Question

This 12-year old girl was in her normal state of good health when she developed a fever of several days’ duration. She had no localizing symptoms except for the development of a large rash on her back. Her history was notable in that she lived in Connecticut near the New York State border and had recently been walking through tall grass where her sister was taking horseback riding lessons.

1. With what organism was she infected?

2. What in her history is suggestive of this disease?

3. How, in the absence of a characteristic rash, is the diagnosis of this disease established?

4. She was appropriately treated with antibiotics and did well. What complications can occur in patients with this disease, particularly those in whom there is no treatment or inadequate therapy?

5. What efforts can be taken to prevent this illness?

Answer 1

Answer:

1)Lyme disease which is caused by Borrelia bacterium , is spread by ticks of the genus Ixodes.Along with fever, headache and tiredness, an expanding area of redness can be seen in the area of the tick bite ,which is the most common sign of the infection. The rash is neither itchy or painful.

2)The Lyme disease is transmitted to humans,through ticks found in natural reservoirs. In her history,the girl was walking through tall grass which are natural reservoirs in which ticks could be found which might have lead to the disease.Also Lyme disease was diagnosed as a separate condition for the first time, in 1975, in Old Lyme,Connecticut.

3)In the absence of a rash,other early symptoms such as fever,headache and tiredness can be seen.However nausea or upper respiratory problems cannot be seen. Lyme however progress to later stages without a rash or any of these symptoms.

4)If untreated, symptoms such as inability to move one or both sides of the face,joint pains,headaches with stiff necks can be seen.Months to years later,joint pains and swelling may occur.Even after appropriate treatment,people have joint pain,memory problems and tiredness for at least six months.