Epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases in the Netherlands

Agnetha Hofhuis

Research output: ThesisDoctoral thesis 2 (Research NOT UU / Graduation UU)

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Abstract

Lyme borreliosis is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria, and transmitted through tick bites. The disease most commonly manifests as erythema migrans, a slowly expanding skin lesion at the site of the tick bite. Disseminated Lyme borreliosis can develop when the infection spreads to the nervous system, joints, skin or sometimes the heart. Most patients with Lyme borreliosis recover after antibiotic treatment, but some experience persisting symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, neurocognitive symptoms and fatigue. The research presented in this thesis provides insight in the epidemiology, disease burden and risk factors for Lyme borreliosis, and the incidence of other tick-borne infections. This is useful information for public health decision making and developing prevention strategies against Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Coutinho, Roel, Primary supervisor
  • van Pelt, W., Co-supervisor, External person
  • Sprong, H., Co-supervisor, External person
Award date2 Nov 2017
Publisher
Print ISBNs978-90-393-6862-6
Publication statusPublished - 2 Nov 2017

Keywords

  • Lyme borreliosis
  • tick bites
  • tick-borne diseases
  • erythema migrans
  • epidemiology
  • incidence
  • Netherlands
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • risk assessment
  • public health impact

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