Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. The liver, a large organ in the upper right abdomen, performs many functions, including filtering toxins and aiding digestion. Liver enzymes are proteins that help these processes, and elevated levels in a blood test can indicate liver cell inflammation or damage.
The Connection Between Lyme Disease and Liver Enzymes
Lyme disease can lead to elevated liver enzymes. This is often observed during the acute or early disseminated stages when the bacteria spread throughout the body. Patients with early Lyme disease frequently show abnormal liver tests.
Elevated liver enzyme levels suggest the liver is actively involved in the infection. While less common, liver damage or even liver failure can occur as a complication. These enzyme elevations return to normal after appropriate antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease.
How Lyme Disease Can Affect Liver Function
The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi can affect the liver through several mechanisms, leading to increased enzyme levels. One way is through direct infection of liver cells. The body’s immune response to the infection also plays a role, triggering inflammation in the liver.
As part of this immune response, the liver can release proteins, which contribute to the rise in enzyme levels. This can result in a condition resembling hepatitis. The elevation of enzymes like alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) is mild to moderate.
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes Beyond Lyme
Elevated liver enzymes are not exclusive to Lyme disease and can be caused by numerous other conditions. Many factors can contribute to these increases, including common medications such as cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) and acetaminophen. Excessive alcohol consumption is another frequent cause, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis.
Other infections, such as viral hepatitis (A, B, or C), Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, can also cause liver enzyme elevations. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and autoimmune conditions like autoimmune hepatitis are common causes. A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to identify the underlying cause.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience symptoms that could suggest liver involvement or Lyme disease, consult a healthcare professional. These symptoms might include unexplained fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, fever, or a characteristic rash. A history of tick exposure, especially in endemic areas, should also prompt medical attention.
The diagnostic process involves blood tests to measure liver enzyme levels, along with specific tests for Lyme disease. If Lyme disease is confirmed as the cause, antibiotic treatment is prescribed. Successful antibiotic therapy leads to the normalization of liver enzyme levels.