Latest news with #Borrelia
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scots lab says tick testing enquiries have doubled this year
Biobest scientists detect the presence of the bacteria by carrying out molecular analyses of ticks removed from people and animals. DNA is extracted from the tick, which is then tested for the presence of Borrelia. A positive or negative result is generated. Ticks can carry diseases and bacterial infections. (Image: Getty) Chief Operations Officer Stuart Marshall said the risk of being bitten by a tick increases during the summer months. 'People enjoying the outdoors over the summer holidays are more at risk of being bitten if taking part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping,' Marshall said. 'However, people can also be exposed to ticks while on a walk in some urban parks and gardens." Symptoms of untreated tick bites can include facial palsy, joint pain, heart palpitations, and short-term memory loss. Marshall added: 'Most people will not realise they have been bitten at the time and will only realise when they see a tick embedded in their skin, or when a 'bullseye' rash develops weeks later. 'A positive result from our test does not mean the individual will definitely go on to develop Lyme disease, but it does show the causative agent is present. This allows discussion with the individual's GP to enable early preventative treatment.' If you find a tick on their body, remove it using fine tip tweezers. Clean the area with soap or antiseptic, and monitor for signs of illness. Do not use alcohol, petroleum jelly, match end, or cigarette end to extract the insect. Stuart Marshall is COO of Biobest. (Image: Biobest) People are encouraged to speak to their GP practice if they may have been bitten by a tick and have a pink or red rash, a temperature of 38C or higher, flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. According to Mountaineering Scotland, hill climbers should avoid walking though areas with high grass and cover all exposed skin on legs and arms. People should check themselves for ticks upon returning home, especially in concealed spaces such as the groin, navel, arm pits, between toes, and behind the ears. Mountaineering Scotland's website states: 'Although ticks were once regarded as nothing more than a bloodthirsty nuisance, the increasing prevalence of Lyme Disease and its potentially long-lasting effects means we all need to be much more aware of how to avoid them, safely remove them and the signs and symptoms of tick-borne disease.' Biobest's Marshall went on to say: 'With the warmer weather and the approach of the school holidays, many of us will be spending more time outside and this increases risk of exposure to a booming tick population. 'In the UK, bites are most commonly acquired when walking in woodland and heathland areas, with ticks most prevalent in southern England and the Scottish Highlands. 'There is much more awareness of Lyme disease and we are seeing an increase in sample numbers and we're receiving more and more enquiries. We can test to see if the tick carries the causative agent for Lyme disease in humans so they can have a discussion with their GP as early as possible.' Read more: Why does everyone seem to hate Maggie Chapman? 'Long overdue': Scottish young people weigh in on lowering of voting age Smoked salmon, Irn-Bru bhajis and micro herbs: What's on the menu at Bute House? Charities have previously warned that ticks could thrive year round due to climate change. The insects are typically active between early spring and late autumn, but milder winters could see the timeframe increased. "We are seeing cases of Lyme disease in Scotland in the winter months, as the winter season is milder than a decade ago," Prof John Lambert, of Fife-based Lyme Resource Centre, told the BBC in 2022. "We are getting more reports of increased numbers of ticks and people presenting with signs and symptoms of Lyme disease outside the classic time ticks are active." In 2023, after reports of a possible human case of tick-borne encephalitis in Loch Earn, Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at Public Health Scotland, said: 'We would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the steps we can all take to avoid bugs and germs outdoors. 'Being tick aware, trying to avoid being bitten by ticks and removing any ticks that do bite as quickly as possible, are all important precautions.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why are tick bites sending so many people to the emergency room this summer?
