Untreated Lyme disease often leads to chronic infection and persistent symptoms
- Swollen knees
- Arthritis
- Severe fatigue
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Neurologic symptoms
- Cognitive problems
Even with early treatment patients can experience persistent symptoms
Our Center’s SLICE Studies (Study of Lyme disease Immunology and Clinical Events) have produced human biologic specimens that are enabling important insights into the complex biologic mechanisms in Lyme disease and its varied persistent manifestations.
Biggest risk factors for persistent symptoms in Lyme disease
- Unrecognized diagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment
- Lack of rash recognition
- Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis
- Delayed or inadequate treatment
- Neurologic involvement
- Increased severity of initial illness
Our research is showing that variation in genetics and genetic control of the immune system may contribute to illness persistence. Immune evasion can allow persistent infection to involve multiple systems and manifest with symptoms of organ involvement. Immune dysregulation has the potential to lead to persistent inflammation and immune mediated symptoms.
Our Center is investigating the causes of persistent symptoms in Lyme disease including the potential roles of:
- Infection-induced immune dysfunction or auto-immunity
- Chronic inflammation
- Persistent bacterial infection or bacterial debris
- Altered neural pathways
- Host genetic or immunologic factors
- Microbiologic factors
- Patient experience factors
- Other biologic mechanisms of disease
