2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Lyme disease - Borrelia burgdorferi organism
Lyme disease - Borrelia burgdorferi organism
Tertiary Lyme disease
Tertiary Lyme disease
Tick imbedded in the skin
Tick imbedded in the skin

Lyme disease - tertiary
Definition:
A late, persistent inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.

Alternative Names:
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 manifestations.
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 by 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.

Complications:
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.

Review Date: 2/22/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com