LYMES DISEASEsymptomology

CONTRACTING LYMES DISEASE

The bite of an infected nymph or adult tick can only transmit Lyme disease after it attaches to the host for 36 – 48 hours the generation time of bacteria Borrelia

Burgdorferi: ~ 12 hours Spirochetes waiting in the mid-gut of the tick

begin to multiply as the tick starts its blood meal then migrate to the salivary glands where they are discharged into the host with the tick's saliva.

It takes several hours before a large enough infectious dose of spirochetes can penetrate the new host.

LYMES DISEASE

SYMPTOMOLOGY OF LYMES DISEASE

Lyme is a multisystem inflammatory disease affects the skin in the early stage and then spreads to the joints, nervous system

and may eventually affect the organ systems.

The symptoms are divided into three stages, each stage being more advanced than the previous.

SYMPTOMOLOGY

Stage 1 – Early localized infection Skin Rash Around Tick

Bite 40 -75% present with rash

Mild Illness Flu-like Symptoms Fevers Chills Swollen Lymph Nodes Headache Stiff Neck Muscle Fatigue

Initial sign and symptoms of Lyme disease include an appearance of a rash, which has the appearance of being solid red or bull’s eye rash with flu like symptoms. These symptoms may appear up to a month after infection.

SYMPTOMOLOGY

Stage 2 – Early Disseminated

Infection Neurological Problems Meningitis Encephalitis

Within weeks of stage one symptoms, the bacterium may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. infected individuals

may start having acute neurological problems such as Bell's Palsy. *15% of untreated patients progress to this stage.

Meningitis, as well as mild Encephalitis is common at this stage, leading to memory loss, sleep disturbances, or changes in mood or affect.

SYMPTOMOLOGY

Stage 3 – Late Persistent

Infection Polyneuropathy Pain and Numbness Cognitive Impairment Arthritis Acrodermatitis chronica

atrophicans (primarily in Europe)

The third and the most severe stage may occur months to years after initial infection. Symptoms at this stage are primarily rheumatologic and neurologic, and mostly untreatable.

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