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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
Lyme disease in Poland in 2014
Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz1, Irena Chrześcijańska1
1National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, Department of Epidemiology
Introduction:
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia genus transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus. Infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi occur throughout Poland and therefore, according also to ECDC description, the whole country should be considered as an endemic area.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2014 in comparison to the previous years.
Materials And Methods:
The descriptive analysis was based on data retrieved from routine mandatory surveillance system and published in the annual bulletin “Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2014” (MP Czarkowski et al., Warsaw 2015, NIZP-PZH, GIS).
Results:
The number of cases of Lyme disease in recent years is steadily increasing. In total, 13.870 cases of Lyme disease registered in Poland in 2014, i.e. 8% more cases than in the previous year. The overall incidence in the country was 36.0 per 100,000 population. The highest incidence rate was recorded in Podlaskie voivodeship – 106.8 per 100,000. In 2014, 2.236 people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease.
Summary And Conclusions:
In 2014, the growth rate of incidence decreased significantly. 8% more cases were registered compared with the previous year. There is still a need for bringing awareness of the need for diagnostic laboratory testing according to recommendations.
Insights
Lyme disease cases in Poland increased by 8% in 2014, reaching 13,870. Despite a slower growth rate, continued awareness of diagnostic testing is crucial for managing this common tick-borne illness.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne illness.
- Poland is considered an endemic area for Lyme disease due to widespread Borrelia infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 2014 epidemiological status of Lyme disease in Poland.
- To compare the 2014 data with previous years' trends.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of mandatory surveillance data.
- Utilized data from the "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2014" bulletin.
Main Results:
- 13,870 Lyme disease cases were registered in Poland in 2014, an 8% increase from the prior year.
- The national incidence rate was 36.0 per 100,000 population, with Podlaskie voivodeship showing the highest rate (106.8 per 100,000).
- 2,236 hospitalizations occurred due to Lyme disease in 2014.
Conclusions:
- The incidence growth rate of Lyme disease in Poland significantly slowed in 2014.
- Emphasizes the ongoing need for public awareness regarding recommended diagnostic laboratory testing for Lyme disease.
