Is It Possible to Make a Correct Diagnosis of Lyme Disease on Symptoms Alone? Review of Key Issues and Public Health Implications

Author/s: 
Baker, PJ
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

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

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.

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