Lyme Disease

Lyme disease (borreliosis) is a tick-borne illness, it is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. Transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks.

Early manifestations of infection may include skin rash (erythema migrans), fever, headache, fatigue and depression. Lyme disease is not contagious from an affected person to another person. Left untreated, late manifestations involving the joints, heart and nervous system can occur.

The serological laboratory tests most widely used are the Western blot and ELISA.

The antibiotics of choice for treatment of Lyme disease are doxycycline, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, amoxicillin.

There are many non-profit foundations dedicated to public education about the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.