What Is Microbiology - Lyme Disease

​Lyme disease

Lyme disease is characterized by stages.

Stage 1 is presented with erythema migrans or bull eye rash / clear center rash. Patient may also present with fever, myalgia and chills. 

Stage 2 is presented with Bell’s palsy, myocarditis, numbness of the limb, encephalitis and meningitis. Stage 2 develop weeks or months. 

Stage 3 is presented with poly arthritis and neurological impairment. Stage 3 occurs in months and years.

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi is a gram negative spirochete.  Serology assay is useful in detected the present of Borrelia burgdorferi. 

The common mode of transmission is from the tick bites. Prevention of lyme disease may include removal of ticks, using insect repellant and protective clothing.The treatment for lyme disease may include amoxicillin, doxycycline, penicillin G and ceftriaxone.