Lyme Disease Symptoms in Humans

Lyme is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Borrelia. There are basically three species of Borellia that can cause lyme disease in humans. These species are Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. The first one, i.e. the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is the bacteria responsible for causing the disease in United States, while the later two species are mostly found to cause lyme disease in Europe. The bacteria enter the human body through bites of tick. Tick is the vector for transmitting the disease from other infected animals like, mice and chipmunk, to humans. It has been found to produce a number of different symptoms.

Signs of Lyme Disease
As it affects multiple body system, it can produce a number of different symptoms. The infection or illness is generally categorized into three stages, namely, the early localized infection, early disseminated infection and late persistent infection. One of its classic symptoms in adults and children is 'bulls-eye' rash. This symptom develops in the first stage, i.e. during the early localized infection. This type of skin rash develops as a circular expanding rash, with an outer edge of brighter redness and a clearing area at the center, which gives it the characteristic appearance of 'bulls-eye'. This type of skin rash is called 'erythema migrans' or EM. The other symptoms that can be present in this phase are muscle and joint stiffness, headache and fever, all of which closely resemble flu or influenza symptoms.

The bacteria enter the bloodstream within a few days after the localized infection and this marks the onset of the second stage of 'disseminated infection'. In this stage, skin rash or 'erythema migrans' can develop throughout the body along with muscle and joint pain, headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, sensitivity to light and palpitation. Another symptom that has been observed in the European cases of lyme disease is a purple colored lump, that can be found in places like ear lobe, nipple and scrotum. People can also develop encephalitis, which may cause headache, nausea, fever, sleep disorders and memory loss.

Gradually, the infection spreads to other parts of the body including brain, nerves, joints and heart, if left untreated. As a result, the affected individual can develop major complications related to these organs of the body. This final phase is characterized by some severe symptoms, which can include neuropathy, chronic encephalitis, problems with memory and concentration, confusion, cognitive impairment, meningitis, facial muscle paralysis, bladder problems, weakness in the legs and inflammation of the heart muscles, which can eventually cause abnormal heart rhythm and heart failure. As the disease also affects the joints, joint stiffness and arthritis are some other symptoms of this condition.

Treatment for Lyme Disease
As it is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. However, the type of antibiotics recommended may vary depending on the specific stage of the infection, and the organs of the body that are affected. If the disease is detected and treated in the early stage, it can be cured within a few weeks with appropriate antibiotics. But, if the disease affects the vital organ or system of the body, then treatment may take some time and require the use of intravenous antibiotics like ceftriaxone and penicillin G.

These symptoms usually take two weeks to develop after the infection, and all the symptoms may not be experienced by every affected individual. However, the typical skin rash of the disease can be found in a large number of individuals and hence, on observing it, one should immediately seek medical attention. Otherwise, the disease can severely affect the vital organs of the body including the brain and the heart.