Infectious diseases specialists diagnose and treat infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, focusing on fevers, antibiotics, and vaccines.
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The treatment and management of Lyme disease at Liv Hospital are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence and internationally recognized guidelines. The primary objective is the rapid eradication of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete to resolve symptoms and prevent progression to late-stage disease. While antibiotics form the cornerstone of therapy, the management strategy is holistic, addressing pain relief, inflammation control, and the rehabilitation of affected organ systems. The therapeutic approach is tailored to the specific stage of the disease and the organ systems involved, ensuring that each patient receives optimal care.
For early localized and early disseminated Lyme disease without neurological involvement, oral antibiotics are highly effective. The prompt initiation of therapy typically results in a rapid and complete cure.
When the infection has spread to the central nervous system or the heart, or involves persistent arthritis, the treatment intensity may need to be escalated.
A potential physiological response to the initiation of antibiotic therapy is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. This occurs when large numbers of spirochetes die rapidly, releasing endotoxin-like substances and cytokines into the bloodstream. Patients may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle pain, within the first 24 hours of treatment. This is not an allergic reaction and does not require stopping the antibiotic; rather, it indicates that the medication is effectively killing the bacteria. Management involves hydration and anti-inflammatory medicines.
For patients suffering from Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), prolonged antibiotic therapy has been shown in multiple clinical trials to offer no sustained benefit and carries significant risks. Therefore, the management of PTLDS at Liv Hospital focuses on symptomatic relief and rehabilitation.
The field of Lyme disease treatment is marked by varying opinions on “chronic Lyme disease.” Liv Hospital adheres strictly to academic and scientific consensus. The use of long-term, high-dose intravenous antibiotics for months or years is not supported by evidence. It is associated with serious complications, including catheter-associated infections and severe microbiome disruption. The focus remains on targeted, finite antimicrobial therapy followed by comprehensive supportive care.
While antibiotics clear the infection, the immune system requires time to downregulate the inflammatory response. Patients are advised to ensure adequate rest, nutrition, and hydration during the recovery phase. Follow-up appointments track the resolution of specific symptoms, such as regression of the rash, normalization of cardiac rhythm, or resolution of joint effusion.
While anyone can catch an infection, certain factors increase susceptibility or the severity of the disease.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The standard treatment for early Lyme disease typically involves a course of oral antibiotics. Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed medication for adults and children, usually taken for 10 to 14 days. Amoxicillin or cefuroxime are effective alternatives for patients who cannot take doxycycline. Prompt treatment in the early stage is highly successful in curing the infection and preventing complications.
Intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, are generally reserved for more severe cases of Lyme disease where the bacteria have spread to the central nervous system (meningitis) or the heart (carditis). IV administration allows higher concentrations of the medication to reach the brain, spinal fluid, and heart tissue more effectively than oral pills, ensuring the infection is eradicated from these critical areas.
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is a temporary response that can occur shortly after starting antibiotics for Lyme disease. As bacteria die off rapidly, they release substances that can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to fever, chills, muscle pain, or worsening of the rash. It is usually harmless, lasts only briefly, and indicates that the treatment is working.
Current scientific evidence does not support the use of long-term antibiotic therapy (lasting months or years) for Lyme disease. Clinical studies have shown that prolonged antibiotic use does not improve long-term symptoms better than a placebo and carries serious risks, such as severe infections from IV lines and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Management of lingering symptoms focuses on supportive care.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is completely curable. A standard course of appropriate antibiotics eliminates the Borrelia bacteria from the body. While some patients may experience lingering fatigue or aches for a period after treatment (Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome), the active infection is resolved, and these residual symptoms typically improve over time with supportive management.
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