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Pathology
Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete. Spreads by invasion and causes immune response in the host, resulting in symptoms.
Aetiology
Transmitted by ticks, can be prevented by removal of tick within 24 hours, no human to human spread.
Signs
Early localised infection (3-30 days): Erythema migrans at site of tick bite.
Neurological manifestations: Cranial nerve palsies, peripheral neuropathy.
Symptoms
Early localised infection (3-30 days): Fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia.
Neurological manifestations: Meningitis, painful radiculopathy, especially
cervical distribution.
Cardiac manifestations: Heart block, arrhythmias.
Investigations
Bloods: Antibodies to B. Burgdorferi.
ECG: Arrhythmia/ heart block.
Treatment
Antibiotics: Amoxicillin 500mg TDS or doxycycline 100mg BD.
Prognosis
Excellent. A few patients will have residual symptoms.
Post-Lyme syndromes: residual neurological sequelae and fatigue may persist for several months.
Key Facts
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Key References
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