http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/lyme_disease/ Lyme Disease News. Read the latest research on Lyme disease symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/lyme_disease/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104957.htm Due to their capacity to travel long distances, seabirds play an important role in the dispersal and biodiversity of parasites and of the infectious agents these may transmit, a new study shows. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316094452.htm The northeastern US should prepare for a surge in Lyme disease this spring. And we can blame fluctuations in acorns and mouse populations, not the mild winter. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316094452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305223610.htm Researchers are watching as ticks that carry Lyme disease colonize Canada, but their research aims to predict the communities most likely to be hit by this sickness. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305223610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182705.htm A new tool will improve the ease of oral fluid collection. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120182705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174814.htm A new article assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in prevention and control of Lyme disease and identifies areas where additional knowledge could be used to improve Lyme disease prevention and control strategies. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219101830.htm They come out in the spring, and each year they spread further – the ticks. Thirty percent of them transmit borrelia pathogens, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis that can damage joints and organs. The disease often goes undetected. In the future, a new type of gel is intended to prevent an infection – if applied after a tick bite. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219101830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131404.htm Researchers have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection. Since the discovery, eight cases have been described around the world, three of them in Sweden. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020145050.htm After its initial appearance in New York in 1999, West Nile virus spread across the United States in just a few years and is now well established throughout North and South America. Researchers have found that in most places only a few key species of bird "hosts" and mosquito "vectors" are important in transmission of the virus. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020145050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113411.htm A novel compound inhibits dengue virus, as well as other closely related important human pathogens, according to new research. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919113411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113634.htm Blood-sucking ticks are not just a nuisance, they can also transmit dangerous diseases. One of them is Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, and requires a course of treatment with antibiotics lasting several weeks. Researchers have come up with a quicker alternative. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145337.htm Experts argue that patients should be diligent in demanding proof of safety and benefit before beginning chronic pain treatment, as some medications have little evidence that they alleviate conditions for which they are prescribed. The experts dispel myths surrounding chronic Lyme disease, using it as an example of why patients ensure that diagnostic and treatment tools are approved by the FDA and not just recommended by other patients and physicians. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174745.htm A new tick-borne bacterium infecting humans with ehrlichiosis has been discovered in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Experts say the new species from the Ehrlichia genus can cause a feverish illness in humans. The new bacterium, not yet named, has been identified in more than 25 people and found in black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis), in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Researchers used culture and genetic analyses. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624083512.htm The most common tick-borne disease in humans is Lyme borreliosis. Extensive field and laboratory tests have revealed that the Borrelia bacterium is present in a larger proportion of ticks than has been shown by earlier studies. Another finding is that migratory birds play an important role in the spreading of ticks and pathogenic agents borne by ticks. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624083512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621131328.htm A new study offers a detailed look at the status of Lyme disease in Central Illinois and suggests that deer ticks and the Lyme disease bacteria they host are more adaptable to new habitats than previously appreciated. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621131328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193911.htm The bacteria that cause Lyme disease appear to hide out in the lymph nodes, triggering a significant immune response, but one that is not strong enough to rout the infection, report researchers. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512103941.htm New research shows that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA--the spirochetal bacteria transmitted by deer ticks--in joint fluid may confirm the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis, but is not a reliable indicator for active joint infection in patients whose arthritis persists after antibiotic therapy. Thu, 12 May 2011 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512103941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330094151.htm The risk of contracting zoonotic diseases that pass from animals to humans appears to be on the increase in the UK, but encouraging countryside users to take simple precautions to protect themselves is the best response, according to new research. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330094151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151304.htm Outbreaks of a mysterious and deadly disease in central China have been linked to a previously unknown virus. Five years ago, large numbers of farmers in central China began falling victim to an mysterious disease marked by high fever, gastrointestinal disorder and an appalling mortality rate -- as high as 30 percent in initial reports. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322151304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224145641.htm New findings indicate that a genetically engineered fungus carrying genes for a human anti-malarial antibody or a scorpion anti-malarial toxin could be a highly effective, specific and environmentally friendly tool for combating malaria, at a time when the effectiveness of current pesticides against malaria mosquitoes is declining. Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224145641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202132605.htm Early, correct diagnosis is the best way to prevent the development of Lyme arthritis in individuals with the tick-borne illness, according to a new study. In patients who do develop the condition, most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics, the review found. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110202132605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201134156.htm The loss of biodiversity -- from beneficial bacteria to charismatic mammals -- threatens human health. That's the conclusion of a new study by scientists who study biodiversity and infectious diseases. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201134156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018131423.htm Scientists have determined the complete genetic blueprints for 13 different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The achievement should lead to a better understanding of how genetic variations among strains may result in different courses of illness in people with Lyme disease, the most common tickborne disease in North America. The wealth of new genetic data will also help scientists develop improved ways to diagnose, treat and prevent Lyme disease. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101018131423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011173245.htm We often read about dreadful new zoonoses -- animal diseases that are now infecting people -- that have jumped species in distant parts of the world such as Asia or Africa and are now headed our way. But Missouri has its own new zoonoses, tick-borne diseases whose spread is encouraged by pest species such as white-tailed deer and invasive plants such as bush honeysuckle. In Missouri as in Africa or Asia, the loss of a biodiversity takes a toll in human health. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101011173245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100930112208.htm Researchers have undertaken a study of ticks, tick-borne diseases and the reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens, which has confirmed the importance of continuous surveillance programs to monitor these arthropods. Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100930112208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902073502.htm The existence of chronic Lyme disease is an issue of sharp debate within the medical community. Many doctors are concerned with the potential dangers associated with the prolonged and intensive use of oral and intravenous antibiotics (the recommended treatment for chronic Lyme disease), such as blood clots and life threatening infections. A new study attempts to determine how often chronic Lyme disease is actually being diagnosed and treated. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100902073502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720165518.htm Research on the population of black-legged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease from host animals to humans, reinforces that it is important to take preventative measures when spending time outdoors. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720165518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618141631.htm Researchers have developed a more sensitive test for Lyme disease that may offer earlier detection and lower cost. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100618141631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607065858.htm Scientists have shown that antigenic variation occurs in the tick bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cases of prolonged infection in lambs. In addition, certain varieties of tick bacteria lead to a prolonged infection of varying levels for at least six months and that the skin can act as a storage depot for bacteria. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607065858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517204401.htm Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a rare but serious human infection that causes internal bleeding, organ failure and ultimately death. Scientists have developed a new model to study CCHF which should enhance the development of vaccines and antivirals against this deadly disease. Mon, 17 May 2010 20:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517204401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100323224028.htm A new study suggests that monkeys chronically infected with babesiosis, a tick-borne parasite, are able to suppress malaria infection when exposed to a simian malaria parasite. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100323224028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100225140913.htm A new assay allows scientists to discover whether ticks are carrying disease-causing bacteria and which animals provided their last blood meal. Assay results suggest three emerging diseases in the St. Louis area are carried by lone star ticks feeding on record-high populations of white tailed deer. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100225140913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203132157.htm Biodiversity loss can increase infectious diseases in humans, scientists show in a first-of-its-kind global study. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203132157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111410.htm A protein found in the saliva of ticks helps protect mice from developing Lyme disease, researchers have discovered. The findings may spur development of a new vaccine against infection from Lyme disease, which is spread through tick bites. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119111410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116180134.htm Using a powerful microscopic live imaging technique, researchers have discovered the way ticks transmit Lyme disease to humans is different than previously thought. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116180134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm Drunken fruit flies have helped researchers identify networks of genes -- also present in humans -- that play a key role in alcohol drinking behavior. This discovery provides an indication of why some people seem to tolerate alcohol better than others, and points toward a potential target for drugs aimed at preventing or eliminating alcoholism. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103121618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm Researchers have found a genetic "switch" in fruit flies that plays an important role in making flies more tolerant to alcohol. This metabolic switch also has implications for the deadly liver disease cirrhosis in humans. A counterpart human gene contributes to a shift from metabolizing alcohol to the formation of fat in heavy drinkers. This shift can lead to fatty liver syndrome -- a precursor to cirrhosis. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111621.htm Babesiosis is a potentially dangerous parasitic disease transmitted by ticks and is common in the Northeast and the upper Midwest. It can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion from an infected but otherwise asymptomatic blood donor. A new study finds a dramatic increase in the number of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis cases, leading to a call for a better screening test in blood donors living in areas of the country where babesiosis is prevalent. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111621.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173334.htm Potentially debilitating Lyme disease doesn't afflict people everywhere that the ticks harboring it are found. At least not yet. A five-university consortium wants to find out why. "These ticks are on the move. As ticks expand into new areas, more people will likely become infected," said Michigan State University fisheries and wildlife assistant professor Jean Tsao. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916173334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901163928.htm According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 46 million Americans have arthritis. Many of these people take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications that block production of certain molecules, known as bioactive lipids, to reduce pain and swelling. Yet, the role of these lipids is not yet understood completely, and medications may have adverse side effects. Recently, researchers completed the first comprehensive analysis of bioactive lipids in an inflammatory response. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901163928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824182533.htm Yields of three of the most important crops produced in the United States -- corn, soybeans and cotton -- are predicted to fall off a cliff if temperatures rise due to climate change. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824182533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163156.htm Lyme disease in the US is caused by the tick-borne bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, and usually begins with a skin lesion, after which the bacteria spread throughout the body to the nervous system, heart or joints. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608182551.htm Lyme disease is emerging in Canada, and is expected to increase with climate change, but effective, enhanced surveillance and clinician awareness will be key to minimizing the impact of the disease, write researchers. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608182551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426182944.htm In a finding that suggests how global warming could impact infectious disease, scientists have determined that climate impacts the severity of Lyme Disease by influencing the feeding patterns of deer ticks that carry and transmit it.  Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426182944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326084754.htm Researchers have found that a protein in tick saliva shows promise as a potential treatment for the debilitating neuromuscular disorder myasthenia gravis. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326084754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090213115016.htm They are borne by ticks and can cause acute and chronic symptoms in joints, muscles and the nervous system -- the bacteria that cause Lyme borreliosis. Researchers have now succeeded in identifying their structure more accurately. Using a cryo-tomography microscope, the previously unknown detailed structure of the spirochete bacteria can be shown in three dimensions. Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090213115016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209205151.htm Researchers have identified a protein that may help give Lyme disease its bite. Their findings suggest that the bacterial protein, which aids in transporting the metal manganese, is essential for the bacterium that causes Lyme disease to become virulent. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090209205151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205154033.htm A cheap, natural compound has been found to deter biting of mosquitoes and to repel ticks as effectively as DEET. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090205154033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184920.htm A research team has illuminated the important role of natural killer T cells in Lyme disease, demonstrating that the once little understood white blood cells are central to clearing the bacterial infection and reducing the intensity and duration of arthritis associated with Lyme disease. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202170822.htm Most successful vaccines and drugs rely on protecting humans or animals by blocking certain bacteria from growing in their systems. But a new theory actually hopes to take stopping infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and Malaria to the next level by disabling insects from transmitting these viruses. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202170822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081129100146.htm Rises in the ambient temperature modify the behavior of dog ticks and increase their affinity for humans. There is thus a risk that episodes of global warming may be associated with epidemics of tick-borne diseases. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081129100146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118161239.htm It appears that for the first time human granulocytic anaplasmosis, an emerging tick-borne infectious disease found in the US and Europe, has been identified in China and apparently was transmitted from person to person, according to a new study. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118161239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020093356.htm Biologists have identified an amino acid switch that flaviviruses flip to gain access to cells. Flaviviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), yellow fever, and dengue are dangerous human pathogens. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081020093356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007073928.htm A new report lists 12 pathogens that could spread into new regions as a result of climate change, with potential impacts to both human and wildlife health and global economies. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007073928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080829091327.htm The tick-tock of your biological clock may have just gotten a little louder. The number of genes under control of the biological clock in a much-studied model organism is dramatically higher than previously reported. The new study implies that the clock may be much more important in living things than suspected only a few years ago. Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080829091327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806140114.htm Screening the entire human genome, scientists have identified several hundred genes that impact West Nile virus infection. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806140114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626145806.htm Scientists have discovered that a certain clone of Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme disease, appears to be the most common strain causing Lyme disease in North America and Europe, and may account for the increase in cases for the past 20 years. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080626145806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519120154.htm Researchers have made a giant leap forward in the race to develop a vaccine for the potentially debilitating West Nile virus. Researchers have found a way to generate immune response levels comparable to a live virus vaccine, which could also help suffers of other disease such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. Mon, 19 May 2008 12:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519120154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401095233.htm The bacteria that cause Lyme disease can linger in mouse tissues long after a full round of antibiotic treatment is completed. The scientists caution that the discovery does not suggest the presence of chronic disease, nor does it support extended use of antibiotics to treat Lyme disease in humans. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401095233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319193029.htm Lyme disease is the blight of countryside users but it may be prevented with a single injection, according to research in the Journal of Medical Microbiology. Researchers found that a new formulation that is programmed to release the anti-Lyme disease drug over a 20 day period was 100% effective. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080319193029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217224459.htm The HIV-1 virus cripples the human immune system by targeting white blood cells called T cells that form the body's first line of defense in fighting infections. A recent study shows that a protein found in the saliva of deer ticks prevents the HIV-1 virus from attaching to the surface of T cells, which is the critical first step in the virus' attack strategy. Since the protein suppresses the action of T cells, it may also prove to be an effective treatment for autoimmune diseases like asthma and multiple sclerosis caused by an overactive immune system that mounts an attack against the body's own cells and tissues, and it could be useful to suppress the immune system to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217224459.htm