By Jaime Guzman and Jenelle Sherman Lyme Disease By Jaime Guzman and Jenelle Sherman

What is Lyme Disease? Bacteria Infection spread through the blood caused by Bacterium genus and species-Borrelia burgdorferi  Outer surface protein C (OspC) of the Lyme disease spirochetes is an important virulence factor Thought at first to be arthritis

First Case Reported 1975, Old Lyme Connecticut Connecticut conducted a laboratory-based program of surveillance for Lyme disease from July 1, 1984, to March 1, 1986. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes the disease. CDC

Transmission(Vector) transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. (usually deer ticks) Must be attached for 36-48 hrs before bacterium can be transmitted Although no cases of Lyme disease have been linked to blood transfusion, scientists have found that the Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation. 

Symptoms The incubation period is 3-32 days, transmission occurs in less than 24 hours. Stage 1- “Bulls-eye” rush in about 75% of rash's, flu-like illness without cough. Stage 2- Affects skin, musculoskeletal, nervous system, lymphadenopath, heart, facial palsy and meningitis. Stage 3 - Chronic arthritis or encephalitis

Stages Stage 1 also called Early Localized- which means the disease has not spread yet. Stage 2 also called Early Disseminated- Which means the disease has begun to spread. Stage 3 also called Late Disseminated- Which means the disease has spread through the blood stream. Symptoms in Stage 2 may not appear until months later, Stage 3 may not appear until years later. NCBI

Interesting facts Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation.   There is no credible evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted through air, food, water, or from the bites of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, or lice. here are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.

Prevalence The ratio of Lyme Disease infection is 7.9 cases for every 100,000 persons. It is becoming an endemic across the northern areas of North America. Lyme disease has be reported in 49 states.

Outbreaks of Lyme Disease

Who is at risk? Northeast and mid-Atlantic, from northeastern Virginia to Maine North central states, mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota West Coast, particularly northern California This is primarily a warm weather disease. The ticks normally feed from April to October; the nymphs are most active between May and August. Also, more people are outdoors during the warm weather months. Adult ticks can remain active well into the winter if the winter is mild.

Risk Factors What risk factors can lead to being affected? Outside Activities (hiking, gardening, hunting) Pets exposed to ticks Walking in high grass areas NCBI

Treatment Antibiotics for 2-4 weeks If found early the disease can be cured with antibiotics Even after treatment, some patients still feel pain from causes unknown. Complications from untreated Lyme Disease include long term joint inflammation, Brain and Nervous system problems, memory disorders, and sleep and vision problems. NCBI

Prevention Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails. Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide Use products that contain permethrin on clothing.  Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body A Lyme disease vaccine is no longer available. The vaccine manufacturer discontinued production in 2002, citing insufficient consumer demand.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002296/ http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/ http://www.aldf.com/ http://lymedisease.org/ http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/ http://www.mosquitosquad.com/disease/LymeDisease.html http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388506 http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/history-lyme-disease-vaccine