Expression of C-Reactive Protein and Serum Amyloid A in Early to Late Manifestations of Lyme Disease

The immune response to invasive microbes involves two main components: the innate and adaptive response. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) are proteins elevated during inflammation. In Lyme disease, CRP is elevated in early stages with erythema migrans but normal in neurological symptoms and arthritis. However, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) shows higher CRP, indicating persistent inflammation. SAA is elevated only in patients with erythema migrans. These findings suggest that lingering symptoms post-antibiotic therapy in Lyme disease are associated with elevated CRP, warranting further study on long-term inflammatory processes.