Lyme borreliosis.
Abstract: Despite more than 25 years' experience with Lyme borreliosis, much remains to be learned about this complex zoonosis. Practicing veterinarians, particularly those in the northeastern and upper midwestern states, where Lyme borreliosis is highly endemic, should be familiar with the ecologic features and typical clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis. Interpretation of signs and serologic test results should be made with consideration of the regional prevalence of Lyme borreliosis and the animal's opportunity for exposure to infected Ixodes spp. The availability of recently marketed topical acaracides is a valuable adjunctive measure in prevention of Lyme borreliosis. A maximally effective prevention strategy should include consideration of environmental modification, activity restrictions, routine examinations for ticks, prompt removal of attached ticks, and vaccination. Technologic advances, such as the C6 EIA and the Osp A recombinant vaccine, offer the promise of additional tools for the clinical management and prevention of this tick-borne zoonosis.
Publication Date: 2003-11-19 PubMed ID: 14621212DOI: 10.2460/javma.2003.223.1261Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article focuses on Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis), a complex disease prevalent mainly in northeastern and upper midwestern states of America. It emphasizes the need for veterinarians to understand the ecological features and clinical signs of the disease. The paper also discusses the interpretation of signs, serological test results, and prevention strategies including the use of topical acaricides, tick removal, and vaccination.
Understanding Lyme Borreliosis
Lyme borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is a complex disease transmitted to animals and humans through the bites of infected Ixodes ticks. The article emphasizes the need for practicing veterinarians, particularly those in areas where the disease is highly endemic, to understand:
- The ecologic features of the disease: This involves understanding the lifecycle of the ticks, their preferred environment, and possible carriers.
- The typical clinical signs of the disease: Recognizing the symptoms in animals to allow for early detection and intervention.
Interpretation of Signs and Serological Test Results
The interpretation of signs and serological test results for Lyme borreliosis should take into account several factors:
- The regional prevalence of the disease: Understanding the likelihood of the disease in the area can help in diagnosing when the symptoms are ambiguous.
- The animal’s opportunity for exposure to infected ticks: Considering the environment and lifestyle of the animal can help in assessing the risk of infection.
Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis
The article stresses on the importance of prevention strategies for Lyme borreliosis, which include:
- Environmental modification: Changing the environment in ways that discourage the tick lifecycle, thus reducing the risk of infection.
- Activity restrictions: Altering the animal’s routine or habitat in ways that minimize exposure to tick-prone areas.
- Routine examinations for ticks: Regularly checking the animal for ticks and removing the detected ticks promptly.
- Use of topical acaracides and vaccination: Currently available acaracides can be used topically to kill ticks. Additionally, vaccines such as the Osp A recombinant vaccine can help prevent this zoonosis.
Technological Advances in Prevention and Management
The article also mentions the promise of additional tools for the clinical management and prevention of Lyme borreliosis, thanks to technological advances. The C6 EIA, a relatively new diagnostic tool, stands as an example of these advancements that facilitate improved diagnosis and thereby, more effective management of this disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Fritz CL, Kjemtrup AM.
(2003).
Lyme borreliosis.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 223(9), 1261-1270.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2003.223.1261 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- California Department of Health Services, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Vector-Borne Disease Section, PO Box 942732, MS 7307, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Borrelia burgdorferi / classification
- Borrelia burgdorferi / isolation & purification
- Borrelia burgdorferi / physiology
- Dogs
- Horses
- Humans
- Ixodes / microbiology
- Lyme Disease / diagnosis
- Lyme Disease / epidemiology
- Lyme Disease / therapy
- Lyme Disease / transmission
- Public Health
- Tick Control
- United States / epidemiology
- Zoonoses
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Duplaix L, Wagner V, Gasmi S, Lindsay LR, Dibernardo A, Thivierge K, Fernandez-Prada C, Arsenault J. Exposure to Tick-Borne Pathogens in Cats and Dogs Infested With Ixodes scapularis in Q: An 8-Year Surveillance Study.. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:696815.
- Zintl A, Moutailler S, Stuart P, Paredis L, Dutraive J, Gonzalez E, O'Connor J, Devillers E, Good B, OMuireagain C, De Waal T, Morris F, Gray J. Ticks and Tick-borne diseases in Ireland.. Ir Vet J 2017;70:4.
- Burroughs JE, Thomasson JA, Marsella R, Greiner EC, Allan SA. Ticks associated with domestic dogs and cats in Florida, USA.. Exp Appl Acarol 2016 May;69(1):87-95.
- Wardrop KJ, Birkenheuer A, Blais MC, Callan MB, Kohn B, Lappin MR, Sykes J. Update on Canine and Feline Blood Donor Screening for Blood-Borne Pathogens.. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Jan-Feb;30(1):15-35.
- Jovanovic D, Atanasievska S, Protic-Djokic V, Rakic U, Lukac-Radoncic E, Ristanovic E. Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in occupationally exposed persons in the Belgrade area, Serbia.. Braz J Microbiol 2015 Jul-Sep;46(3):807-14.
- Scorpio DG, Wachtman LM, Tunin RS, Barat NC, Garyu JW, Dumler JS. Retrospective clinical and molecular analysis of conditioned laboratory dogs (Canis familiaris) with serologic reactions to Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Rickettsia rickettsii.. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2008 Sep;47(5):23-8.
- Chae JS, Yu DH, Shringi S, Klein TA, Kim HC, Chong ST, Lee IY, Foley J. Microbial pathogens in ticks, rodents and a shrew in northern Gyeonggi-do near the DMZ, Korea.. J Vet Sci 2008 Sep;9(3):285-93.
- Philipp MT, Wormser GP, Marques AR, Bittker S, Martin DS, Nowakowski J, Dally LG. A decline in C6 antibody titer occurs in successfully treated patients with culture-confirmed early localized or early disseminated Lyme Borreliosis.. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2005 Sep;12(9):1069-74.
- Wardrop KJ, Reine N, Birkenheuer A, Hale A, Hohenhaus A, Crawford C, Lappin MR. Canine and feline blood donor screening for infectious disease.. J Vet Intern Med 2005 Jan-Feb;19(1):135-42.
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