Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease)

Educational Gaps 1. Although Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, there is considerable misunderstanding about the clinical manifestations and consequences of this infection. (1)(2) 2. When to perform diagnostic tests and how to interpret the results for antibodies against B burgdorferi are common sources of confusion for physicians and patients. (3)(4)(5) 3. Misinformation about chronic Lyme disease on the Internet and in popular media has led to publicity and anxiety about Lyme disease that is out of proportion to the actual morbidity that it causes. (6)(7)(8) Objectives After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the ecology and the epidemiology of Lyme disease. 2. Know when to order and how to interpret serologic tests for the diagnosis of Lyme disease. 3. Understand the clinical manifestations of Lyme disease and appropriate treatment