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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
07:20
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
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Surveillance for Lyme disease in Canada: 2009-2015
S Gasmi1, N H Ogden2, L R Lindsay3
1Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC.
Summary
Lyme disease cases in Canada significantly increased from 2009 to 2015, with most infections acquired locally. Continued surveillance and prevention are crucial for managing this growing public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness with increasing incidence globally.
- Understanding disease trends is vital for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze seven years of Canadian Lyme disease surveillance data (2009-2015).
- To describe temporal, geographic, and demographic patterns of reported cases.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of incidence, seasonality, and geographic distribution.
- Logistic regression to identify demographic risk factors for Lyme disease.
Main Results:
- Reported Lyme disease cases rose over six-fold (144 in 2009 to 917 in 2015), primarily from Canadian-acquired infections.
- Incidence increased east of Manitoba, reflecting tick vector range expansion.
- Bimodal age distribution observed (5-9 and 45-74 years); erythema migrans rash and arthritis were common symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Lyme disease incidence and tick vector range are expanding in Canada.
- Sustained surveillance, prevention, and early treatment are essential to mitigate Lyme disease's impact.
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