Lyme Disease Spread by Ticks Now Drug Resistant

Researchers say the lyme disease bloodsucking ticks spread, can also conceal itself in the body. This means that people who have already been treated for the disease can start showing symptoms of the malady again.

Professor Matti Viljanen at the University of Turku says in mice, lyme disease can stay hidden away in joint tissue.

These findings in mice mean new, more effective treatment methods can be developed -- such as combining different antibiotics.

"A vaccine for lyme disease is in the works, and could become available in four to five years," says Seppo Meri a professor at the University of Helsinki.

High, grassy areas are a favourite breeding ground for ticks. Researchers say that the lyme disease these blood sucking pests spread, is also good at concealing itself in the body. This means that people who have already been treated for the disease can start showing symptoms of the malady again.

Professor Matti Viljanen at the University of Turku says in mice, lyme disease can stay hidden away in joint tissue.

These findings in mice mean new, more effective treatment methods can be developed -- such as combining different antibiotics.

Seppo Meri a professor at the University of Helsinki says a vaccine for lyme disease is in the works, and could become available in four to five years.

Long Sleeves a Key Precaution

When it comes to guarding against the louse, vigilant inspections of both one's skin and clothing are key. Pets should also not be let into bed in summertime. Ticks for example love to nestle dog fur.

The good news is that lyme disease doesn't spread all too easily to humans. For lyme disease to set in, the tick must be attached to the skin for at least 24 hours. In fact, only one bite out of fifty results in the disease spreading, says Meri.

A few thousand cases of lyme disease are reported in Finland each year -- in the majority of these cases antibiotics do the trick, especially if proper treatment is sought early on.