Lyme-Borreliosis suspicion; initial consultation

Lyme Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is an illness caused by an infection with bacteria of the species Borrelia burgdorferi (Borreliæ). These bacteria are transmitted to humans through tick bites, with no direct transmission from person to person. The disease can affect various organ systems, including the skin, nervous system, and joints. Currently, there is no available vaccine for prevention.

In Germany, approximately 10% of nymphs and between 10% and 40% of adult ticks carry Borrelia. After being bitten by an infected tick, about 10-20% of cases result in infection. The risk of transmission significantly increases if the tick has been feeding for longer than 48 hours. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the prevalence of Borrelia in ticks varies greatly on a small scale and can reach up to 30%. Studies conducted in Germany and Switzerland have shown that 2.6% to 5.6% of individuals tested positive for Borrelia infection after a tick bite. Tick bites often go unnoticed, especially when dealing with nymphs, which are responsible for most human infections.

Borrelia infections can be asymptomatic (with spontaneous elimination of the pathogen) or symptomatic (Lyme disease). In symptomatic infections, approximately 60-80% of cases develop an erythema migrans rash after the tick bite.

In 20-40% of cases, Lyme disease manifests in the disseminated stage. Borrelia infection does not confer immunity, thus reinfections are possible. Currently, there is no prophylactic vaccine available.