Lyme borreliosis: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and treatment

Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. In Europe, the main aetiological agents are Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, but Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia valaisiana, Borrelia lusitaniae and Borrelia bissettii have also been reported as rare or potential causes of human disease. In North America, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto is the only human pathogen. The most common clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis is a skin lesion, erythema migrans, which may resolve spontaneously without antibiotic treatment. However, the pathogen can spread to other tissues and organs, causing more severe manifestations that can involve a skin, nervous system, joints, and/or heart, requiring antibiotic therapy. The most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of Lyme borreliosis are: amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, doxycycline and azithromycin.

Keywords

• lyme borreliosis
• epidemiology
• clinical manifestations
• treatment