Lyme disease (borreliosis) | Diagnosis & treatment in Turkey 2025

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of infected ticks, which are particularly active during the warmer months. The disease can manifest in various forms, often cyclically, with symptoms evolving.

Early phase (a few days to weeks after the bite)

The first typical sign is a circular red patch, called erythema migrans, which spreads progressively around the bite site. This skin lesion is painless, but it is a major warning sign.

Other early symptoms may include:

• Unusual fatigue, sometimes intense.
• Moderate fever, chills.
• Migratory muscle and joint pain (myalgia).
• Headaches.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Sometimes a borrelial lymphocytoma: a small purplish mass that often appears on the ear or nipple.

Secondary phase (weeks to months later)

If the infection is not treated in time, the bacteria can spread throughout the body and reach the nervous system:

• Lymphocytic meningitis.
• Facial paralysis (often unilateral).
• Memory or concentration problems.
• Polyneuropathy (tingling, numbness).

Late phase (months to years after infection)

If not properly diagnosed or treated, Lyme disease can become chronic. It can then affect several organs and systems.

• Lyme arthritis: pain and swelling of large joints (often the knee).
• Persistent neurological disorders: cognitive problems, neuropathy, sleep disorders.
• Cardiac disorders (in rare cases): rhythm disorders or pericarditis.

Since laboratory tests are not always conclusive in confirming or refuting Lyme disease, diagnosis is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and epidemiological data. Therefore, the decision to start antibiotic treatment is taken on a case-by-case basis, considering these factors.

Diagnosis of lyme disease

The first step in diagnosing Lyme disease is a thorough clinical examination. This examination aims to identify the characteristic clinical signs of the disease, such as erythema migrans (an expanding redness of the skin),joint pain, neurological disorders, or heart damage.

In addition to the physical examination, the physician will ask the patient about his or her medical history, lifestyle habits, and most importantly, any exposure to ticks. This valuable information will help refine the diagnosis and assess the risk of Lyme disease.

If the clinical examination and interview strongly suggest Lyme disease, blood tests called serologies will be ordered. These tests are designed to detect the presence of antibodies specific to the Borrelia bacteria in the patient's blood.

Depending on the case and symptoms, other complementary tests may be needed. These may include:

• A lumbar puncture to examine the cerebrospinal fluid in cases of neurological damage.
• Echocardiography to examine the heart if cardiac damage is suspected.

In complex cases, or if symptoms persist, an opinion from a specialist in infectious or vector-borne diseases in Turkey may be required. His or her expertise will help refine the diagnosis, direct the patient to the most appropriate tests, and suggest the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Lyme borreliosis in Turkey

In Turkey, Lyme disease treatment is based on clinical and laboratory guidelines established by specialists.

Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment and is particularly effective when administered early in the course of infection.

Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for most patients, including men, non-pregnant women, and children over the age of 8. In some cases, doxycycline may be used as prophylaxis.

For cases of erythema migrans, your doctor will likely recommend tetracycline-based antibiotic therapy. For more severe neurological forms or critical situations, penicillin or ceftriaxone may be prescribed.

Turquie Santé is here to assist you at every stage of your Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment in Turkey.

Our mission is to provide you with the best medical care available. In fact, we will refer you to Turkey's leading infectiologists and viral disease specialists. You will receive an individualized treatment plan designed by our experienced medical experts.

Our multilingual team will provide you with personalized assistance throughout your stay for a hassle-free experience. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy comfortable accommodations in quality facilities.

What's more, we work with leading clinics and hospitals that are accredited to international standards. Our medical partners use the latest equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

With Turquie Santé, you can take advantage of competitive rates for quality healthcare.

Don't let Lyme disease get the best of you. Contact Turquie Santé today and let's take back control of your health together.