While working as a youth camp doctor in upstate New York earlier this summer, Dr. Matt Harris noticed he was removing a dozen ticks from campers each day, more than in years prior. Harris, an emergency medicine doctor at Northwell Medicine, said summer camp isn't the only place seeing a surge of tick bites: He and other doctors have been seeing more people coming into the ER because of ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this July has seen more ER visits for tick bites so far than the past eight Julys. Tick-related hospital visits typically peak in May. This May, tick bites accounted for 134 out of every 100,000 ER visits, the highest level since 2019, the CDC says. Rates were highest in the Northeast and the Midwest. Harris and other doctors said this rise in ER visits may be due to increased awareness about ticks. 'I think because there's so much out there in the media about this, people are coming in before they get engorged,' Harris said. 'So they're coming in when the tick is small.' Thomas Mather, an entomologist at the University of Rhode Island who researches ticks, attributed the trend to the migration of ticks to more heavily populated areas. Warmer temperatures and more intense humidity mean that ticks are found in a wider geographic area and tick season lasts longer. Tick bites tend to happen more in the spring, summer and fall, when people are outdoors. May and June are the most troublesome months, Mather said. Although everyone is susceptible to tick bites, small children account for the greatest proportion of ER visits. Mather and Harris both said this is because kids are more likely to be in outdoor environments where ticks are present. What diseases do ticks cause? Different species of ticks carry different diseases. The most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease, Mather said. The infection — which can cause a bull's-eye rash — is spread by the black-legged deer tick and caused by Borrelia bacteria. Nearly half a million people are diagnosed or treated for Lyme disease each year, according to the CDC. Other diseases spread by ticks include the heartland virus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Not all tick bites result in infections. The longer a tick stays latched to skin, the higher chance that harmful bacteria can lead to infection, said Dr. Daniel Solomon, an infectious disease doctor at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston. But doctors say that people are often seeking care because of the tick itself, not because of any symptoms of illness. Dr. Meredith Porter, medical director at Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care in Virginia, said she commonly sees patients without any symptoms come in with the tick still attached. 'That's why going to get the tick off early on with recognition is important,' Harris said. 'It's not a 2 o'clock in the morning emergency, but it's within the next couple of hours.' What to do if you get a tick bite Symptoms vary depending on the type of tick, but markers for many tick-borne illnesses include flu-like symptoms like a fever and body aches. These symptoms can take several days to weeks to manifest. Solomon said that for people without symptoms, a trip to the emergency room is not necessary. Visiting urgent care or even a simple phone call to a doctor will suffice, he said. 'This is not a 911 emergency — we should be really clear,' Harris said. 'Do not call the ambulance for this.' To prevent tick bites, use bug spray and wear long pants and long sleeves, especially in grassy or wooded areas. After spending time in an area where ticks are found, people should do a self-check for any ticks attached to their skin. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible. Porter recommends using tweezers to gently grasp the tick close to the skin. Harris said to avoid squeezing the tick tightly during removal, because it may increase the risk of infection. This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
NBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
Why are tick bites sending so many people to the emergency room this summer?
While working as a youth camp doctor in upstate New York earlier this summer, Dr. Matt Harris noticed he was removing a dozen ticks from campers each day, more than in years prior. Harris, an emergency medicine doctor at Northwell Medicine, said summer camp isn't the only place seeing a surge of tick bites: He and other doctors have been seeing more people coming into the ER because of ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this July has seen more ER visits for tick bites so far than the past eight Julys. Tick-related hospital visits typically peak in May. This May, tick bites accounted for 134 out of every 100,000 ER visits, the highest level since 2019, the CDC says. Rates were highest in the Northeast and the Midwest. Harris and other doctors said this rise in ER visits may be due to increased awareness about ticks. 'I think because there's so much out there in the media about this, people are coming in before they get engorged,' Harris said. 