Lyme arthritis occurs in which stage?

• A. Early
• B. Late
• C. Acute disseminated infection
• D. Chronic

Answer: (B)

Lyme arthritis is a late manifestation of Lyme disease, occurring in the late disseminated stage after the initial localized erythema migrans and the early disseminated phase. It typically appears months to years after the tick bite and presents as inflammatory arthritis of a large joint, most commonly the knee. The underlying process is immune-mediated synovitis driven by Borrelia antigens rather than ongoing acute infection, so the joint swelling can be persistent or recurrent. This timing and pattern distinguish it from the early stages (localized skin involvement or early disseminated neurologic/cardial symptoms) and from any labeling of a separate chronic stage.