Lyme disease rates high, yet the disease remains under-reported

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Posted on the Pediatric SuperSite on November 21, 2010

Lyme disease rates high, yet the disease remains under-reported

http://www.pediatricsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=77910

Submit a CommentEmailPrintNEW YORK CITY – Lyme disease is the most common

vector-borne disease in North America, yet cases remain unreported, according to

data presented here at the 23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children

Symposium.

M. Lantos, MD, department of pediatric infectious diseases, Duke University

Medical Center, Durham, N.C., discussed during his presentation issues in Lyme

disease, including clinical features; recommended therapy; appropriate use and

interpretation of tests; concerns unique to pediatrics; and the controversy of

chronic Lyme disease

Pediatric-specific issues included a discussion of the prevention/prophylaxis of

Lyme disease and when to use doxycycline in pediatric patients, and an

exploration of the controversy of a congenital Lyme syndrome.

" Doxycycline is the preferred oral drug, " said Lantos, adding that length of

treatment should be 4 weeks or less.

Lantos emphasized that Lyme disease has finite, well-described manifestations;

diagnostic testing should be performed judiciously; treatment is generally less

than four weeks; reliable guidelines exist to assist physicians; and it is the

job of the physician to educate colleagues and the public.

Diagnosis of Lyme disease is not definite, but erythema migrans (EM) does occur

in 70% to 80% of patients; multiple EM is not uncommon. EM occurs more

frequently in children, possibly because parents are better at inspecting their

children for suspect rashes better than they check themselves, according to

Lantos. However, it is important to also remember that Lyme disease is a

geographical disease, which helps with the diagnosis, Lantos said during his

presentation.

" Between 80% and 90% of Lyme diseases cases occur in the North East, " he said.

" Most cases in other areas are imported from endemic areas. " – by Christen Cona

For more information:

& #9632;Lantos PM. Lyme Disease: When to worry? What to do?. Presented at: the

23rd Annual Infectious Diseases in Children Symposium; Nov. 20-21, 2010; New

York City.

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