Related Experiment Videos
Lyme disease in Minnesota: epidemiologic and serologic findings
Abstract:
During the four years, 1980 to 1983, 83 Minnesota residents have been diagnosed with Lyme disease. Sixty-five of the patients were male. The median age of patients was 39 years with a range from one to 77 years. Seventy-five (90 percent) had onset in 1982 and 1983. Of these latter cases, 56 (75 percent) recalled a tick bite three to 27 days prior to the development of erythema chronicum migrans. Patients experienced possible exposure to Ixodes dammini in at least 24 (28 percent) of the 87 Minnesota counties; however, over 50 percent had reported exposure in one of eight east-central counties near or immediately west of the Wisconsin border. Serologic studies for antibody against the Ixodes dammini spirochete were completed on 30 patients with onset in 1982 and 1983. Of 28 patients with paired acute and convalescent serum samples, only two (7 percent) had fourfold rises in antibody titers. Lyme disease is an emerging public health problem in Minnesota. Additional studies are needed to define the risk of disease by geographic area within the state. Physicians statewide should be alert to the possibility of Lyme disease among their patients, since only 39 percent of patients with onset in 1982 and 1983 were exposed in their county of residence.
Insights
Lyme disease is an emerging health concern in Minnesota, with most cases diagnosed between 1982-1983. Many patients recalled tick bites, and exposure was widespread, indicating a need for further research and physician awareness.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Lyme disease diagnosis in Minnesota residents from 1980-1983.
- Demographic data including age and gender of diagnosed patients.
- Temporal trends showing a surge in cases during 1982-1983.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of Lyme disease in Minnesota.
- To identify geographic areas of potential exposure to Ixodes dammini.
- To assess serologic responses in patients with suspected Lyme disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of diagnosed Lyme disease cases (1980-1983).
- Analysis of patient-reported tick bites and erythema chronicum migrans onset.
- Geographic mapping of reported Ixodes dammini exposure.
- Serologic testing for antibodies against Ixodes dammini spirochetes.
Main Results:
- 83 Minnesota residents diagnosed with Lyme disease between 1980-1983; 90% had onset in 1982-1983.
- 75% of patients with recent onset recalled a tick bite preceding erythema chronicum migrans.
- Exposure to Ixodes dammini reported in 28% of Minnesota counties, with higher concentrations in east-central areas.
- Low seroconversion rates (7%) observed in patients with paired serum samples.
Conclusions:
- Lyme disease represents an emerging public health issue in Minnesota.
- Further studies are required to delineate geographic disease risk within the state.
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Lyme disease, considering that many patients were exposed outside their county of residence.