Is It Possible to Make a Correct Diagnosis of Lyme Disease on Symptoms Alone? Review of Key Issues and Public Health Implications
Date Added:
November 2, 2019
Journal/Publication:
The American Journal of Medicine
Publisher:
Elsevier, Inc.
Publication Date:
October 1, 2019
Issue:
10
Volume:
132
Pages:
1148-1152
Type:
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format:
Article
DOI (1):
10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.04.001
PMID (1):
31028718
Abstract
There is much confusion and misinformation about the diagnosis of Lyme disease, as well as its treatment. This review explains why one cannot make a correct diagnosis of Lyme disease based on symptoms alone. It also provides evidence to support the validity of two-tier testing for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease. The public health consequences of failing to consider these issues are discussed.
Text Availability
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RPR Commentary
While Lyme disease is extremely rare in Oklahoma, I’m sure you have all encountered patients who think they have it. This is a nice review of the diagnostic tests required to confirm the diagnosis. James W. Mold, MD, MPH