Borreliosis (Lyme disease)

Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is caused by the spiral bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This is the most commonly diagnosed tick-borne disease. Although it has been known for over 100 years, it was not until 1982 that Willy Burgdorfer discovered that it was caused by bacteria found in the intestines of ticks.

Lyme disease can have serious health impacts, so it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have this infection. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

It is important to remember that only the bite of an infected tick can provoke borreliosis. Therefore, to prevent illness, taking precautions when in open spaces, including using tick repellent, wearing protective clothing, and checking your body for ticks after walking in woods or long grass is recommended.

Symptoms

Lyme disease occurs in several stages, each with unique symptoms. Here is general information about the manifestations of each stage:

1. Early stage (stage I):

• Erythema migrant (erythema annulare): one of the most characteristic signs of Lyme disease. This is a rash, round, or oval spot with a red border and a pale center. Erythema migrant can be single or multiple and spreads from the tick bite site.
• Flu-like symptoms: muscle and joint pain, fever, fatigue, headache, tender lymph nodes, and a general feeling of malaise.

2. Early disseminated stage (stage II):

• Neurological manifestations: headache, tingling, numbness in the extremities, facial paralysis (unilateral or both sides of the face), seizures, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
• Cardiac signs: possible heart rhythm disturbances, tingling, and chest pain.
• Skin manifestations: the appearance of erythema migrans in new areas of the body or the appearance of other types of rashes.

3. Late stage (stage III):

• Arthritis: Joint symptoms include pain, inflammation, swelling, and limited movement in one or more joints, usually large joints (such as knees or elbows).
• Neurological signs: continuation of neurological manifestations such as tingling and numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, increasing coordination problems, loss of balance and dizziness, and severe asthenia.
• Cardiac symptoms: Possible cardiac problems, such as inflammation of the myocardium or pericardium.
• Other manifestations: chronic fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, chronic pain, and a state of deterioration in general well-being.

However, the degree and combination of symptoms may vary between patients. If you suspect Lyme disease, it is recommended that you consult a VIVERE CLINIC doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Only an experienced specialist can evaluate the signs and make the correct diagnosis.

Prevention

It is important to remember precautions to prevent Lyme disease, including using repellents, wearing protective clothing where ticks are active, and properly removing attached ticks from the skin. If you suspect you have borreliosis or have been bitten by a tick, it is recommended that you immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for Lyme disease (borreliosis) involves using antibiotics to kill the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The approach to treatment is individual and depends on the stage of the disease, the presence of complications, and other factors. General principles:

• Early stage (stage I). Most cases of Lyme disease are treated with oral antibiotics. Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime are often used. The duration of treatment can vary from 10 to 21 days, depending on the doctor's recommendations.
• Disseminated stage (stages II and III). For more common manifestations and complications, such as neurological or cardiac symptoms, systemic antibiotic treatment is required to prevent the spread of infection and minimize complications. In these cases, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin G are sometimes used.

Regular follow-up examinations and laboratory tests are necessary to assess the effectiveness of treatment and monitor relapses. It is necessary to follow your doctor's recommendations and complete the full course of treatment to achieve the best results.

Recommendations

If a tick has bitten you and develop a rash, fever, or other unusual condition, it is important to contact the doctors at VIVERE CLINIC for medical attention. Only experienced professionals can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

It should be noted that in the event of a tick bite and suspected illness, early contact with doctors and professional medical care can be critical to prevent complications and timely initiation of treatment.

Price

At VIVERE CLINIC, we are committed to providing patients with affordable and effective treatment for Lyme disease. We recognize that this is a serious condition that requires careful medical attention and constant monitoring. Therefore, we are ready to offer optimal treatment plans, considering each patient's financial capabilities.

If you want quality treatment for borreliosis, contact VIVERE CLINIC. A team of specialists is ready to help fight this disease and restore health and active life. Contact us for detailed information about treatment costs and to schedule a consultation. We are ready to be with you every step to recovery.