Antibiotic Treatment of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and its treatment has been a subject of ongoing research and debate. The disease manifests in different stages, with early symptoms including a characteristic bullseye rash, fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms, affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Diagnosis is often challenging due to its varied presentation and similarity to other conditions. The primary approach for managing Lyme disease is through the use of antibiotics. Selective antibiotics are crucial in eliminating the infection, reducing symptoms, and preventing complications while minimizing disruption of the body's microbial balance. Nonetheless, some patients may continue to experience symptoms even following treatment, commonly recognized as chronic Lyme disease. Ongoing research aims to improve treatment outcomes and develop vaccines to combat this complex and evolving disease.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments in managing Lyme disease and evaluate the different antibiotic regimens commonly used, such as novel drugs considered for treatment, to determine their efficacy in eradicating the infection, reducing symptoms, and preventing complications. The findings of this research will contribute to evidence-based guidelines for the antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease, improving patient outcomes and informing clinical decision-making.

The article collection will explore the optimal duration and dosage of antibiotic therapy, considering factors such as disease stage, patient characteristics, and the presence of co-infections. Additionally, the study will analyze the effectiveness of combination therapies and alternative antibiotic options. Furthermore, it will investigate the long-term outcomes of antibiotic treatment in preventing persistent symptoms and chronic Lyme disease.

In this Topic, we welcome the submission of Original Research articles, Mini-Reviews, Clinical Trials, Case Reports, and Brief Research Reports focusing on the following themes of tick-borne coinfections.