In recent news published in CNN Health, renowned model Bella Hadid has brought Lyme disease to the forefront of public attention by opening up about her personal struggles with the illness. This revelation has sparked a surge of interest and concern about the disease, its symptoms, and its treatment. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
In some rare instances, another bacterium, Borrelia mayonii, can also be the culprit. The United States recognizes Lyme as the predominant disease spread by vectors, specifically ticks. The primary transmitter of this disease is the black-legged tick, scientifically known as Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus.
The progression of Lyme disease is categorized into three distinct stages. The initial phase termed the “Early Localized Disease,” manifests within a day to four weeks following a tick bite. Individuals at this stage often experience flu-like symptoms. A significant number of patients also develop a unique “bull’s-eye” rash, medically referred to as erythema migrans. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, the disease advances to the “Early Disseminated Stage,” which occurs three to 12 weeks post-infection.
This phase is characterized by a broader range of symptoms, including dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, arthritis, and even facial nerve paralysis. The final and most severe stage is the “Late Disseminated Disease.” This can emerge several months after the initial infection and presents a myriad of symptoms. Patients often report persistent joint pain, overwhelming fatigue, depression, heart palpitations, and other neurological and rheumatological complications.
Dr. Leana Wen, a respected emergency physician, and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, has been vocal about the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention. According to Dr. Wen, the cornerstone of Lyme disease treatment is a regimen of oral antibiotics, typically administered for a duration of 10 to 14 days. For those who have been bitten by a black-legged tick in regions known for Lyme prevalence, preventive therapy is often recommended.
This involves a single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline, ideally taken within 72 hours of the tick bite. Dr. Wen also advises individuals to meticulously remove any attached ticks and to document the bite, either through photographs or physical evidence, to assist healthcare providers in making an accurate diagnosis. While blood tests are available to detect Lyme disease, they come with a set of limitations. The most prevalent tests are antibody-based, designed to identify antibodies produced in response to the infection.
However, these tests might not yield positive results until several weeks post-infection. Moreover, once these antibodies form, they can persist in the bloodstream for extended periods, sometimes even years. This persistence can lead to confusion, as the mere presence of antibodies doesn’t necessarily indicate an active Lyme infection. Given these challenges, healthcare providers often rely on a combination of symptom documentation, exposure history, and physical signs to diagnose the disease.
Another topic of discussion in the Lyme community is the condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Individuals with PTLDS continue to experience symptoms, such as cognitive difficulties and joint pain, for six months or longer after completing their treatment. The exact cause of PTLDS remains a mystery, with theories ranging from lingering infections to autoimmune responses. In terms of prevention, while there are vaccines available for dogs, human vaccines are still under development.
Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical company, is currently conducting late-stage clinical trials and is optimistic about seeking regulatory approval by 2025. Until then, the best defense against Lyme disease remains prevention. Dr. Wen recommends wearing protective clothing, using tick repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. In conclusion, while Bella Hadid’s revelation has shone a spotlight on Lyme disease, it’s crucial for the public to be informed and proactive about this potentially debilitating illness.
