Lyme Disease: An Evidence-based Approach

This new edition of Lyme Disease provides up-to-date evidence-based research and covers the significant advances in our understanding of the disorders referred to as Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis. This book explores the causative organism, its requisite ecosystem, disease epidemiology, host-Borrelia interactions, diagnostic testing, clinical manifestations, therapeutic options, the role of host immunity on pathogenesis and long term prognosis. The authors provide balanced perspectives on all aspects of Lyme disease and explicitly review both the basic biology of the infection and practical clinical aspects. This new edition: Includes new borrelial pathogens that have been identified (B. miyamotoi, B. mayonii and B. bavariensis among others). Provides updated information on the molecular biology of the organism, neuroborreliosis, and the role of the C6 peptide in diagnosis. Discusses the controversies about ‘chronic Lyme disease’, post Lyme disease syndrome and other ongoing but non-specific symptoms that have been attributed to this infection. As the endemic footprint of Lyme disease continues to grow, this book provides a broad and detailed guide for clinicians and researchers involved with the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Covering biology, epidemiology and therapeutics, it is also essential reading for students of global health and infectious disease.