Lyme Disease Symptoms in Humans

Lyme is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Borrelia. There are basically three species of Borrelia that can cause lyme disease in humans. These species are known as, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii.

The Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the bacteria responsible for causing the disease in the United States, while the other two species are usually found to cause lyme disease in Europe. The bacteria enter the human body through tick bites. Ticks are the vector that transmit the disease from other infected animals like mice and chipmunks to humans.

As this disease affects multiple body systems, it can produce a number of different symptoms. The infection or the illness is generally categorized into three stages - the early localized infection, early disseminated infection, and the late persistent infection. One of the classic symptoms of this disease is the 'bulls-eye' rash. This symptom develops in the first stage, i.e., during the early localized infection.

The skin rash develops as a circular expanding rash, with an outer edge of brighter redness and a clearing area at the center, which gives it the characteristic appearance of the 'bulls-eye'. This type of skin rash is called 'erythema migrans' (EM). Other symptoms that can be present in this stage are, muscle and joint stiffness, headaches, and fever, which means that the symptoms in the first stage can closely resemble the flu or influenza symptoms.

The bacteria enter the bloodstream within a few days after the localized infection, and this marks the onset of the second stage of 'disseminated infection'. In this stage, the rash or 'erythema migrans' can develop throughout the body, along with muscle and joint pain, headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and palpitations.

Another symptom that has been observed in European patients is a purple-colored lump, that can be found in places like the ear lobe, nipple, and the scrotum. The affected individual can also develop encephalitis, which can cause headaches, nausea, fever, sleep disorders, and memory loss.

Gradually, the infection spreads to other parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, joints, and the heart, if it is left untreated. As a result, the affected individual can develop major complications related to these organs of the body.

This final phase is characterized by some severe symptoms, which can include neuropathy, chronic encephalitis, problems with memory and concentration, confusion, cognitive impairment, meningitis, facial muscle paralysis, bladder problems, and weakness in the legs.

Additionally, the heart muscles can get inflamed, which can eventually cause abnormal heart rhythm and heart failure. When the disease affects the joints, one can experience joint stiffness and arthritis.

As lyme disease is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. However, the type of antibiotics recommended can vary depending on the specific stage of the infection, and the organs that are affected.

If the disease is detected and treated in the early stage, it can be cured within a few weeks with appropriate antibiotics. But if the disease affects the vital organs or systems of the body, then it may take time to cure the infection. In such a situation, physicians can recommend the use of intravenous antibiotics, like ceftriaxone and penicillin G.

The symptoms of this disease can develop within a month after contracting the bacteria, but all the symptoms may not be experienced by all individuals. However, the typical skin rash can be found in a large number of affected individuals, and so, one should immediately seek medical attention on observing such a rash. If not treated promptly, the disease can affect the vital organs of the body, including the brain and the heart.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.