Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kimberly Erikson
Abstract
Arthritis is one of the most common long term sequelae of Lyme disease infection in humans. Although the pathophysiology for Lyme arthritis is not concretely understood, there are several key features that are helpful in diagnosing Lyme disease as the culprit for the arthritic symptoms that an individual is experiencing. With a thorough history of an individuals’ age, geographic location, recent travel history and common outdoor recreational activities engaged in, a differential can be narrowed down. With the knowledge of how various arthritides present in the body, along with the use of diagnostic testing with ELISA and Western immunoblot, any provider can properly diagnose and treat arthritis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
Recommended Citation
Keller, Chandelle, "Clinical Pearls to Diagnosing Lyme Arthritis" (2022). Capstone Showcase. 32.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2022/pa/32
Clinical Pearls to Diagnosing Lyme Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common long term sequelae of Lyme disease infection in humans. Although the pathophysiology for Lyme arthritis is not concretely understood, there are several key features that are helpful in diagnosing Lyme disease as the culprit for the arthritic symptoms that an individual is experiencing. With a thorough history of an individuals’ age, geographic location, recent travel history and common outdoor recreational activities engaged in, a differential can be narrowed down. With the knowledge of how various arthritides present in the body, along with the use of diagnostic testing with ELISA and Western immunoblot, any provider can properly diagnose and treat arthritis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.