Lyme disease - chronic persistentDefinition: Chronic persistent Lyme disease is a late stage of an inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.
Alternative Names: Tertiary Lyme disease; Stage 3 Lyme disease; Late persistent Lyme disease; Chronic Lyme disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Tertiary Lyme disease occurs months to years after the initial infection (see Lyme disease for more information). Symptoms include skin, neurological, and musculoskeletal problems.
Symptoms: Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and tests: - An ELISA shows antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. A Western blot test is done to confirm ELISA results.
- A spinal tap will be abnormal if central nervous signs are present.
Treatment: The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection with antibiotic therapy. A high dose of penicillin or ceftriaxone is usually required in the late stages of the disease to treat the infection.
Expectations (prognosis): Symptoms of arthritis may fail to resolve with treatment. Other symptoms should improve with treatment.
Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if symptoms develop -- particularly if you have had Lyme disease before, or live or travel in high-risk areas.
Prevention: Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment for primary Lyme disease is the most effective way to prevent tertiary Lyme disease.
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