'So they're coming in when the tick is small.' Thomas Mather, an entomologist at the University of Rhode Island who researches ticks, attributed the trend to the migration of ticks to more heavily populated areas. Warmer temperatures and more intense humidity mean that ticks are found in a wider geographic area and tick season lasts longer. Tick bites tend to happen more in the spring, summer and fall, when people are outdoors. May and June are the most troublesome months, Mather said. Although everyone is susceptible to tick bites, small children account for the greatest proportion of ER visits. Mather and Harris both said this is because kids are more likely to be in outdoor environments where ticks are present. What diseases do ticks cause? Different species of ticks carry different diseases. The most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease, Mather said. The infection — which can cause a bull's-eye rash — is spread by theblack-legged deer tick and caused by Borrelia bacteria. Nearly half a million people are diagnosed or treated for Lyme disease each year, according to the CDC. Other diseases spread by ticks include the heartland virus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Not all tick bites result in infections. The longer a tick stays latched to skin, the higher chance that harmful bacteria can lead to infection, said Dr. Daniel Solomon, an infectious disease doctor at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston. But doctors say that people are often seeking care because of the tick itself, not because of any symptoms of illness. Dr. Meredith Porter, medical director at Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care in Virginia, said she commonly sees patients without any symptoms come in with the tick still attached. 'That's why going to get the tick off early on with recognition is important,' Harris said. 'It's not a 2 o'clock in the morning emergency, but it's within the next couple of hours.' What to do if you get a tick bite Symptoms vary depending on the type of tick, but markers for many tick-borne illnesses include flu-like symptoms like a fever and body aches. These symptoms can take several days to weeks to manifest. Solomon said that for people without symptoms, a trip to the emergency room is not necessary. Visiting urgent care or even a simple phone call to a doctor will suffice, he said. 'This is not a 911 emergency — we should be really clear,' Harris said. 'Do not call the ambulance for this.' To prevent tick bites, use bug spray and wear long pants and long sleeves, especially in grassy or wooded areas. After spending time in an area where ticks are found, people should do a self-check for any ticks attached to their skin. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible. Porter recommends using tweezers to gently grasp the tick close to the skin. Harris said to avoid squeezing the tick tightly during removal, because it may increase the risk of infection.
CNET
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Tick Bite? Here's What to Know About Lyme Disease and Your Next Steps
You just finished a satisfying summer hike or wrapped up a weekend of yard work when you spot a tick clinging to your clothes. The fresh-air high fades quickly as you remember the risks -- ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, a growing concern across the US. Lyme disease cases have more than doubled in recent years, according to the CDC, with annual reports jumping from around 42,000 to nearly 90,000. While part of that increase is due to improved detection and reporting methods, the risk is still very real. Whether you're spending time on the trails or just working in your backyard, it's worth knowing how to prevent tick bites, recognize early symptoms and get treatment if needed. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe this summer. What is Lyme disease? You can get Lyme disease when a tick bites you, spreading a specific type of bacteria. Dr. Bobbi Pritt, a pathologist who specializes in the laboratory diagnosis of vector-borne and parasitic diseases, explains the disease more in-depth: "Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. In the United States, it is caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, and to a lesser extent, Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is the number-one cause of tick-transmitted disease in the United States." However, the tick has to carry the bacteria to give you Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry the bacteria. According to the Global Lyme Alliance, anywhere from under 1% to over 50% of black-legged ticks may carry Borrelia burgdorferi, depending on location. However, they may have other pathogens. Dr. Donald Harker, wilderness medicine fellow at the University of Nevada, Reno, says, "Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterial spirochete that lives in the midgut of infected ticks, typically requiring extended attachment of a tick to host for transmission to occur." Lyme disease symptoms "There are three stages of disease including early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated Lyme disease," says Harker. Stage 1 Lyme disease symptoms The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms of the early stage occurring three to 30 days after an infected tick has bitten you. Pritt says the early localized state can include "fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic 'bull's-eye' rash (known as erythema migrans) at the tick bite site. The rash is seen in about 70% of infected people, but it may go unnoticed, especially if it is on a part of the body that isn't easily seen, such as the scalp or back. The rash enlarges over time and sometimes clears to create the classic target or 'bull's-eye' appearance." Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET's medical reviewers, adds, "More common than not, there is not central clearing or 'target' appearance. The rash should be larger than 5 cm." Willowpix/Getty Images Stage 2 Lyme disease symptoms Stage 2 of Lyme disease tends to happen three to 10 weeks after the tick bite. During stage 2, symptoms can already become serious or deadly. According to Harker, "During transition to early disseminated disease, multiple erythema migrans rashes may develop more distant from the original bite location, along with flu-like symptoms, cranial nerve palsy, meningitis or cardiac conduction abnormalities. While Lyme carditis [occurs when Lyme disease bacteria enter the heart's tissue] is rare, it is a significant cause of Lyme disease-related mortality and has been documented to result in complete heart block in as little as four days after infection." The Mayo Clinic lists additional symptoms like neck pain and stiffness, painful swelling around the eye or eyelid, eye nerve pain or vision loss, muscle weakness that can happen on one or both sides of the face and body pain. Stage 3 Lyme disease symptoms Symptoms from earlier stages can persist into stage 3. But a host of new serious symptoms might arise, characterized most commonly by arthritis in large joints. "The last stage, late disseminated Lyme disease, presents months to years after the initial tick bite," Harker says. "Characteristic symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease include Lyme arthritis with pain in one or more major joints and nervous system involvement including sleep disturbance, memory loss, mood swings, migraine, encephalopathy [a change in how your brain functions], vertiginous dizziness and peripheral paresthesia [the sensation of tingling, prickling or numbness]." Post-Treatment Lyme disease syndrome symptoms "Some people experience fatigue, joint pain and brain fog lasting six months or more – this is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), and it can be very debilitating for some people," Pritt states. No one quite knows why symptoms may persist after treatment. According to Harker, "The etiology of PTLDS is unclear, though several mechanisms have been proposed, including microbial persistence, though no evidence has shown continued infection. Other proposed mechanisms include immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, residual inflammation or gut microbiome alterations, though further research is required at this point."Lyme disease risk factors Since ticks transmit Lyme disease, it primarily affects people who spend the most time outside in certain regions. Pritt identifies the following risk factors: "Living or spending time in wooded or grassy areas, especially in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest US, and not using protection against tick bites when outdoors." Harker mentions other risk factors: "Seasonally, the risk of infection is highest during late spring, summer and early fall when nymphal ticks are most active, though climate changes have enabled tick expansion to regions that have historically not experienced as much tick-borne illness. House pets are also able to bring ticks into the home, with the largest risk associated with cats. Lastly, we do see an increased incidence of infection in certain age groups, including children less than 15 and individuals aged 50-70 years old." How is Lyme disease diagnosed? Pritt outlines the whole diagnostic process: "Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through a review of the patient's symptoms in conjunction with a history of tick exposure, and blood tests to detect the patient's immune response to the bacteria (called serologic testing). When present, the bull's-eye rash is considered diagnostic of Lyme disease in endemic areas and should prompt immediate treatment. However, not all cases of Lyme disease are straightforward, and laboratory testing can play a crucial role in making the diagnosis, particularly in the later stages of disease." How is Lyme disease treated? Can it be cured? Pritt states that doctors treat with antibiotic courses like doxycycline. Harker adds that treatment may vary based on how someone's symptoms manifest, which organs are infected and what stage of infection the person is experiencing. Oral antibiotics tend to go to those who exhibit rashes. People with more serious symptoms like neurologic issues or heart problems might get IV antibiotics. People with a tick bite and potential exposure may get prophylactic postexposure antibiotics if it is noted that the tick is the deer tick, the bite occurred in a highly endemic area and the tick was attached for over 36 hours. Treatments can get even more involved for the worst complications. According to Harker, "[For] cardiac manifestations, IV antibiotics [may be used], with a potential need for a pacemaker if [there is the] presence of a symptomatic heart block." Pritt adds, "Lingering after-treatment symptoms can be very troublesome and challenging to treat. Rest, physical therapy, stress management and support from healthcare providers can help manage symptoms." She adds that lingering symptoms might result from an overactive immune response or residual tissue damage, rather than ongoing infection. Al-Heeti adds, "Long-term antibiotics are not recommended for PTLDS or chronic Lyme as sometimes prescribed." rbkomar/Getty Images What to do if a tick bites you Follow these steps if you notice that a tick has bitten you: Remove the tick immediately. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. "Mechanical removal is generally recommended by experts, and the CDC has endorsed removal with forceps [or tweezers]. During removal, forceps should be placed as close to the skin as possible and force should be applied steadily perpendicular to the skin surface, without twisting and with care used not to crush the tick," says Harker. Clean the area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. The CDC says rubbing alcohol or soap and water is OK. Also, make sure to clean both your hands and the bite area. Safely save the tick. