Lyme disease: the cause, diagnosis, and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To present a brief history of Lyme disease, identify its vectors, examine its pathogenesis, and discuss current methods of testing for and treating the disease.


METHODS
Current literature.


METHODS
Determined by the author.


METHODS
Determined by the author.


RESULTS
Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-transmitted disease in the United States. The Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete has been identified as the infectious agent of the disease. Although symptoms vary, stage 1 Lyme disease is most often characterized by erythema chronicum migrans, stage 2 by Bell's palsy, and stage 3 by chronic shoulder, knee, and wrist pain. Diagnostic tests currently in use, which include indirect immunofluorescent assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, often show false-positive results. Antibiotic treatment is recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
Further study is needed to develop an accurate test for Lyme disease.
Transfusion Service, St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, USA.
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Smith
D006801:Humans; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000635:transmission