Lyme disease is a condition that can have long-lasting effects even after treatment. A recent study found that 14% of patients treated with antibiotics for Lyme disease may still develop Post Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). The symptoms of PTLD can range from severe fatigue and cognitive challenges to body pain and arthritis, leaving doctors puzzled over how to help their patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a possible cause for the lingering effects of Lyme disease. They believe that remnants of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which causes Lyme disease, may be triggering a chronic immune response in the body. This response is similar to the theory behind long COVID-19, where viral molecules persist and cause ongoing inflammation.
The key culprit in this immune response is peptidoglycan, a structural component found in bacterial cells. While most bacterial cell walls break down quickly after treatment, the peptidoglycan from Lyme disease lingers in the liver for weeks to months. This unique feature of Lyme disease’s peptidoglycan may explain why some patients continue to experience symptoms long after treatment.
One common long-term impact of Lyme disease is Lyme arthritis, which causes joint swelling and pain. The researchers found that pieces of peptidoglycan were present in the synovial fluid of affected joints, even weeks to months after treatment. This discovery suggests that the body’s immune response to the lingering peptidoglycan may play a role in the development of chronic symptoms.
By understanding the mechanisms behind PTLD, the researchers hope to develop more accurate diagnostic tests and targeted treatment options. One potential approach is to use monoclonal antibodies to target and neutralize the inflammatory molecules triggered by the peptidoglycan.
Overall, the study sheds light on the complex nature of Lyme disease and the challenges of treating its long-term effects. By unraveling the mysteries of how the body responds to infection remnants, researchers may pave the way for more effective treatments for patients with PTLD.
For more information on the study, you can refer to the published research in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Northwestern University is at the forefront of this research, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with chronic Lyme disease symptoms.