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. "Save the tick, if possible, for identification," recommends Pritt. The CDC advises that you dispose of the tick by "putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet." Do not crush it with your fingers. Watch for symptoms and keep in touch with your doctor. Keep an eye out for telltale symptoms like the bull's-eye rash. If exposure is likely and you live in the Northeast, you might consider getting preventative antibiotics from a doctor. How to prevent Lyme disease There are currently no Lyme disease vaccines on the market. "A new vaccine is in development and could become available in the next few years, pending approval," says Pritt. There are some in human trials at the moment, says Harker. Since Lyme disease can range from asymptomatic to deadly, it's best to avoid ticks in the first place using a few easy preventative measures. Use tick repellent Harker recommends tick repellants like DEET or picaridin. He also suggests finding tick-resistant clothing treated with permethrin. Dress appropriately outdoors Pritt recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Harker reminds us that you can tuck clothing into the waist of pants and socks to minimize gaps that pests can get into. "Light-colored clothing may also aid in the early identification of ticks attached to clothing," says Harker. Perform tick checks "As transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 15 to 48 hours, frequent skin checks for possible tick exposure should be performed when in outdoor areas with risk of contact," Harker says. You should also perform frequent tick checks while outside and after. "Showering after being in tick-prone areas can help to identify ticks on your body," says Pritt. "Be sure to check all of the members of your group, including your pets." When to contact a doctor Pritt takes a pragmatic approach: "If you develop a rash, fever or flu-like symptoms within 30 days, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, then you should contact your doctor to see if you should be tested for tick-borne diseases." Harker also says you should contact your doctor if there is any concern, as he states that "prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated and are best administered within the first 72 hours after the tick bite." The bottom line Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that live in the deer tick. People contract the disease after the tick has bitten them and been on their bodies for most of the day or longer. Symptoms go in three stages and may start with the signature bull's-eye rash. Later stages can mean arthritis, heart problems, stiffness and pain in the body, eye pain or vision loss and muscle weakness. It's best to prevent tick bites by covering as much skin as possible outdoors, with regular tick checks and by using tick repellant. Lyme disease FAQs Can Lyme disease go away on its own? According to Cedars Sinai, if untreated, the Lyme infection may go away on its own. However, if untreated, you may have to deal with complications down the line. Watch out for symptoms and contact your doctor if there are any concerns. Can you live long with Lyme disease? Yes, you can live a long life even if you contract Lyme disease – especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Brown University Health reports that it is very unlikely for someone to die from Lyme disease.
Epoch Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Old Antibiotic Shows Promise Against Lyme Disease at Ultra-Low Doses
Scientists may be closing in on two major advances in the fight against Lyme disease: an overlooked antibiotic that eliminates the infection at exceptionally low doses and new insights into why symptoms often persist long after treatment. In a pair of Unlike doxycycline, piperacillin targets the Lyme disease bacteria specifically, sparing the gut microbiome from the disruption that typically accompanies doxycycline use. 'What was remarkable to us was how well piperacillin worked at really low doses,' Brandon L. Jutras, a professor in the microbiology-immunology department at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and lead researcher, told The Epoch Times. 'We don't need to provide it at a concentration that could kill other microbes.' The team also found that remnants of the Lyme bacteria can remain in the body after being treated with antibiotics, which may Peptidoglycan—a component of Lyme bacteria's cell wall—can linger in the body, triggering prolonged immune reactions and helping explain the symptoms of post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD), where some patients continue to experience symptoms for months or even years after the infection is thought to be cleared. A More Targeted Approach Lyme disease is an infectious illness that is spread to people through the bites of infected black-legged ticks and can lead to neurological and heart complications if untreated. Related Stories 10/22/2023 11/13/2024 Piperacillin works by interfering with the unique way Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, builds its cell walls—a process essential for bacterial survival. Because of this targeted mechanism, researchers believe piperacillin will spare the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by broader-spectrum antibiotics like doxycycline. However, whether this more targeted approach could help prevent PTLD wasn't addressed in the study. Jutras' team screened nearly 500 FDA-approved drugs, tracking how each compound affected the bacteria's ability to build its distinctive cell wall. 