Is It Possible to Make a Correct Diagnosis of Lyme Disease on Symptoms Alone? Review of Key Issues and Public Health Implications

Abstract

There is much confusion and misinformation about the diagnosis of Lyme disease, as well as its treatment. This review explains why one cannot make a correct diagnosis of Lyme disease based on symptoms alone. It also provides evidence to support the validity of two-tier testing for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease. The public health consequences of failing to consider these issues are discussed.

Keywords: Diagnosis of Lyme disease; Lyme disease; Public health implications; Symptoms of Lyme disease; Treatment of Lyme disease.