Lyme borreliosis in Scotland during two peak periods

The epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis (LB) and climatic conditions in Scotland were studied. Questionnaire data from all new seropositive patients from July to September 2007 and 2008 were examined along with demographic data from seropositive patients, rainfall and temperature data for these years. There were significantly more samples, seropositive patients and seropositive patients per patients tested in July to September 2008 than 2007. The average annual incidence rate for 2007 and 2008 was estimated at 5.9/100,000 population for Scotland and 43.4/100,000 population for the Highlands of Scotland, increasing to 10.6 and 81.0/100,000 population respectively for the peak months July to September. January to April 2008 was significantly wetter and May to July 2008 significantly drier than in 2007. The number of cases of LB in Scotland is increasing annually as a result of many different factors including increased awareness, improved laboratory techniques and a complex relationship between climatic factors, tick behaviour and human behaviour.

Keywords Borrelia burgdorferi, climate, clinical symptoms, Lyme borreliosis

Declaration of Interests No conflict of interests declared.