Final answer:
Lyme disease, caused by the tick-borne bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is characterized by symptoms such as arthritis, malaise, myalgia, and neurologic and cardiovascular issues, and progresses through three stages if left untreated.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tick-carried bacteria causes Lyme disease, which is characterized by a variety of symptoms including arthritis, malaise, myalgia, and neurologic and cardiovascular signs. Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The disease progresses through several stages:
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- Early localized: Characterized by a bull's-eye rash, flu-like symptoms such as malaise, fever, and muscle stiffness.
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- Early disseminated: Includes severe headache, neck stiffness, facial paralysis, arthritis, and carditis.
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- Late stage: May result in severe arthritis, meningitis, encephalitis, and altered mental states.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications. Without treatment, Lyme disease symptoms can become chronic and cause serious disorders in the nervous system, heart, and joints.