Often identified as a tick borne disease, Lyme disease is caused by the pathogen bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks can spread this disease within the human body, which acts as a host for the germ. People who are more frequent in the jungles and woods where the ticks breed are heavily prone to Lyme disease. If neglected at initial stage, Lyme disease can lead to severe forms of arthritis in adults and the aged men and women.
The deer ticks which have been identified as the carrier of Lyme disease are too tiny to be spotted by naked eye. Most of these ticks feed on human blood and continue sucking them till they swollen up to an enormous size. Besides, human blood, deer tricks often feed on others animals and carnivorous animals.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lyme disease
Fibromyalgia and joint disorders in any or all parts of the human body can result into Lyme disease. Muscle pain and chronic fatigue may also be regarded as the most prominent symptoms of Lyme disease. Most instances of Lyme disease are associated with a skin rash typical to the disease. In order to ensure that a patient is suffering from Lyme disease most medical practitioners opt for a bunch of diagnostic examinations.
Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay Test is one of the most common forms of diagnosis for Lyme disease. Polymerase Chain Reaction is also a full proof diagnosis for Lyme disease. With PCR one can analyze a bacteria affected DNA after extracting it from one of the joint fluids. Medical practitioners can also suggest a patient to go for the Western blot Test. With Western blot Test one can easily identify the existence of B. burgdorferi proteins in the human body.
Treatment of Lyme disease
Lyme disease can occur to human beings across all age groups. Oral antibiotics are generally recommended for pregnant women and children below 8 years of age.
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Most of these antibiotic drugs are recommended for at least two weeks. If Lyme disease continues to persist, a higher dose of medication may be recommended.
Extreme cases of Lyme disease can result into a dose of intravenous antibiotics. Most of these intravenous antibiotic courses continue for more than three weeks. However, the side effects of intravenous antibiotics can result into a whole lot of side effects and lower count of white blood cells. Patients often report of gallstones and mild to severe diarrhea, while undergoing an intravenous antibiotic medication.
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