The Laboratory Diagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis: Guidelines from the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network

Lyme borreliosis is uncommonly seen in Canada. Most cases have occurred in close proximity to small geographical areas where infected ticks have become established. Although few cases are seen, thousands of patients are tested yearly. Unless patients are carefully selected and an appropriately sensi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2007-01-01
Series:Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2007/495108
Description
Summary:Lyme borreliosis is uncommonly seen in Canada. Most cases have occurred in close proximity to small geographical areas where infected ticks have become established. Although few cases are seen, thousands of patients are tested yearly. Unless patients are carefully selected and an appropriately sensitive and specific testing algorithm is applied, large numbers of patients without Lyme borreliosis will be incorrectly diagnosed. The Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network has developed the present guidelines to assist physicians in assessing patients for Lyme borreliosis, and to help guide the choice and interpretation of laboratory testing.
ISSN:1712-9532