Lyme disease is a serious condition caused by spirochetal bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato following a deer tick bite that requires treatment. The following provides key points regarding diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis and tick removal.
Note: The CDC has updated the Lyme laboratory screening algorithm
When cleared by FDA for this purpose, serologic assays that utilize a second EIA in place of western immunoblot assay are acceptable alternatives for the serologic diagnosis of Lyme disease
There is no convincing biologic evidence for the existence of symptomatic chronic B. burgdorferi infection among patients after receipt of recommended treatment regimens for Lyme disease. Antibiotic therapy has not proven to be useful and is not recommended for patients with chronic (⩾6 months) subjective symptoms after recommended treatment regimens for Lyme disease.
Lyme disease acquired during pregnancy may lead to infection of the placenta and possible stillbirth; however, no negative effects on the fetus have been found when the mother receives appropriate antibiotic treatment. There are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.
Note: Treatment in pregnancy is similar to that of nonpregnant adults, although certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline, should be avoided due to potential risk related to dental discoloration that is associated with the tetracycline class of drugs
CDC: Lyme Disease Diagnosis, Treatment and Testing
Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Deer Ticks
CDC: Lyme Disease Transmission
JAMA: Lyme Disease in 2018 – What Is New (and What Is Not)
FDA clears new indications for existing Lyme disease tests that may help streamline diagnoses
CDC: Updated CDC Recommendation for Serologic Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
BMJ State-of-the-Art Review: Lyme borreliosis: diagnosis and management
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