Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, it is thought that a number of cases do not resolve following treatment, leading to a collection of symptoms such as debilitating fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headaches, sleep difficulties, cognitive issues, and paresthesia (‘pins and needles’), referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Nevertheless, the underlying disease mechanism of PTLDS is unknown, and there is doubt in the medical community about the validity of this diagnosis. Comparisons have been drawn between PTLDS and ME/CFS and the question asked as to whether there are overlapping disease features.
Here is a collection of our articles related to Lyme disease:
Symptom overlap
How similar are ME/CFS and post-treatment Lyme disease?
Researchers evaluated 18 studies related to PTLDS in which patients were reported to have had symptoms for at least 3 months following treatment with antibiotics. Factors such as symptom duration, overlap with ME/CFS symptoms, and percentage of patients reporting specific symptoms were assessed.
Comparison of post treatment Lyme disease syndrome, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia
Researchers in America published a study which aimed to investigate whether specific genetic variations are associated with PTLDS using a genome wide association study (GWAS). They additionally compared the findings from the GWAS for PTLDS with those for people with ME/CFS, and those for people with fibromyalgia – conditions with symptoms that overlap with PTLDS.
Diagnosis
Could ME/CFS be caused by undiagnosed Lyme disease or other bacterial infections?
Researchers continue to question whether ME/CFS is caused by one specific pathogen or even a combination of infections that shift the immune system and overwhelms the body’s control mechanisms. If we accept that viruses may trigger ME/CFS, perhaps we should also remain open-minded to the idea that stealth bacterial infections might also play some role in the disease for a subgroup of sufferers.
Lyme disease and ME/CFS: a tale of misdiagnosis
Individuals with ME/CFS may be misdiagnosed with Lyme disease. The Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit in Liverpool undertook a case note review of patients referred to it with suspected Lyme disease and showed the possible extent of misdiagnosis.
Awareness
The US State of Illinois has designated May as Lyme Disease Awareness month.
