Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by tick bites. Though more common in those who frequent grassy and wooded areas, this disease can affect anyone who is bitten by a tick carrying this bacteria. It may take anywhere from 14 to 23 days post tick bite to exhibit the first symptoms of this disease. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, joint pain or a rash around the bite, behind your knee or in your groin area. Less common signs and symptoms include alterations in sleep habits, irregular heartbeat, meningitis or numbness and weakness in your arms and legs.
Aminopenicillins
One chemical class of drug therapy used for Lyme disease is an Aminopenicillin. The generic name for the drug used from this class is amoxicillin. It is marketed under various trade names such as Amoxil, Apo-Amoxi, DisperMox, Novamoxin, Nu-Amoxi, Trimox or Wymox. This type of drug works by interfering with the cell wall replication of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. By interfering, the drug renders the cell wall unstable. The cell wall subsequently swells and bursts.
Macrolides
Macrolides, marketed under the generic name azithromycin, are another chemical class turned to in the treatment of Lyme disease. Trade names for azithromycin include Zithromax and Zmax. This type of drug works by binding to 50S ribosomal subunits of the bacteria and suppressing their protein synthesis. Without this synthesis, the bacteria are unable to replicate and die off.
Tetracyclines
Another chemical class option for the treatment of Lyme disease includes the Tetracyclines. Marketed under the generic name of doxycycline, various trade names include Adoxa, Apo-Doxy, Doryx, Doxy, Doxycaps, Doxycin, Monodox, Novodoxylin, Periostat, Vibramycin and Vibra-Tabs. Tetracyclines work as a result of inhibiting protein synthesis by binding to both 30S ribosomal subunits and 50S ribosomal subunits. Without this protein synthesis, the bacteria are unable to replicate and die off.
Vaccinations
Another option when it comes to Lyme disease is receiving a vaccination before you contract the disease. The Lyme disease vaccine marketed under the trade name LYMErix provides immunization against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Recommended for people ages 15 to 70 years old, it consists of a series of three injections. After the initial injection, there is a second injection one month later and the third and final injection is given a year following the initial one.
Tags: Lyme disease, bacterium Borrelia, bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia burgdorferi, cell wall, chemical class, generic name