Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction and Babesia Complicate Lyme Case

Maria Karim, et al., published “A case of Lyme disease complicated by the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction and coinfection with Babesia” in JAAD Case Reports on November 30, 2022. The case report describes a Lyme disease patient case in an endemic area that was complicated by a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) and Babesia coinfection.

The report indicated the patient was a healthy 68-year-old male presenting with an acute non-pruritic rash on his abdomen which was rapidly expanding and deepening in color. The patient had no other presenting symptoms. He had just returned from a trip to Connecticut. Although laboratory testing showed negative results for Lyme IgG and immunoglobulin M antibodies, Lyme disease was highly suspected due to other findings. The patient was empirically treated with a course of doxycycline, after which he significantly worsened. He went to the emergency department where further testing showed positive results for Lyme antibodies. He underwent further treatment resulting in a resolution of presenting symptoms and abnormal laboratory testing.  

For more information:

Read the full case report in JAAD Case Reports.

Read more about Babesia.

Read more about rashes caused by tick-borne disease.