Manifestations of tick-borne illness. Incidence and variety are increasing worldwide.
The incidence and variety of diseases associated with tick bites have continued to grow worldwide. Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, has received extensive media coverage because of its protean manifestations and propensity for causing chronic disease. Our ability to prevent, identify, and effectively treat Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases has significantly improved in the last decade. Tick-borne illnesses should be one of the differential diagnostic considerations in patients with consistent clinical findings and exposure history. In addition, the prudent use of laboratory testing ensures an accurate diagnosis while avoiding the cost and risk of inappropriate diagnostic tests and antibiotic therapy.
Goodman
C
C
National Naval Medical Center, Infectious Diseases, Bldg 9, Room 1633, 8901 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600, USA. chargoodman@worldnet.att.net
Lazarus
A A
AA
Martin
G J
GJ
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007303:Insect Vectors; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D017282:Tick-Borne Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D013987:Ticks / Q000145:classification / Q000382:microbiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents