Lyme disease can develop in people who are bitten by a tick infected with the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria. It takes roughly 24–36 hours for the tick to pass on the infectious bacteria to humans through feeding. Once that happens, the bacterium goes through the body, potentially affecting multiple aspects of overall health (including triggering several autoimmune diseases associated with Lyme).
There are over 40 symptoms associated with Lyme disease, all of which can present in a severe and debilitating manner. Diagnosing and treating Lyme disease comes with its own challenges because it can present similarly to other diseases. In some cases, post-treatment symptoms can still occur. The bacteria can evade the immune system well, leading to long-term infectious and adverse health effects.
While Lyme disease can cause severe health issues and permanent damage to tissues, organs, and joints, new research is shedding light on what other detrimental effects a Lyme infection can have. Researchers have found a connection with one specific type of disease, known as autoimmune disease. But what autoimmune diseases are associated with Lyme, and why does the bacterial infection drive the onset of these diseases in otherwise healthy individuals? Let’s investigate.
Continue reading “What Autoimmune Diseases Are Associated With Lyme?”
