There are a lot of diseases that can affect us to a greater or lesser extent. Many of them are caused by bacterial or viral infections, which can appear for different reasons. Some of them are caused by the stings or bites of other living beings, such as insects. This is what happens with Lyme disease , which we will talk about throughout this article.

Lyme disease: basic symptoms

Relatively common in the northern hemisphere, Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of some species of ticks. It is a disease of bacterial origin , which can evolve through various stages. We are also dealing with an old acquaintance of humanity: there are traces of its existence even in prehistoric times, although the first cases documented as such are from the last century.

This alteration can appear at any age and in any sex, these variables not being determinant at the time or not of getting sick. Generally there is more probability of appearance in those people who are frequently outdoors in areas where the usual hosts of these ticks live.

The most noticeable symptoms of this disorder are the presence of an erythema in the area of the sting , which may be spreading (often called erythema migrans), along with typical flu symptoms. Nausea, conjunctivitis, headache, feeling of fatigue and muscle stiffness are relatively frequent.

If the disease progresses it can lead to arthritis, loss of muscle tone, facial paralysis, tremors , increased tension, memory problems and even breathing problems that could lead to the cessation of this function. It can also affect the brain in the form of neuroborreliosis, generating paralysis and meningitis, and even psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations.

However, some people may develop a chronic phase of the disease, especially if it has not been treated or detected in time. Although some deaths from the disease have been described (e.g., from cardiorespiratory arrest), the death of the subject from Lyme disease is unusual.

Causes

The origin of this disease is found in the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (in fact, Lyme disease is also known as borreliosis) which is introduced into the body by the bite of some species of ticks (although other insects could transmit it, such as mosquitoes and fleas), being very frequent that it is transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes.

These ticks are common in rodents, horses and deer. Humans are not usually hosts to these creatures, but accidental exposure to these insects can result in a bite. Despite this, not all ticks of this genus transmit the above-mentioned bacteria , causing Lyme disease only in those that are infected with it. Although this article primarily explores the disease and the symptoms caused in humans, it can also affect other animals and pets.

In order to transmit the bacteria and cause Lyme disease, it is estimated that the tick must adhere to the skin for one to two days, although its small size can make it difficult to know how long it has been in the body because it cannot be located.

Lyme disease is not contagious between people : it is not spread through physical contact, breathing, or sex. A person with Lyme disease cannot transmit it unless a tick infected with the bacteria passes from its carrier to another. For example, if a dog has the disease, it will not infect its caretaker per se, although it may have ticks attached to it that could do so.

Stages of the disease

As we have mentioned, Lyme disease can go through a series of stages in which different symptoms can appear and disappear. From the bite to the appearance of symptoms may take weeks, although it is common for symptoms to appear between a few days and a week after the bite. Specifically, the following phases are highlighted.

1. Early localized infection

At this stage, erythema migrans usually appear around the tick bite, which can generate itching and other skin sensations . In general, no further symptoms appear. Sometimes discomfort and bluish lymphocytomas also appear in areas such as the ears.

2. Early Disseminated Infection

The bacteria has penetrated and spread throughout the body, and can generate other skin lesions in areas other than that of the bite, along with muscle fatigue and pain. Some more serious symptoms may be the appearance of arrhythmias and cardiac disorders. It is in this stage when neurological problems tend to appear such as meningitis, paralysis or hallucinations.

3. Late infection

After several months of untreated infection, joint problems (in fact one of the first names for this disease is Lyme arthritis) often develop and can become permanent. Problems such as memory loss and alterations in the level of consciousness are also common, and encephalitis may also occur.

Treatment

Lyme disease is usually diagnosed and treated effectively, and often ends with the patient making a full recovery.

The first element to consider is the possibility that the tick that has transmitted the bacteria or its sting still remains in the subject’s body. A first step to follow is the removal of the arachnid from the body by means of hooks or tweezers, as well as the disinfection of the area. If a bite is identified, it is recommended that the patient be observed for at least one month to check whether or not symptoms arise.

Subsequently, different antibiotics will be applied depending on the characteristics of the patient, the evolution of the disease and the symptoms. This treatment usually cures the disease over a period of several weeks, although sometimes residual symptoms may appear. In cases where the disease becomes chronic , a more continuous program of antibiotic treatment may be necessary over time.

Painkillers may also be applied to combat possible muscle pain or other drugs to control fever and other symptoms that appear during the condition.

Bibliographic references:

  • Herrera, O.; Infante, J.; Ramírez, R. & Lavastida, H. (2012). Lyme disease: history, microbiology, epizootiology and epidemiology. Cuban Journal of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 50 (2). Havana City, Cuba.
  • Dickinson, F.O. & Batlle, M.C. (1997). Lyme borreliosis: an approach to an emerging infectious disease. Revista Cubana de Higiene y Epidemiología, 35 (2). Havana City, Cuba.