Lyme Disease - L11

Lyme Disease: Disease

Lyme borreliosis

Lyme Disease: Etiologic Agent

Borrelia burgdorferi, gram negative spirochete

Lyme Disease: Species Involved

All mammals and some avian species

Deer and rodents are considered reservoirs

It is a vector-borne zoonotic disease.

Lyme Disease: Geographic Location

Forested areas in northeastern, north central and mid-Atlantic states of the US. It is sporadically documented in Europe and Asia.

First recognized in Old Lyme, CT

Lyme Disease: Clinical Signs

• Dogs: most infected dogs show no clinical signs but if present: fever, lethargy, intermittent shifting leg lameness. Severe cases can contribute to renal disease

• Rodents and wildlife such as deer do not exhibit clinical signs

• Humans: antemortem erythema migrans lesions surrounded by “bulls eye” rash, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle/joint aches. Can progress if untreated

• Horses: neurologic signs, uveitis, cutaneous lymphoma

Lyme Disease: Morbidity/Mortality

Mortality is very rare in both humans and animals. 5%-50%

Lyme Disease: Diagnostic Tests

ELISA

Immunofluorescence assays

Lyme Disease: Transmission

Bitten by an infected hard body ticks, Ixodes usually.

No direct transmission from pet to owner.

Lyme Disease: Treatment

Removal of tick

If clinical signs are present = antibiotics

Lyme Disease: Control

Use of acaricides (collar, topical, chewable tablets)

Lyme vaccine

Tick checks

Lyme Disease: Other Significant Issues

It is a reportable condition according to the CDC