Lyme disease

The primary transmission vector for Lyme disease is the tick. There are several species of tick, but the main transmitters of Lyme disease and co-infections in Quebec are the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the oriental blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus). These tick species feed on a variety of mammalian and avian hosts, including deer, rodents and bird species. By swallowing the blood of an affected animal, it can become contaminated with the various pathogens and in turn, infect the next host from which it draws blood through its saliva. An infected tick will also lay infected eggs, so any newborn ticks will also be contaminated.

Getting infected here in Quebec is quite possible. For example, you could contract the disease while out and about in the woods, just by sitting on your lawn, while gardening or tending your shrubs, by your pet bringing an infected tick into your home, or even while travelling to an endemic region. Precautions are essential to avoid being bitten. For example, wearing clothing that covers the arms, legs and head, using insect repellent for humans and pets, and examining yourself thoroughly after going outdoors (including with pets).

Most Borrelia burgdorferi infections happen during the warmer months, but cases of Lyme disease have been reported all year round. Ticks can be active at any time of year, especially at temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius.

In America, Lyme disease is generally caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdoferi, which is transmitted by an infected blacklegged tick. In medical terms, we often use “borreliosis.” It is the most widespread vector-borne disease in temperate climates. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates that the number of diagnosed cases each year is over 300,000, excluding cases that fly under the radar of diagnostic tools.

Lyme disease takes its name from the town of Lyme in Connecticut. In 1975, a major outbreak affected some 51 people, who developed numerous symptoms, including arthritic attacks, severe headaches, Bell’s palsy, chronic fatigue and many others. In 1981, scientist Dr. Willy Burdogfer discovered that the bacterium responsible for these outbreaks was a form of spirochaete transmitted by ticks. It was named in his honour (Borrelia Burdogferi).