Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi .
It is transmitted by the and is considered the most common tick-borne disease in North America and Europe. The Borrelia spp. of bacteria reservoir is found in deer, sheep, rodent and other herbivore populations. Early signs of Lyme disease include fever, depression, headache and fatigue, as well as the characteristic rash that forms around the site of the tick bite. As the disease progresses the bacteria spreads through the blood stream to infect the rest of the body causing, muscle aches, joint pain, heart arrhythmia, dizziness, neurological dysfunction such as Bell’s palsy, meningitis, encephalitis and septic arthritis. If left untreated these symptoms may become permanent and may impair mentation and behaviour. Lyme disease is generally diagnosed through clinical findings; however, serology may be used to determine exposure to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.
Generally, the treatment for Lyme’s disease is long term antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Prevention of Lyme’s disease involves the management of reservoir-animal populations in endemic areas, proper and prompt tick removal techniques and the implementation of vaccination programs in some areas.
100
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software