The emergence of Lyme disease
Allen C. Steere, … , Jenifer Coburn, Lisa Glickstein
Allen C. Steere, … , Jenifer Coburn, Lisa Glickstein
Published April 15, 2004
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2004;113(8):1093-1101. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI21681.
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The emergence of Lyme disease

Abstract

Since its identification nearly 30 years ago, Lyme disease has continued to spread, and there have been increasing numbers of cases in the northeastern and north central US. The Lyme disease agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes infection by migration through tissues, adhesion to host cells, and evasion of immune clearance. Both innate and adaptive immune responses, especially macrophage- and antibody-mediated killing, are required for optimal control of the infection and spirochetal eradication. Ecological conditions favorable to the disease, and the challenge of prevention, predict that Lyme disease will be a continuing public health concern.

Authors

Allen C. Steere, Jenifer Coburn, Lisa Glickstein

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An algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of the early events surroun...
An algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of the early events surrounding Lyme disease in the summer months. Serologic testing for Lyme disease has limited utility during the first 1 or 2 weeks of infection, and early treatment, without serologic testing, is recommended. If serologic testing is done, acute and convalescent samples should be obtained. GI, gastrointestinal.