Overview
Lyme disease is the result of infection with the bacteria
Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted by infected ticks that also feed on mice and deer. The tick can be found attached to the skin in many cases. Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the spring and summer months.
Lyme disease, in most cases, can be eliminated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started when symptoms are first noted.
Lyme disease is divided into 3 phases:
Early localized:
Symptoms start a few days to a month after a tick bite. The classic "bull's eye" lesion does not need to develop for a diagnosis of Lyme disease. If left untreated, the disease can spread to the lymph nodes.
Early disseminated:
Multiple skin lesions are seen, along with flu-like symptoms and head, neck, and joint pain. There may also be heart or nerve symptoms as well as arthritis, which can develop over a few months to up to 2 years after the initial infection.
Late:
The heart, joints, and nervous system can be affected. Symptom can develop over a few months to years after the initial infection and may be difficult to treat.
