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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:20
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Lyme arthritis: pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management.
Yoram A Puius1, Robert A Kalish
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI 02908-4735, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 3, 2008
Summary
Lyme arthritis, a major Lyme disease symptom, often presents as relapsing joint inflammation, primarily in large joints. This review covers its diagnosis, treatment, and management of persistent symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tick-borne Illnesses
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, frequently manifests with arthritis.
- The pathogenesis of Lyme arthritis is complex and requires further investigation.
- Clinical presentation and natural history are informed by extensive patient observation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation of Lyme arthritis.
- To discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies for Lyme arthritis.
- To address management of refractory cases and post-Lyme disease arthralgias.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical presentations.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches.
- Evaluation of treatment strategies and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Lyme arthritis typically presents as mono- or oligoarticular, relapsing/remitting inflammation of large joints.
- Arthralgias (joint pain) without overt arthritis can also occur.
- Management strategies for treatment-refractory cases and post-treatment syndromes are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Lyme arthritis is a significant clinical feature of Lyme disease.
- Effective diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing Lyme arthritis.
- Addressing persistent symptoms, including post-Lyme disease syndrome, requires specific management approaches.
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