Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy And Associated Diagnostic Testing For Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a multisystem inflammatory disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis (northeastern U.S.) or Ixodes pacificus (Pacific coast, most common in Northern California) tick. The disease is characterized by stages, beginning with localized infection of the skin (erythema migrans), which may be followed by dissemination to many sites. Diagnostic testing for Lyme disease is challenging, and there is the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment.