Lyme is mainly found in the eastern United States with smaller risk areas on the west coast. It is caused by the transmission of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete via the bite of the blacklegged Ixodes tick. Additional species are found in Europe and northern Asia.

Lyme Disease has been reported in all 50 states with the highest incidence along the eastern seaboard, Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern California. The CDC reports a 100% increase in cases of Lyme Disease in the U.S. from 1991-2006, while recognizing that at least ten times more cases may go unreported. In 2005 alone, 23,305 cases were reported in the U.S.

Regardless of location, primary symptoms of Lyme Disease are characterized by persistent fatigue, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and subjective cognitive slowing. Some authors refute the “chronic” label and instead attribute the symptoms to coincidence of the initial infection.

Lyme testing is a challenge because symptoms vary and often mimic flu-like symptoms. The bite may not immediately result in antibody production so early negative diagnosis is an issue. The organism is also difficult to culture and slow growing to further complicate detection.

Current Methods of Treatment

Initial treatment of Lyme (regardless of stage) has been conventional antibiotics. Most cases caught early are cured by this treatment. Chronic Lyme Disease is that which persists past the conventional antibiotic therapy. The earlier treatment starts, the greater the chances for a complete recovery, but the difficulty in diagnosis can delay treatment and treatment success.

The Controversy Over Treatment of Lyme Disease

Research on chronic Lyme Disease, including symptoms related to the central nervous system and arthritis, has generated inconclusive and controversial results. Some researchers contend Lyme is driven by chronic infection and recommend patients be treated with antibiotics for the long term. Others support the hypothesis that the disease is the result of autoimmune T-cell activation that occurs subsequent to the initial infection or after the infection has cleared.

“Our hopes are that the information acquired from this very important study, may act as a bridge between those who contend that Lyme Disease is an active chronic infection and those who feel it is an autoimmune trigger. The answer to this question is of great importance for all those suffering in the Lyme community. Only through this information can we begin to formulate more successful treatment regimens for the chronically ill,” said Dr. Steven Harris, co-investigator, Associate Professor Stanford University.