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Late Persistent Lyme Disease
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Stage 3 Lyme disease
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- Lyme Disease is an
infection caused by the spirochete bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by Ixodid (deer) ticks. These ticks are found in outdoor areas during the summer months. It was first discovered in Lyme, Connecticut, but 45 states have since reported cases of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is often over diagnosed (diagnosis is made incorrectly).
- Late persistent Lyme Disease (stage 3) is a specific manifestation of untreated Lyme Disease that occurs months to years after the initial infection.
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- Joint pain
- Joint swelling and stiffness
- Memory loss
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Numbness/tingling of extremities
- Nerve pain in extremities
- Urinary bladder problems
- Bluish/red skin discoloration and swelling of hands/fingers or feet/toes
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- Serologic testing may be performed, but positive results do not prove the disease
- Rarely, blood or cerebral spinal fluid may culture positive
- Diagnosis is predominately made clinically, and not by laboratory tests.
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- Doxycycline, tetracycline, or amoxicillin for 30 days may be considered
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- Wear proper, covered attire (i.e., closed shoes, socks, and long pants) in regions of the country known to have Lyme Disease
- Treatment in earlier stages (see Lyme Disease section)
- A vaccine for Lyme Disease has been under development, but is not currently available.
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