Lyme disease.

Abstract

Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is at present the most common arthropod-borne infectious disease in Europe and the United States. It is caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to the human primarily in the spring, summer and early fall by the tick Ixodes dammini or deer tick. Signs and symptoms of infection are many and misdiagnosis often occurs. If not treated with antibiotics in early stages neurological complications can occur. Health care providers must have a thorough knowledge of the disease so they are able to recognize signs and symptoms. Health care personnel are the key to education of the public and their peers regarding prevention, recognition and treatment of Lyme disease.