A late, persistent inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi , which is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick .
Alternative Names
Stage 3 Lyme disease; Late persistent Lyme disease; Chronic Lyme Disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Tertiary Lyme disease occurs months to years after the initial infection (see Lyme disease for more information). Symptoms include skin, neurological, and musculoskeletal manifestations.
Signs and tests
An ELISA shows antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi . A Western blot test is done to confirm ELISA results.
A spinal tap will be abnormal if central nervous signs are present.
Treatment
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection by antibiotic therapy. A high dose of penicillin or ceftriaxone is usually required in the late stages of the disease to treat the infection.
Expectations (prognosis)
Symptoms of arthritis may fail to resolve with treatment. Other symptoms should improve with treatment.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop -- particularly if you have had Lyme disease before, or live or travel in high-risk areas.
Prevention
Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment for primary Lyme disease is the most effective way to prevent tertiary Lyme disease.