History Of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease can be described as a recurring disease which has unceasing, multi-systemic, neuropsychiatric manifestation. It leads to functional, chemical, and structural changes to the brain and changes more or less every organ system of the body. It is caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans from the bite of contaminated deer ticks. In 1975, Lyme disease was termed as a new disease in response to roughly 50 cases of pediatric arthritis in the town of Lyme, Connecticut. These cases were initially diagnosed as “Lyme Arthritis," till the time this disease indicated a different etiology. This was not the first reported occurrence of Lyme, as it had already been documented as early as 1883 by Alfred Buchwald. But this time it made to a more in depth research in this field.

Lyme disease is a vet common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Early symptoms of the infection may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a particular skin rash called erythema migrans. If it is left untreated, later symptoms made include pain in the joints, heart, and nervous system. In most cases, the infection and its symptoms are removed with antibiotics, especially if diagnosis and treatment take place early in the course of illness. If it is delayed, or there is inadequate treatment it can lead to a problem which can be difficult to treat.

Some Lyme disease patients who have taken a course of antibiotic treatment continue to have symptoms such as severe fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive problems. Many professionals say that "chronic" Lyme disease is responsible for an array of medically unexplained symptoms beyond the recognition of later stage symptoms and that additional, long-term antibiotic treatment is warranted in such cases. Most expert groups including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Academy of Neurology have found that the prevalent scientific proof does not support a role for Borrelia or ongoing antibiotic treatment in such cases.

Treatment can be not only medication but others as well. Attached ticks should be removed immediately. Protective clothing includes a hat and long-sleeved shirts and long pants that are tucked into socks or boots. Light-colored clothing makes the tick more easily visible before it attaches itself. People should use special care in allowing outdoor pets inside their house because they can bring ticks too. A more effective, community wise method to prevent Lyme disease is to minimize the numbers of primary hosts on which the deer tick depends such as rodents, other small mammals, and deer. Reduction of the deer population may over a period of time help to break the reproductive cycle of the deer ticks and their ability to spread in suburban and rural areas.

An unusual, organic outlook to control of ticks and prevent Lyme disease includes the use of domesticated guinea fowl. Guinea fowl are ferocious consumers of insects and have a particular likeness for ticks. Another way is to use chemical pest control methods regularly in the house so as to prevent ticks and other insects.

Proper cure of Lyme disease with antimicrobial agents produces a fairly good prediction, especially in children. Cranial nerve palsies and carditis typically resolves rapidly even without treatment. Arthritis and neurological symptoms does not normally resolve as swiftly, especially in adults, but can be improved with treatment. Some psychological symptoms, particularly memory deficits, decreased concentration, and tiredness may not resolve for months or years post the infection.

• Janny Raines
• 01/04/2009, 2:59 PM
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