Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG95/3

Question

Seroprevalence of Lyme disease-specific antibodies and other tick-borne infections in the UK population:- What is the current seroprevalence of Lyme disease-specific antibodies and other tick-borne infections in people in the UK?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- This information is not currently available and is of high priority. Without understanding the underlying population's seroprevalence of Lyme disease-specific antibodies in the UK, it is impossible to interpret incidence data accurately or to understand fully the epidemiology of Lyme disease in the UK. The available data suggest there are areas of higher and lower prevalence in the UK but there are many gaps in knowledge. This study is needed to act as a basis for future studies. The information may also help interpret serology of individuals living in endemic areas where positive serological results may be more common and may not always indicate an acute or recent infection.
Data now may also act as a baseline to help determine whether Lyme disease is spreading and becoming more common. This will be of benefit to patients affected by Lyme disease and healthcare workers treating it in the UK. Many people are concerned about the possible presence of co-infections transmitted by ticks; these are thought to be rare in the UK (compared with other parts of the world) but there are insufficient data to confirm or refute this. Better evidence may improve diagnostic and treatment decisions.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Lyme disease

Number

NG95

Date issued

April 2018

Other details