Get your own Free Home PageLyme disease is a serious bacterial illness caused by a tick bite. It affects humans and animals, and can be found throughout the world.
Information in the Lyme disease FAQ, version 1.0, January 15, 2000, was compiled by
Milo7@aol.com (Milo7), Art Doherty (doherty@utech.net), and Jonathan R. Strong (JRS@strong.com), and was created on behalf of the Lyme disease newsgroup: sci.med.diseases.lyme. Readers may redistribute or
quote this document for non-commercial purposes provided that they include:
an attribution to sci.med.diseases.lyme; the FAQ's version number; and the
website where this FAQ may be retrieved (see Section 0.03). For any other
use, please contact: Milo7@aol.com, doherty@utech.net, or JRS@strong.com.
This document answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lyme Disease
(LD). The newsgroup sci.med.diseases.lyme is intended for discussion about
many aspects of Lyme disease, as experienced by patients, their caregivers,
friends and family members, doctors and other medical professionals involved
with the illness. It is particularly helpful for those who wish to learn
about Lyme disease symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Anyone with an interest in Lyme disease is free to post, as this newsgroup is designed to foster dialogue between Lyme disease patients from all parts of the world, and provide an open forum for the exchange of international medical, scientific, and lay information. Constructive criticism and on-topic debate, general understanding and support, are encouraged.
The information in this FAQ is developed and provided by patients. It represents an accumulation of knowledge by people who are NOT medical professionals. As useful as the material presented in this FAQ may be, it must NOT be considered to be medical advice, and must NOT be used as a substitute for medical advice. It is important that anyone who has, or thinks he/she may have, Lyme disease should consult with a licensed health care practitioner who is familiar with the illness.
0.02 Where to get the current version of this FAQ
USENET: This FAQ is posted regularly to the newsgroup:
sci.med.diseases.lyme
It is also available online at:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for sci.med.diseases.lyme
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/newsgroup-faq.html
Lyme Disease (LD) is a bacterial infection caused by a spirochete (a spiral- or corkscrew-shaped microbe) named Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). There are about 100 US and 300 worldwide strains of the bacterium. Spirochetes (pronounced SPY-roh-keets) are maintained by animals in nature, where certain ticks bite infected animals, ingest the bacteria, and then transmit the infection through subsequent feedings. Humans and pets are incidental hosts to infected ticks.
Ticks can be found anywhere--woods, seashore, even in your own backyard. They can bite year-round, although peak tick season in the northeastern United States is April to September; and on the West coast is November to April.
Lyme disease is a potentially serious and debilitating illness, affecting not just the joints, but all parts of the body. The disease produces many symptoms (See 2.03, 2.14, and 2.17), several of which can imitate other diseases (See 2.06). No two cases of Lyme disease are exactly alike. This is due to unique differences in each person's immune response; variations in the strains of bacteria; the possibility of active co-infections (See 5.01);
and/or the intensity of a given bacterial load.
(Information from the Lyme Disease Foundation)
For pictures of Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme disease bacterium):
Borrelia burgdorferi (photos)
http://www.lyme.org/gallery/b_burgdorferi.html
For photos of Lyme disease ticks:
Ixodes scapularis (formerly, the deer tick)
http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/ticks/iscap/defaulttn.html
Large Photo of Tick
http://library.advanced.org/11743/english/schad/zbesche.htm
Tick Biology
http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/rbkimsey/tickbio.html
LDF: See section LD/Ticks
http://www.lyme.org/index2.html
The Erythema Migrans or EM, commonly referred to as the Lyme disease "bull's-eye" rash, is considered pathognomonic (or diagnostic) of Lyme disease. This skin rash varies in size and shape; often has expanding rings of varying shades, but can be uniformly discolored. It may be hot to touch, it may even itch. It may change in color from reddish to purple to bruised looking, and it can seldom be necrotic (crusty/oozy). Multiple rashes per bite and multiple rashes not at the site of the bite may indicate disseminated disease.
Lyme disease usually begins with an EM rash and flulike symptoms (headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches, or fatigue). The EM can appear days to weeks after the bite. However, only 60% of light-skinned patients notice this rash. And recent studies indicate that as many as 40%-55% of people never present with a rash at all, but with a flulike illness as the first sign of onset of LD.
If you get an EM after a tickbite (and/or multiple rashes), it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention. In addition, try to take a color photograph of the rash. In the photo, include a ruler next to the rash for measurement, and the date of the EM. You may need this information later on as a visual record of the EM; for your medical records; for future health insurance reimbursement, etc.
Currently, as part of the criteria for its case surveillance definition of Lyme disease, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledges only EM rashes that are 5 cm (2 inches) or larger in size. This criterion is designed strictly for CDC's epidemiologic purposes, and not for the clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease. It should be emphasized that Lyme disease rashes appear in different shapes and sizes, including rashes smaller than 5 cm (2 inches).
For pictures of Lyme disease EM rashes:
Picture Gallery - Rashes (LDF)
http://www.lyme.org/gallery/rashes.html
Photos of Lyme disease rash (Texas Dept of Health)
http://www.r09.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis/lymepict.html
The bullseye (EM, or Erythema Migrans) rash
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/frankd/emrash.htm
Lyme disease is named after a small coastal town in Connecticut called Lyme, where in 1975, a woman named Polly Murray brought to the attention of Yale researchers an unusual cluster of more than 51 cases of mostly pediatric arthritis. In 1977, Dr. Allen Steere and Yale colleagues identified the new clinical entity and named it "Lyme arthritis." In 1979, the name was changed to "Lyme disease," when Steere and colleague Dr. Steven Malawista discovered additional symptoms linked to the disease: problems of neurologic involvement and severe fatigue.
It wasn't until 1982 that the causative agent of the disease was
discovered by Dr. Willy Burgdorfer. Burgdorfer published a paper on the
infectious agent of Lyme disease, and earned the right to have his name
placed on the Lyme disease spirochete now known as Borrelia burgdorferi.
Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) has since been the official taxonomic name of the
Lyme disease spirochete.
(Information from Forschner-Vanderhoof K., Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease)
Currently, Lyme disease can be found throughout the US, and on every continent in the world. Infection of both people and animals is worldwide.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide a state-by-state count of Lyme disease cases. Cases are based on reports filed by physicians to each state health department. Because many physicians do not file the necessary paperwork, cases of Lyme disease may be seriously underreported. CDC officials currently acknowledge that there is "considerable underreporting" of Lyme disease. With about 17,000 cases reported in 1998, the CDC admits that the actual figure may be easily 10 times that amount.
For comprehensive overview of LD epidemiology in the US and Canada:
Lyme disease in the United States and Canada
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/lyme.html
For a list of CDC Reported Cases of LD from 1989-1998 (based strictly on the CDC's Case Surveillance Definition of LD):
CDC-reported Cases of LD 1989-1998
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/ldss2_aug99.htm
To find good medical care for Lyme disease, it is crucial to locate a doctor who is educated about Lyme disease, and experienced in treating this complex illness. Such physicians are referred to in the Lyme disease community as Lyme-literate MD's (LLMD), and can be found through the help of Lyme disease support groups (See 2.02), or by referrals from the Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) in Hartford, CT. The LDF will charge a small fee for doctor referrals and can be reached at (800) 525-2000 by telephone, or (800) 886-LYME (5963), a 24-hour national hotline telephone.
2.02 How do I find a local Lyme Disease Support Group?
To find a local Lyme Disease Support Group (LDSG) simply visit the
LymeNet website and search under the section called, SUPPORT GROUPS:
The Lyme Disease Network
http://flash.lymenet.org/
If the nearest support group is too far away, consider contacting the leader of that group to ask if he/she may know of any new start-up groups closer to your town. In addition, you can reach the Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) by E-mail: Lymefnd@aol.com or by telephone: (800) 525-2000; 24-hour national hotline telephone: (800) 886-LYME (5963). The LDF will have current listings of support groups and doctors.
2.03 What symptoms are used to diagnose Lyme disease?
For comprehensive lists of Lyme disease symptoms:
The Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) (See Diseases/LD/Symptoms of LD)
http://www.lyme.org/
The Lyme Disease Network (See Overview section)
http://flash.lymenet.org/
Dr. J. Burrascano's Checklist (See Diagnosing Lyme Disease section)
http://dwp.bigplanet.com/eojlyme/data/folders/Lyme%20Treatment%20Guidelines/Lyme%20Guidelines%20May%202000.htm
Lyme disease is a CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS, a diagnosis based primarily on a doctor's judgment of a patient's presentation of signs and symptoms and history of illness, and secondly supported by laboratory tests. Since there is currently no gold-standard diagnostic test for Lyme disease, and existing tests for Lyme disease remain unreliable, laboratory testing serves as an adjunct to the doctor's clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease.
For information on laboratory testing:
The LDF (See Diseases/LD/How is LD diagnosed?)
http://www.lyme.org/
Testing for Lyme Disease - Links
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/testing-links.html
As explained in Forschner-Vanderhoof, K., Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease, p.67: It is possible to have Lyme disease even if your laboratory tests are negative. This is because a negative test can simply mean that the laboratory did not find any measurable Lyme disease antibodies in your sample(s). Other reasons include:
The CDC's case surveillance definiton of Lyme disease can be found at:
CDC EPO: Lyme Disease Current Case Definition - 1996
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/dphsi/casedef/lyme_disease_current.htm
Common misdiagnoses of Lyme disease include, but are not limited to:
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFIDS/CFS)
Fibromyalgia
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Lyme disease can also imitate many psychiatric and neurologic disorders
including:
Anorexia Nervosa
Dementia
Manic depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panick Attacks
Paranoia
Schizophrenia
Syphilis
Tourette's Syndrome
For information on common misdiagnoses of Lyme disease:
Lyme Disease Misdiagnosed As...
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/lyme-misdiagnosed-as.html
For an overview of current clinical views of Lyme disease:
Infectious Diseases Conference Summaries - Lyme Disease 2000
13th Scientific Conference on Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Diseases
Farmington CT, March 25 - 26, 2000
http://www.medscape.com/medscape/CNO/2000/LymeCS/public/index-Lyme.html
12th International Conference on LD (Part 1)
http://id.medscape.com/Medscape/CNO/1999/lyme/public/Stories.cfm?conference_id=21&day_num=1
12th International Conference on LD (Part 2)
http://id.medscape.com/Medscape/CNO/1999/lyme/public/Stories.cfm?conference_id=21&day_num=2
Lyme Disease: The Sensible Pursuit Of Answers, Kenneth B. Liegner, MD
http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/li.htm
For a recent look at ongoing scientific controversy in Lyme disease:
The Dirty Truth Behind LD Research
http://www.fairfieldweekly.com/articles/lymedisease.html
Germ Warfare by Rusty Unger, New York Magazine, 02/28/00
http://www.nymag.com/page.cfm?page_id=2225
For clinical perspectives on "Persistence or Relapse of Lyme disease":
Persistence or Relapse of Lyme Disease - An Annotated Bibliography
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/persistence-biblio.html
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection currently treated with a
variety of antibiotics. These may include drugs delivered orally, or by
intravenous or intramuscular routes.
Oral antibiotics include:
The 13th edition of Dr. Joseph J. Burrascano's protocol for the diagnosis
and treatment of Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses, called, "Advanced Topics on Lyme Disease," contains information on antibiotics under the section
called Treatment Guidelines
Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease, Joseph J. Burrascano Jr., M.D., May 2000
http://dwp.bigplanet.com/eojlyme/data/folders/Lyme%20Treatment%20Guidelines/Lyme%20Guidelines%20May%202000.htm
Antibiotics and Lyme Disease - Links
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/antibiotics-links.html
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (J-H reaction) is an exacerbation of a patient's Lyme disease symptoms shortly after the introduction of an antibiotic. The antibiotic kills off or "lyses" the bacteria and when it does, bacteria release toxins into the patient's system. This reaction is similar to that seen during treatment of the spirochetal illness, syphilis. Once antibiotics are introduced, a patient with a J-H reaction will actually feel worse before feeling better.
Information on the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (commonly referred to by LD
patients as a "Herx" or "Herxheimer") can be found at:
Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction and Lyme Disease - Links
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.html#J-H
If treated early and promptly at the onset of illness, Lyme disease symptoms usually resolve. If left untreated or inadequately treated, the disease can progress to a more complicated chronic form. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) complications of untreated early-stage Lyme disease include: 40%-60% joint disease; 15%-20% neurologic disease; 8% carditis; and 10% or more patients being hospitalized, some with chronic debilitating conditions.
Debate in the medical community exists over whether Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD) is due to persistent bacterial infection or to the body's ongoing autoimmune response to the initial infection. Much international research, including a current clinical study at the US National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID), is focused on defining the nature of, and appropriate treatment for, Chronic Lyme Disease (See 2.09).
Persistence or Relapse of Lyme DiseaseLyme disease can potentially adversely affect pregnancy. In 1985, researchers published the first proof of maternal-fetal transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb): A baby died shortly after birth and Bb spirochetes were found in the infant's spleen, kidney, and bone marrow. (Schlesinger P, Duray P, Burke B, Steere A, Stillman A. Maternal-fetal transmission of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Annals of Internal Med. 1985:(Vol 103) 67-68.)
To date, miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal deaths (rare), and congenital Lyme disease have all been described in the medical literature.
For more information:
Pregnancy and Lyme Disease
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/pregnancy-links.html
LD: Abstracts on Pregnancy & Fetus
http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/FetalLD97.htm
Abstracts (from 1980s) LD & Pregnancy
http://www.sky.net/~mary/pregindex.html
See also: Gardner, MD, Tessa. "Lyme Disease," Chapter 11, in Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant. 4th edition, Jack S. Remington, Jerome O. Klein, eds. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1995, pp. 447-528.
2.14 Can children get Lyme disease?According to the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID), children aged 0-14 years are at highest risk for acquiring Lyme disease. This is likely due to their recreational activity in backyards, woods, parks, on school playing fields, as well as through daily contact with family (tick-carrying) pets.
The presentation of Lyme disease in children is frequently characterized by symptoms including: backache; sleepiness; memory problems; pronounced difficulty concentrating (which is commonly misdiagnosed as a manifestation of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)); stomach pain (50% complain of this); dramatic mood swings and irritability; chest pain; joint pain primarily in the knees, wrists, and ankles; sore throats; heart palpitations; tingling or numbness; rashes that come and go; letter and number reversals; eye pain (caused by swelling of the optic nerve); weakness in a limb; and Bell's palsy (facial paralysis).
For more information on Lyme disease in children:
Children and Lyme Disease
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/children-links.html
Neurologic Manifestations of Lyme Disease in Children
http://www2.lymenet.org/domino/file.nsf/UID/pietrucha
Fairfield County Weekly Article, "Erin's World"
http://www.fairfieldweekly.com/articles/kidlyme.html
The Lyme Disease Foundation states that pets can get Lyme disease, and the illness can affect individual pets quite differently. Some animals may display few or no symptoms; others may develop fever, loss of appetite, painful joints, lethargy, and vomiting. If left untreated, the spirochete may damage the eyes, heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Lyme disease has been diagnosed in dogs, cats, horses, goats, and cattle. Other species may also be at risk. For more information, contact the Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) and request their free brochure titled, "Lyme Disease & Pets." Lyme Disease Foundation, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, or 24-hour Hotline: 1-800-886-LYME (5963), or E-mail: Lymefnd@aol.com
2.16 Can insects other than ticks transmit Lyme disease?
In 1994, a peer-reviewed article that surveyed the international medical
literature on psychiatric aspects of Lyme disease, found that, "depressive states
among patients with late Lyme disease are fairly common, ranging across
studies from 26%-66%." In addition, results showed that "Up to 40% of
patients with Lyme disease develop neurologic involvement of either the
peripheral or central nervous system [CNS]. Dissemination to the CNS can
occur within the first few weeks after skin infection. Like syphilis, Lyme
disease may have a latency period of months to years before symptoms of late
infection emerge. Later, encephalomyelitis and encephalopathy may occur. A
broad range of psychiatric reactions have been associated with Lyme disease
including paranoia, dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic attacks,
major depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder."
(Fallon BA, Nields JA. Lyme Disease: A Neuropsychiatric Illness. Am J
Psychiatry 1994;151:1571-1583.)
