Lyme disease in children

Lyme disease, a recently recognized clinical syndrome, caused by infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, and transitted by the Ixodes dammini tick, can be conceptualized into stages: early and late. Early disease consists of a distinctive skin lesion - erythema chronicum migrans, which may be associated with systemic symptoms. Late disease consists of arthritis and/or neurologic disease. The history of the description of this disorder, its epidemiology, and immunopathology are reviewed. The clinical features and treatment, especially as they relate to children are diiscussed. Our experience at a children's hospital in an endemic area is summarized.