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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Methods for Rapid Transfer and Localization of Lyme Disease Pathogens Within the Tick Gut
Published on: February 14, 2011
[Complete transitory atrioventricular block in Lyme disease]
A Batalla Celorio1, F González Camino, E Suárez Suárez
1Sección de Cardiología, Hospital del Oriente de Asturias, Arriondas.
Insights
Cardiac Lyme disease is rare, but conduction disorders like atrioventricular block can occur. This case highlights transient atrioventricular block in a patient with Borrelia burgdorferi infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, can affect multiple organ systems.
- Cardiac involvement in Lyme disease is infrequent but significant, often presenting as conduction abnormalities.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of multiple tick bites presented with symptoms suggestive of cardiac compromise.
- Initial diagnostic evaluations revealed a positive serologic test for Borrelia burgdorferi.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a transient atrioventricular block, a type of heart block affecting electrical signal transmission.
- This specific cardiac manifestation is considered the most frequent and typical in Lyme disease patients.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis of conduction system disorders, particularly in endemic areas.
- Early recognition and treatment of Lyme carditis are crucial for preventing long-term cardiac complications.
Abstract:
Cardiac manifestations in Lyme disease are uncommon and could generate myocarditis and/or pericarditis, but the most frequent and typical cardiac manifestation is in the form of conduction system disorders, causing blocks, which, according to their location and degree, could be intraventricular, intraatrial or atrioventricular of first, second or third degree. We report a case of transient atrioventricular block in a patient with frequent tick bites and with a positive serologic test for Borrelia burgdorferi.
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