Clinical evidence for rapid transmission of Lyme disease following a tickbite

An important study to know about. Apparently, one can be infected more quickly than some doctors would have you believe.

Authors:

Eleanor D. Hynote, Phyllis C. Mervine, Raphael B. Stricker

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, online 

before print, November 20, 2011.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2011.10.003

Abstract

Lyme disease transmission to humans by Ixodes ticks is 

thought to require at least 36–48 h of tick attachment. We 

describe 3 cases in which transmission of Borrelia 

burgdorferi, the spirochetal agent of Lyme disease, appears 

to have occurred in less than 24 h based on the degree of 

tick engorgement, clinical signs of acute infection, and 

immunologic evidence of acute Lyme disease.

Health care providers and individuals exposed to ticks 

should be aware that transmission of Lyme disease may occur 

more rapidly than animal models suggest. A diagnosis of Lyme 

disease should not be ruled out based on a short tick 

attachment time in a subject with clinical evidence of B. 

burgdorferi infection.

Click here for the details:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2011.10.003