Does Lyme disease exist in Australia?

• Published in: Medical journal of Australia Vol. 205; no. 9; p. 413
• Main Authors: Collignon, Peter J, Lum, Gary D, Robson, Jennifer Mb
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 07.11.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Arachnid Vectors - classification; Australia; Female; Humans; Lyme Disease - diagnosis; Lyme Disease - prevention & control; Lyme Disease - transmission; Male; Primary Prevention - organization & administration; Ticks; Travel

There is no convincing evidence that classic Lyme disease occurs in Australia, nor is there evidence that the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, is found in Australian animals or ticks. Lyme disease, however, can be acquired overseas but diagnosed in Australia; most people presenting with labora...