Lyme DiseaseBy Jaime Guzman and Jenelle Sherman

What is Lyme Disease?Bacteria Infection spread through the blood

caused by Bacterium genus and species-Borrelia burgdorferi 

Outer surface protein C (OspC) of the Lyme disease spirochetes is an important virulence factor

Thought at first to be arthritis

First Case Reported1975, Old Lyme ConnecticutConnecticut conducted a laboratory-based

program of surveillance for Lyme disease from July 1, 1984, to March 1, 1986.

Indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes the disease.

Transmission(Vector)transmitted to humans through the bite of

infected blacklegged ticks. (usually deer ticks)

Must be attached for 36-48 hrs before bacterium can be transmitted

Although no cases of Lyme disease have been linked to blood transfusion, scientists have found that the Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation. 

Symptoms The incubation period is 3-32 days, transmission

occurs in less than 24 hours.

Stage 1- “Bulls-eye” rush in about 75% of rash's, flu-like illness without cough.

Stage 2- Affects skin, musculoskeletal, nervous system, lymphadenopath, heart, facial palsy and meningitis.

Stage 3 - Chronic arthritis or encephalitis

StagesStage 1 also called Early Localized- which

means the disease has not spread yet.Stage 2 also called Early Disseminated-

Which means the disease has begun to spread.

Stage 3 also called Late Disseminated- Which means the disease has spread through the blood stream.

Symptoms in Stage 2 may not appear until months later, Stage 3 may not appear until years later.

Interesting factsLyme disease bacteria can live in blood that

is stored for donation.  

There is no credible evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted through air, food, water, or from the bites of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, or lice.

here are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.

Prevalence The ratio of Lyme Disease infection is 7.9

cases for every 100,000 persons.It is becoming an endemic across the

northern areas of North America.Lyme disease has be reported in 49 states.

Outbreaks of Lyme Disease

Who is at risk?Northeast and mid-Atlantic, from northeastern

Virginia to MaineNorth central states, mostly in Wisconsin and

MinnesotaWest Coast, particularly northern CaliforniaThis is primarily a warm weather disease. The

ticks normally feed from April to October; the nymphs are most active between May and August.

Also, more people are outdoors during the warm weather months. Adult ticks can remain active well into the winter if the winter is mild.

Risk FactorsWhat risk factors can lead to being affected?

Outside Activities (hiking, gardening, hunting)

Pets exposed to ticksWalking in high grass areas

TreatmentAntibiotics for 2-4 weeksIf found early the disease can be cured with

antibiotics Even after treatment, some patients still feel

pain from causes unknown.

Complications from untreated Lyme Disease include long term joint inflammation, Brain and Nervous system problems, memory disorders, and sleep and vision problems.

PreventionAvoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and

leaf litter.Walk in the center of trails.Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N,

N-diethyl-m-toluamideUse products that contain permethrin on clothing. Find and Remove Ticks from Your BodyA Lyme disease vaccine is no longer available. The

vaccine manufacturer discontinued production in 2002, citing insufficient consumer demand.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002296/

http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/http://www.aldf.com/http://lymedisease.org/http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/http://

www.mosquitosquad.com/disease/LymeDisease.html

http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388506

http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/history-lyme-disease-vaccine