Treatment of Septic Arthritis in Lyme Arthritis Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi
Septic arthritis can develop as a later manifestation of Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Recognising this underlying aetiology is critical for directing appropriate antibiotic management.
Clinical scenario
Lyme arthritis should be suspected in a patient presenting in an endemic area with a history of a tick bite and acute-onset arthritis, with or without an erythema migrans rash. Borrelia burgdorferi can lead to arthritis in the later stages of Lyme disease.
Treatment approach
Management in this setting involves intravenous antibiotic therapy. The complete regimen, sequencing, and clinical decision points are detailed in the full protocol below.
References
- Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, can lead to arthritis in the later stages.
- Lyme arthritis should be suspected in a patient presenting in an endemic area with a history of a tick bite and acute-onset arthritis with or without an erythema migrans rash.
- Oral doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime; IV ceftriaxone if no resolution after oral therapy.
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