Case Study 2

Boy with Fever and Rash

Wrong Answer!

Is Lyme disease a curable disease?

B. No

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The organism can be destroyed by certain antibiotics targeting components unique to bacterial cells (eg. tetracycline, erythromycin). Lyme disease is typically treated with oral antibiotics under the supervision of a medical doctor over a period of at least 10 days. Nearly half the patients with Lyme disease have minor recurrences (eg headache, fatigue) but eventually recover completely.