Lyme disease is a disease caused by the Borrelia bacterium, transmitted to humans by infected ticks, common in Europe, easily cured when diagnosed early, and can progress with serious complications if appropriate treatment is not performed.

Lyme disease is a disease caused by the Borrelia bacterium, transmitted to humans by infected ticks, common in Europe, easily cured when diagnosed early, and can progress with serious complications if appropriate treatment is not performed.

The disease occurs in the Central European region (Czech, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia), America and Asia.

In the United States, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayoni are the causative agents of this disease, while in Europe and Asia Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the causative agents.


Those who live in forest areas without taking the necessary precautions in the regions where the disease is seen, and those who travel are at risk.

Ticks live in forests, long grassy areas, and sometimes in city parks and gardens. They do not jump or fly. They stick to the skin of animals or people. It feeds on the blood of the creature to which it is attached.

The tick infects humans 36-48 hours after it attaches to the skin. Removal of the tick requires special experience and should be removed within two days at the latest. Otherwise, it can create serious problems.

A typical rash develops in approximately 70-80% of patients.

How is Lyme disease transmitted? 

Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease. It is transmitted from animals to humans.

It is transmitted by the bite of ticks carrying the bacteria. In order for the tick to transmit the bacteria to humans, it must remain on the skin for 36-48 hours.

The disease can also be transmitted from infected pregnant women to their babies.



There is not enough evidence that it is transmitted by sexual contact, organ transplant, blood transfusion, breastfeeding.

The time between being bitten by a tick and the onset of disease symptoms ranges from a few days to weeks.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease? 

The following symptoms may occur following a bite with an infected tick:

  • High fever,
  • Shake,
  • Headache,
  • Muscle and joint pains,

The typical symptom of Lyme disease, “ erythema migrans ” occurs within 1-4 weeks after being bitten by the tick. It is a red or pink-colored rash with a circular or oval appearance, darker in the center, not accompanied by itching, and slightly raised from the skin, usually on the side bitten by the tick.

In patients who do not receive appropriate treatment, severe symptoms may develop months or even years after the tick bite. These:

  • Swelling and pain in the joints
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Heart problems (4-10%) (carditis, palpitation, rhythm disorder, chest pain, etc.),
  • Hepatitis,
  • eye inflammation,
  • Disorientation,
  • Neurological problems (10-15%) (meningitis, polyneuritis, mononeuritis etc.),
  • Vertigo, tinnitus,

How is Lyme disease diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of the disease is made by anamnesis, examination and laboratory findings.

The patient’s history of being bitten by a tick and the time of onset of the rash are questioned. On examination, signs of Lyme disease, especially erythema migrans, are evaluated.

Laboratory tests are mostly used in cases where there is no or unknown history of being bitten by ticks. Antibody tests are done.




How is Lyme disease treated?

In cases where the disease is suspected, it may be necessary to start treatment without waiting for laboratory test results.

Most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics taken several times. In treatment, doxycycline, amoxicycline, cefuroxime are applied according to age and clinical picture.

How to remove a tick? 

Tick bites often go undetected.

The body should be thoroughly investigated and the clothes should be examined, especially after walking around the forest areas where ticks are possible.

To safely remove a tick attached to the skin:

  • If possible, get support from a healthcare professional to remove ticks,
  • Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specially developed tool to remove ticks.
  • Do not squeeze, crush, tear off a piece of the tick, do not pour cologne etc. on it.
  • Pull the tick upwards with the tool and allow it to remove its claws,
  • Wash the tick bite area with plenty of soap and water and disinfect.

 How do I protect myself from Lyme disease? 

  • Cover your skin, wear a long-sleeved shirt and tuck your trousers into your socks when walking in areas where ticks are likely to be found.
  • Use insect repellent
  • Prefer light-colored clothes to see the tick more easily,
  • If you detect a tick attached to your skin, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible or remove the tick as appropriate.

 


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