Science Weekly Why is ‘chronic’ lyme disease so controversial?
9 snips
Oct 16, 2025 Prof. John Aucott, director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center, discusses the complexities of Lyme disease, especially its long-term effects. He highlights the rise in cases due to climate change and explores the distinction between chronic Lyme and post-treatment Lyme syndrome. Patrick Barkham shares the story of his daughter Milly, her struggles with symptoms, and how celebrity accounts led to her diagnosis. The conversation sheds light on the diagnostic challenges and the need for further research in managing this controversial disease.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Decline After A Mysterious Onset
- Patrick Barkham describes his daughter Millie's slow decline from an active nine-year-old into debilitating fatigue and neurological pain.
- The family ruled out cancers, got an NHS ME/CFS diagnosis, and Millie left school because she couldn't cope with the demands.
Terminology Shapes Treatment Expectations
- 'Chronic Lyme' is an umbrella term used by patients for long-term fatigue, pain and brain fog that may or may not trace to Borrelia infection.
- John Aucott warns the label implies persistent infection and fuels demands for more antibiotics, which remains controversial.
Limits Of Current Lyme Testing
- Standard diagnostic tests detect antibodies, not the bacteria, and are both insensitive and nonspecific.
- Antibodies can take weeks to appear and may fall below detection after treatment, causing false negatives months or years later.