A large-scale scientific study has shown that tick bites may not be the real cause of the chronic symptoms experienced by some patients, despite the widespread belief that they are the cause of prolonged cases of fatigue and pain.
The study, carried out in Norway, was based on an analysis of data from 470 adults who believed their ongoing health problems were caused by tick bites.
Ticks and chronic diseases
But laboratory tests showed no evidence of persistent infection with tick-borne diseases, weakening the hypothesis that these bites are the direct cause of the symptoms.
Researcher Audun Olav Dalberg from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology explained that the severity of the symptoms reported by the participants, such as chronic fatigue, body pain, and poor ability to perform daily activities, did not match any biological indicators of the presence of active disease.
The study showed that 37.5% of participants had antibodies to Lyme bacteria, which are bacteria transmitted by ticks. However, the presence of these antibodies only indicates a previous infection and not a currently active infection, and the severity of symptoms has not been associated with higher levels.
The researchers also noted that other factors appeared to be more closely linked to symptoms, such as lack of physical activity, reduced work hours, and psychological stress or depression.
It was also found that about 35% of participants underwent long courses of antibiotics that lasted more than 4 weeks, although clinical trials have not proven the effectiveness of this long treatment in improving symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
Doctors confirm that most tick bites do not lead to illness, as only about 2% of bites in Norway develop into an actual infection. When Lyme disease occurs, it can usually be treated with antibiotics within 10 to 14 days.
The researchers warn that misdiagnosis may lead to ignoring other causes of symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, anemia or depression, stressing that treatment of patients should also focus on rehabilitation, improving physical activity and psychological support.
