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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
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Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose MED Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response
Published on: October 3, 2019
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Erythema migrans.
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Skyline Office #2NC20, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 23, 2015
Summary
Erythema migrans (EM), a common sign of Lyme disease, is diagnosed clinically. Prompt antibiotic treatment ensures an excellent prognosis for this Borrelia burgdorferi infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Erythema migrans (EM) is the primary clinical sign of Borrelia burgdorferi infection, the cause of Lyme disease.
- While characteristic, EM is not exclusive to Lyme disease and requires differentiation from other skin conditions.
- Many patients with EM do not recall a tick bite, and systemic symptoms are often present.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic criteria and management of Erythema migrans.
- To emphasize the clinical nature of EM diagnosis and the role of laboratory tests.
- To highlight the importance of prompt treatment and preventive measures against tick bites.
Main Methods:
- Clinical diagnosis of Erythema migrans based on characteristic skin lesions.
- Exclusion of other dermatological conditions with similar presentations.
- Review of treatment protocols and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Erythema migrans is a clinical diagnosis; serologic and PCR assays are generally not required.
- Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia may suggest alternative diagnoses or coinfections.
- Prompt antimicrobial treatment of EM leads to an excellent prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Erythema migrans is reliably diagnosed through clinical assessment.
- Appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial for favorable outcomes in Lyme disease.
- Preventive measures against tick bites are essential in endemic areas.
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