Lyme borreliosis: a review

Lyme Borreliosis is a complex disease which varies in its clinical presentation, thus can be difficult to diagnose. The classic clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease is erythema migrans rash, however, literature has shown not all patients who develop Lyme disease develop this characteristic. The life cycle, pathogenicity and ecological interactions that have an impact on the risk of transmission are multifaceted and require further research. Infection prevention and control of Lyme disease hinge on physician and public education regarding personal protection measures, symptoms and signs of the disease as well as appropriate antibiotic treatment. Early and consistent approaches to diagnosis appear essential to infection prevention and control within primary care. Increasing public awareness and concerns about Lyme disease and its potential consequences for an individual is required. Evidence also necessitates the requirement for more intensive screening within blood and blood component part transfusion. However, there is an overall lack of research within this area as highlighted by referring to seminal research studies within the text. On evaluation, if the figures for Lyme disease continue to rise, further vaccines may be required to control the outbreaks of a potentially harmful disease.