LYME DISEASE: A Review

Lyme disease is a spirochetal infection caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi and transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick. It is now the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. In India exact figures for prevalence are not available. The tick typically feeds on mice, dogs, cats, cows, horses, deer and humans. Person to person transmission does not occur. The peak season for human infection is during the summer months. Reinfection is not uncommon. A diagnosis of lyme disease is often based on clinical manifestations, in particular the EM (Erythema Migrans) lesion and a history of exposure in an andemic area. Reducing exposure to ticks is the best way to prevent lyme disease. No vaccine is available for lyme disease.