![]() However it can take about 2-4 weeks for this to happen. A person with Lyme disease will develop antibodies that recognise different parts of the Borrelia bacteria. People have a wide variety of antibodies each type of antibody is different and defends the body against a specific kind of infection. This is because blood tests for Lyme work by detecting antibodies to the Borrelia bacteria in the person’s bloodstream, and the body takes 2-4 weeks to produce these antibodies.Īntibodies are produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, such as bacteria. Lyme blood tests are not necessary and at this stage of early infection tests may be negative. In general, if a patient attends their doctor with erythema migrans (Early Localised Disease) the doctor will be able to diagnose Lyme disease from this distinctive rash. That is why early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is important. If untreated, the bacteria can cause chronic irritation in in a number of the body’s organs. The bacteria can survive for long periods in the body even if no symptoms develop. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics may need to be used to treat the infection. Antibiotics are generally given for up to three weeks. If untreated, the disease will progress to a longer-term form in about half of patients. How is Lyme disease treated?Ĭommon antibiotics (such as doxycycline or amoxicillin) are effective at clearing the infection and early symptoms and in helping to prevent the development of complications. ![]() The tick injects the bacteria into the person’s blood while feeding and this leads to infection. The Borrelia bacteria are carried by infected ticks that feed on blood when they bite a person. Patients with chronic disseminated Lyme disease may not remember a tick bite as the bite may have occurred years previously at this late stage of infection. As ACA progresses the skin may become thin, translucent and begins to wrinkle. It begins with bluish red discoloration of the skin and skin swelling. ACA is most evident on the hands and feet. A skin condition known as acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) may occur at this stage. This stage most commonly involves joints, particularly the knee. Progress to this stage is uncommon but may occur in patients who did not receive enough treatment at an earlier stage. Treatment of Lyme disease with antibiotics at this stage is also advised.
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