably not necessary to treat all people who have been bitten by a deer tick to prevent Lyme disease. Deer ticks are the most common carriers of the organism that causes Lyme disease, a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. If ticks are removed promptly, infection is unlikely to occur. One study found that the infection rate in people bitten by a deer tick who were not treated with antibiotics was only 1.4%. Even if people develop symptoms, early treatment with antibiotics is very effective. A list of effective antibiotics and their recommended dosages is included.

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Treatment of Lyme disease

Article Abstract:

Antibiotics given early in the infection can prevent some of the complications of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium transmitted through a tick bite. A unique rash called erythema migrans can appear at the site of the bite. Doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime are effective at this stage of the infection. Patients with advanced Lyme disease can develop arthritis, heart disease, or nerve diseases. The best way to prevent Lyme disease and its complications is to remove the tick quickly when it is found.

Care and treatment

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