Lyme disease (also known as borreliosis) - an infectious disease transmitted by ticks, caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, which may include skin changes, problems with the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and sometimes the heart.
Tick - a small arachnid that is a vector (an organism that transmits) of Lyme disease. Ticks feed on the blood of hosts, including humans, and can transmit Borrelia bacteria during feeding.
Borrelia - a genus of spiral bacteria, responsible for causing Lyme disease. Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common species causing the disease in North America and Europe.
Erythema migrans - a characteristic, migrating rash often appearing at the site of a tick bite in people infected with Lyme disease. The rash often takes the shape of a ring or bullseye and may expand.
Serology - a diagnostic method used to detect antibodies against Borrelia in the blood serum, which can indicate the presence of infection.
Doxycycline - an antibiotic often used in the treatment of Lyme disease in its early stages.
Neuroborreliosis - a form of Lyme disease in which Borrelia bacteria invade the nervous system, which can lead to various neurological complications.
Post-exposure prophylaxis - preventive measures taken after a tick bite, aimed at reducing the risk of contracting Lyme disease, e.g., taking antibiotics in selected cases.
Immunoblot - a more detailed diagnostic test used to confirm the presence of antibodies against Borrelia in the blood serum, especially after obtaining a positive serological test result.
Chronic Lyme disease - a controversial term used to describe a syndrome of symptoms persisting after the end of standard antibiotic treatment, whose cause is often the subject of debate.
Vector - an organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another. In the case of Lyme disease, the vector is ticks.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - a molecular technique used to detect Borrelia DNA in tissue samples or body fluids, which can assist in the diagnosis of Lyme disease.
Lyme arthritis - a form of Lyme disease that manifests as inflammation of the joints, often large ones such as the knee. It can be the only symptom of Lyme disease or occur along with other symptoms.
These are the basic concepts related to Lyme disease. If you need more detailed information on any of these terms or want to learn more about other aspects of Lyme disease, let me know!
