Disease of the Day: Lyme Disease

eastern blacklegged tick

what is the primary tick vector of Lyme disease?

B. Burgdorferi

what is the causative agent of Lyme disease?

-host associated

-obligate extracellular pathogen

-aerotolerant

-does not use iron

-lacks LPS --> not true gram-negative bacteria

what are some characteristics of B. Burgdorferi?

through glycolysis and lactate fermentation

how does B. Burgdorferi make ATP?

1. eggs hatch into larvae

2. larvae are uninfected until they feed on one of the reservoir animals

3. larvae --> nymph

4. nymph are infected with B. burgdorferi

5. nymph feed on a host

6. become adults

7. feed on a white-tailed deer

8. find a mate

9. cycle begins again

outline the lifecycle of ticks

nymph stage

which stage is the most likely stage to transmit B. burgdorferi?

people who are outside a lot

who is at the highest risk of contracting Lyme disease?

United States and Europe

where is Lyme disease the most common vector-borne disease?

Northeast and Upper Midwest

where are the vast majority of cases of Lyme disease in the United States?

-fever
-chills
-headache
-fatigue
-muscle/joint aches
-swollen lymph nodes

what are some symptoms of Lyme disease?

-bullseye rash

-arthritis

-unilateral/bilateral facial palsy

-carditis

what are some signs of Lyme disease?

low mortality rate --> high debilitation rate

what is characteristic of the mortality rate of Lyme disease?

two tier tests based on serology --> looking for antibodies

how do we test Lyme disease?

1. tick bite
2. EM lesion (bullseye rash)

how do we diagnose Lyme disease in people from endemic areas?

1. monitor for disease progression
2. if the disease progresses, test for Lyme disease

how do we diagnose Lyme disease in people from nonendemic areas?

Ixodes

what type of tick can transmit up to 3 different Borrelia species?

antibiotic therapy

how are most patients successfully treated for Lyme disease?

prolonged sequelae

present in ~20% of individuals with Lyme; Lyme-like symptoms referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome

prevent tick bites

what is the best way to prevent Lyme disease?