24 Jul Microbiology Lyme Disease Case Study

Case 2

A 25-year old white female presented at the walking clinic of her local physician

on August 15. On physical exam, the patient had a fever of 38.5C. She appeared

fatigued, had tender joints, and complained of a headache, a stiff neck and a

backache. The physician noticed a circular “rash” about 5 inches in diameter,

with a bright red leading edge and a dim center in the form of a “bull’s eye”. The

physician noted an irregular heartbeat. The patient complained of lack of ability

to concentrate.

The patient gave the following history: She is a graduate student in the wildlife

program at the university in town. She was in the field for three weeks in

Wisconsin during the months of May and June. She tracks small mammals in the

field and studies their behavior. lt had been a warm, wet spring and she

complained of a large number of biting flies, mosquitoes and ticks in the area.

She felt well until about 2 weeks after returning to her home. Since that time,

many of her symptoms had progressed. She finally found that she could take it

no more.

1.    What type of infection/illness do you believe the patient has?

2.   What Type of treatment would you give the patient?

3,   How did you come to that conclusion? According to the symptoms.,,

4.    From the history, which of the information confirmed your choice?