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Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
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Lyme disease in children

Sunil K Sood1

  • 1Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Southside Hospital, 301 East Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706, USA; Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Lyme disease in children shares adult treatment protocols but requires avoiding doxycycline in those under 8. Early detection of elevated intracranial pressure is crucial to prevent vision loss in pediatric Lyme disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding age-specific nuances in Lyme disease diagnosis and management is critical for effective pediatric care.
  • Tick-borne illnesses require vigilant prevention and prompt treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease in children.
  • To highlight key differences in pediatric Lyme disease care compared to adults.
  • To provide guidance on serologic testing and prevention of tick bites in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical guidelines and literature on pediatric Lyme disease.
  • Analysis of age-specific treatment recommendations, particularly regarding antibiotic choices.
  • Emphasis on recognizing and managing specific pediatric presentations like elevated intracranial pressure.

Main Results:

  • Lyme disease diagnosis and management in children largely mirrors adult protocols, with notable exceptions.
  • Doxycycline is contraindicated as an initial empiric treatment for children aged 8 years and younger.
  • Children may develop insidious elevated intracranial pressure during acute disseminated Lyme disease, necessitating prompt intervention to preserve vision.
  • Pediatric patients with Lyme disease, including late disseminated Lyme arthritis, generally have an excellent prognosis.
  • Guidance on appropriate use of serologic tests is provided.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric Lyme disease management requires specific considerations, particularly antibiotic selection for younger children.
  • Awareness of potential complications like elevated intracranial pressure is vital for preventing long-term sequelae.
  • Pediatricians and family practitioners must be proficient in the prevention and management of tick bites and Lyme disease in children.

Keywords:
ChildrenIncreased intracranial pressureLyme meningitisOptic nerveTick bite managementTick bite prevention

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