Further research led by Brian A. Fallon, MD, Associate Professor of
Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons,
and Director of the Lyme Disease Research Program at New York State
Psychiatric Institute, has since documented a wide range of neuropsychiatric
symptoms associated with Lyme disease including:
Major depression; extreme fatigue; emotional instability (crying easily);
increased irritability and mood swings; sensitivity to light (photophobia);
sleep disturbances (insomnia; too much sleep); memory problems; getting lost
in familiar places; dyslexia-type reversals (of numbers and letters);
significant loss of libido; night terrors; extreme anxiety and panic attacks;
ferocious nightmares; suicidal thoughts and attempts; mental fog;
disorientation; feelings of rage; violent thoughts; abnormalities of taste;
abnormalities of smell; heightened sensitivity to vibrations; heightened
sensitivity to sound (including hyperacusis, a collapsed tolerance to
environmental noise); depersonalization; spatial problems; and appetite
changes (bulimia, anorexia).
For information on neuropsychiatric manifestations of Lyme disease:
Fallon et al. The Neuropsychiatric Manifestation of Lyme Borreliosis
http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/1falon.htm
Fallon et al. Late-stage Neuropsychiatric Lyme Borreliosis
http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/Fallon95.htm
The Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Lyme Disease, Robert C. Bransfield MD
http://www.mentalhealthandillness.com/lymeframes.html
Distinct pattern of cognitive impairment noted in study of Lyme patients
by Marian Rissenberg, Ph.D. & Susan Chambers, M.D.
The Lyme Times, Vol. 20, January-March 1998, pp. 29 -32
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/romarkaraoke/Lymetim1.html
People have died from Lyme disease, or from complications of the illness.
For more information, see:
Fatalities and Lyme disease
http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/fatal_cites.htm
Fatalities and Lyme disease - Links
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.html#fatalities
Many helpful sites are available online:
State Health Insurance Contacts
http://www.naic.org/consumer/state/member.htm
The Lyme Disease Network - (See LAW section)
http://flash.lymenet.org/
The Center for Patient Advocacy
http://www.patientadvocacy.org/main/index.html
Families USA Foundation
http://www.familiesusa.org/
Pro Bono Legal Listing
http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/home.html
FindLaw: Legal Services Resources
http://www.findlaw.com/14firms/legalaid.html
Informal Guide to Appealing Health Insurance
http://users.aol.com/jasonwolff/hmohelp.htm
Cheryl's HMO/Disability Links
http://www.aero-vision.com/~cheryl/insurance.html
The HMO Page--Drs.Who Care
http://www.hmopage.org/
People United for a National Health Plan
http://www.his.com/~pico/nhian.htm
Health Administration Responsibility Project (HARP) Home Page
http://www.harp.org/
The frequently asked questions (FAQ) for Social Security can be found at:
NOSSCR Online - Questions about Social Security
http://www.nosscr.org/hallfaq.html#28
In addition, a Listserv (or free mailing list) called DISINISSUES, deals
exclusively with problems regarding social security and disability.
For subscribing information to DISINISSUES listserv:
Disinissues - Discussion List for Disability
http://www.cfids-me.org/disinissues/list.html
The DISINISSUES Disability Benefits Info page, though geared towards
people with Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), provides helpful material for people with Lyme disease as well:
The Disability Benefits Information Page
http://209.133.10.27/disinissues/
Other useful sites include:
Appealing Denials
http://www.truemanlaw.com/appealin.htm
Medical Necessity
http://www.truemanlaw.com/newpage32.htm
Cheryl's HMO/Disability Links
http://www.aero-vision.com/~cheryl/insurance.html
LymeNet offers a comprehensive selection of books on Lyme disease, with each
title linked directly to Amazon.com. Simply access
LymeNet and find the section called BOOKS:
The Lyme Disease Network
http://flash.lymenet.org/
LYME TIMES, a quarterly journal, and publication of the Lyme Disease Resource Center.
Subscription rates: $25 US annual rate;
$35 annual rate for Canada and Mexico;
$40 other foreign countries for air mail.
Payable in US funds only to:
LDRC, P.O. Box 707, Weaverville, CA 96093.
LYMELIGHT, a quarterly newsletter of the Lyme Disease Foundation.
Subscription via: Friend of LDF membership donation of $25
The Lyme Disease Foundation
http://www.lyme.org/
LYMENET (Electronic) NEWSLETTER, a free online newsletter.
