Treatment

The early diagnosis and proper treatment of Lyme disease are important strategies to avoid the costs and complications of infection and late-stage illness. As soon as you notice a characteristic rash or other possible symptoms, consult your health care provider.

There has never been a study demonstrating that 30 days of antibiotic treatment cures late or chronic Lyme disease. However there is a plethora of documentation in the US and European medical literature demonstrating by histology and culture techniques that short courses of antibiotic treatment fail to eradicate the Lyme spirochete. Short treatment courses have resulted in upwards of a 40% relapse rate, especially if treatment is delayed.

Most cases of late or chronic Lyme disease require an extended course of antibiotic therapy to achieve symptomatic relief. The return of symptoms and evidence of the continued presence of Borrelia burgdorferi indicates the need for further treatment.

Medical Providers

  Treatment Information for Healthcare Providers  includes:

• Evidence Based Treatment Guidelines  (Includes complex diagnostic tips, pharmacological support, supportive therapy, symptom checklists)

• Diagnostic Hints
- Early & Late Lyme disease
- Physical Symptoms
- Lyme Disease Case Definition
- Lyme Disease Surveillance Reporting Forms
- Serological Testing

• Tick-borne Co-infections

• Medical Summaries

Articles about Treatment

Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy Improves Persistent Symptoms Associated With Lyme Disease (IDSA lecture)

Lyme Disease: Two Standards of Care (Insurance Issues)