Lyme disease: recognizing borreliosis in time

An infection transmitted by ticks

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by the bite of Ixodes ticks. Increased risk in spring and summer, in wooded and grassy areas.

Clinical phases

• Early localized phase: erythema migrans (centrifugal red patch >5 cm) 3 to 30 days after the bite
• Early disseminated phase: multiple erythemata, facial palsy, meningitis, cardiac involvement
• Late phase: chronic arthritis (knee ++), neurological involvement, acrodermatitis

Diagnosis

Erythema migrans: clinical diagnosis, serology unnecessary. Late phases: ELISA serology + Western Blot.

Treatments

Doxycycline 14 to 21 days as first-line (amoxicillin if contraindication). Neurological forms: IV ceftriaxone.

Prevention

Covering clothing, repellents, body inspection after walks, quick removal of ticks with a tick remover.