'We could literally watch what happened to the cell wall when we added antibiotics,' Jutras said. 'Piperacillin disrupted that process in a way that was incredibly specific to Borrelia.' Currently, piperacillin is used to treat pneumonia and urinary tract infections and is not approved for use against Lyme disease in humans. Beyond treatment, the researchers also see promise in piperacillin as a potential preventive measure. The idea is that one dose, received right after a tick bite, could stop the infection before it starts. Early diagnosis is challenging since small tick bites may often go unnoticed, early symptoms may not appear for days or weeks, and not all patients develop the telltale bull's-eye rash. Diagnostic tests often rely on antibodies that take time to form, resulting in false negatives during early infection. 'You get bit by a tick. You go to your doctor. Right now, they might tell you to wait for symptoms or a positive test result,' Jutras said. 'But with piperacillin, the idea is that you could receive a single prophylactic dose. It wouldn't harm your microbiome, and it might prevent illness altogether.' Jutras noted that while the findings make piperacillin a promising option, it must first be tested and proven effective in human trials before physicians can prescribe it. Some experts also caution that any antibiotic—even at low doses—can contribute to antibiotic resistance. 'The question is: does the benefit of potentially preventing Lyme disease outweigh the risk to that person's microbiome and the collective antibiotic resistance concern that we collectively face?' 'If piperacillin is proven to be highly effective, then that is a no-brainer in favor of preventing this potentially debilitating medical condition,' he said, adding that piperacillin is only available in intravenous or intramuscular form, so it's unlikely to be practical for widespread preventive use after a tick bite. Side effects of doxycycline may include gastrointestinal discomfort, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and potential risks to bone and tooth development in children. It's also avoided during pregnancy. Piperacillin, commonly used to treat pneumonia and urinary tract infections in combination with another antibiotic (tazobactam), carries risks of allergic reactions or changes in liver function. However, researchers note that the much lower dose used in this study—and the fact that it was not combined with a second antibiotic—may result in a safer profile. Why Lyme Symptoms Persist Lyme disease is now the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that approximately 500,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated Unlike most infections, where the concern is primarily the initial acute phase, a significant worry with Lyme disease is that even after treatment, some people develop chronic symptoms of fatigue, pain, and brain fog that don't respond to further treatment. A 2022 There is currently no single approved treatment for PTLD. Management typically focuses on relieving symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog through a combination of supportive care, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, extended or repeated antibiotic courses. Jutras and his team believe that lingering bacterial debris may trigger an immune response that mimics chronic illness, even when no live bacteria remain. These peptidoglycan fragments were found in the liver and in joint fluid of patients with Lyme arthritis, where they continue to provoke an immune response. Compared to other bacteria, Lyme bacteria's peptidoglycan is more resistant to breakdown, possibly due to its unique structure—a feature that scientists say is altered by the tick's biology. Holistic Approaches for Prevention To help reduce the risk of persistent symptoms, many doctors who specialize in Lyme treatment take a holistic approach to prevention and recovery. By lowering the number of lingering pathogens and supporting immune function, these strategies can help manage and even reduce the chances of developing PTLD. Bell highlighted the importance of identifying co-infections, such as Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as well as addressing mold exposure and mycotoxins. 'If co-infections or mold toxins are present and go untreated, the patient will have a much more challenging time recovering from Lyme,' he said. Herbal remedies such as Cryptolepsis and Japanese knotweed Once symptoms indicating an acute infection are gone, these two botanicals may be a superior choice to antibiotics for long-term maintenance therapy after infection, Bell said. In addition to herbal treatments, lifestyle changes—such as prioritizing quality sleep, engaging in gentle movement like walking or yoga, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins—are a key part of recovery. Clean tick bites with soap and water, and remove any attached ticks by using tweezers to pull them upward—without twisting or crushing them. Early symptoms of Lyme disease, occurring 3 to 30 days after exposure, include: Bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) Fever, chills, or fatigue Muscle aches and joint pain Swollen lymph nodes Later symptoms, which may occur weeks to months after infection, include: Severe joint swelling or pain Drooping on one side of the face (facial palsy) Numbness or tingling Irregular heartbeat Cognitive issues, such as memory loss
