The Expansion of Lyme Disease: A Case of Infection in the Absence of Known Exposure

Authors

James C. Curry, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of MedicineFollow
Shane E. Cook MD, Boone Memorial HospitalFollow

Author Credentials

James Clayton Curry, MS4 Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University Curry162@marshall.edu Shane E. Cook, MD Boone Memorial Hospital Drcook.se@gmail.com

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-0917-2792

Keywords

Lyme Disease, erythema migrans, Borrelia burgdorferi

Disciplines

Dermatology | Infectious Disease | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Lyme disease is a systemic infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi often carried the Ixodes tick. It is associated with dermatologic manifestations, most notably the “bullseye rash” of erythema migrans. The disease can progress in stages to involve other organs such as joints, heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is continuing to spread, with West Virginia cases increasing dramatically in the last 2 decades. As a result, physicians are likely to encounter this disease more often, making recognition and early treatment a top priority in order to prevent potentially dangerous sequelae. We present a case of a 60-year-old man who presented with multiple erythematous annular plaques and was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease. He had no known exposure to ticks, was treated for Lyme Disease, and subsequently developed a Jarisch- Herxheimer reaction (JHR).

Recommended Citation

Curry JC, Cook SE. The Expansion of Lyme Disease: A Case of Infection in the Absence of Known Exposure. Marshall J Med. 2022; 8(4) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1384.