[Lyme Disease: Spirochaetota]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Lyme disease is a multisystemic zoonotic infection caused by Ixodes tick bites.
• Clinical manifestations are diverse, affecting multiple organ systems.
• Lyme neuroborreliosis specifically involves the nervous system, impacting both peripheral and central components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Lyme disease, particularly when classic erythema migrans is absent.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing diverse clinical presentations.
• To stress the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment to avoid long-term sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic considerations for Lyme disease.
• Emphasis on clinical evaluation for systemic findings beyond the typical skin lesion.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges and the role of clinical suspicion.

Main Results:

• Lyme disease exhibits varied clinical presentations, complicating diagnosis.
• Absence of erythema migrans in some patients necessitates evaluation of other systemic signs.
• Lyme neuroborreliosis poses a significant risk to both peripheral and central nervous systems.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for Lyme disease, especially in endemic areas.
• Comprehensive evaluation for systemic findings is essential when Lyme disease is suspected.
• Timely initiation of antimicrobial therapy is critical to prevent potential long-term health consequences.