Management of Lyme Disease: Recommendations for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Lyme disease is an emerging vector-borne disease in some parts of Canada. Management of Lyme disease is challenging, complicated by an array of clinical presentations and limited evidence supporting diagnostic and treatment strategies. Recommendations and clinical decision support tools for the management of localized and disseminated Lyme disease could support changes in clinical practice and lead to better patient care. Based on a systematic review of available evidence, the safety and effectiveness of single-dose doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following a recent tick bite to prevent Lyme disease is uncertain. A shared decision-making process that includes a discussion of other management options could be used before prescribing PEP.

These reports were originally published in French by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). CADTH is pleased to provide this translated version. The original reports, in French, are available to view on the INESSS website:

• Lyme Disease, from diagnosis to treatment, at the localized and disseminated stages
• Post-tick bite antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease