Epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases in the Netherlands

Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria, and transmitted through tick bites. The disease most commonly manifests as erythema migrans, a slowly expanding skin lesion at the site of the tick bite. Disseminated Lyme borreliosis can develop when the infection spreads to the nervous system, joints, skin or sometimes the heart. Most patients with Lyme borreliosis recover after antibiotic treatment, but some experience persisting symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, neurocognitive symptoms and fatigue. The research presented in this thesis provides insight in the epidemiology, disease burden and risk factors for Lyme borreliosis, and the incidence of other tick-borne infections. This is useful information for public health decision making and developing prevention strategies against Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases.