CLINICAL-STUDIES AND THERAPY OF LYME BORRELIOSIS

Erythema migrans borreliosis of Lyme borreliosis consists of 3 stages. Erythema migrans is the most important manifestation of stage 1; it can be accompanied by associated symptoms; sometimes, Lyme borreliosis starts as borrelial lymphocytoma. Manifestations of the heart, nervous system and joints can occur during the second stage, which starts a few weeks to months later. First and second stages are part of the first phase of the disease. Arthritis, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and/or encephalomyelitis are observed during the third stage of the disease. Reinfection and congenital disease can occur, too. Lyme borreliosis resembles syphilis in many aspects. With the exception of meningitis and more severe carditis, most manifestations of Lyme borreliosis can be treated with oral penicillin, doxycyclin, erythromycin, amoxicillin and in special cases with ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and high doses of intravenous penicillin G. The latter three antibiotics can be recommended for meningitis and more severe carditis.