For subscription information:
LymeNet Newsletter Info
http://newsletter.lymenet.org/
SPOTLIGHT ON LYME, a free bimonthly newsletter of the Lyme Alliance.
Subscription information, and archived past issues:
Lyme Alliance, Inc
http://www.lymealliance.org/
or
Order copies by mail from:
Lyme Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 454
Concord, Michigan 49237
AMERICA ON LYME NEWSLETTER, E-mailed once a month for free.
To subscribe, E-mail
Woodi16@aol.com
New subscribers receive a very informative pamphlet on Lyme disease.
Prime Time Lyme Newsletter
For membership of Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, Inc.
Family membership: $30 annually
http://community.lawrence.com/info/LymeAssociation
LymeSig Home Page
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/frankd/lymesig.htm
LymeTruth by Douglas Dodge
http://www.lymetruth.org/
JOURNAL OF SPIROCHETAL AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES, a peer-reviewed quarterly, and journal of The Lyme Disease Foundation. For subscription information, see:
Journal of Spirochetal and Tick-borne Diseases
http://www.slackinc.com/general/jstd/jstdhome.htm
The Lyme Disease Foundation
http://www.lyme.org/
Internet:
The Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF)
http://www.lyme.org/
The Lyme Disease Network (LymeNet)
http://flash.lymenet.org/
Lyme Disease Information Resource (LDIR)
http://x-l.net/Lyme/
Lyme Alliance (LA)
http://www.lymealliance.org/
Lyme Patient Action Committee (LPAC)
http://pweb.netcom.com/~fletch14/LymePAC.html
Lyme Disease Resource Center (LDRC)
http://www.lymedisease.org/
Lyme Disease Association, Inc. (LDA)
http://LymeDiseaseAssociation.org/
America On Lyme
http://members.aol.com/ameronlyme/aolyme.html
Lots of Links on Lyme Disease
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.html
CDC Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID) Lyme Disease Home Page
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm
NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
NIH/NLM: MEDLINEplus: Lyme Disease
http://medlineplus.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lymedisease.html
European Union Concerted Action on Lyme Borreliosis (EUCALB)
http://www.dis.strath.ac.uk/vie/LymeEU/index.htm
Pasteur Borrelia Biology page
http://www.pasteur.fr/Bio/borrelia/Welcome.html
USENET:
Lyme disease newsgroup:
sci.med.diseases.lyme
Listservs:
LYME-L - For information about LYME-L: Join or leave the LYME-L
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=lyme-l&A=1
SPIROC-L, a research-oriented listserv focused on spirochete microbiology
SPIROC-L: Spirochete Research Discussion Group
http://www.tile.net/tile/listserv/spirocl.html
Lymearduk, an LD listserv from the United Kingdom
http://www.egroups.com/group/lymearduk/2.html?
German-speaking discussion group accessed via:
Beratende Mitarbeiter des Borreliose-Forumīs
http://www.borreliose.de/forum/index.html
Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF)
One Financial Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
800-886-LYME Tel.
860-525-TICK Fax
Lymefnd@aol.com
Lyme Disease Foundation
http://www.lyme.org/
Tick-borne co-infections may be transmitted simultaneously with a Lyme disease tick bite, and can include: Babesiosis (a malaria-like infection caused by Babesia protozoa that parasitize red blood cells); Ehrlichiosis (a bacterial infection caused by several types of rickettsiae, which invade and kill white blood cells. There are two types of human ehrlichiosis: human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME)).
For more information on tick-borne co-infections:
LymeNet - The New Lyme Disease
http://www2.lymenet.org/domino/file.nsf/UID/guidelines#DIAGNOSTIC HINTS
Lyme disease prevention guidelines are provided at the LDF website:
The Lyme Disease Foundation
http://www.lyme.org/
The Lyme Disease Foundation recommends these steps:
To remove a tick properly:
Each year, May is officially recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
During this month, national Lyme Disease Support Groups and advocacy
organizations launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about Lyme
disease. To find out what you can do to promote Lyme Disease Awareness this
May, contact the LDF:
The Lyme Disease Foundation
http://www.lyme.org/
Vaccine Information Site
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/vaccine.html
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/vaccine-resources.html
FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm
Last updated on 17 July 2000
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