PREVALENCE OF LYME DISEASE IN U.K

Prevalence of Lyme disease in U.K



PREVALENCE OF LYME DISEASE IN U.K. - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction

Lyme disease has become a common problem in the United Kingdom according to available studies. This study aims to investigate the evidence regarding the prevalence of Lyme disease in the United Kingdom and to analyse the risk factors associated it.

Papers on Lyme disease were retrieved by systematically searching MedLine, Pro Quest (Health and medicine) and EBSCO databases (1990 to 2010). All retrieved titles, abstracts and full-text articles were screened to identify prevalence with or without risk factors associated with this disease. Data extraction was primarily concerned with outcome variables of the research questions of this review. The quality assessment exercise shows an increment in Lyme disease or Lyme Borreliosis over the years that have led to adverse effects on the health of the people.

Seventeen papers from three countries were included for this review. The findings of the reviewed studies suggested an increase prevalence of Lyme disease up to 90% in the United Kingdom since 2006. The major countries in the U.K. that are suffering are Sweden, New Forest, South Downs, Dorset, and Berkshire.

Discussion

Understanding the vast prevalence of this disease is necessary for a proper perspective on the disease. Also the exposure to ticks should be minimised. Effective public health policies and awareness campaigns are necessary to control Lyme disease in the United Kingdom.

Key words

Lyme disease, Tick bites, United Kingdom, Prevalence, Risk Factors

Introduction

Lyme disease was initially perceived to be an American disease only. This had put the U.K. population at ease that they might not be affected by it. However in recent times, Lyme disease has become a global menace. According to the Health Protection Agency in England, Lyme disease is highly infectious that is normally contagious in mild summer season. The disease spreads through tick bites and can lead to serious health disorders including paralysis, blindness, meningitis, inflammation of heart muscles, peripheral neuropathy, depression, and even death. The bacterium that is responsible to spread the disease is known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The formal identification of Lyme disease dates back to 1975 when a mother reported that her children had contracted Rheumatoid Arthritis. Later on the symptoms showed that they were suffering from tick bites and hence the disease came to be known as Lyme disease. Lyme disease affects different areas of the body in varying degrees as it progresses. The site where the tick bites the body is where the bacteria enter through the skin. As the bacteria spread in the skin away from the initial tick bite, the infection causes an expanding reddish rash that i. the initial symptoms are of flu but later on it produces abnormalities in the joints, heart, and nervous system. Studies show that depression and anxiety are two of the most common and rapid symptoms that occur in patients on the verge of developing Lyme disease. Lyme disease can occur at any age and does now discriminate between genders; however, the highest incidence of ...