Lyme disease: a review

Lyme disease is an uncommon multisystem spirochaetal infection that has attracted public and media attention in the United Kingdom during the last few years. The spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are found throughout the UK in rural habitats and areas of urban parkland which attract many visitors. The illness can present with skin, nervous system, joint or other manifestations although infection may be asymptomatic. The risk of infection is small and can be reduced further by employing simple precautions to avoid tick bites.