A single tick bite can transmit a variety of other harmful illnesses because ticks can carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans at the same time. The term co-infection describes a patient who has contracted more than one of these infections from the same tick.
While Lyme is the most prevalent tick-borne disease, ticks can also transmit “co-infections” named:
Other potential impacts of tick bites include:
Patients with Lyme disease, if caught early, usually respond to antibiotic treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of reported cases will continue to experience symptoms even after the standard treatment protocol.
Of those patients who experience chronic symptoms, 50% will experience symptoms of a co-infection and require additional diagnosis and treatment for these illnesses.
Other Tick Borne Diseases
Babesia, is a malaria-like parasite, and it infects the red blood cells of its host. The disease resulting from a Babesia infection is called babesiosis. It can be acquired from the bite of an infected tick, but it can also be transmitted through mother-to-child (congenital) in utero or during a blood transfusion.
Read MoreOther Tick Borne Diseases
