Lyme Disease Vaccine: A Tick for Prevention
Lyme disease vaccine appears to be the most effective management option for the prevention of Lyme disease. Although administration of the adjuvanted formulation of Lyme disease vaccine (LYMErix) is recommended according to a 12-month vaccination schedule, a 6-month schedule appears to induce similar immunogenicity. It provides effective protection against Lyme disease in approximately 80% of vaccinated adults and, on the basis of preliminary data, it may also have a place in the prevention of Lyme disease in children <15 years of age.
However, booster doses are necessary to ensure protective antibody levels are maintained for longer than 1 or 2 Lyme disease seasons. In view of its high protective efficacy and good tolerability profile, Lyme disease vaccine represents a promising agent for the prevention of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a systemic tick-borne disease caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgorferi. The incidence of Lyme disease, which is endemic in the US, Canada and parts of Europe and Asia, is on the increase. In the US, children (aged ≤14 years) and older adults (aged 40 to 79 years) appear to be the most susceptible. Early Lyme disease is characterised by a localised erythematous skin lesion at the site of infection. Although diagnosis at this stage can be difficult (see table 1), Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibacterial agents (oral beta-lactams, tetracyclines) [see article entitled 'Antibacterial treatment of early Lyme disease prevents late complications' Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 1999 Sep 13; 14 (6):5-7 and erratum 2000 May 8; 15 (9): 8]. Untreated Lyme disease can develop potentially serious complications. Early manifestations may include neurological, musculoskeletal and/or rare cardiological conditions. The most common late manifestations of Lyme disease include rheumatological and neurological symptoms.
Lyme disease vaccine appears to be the most effective management option for the prevention of Lyme disease. Although administration of the adjuvanted formulation of Lyme disease vaccine (LYMErix) is recommended according to a 12-month vaccination schedule, a 6-month schedule appears to induce similar immunogenicity. It provides effective protection against Lyme disease in approximately 80% of vaccinated adults and, on the basis of preliminary data, it may also have a place in the prevention of Lyme disease in children <15 years of age.
However, booster doses are necessary to ensure protective antibody levels are maintained for longer than 1 or 2 Lyme disease seasons. In view of its high protective efficacy and good tolerability profile, Lyme disease vaccine represents a promising agent for the prevention of Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a systemic tick-borne disease caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgorferi. The incidence of Lyme disease, which is endemic in the US, Canada and parts of Europe and Asia, is on the increase. In the US, children (aged ≤14 years) and older adults (aged 40 to 79 years) appear to be the most susceptible. Early Lyme disease is characterised by a localised erythematous skin lesion at the site of infection. Although diagnosis at this stage can be difficult (see table 1), Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibacterial agents (oral beta-lactams, tetracyclines) [see article entitled 'Antibacterial treatment of early Lyme disease prevents late complications' Drugs & Therapy Perspectives 1999 Sep 13; 14 (6):5-7 and erratum 2000 May 8; 15 (9): 8]. Untreated Lyme disease can develop potentially serious complications. Early manifestations may include neurological, musculoskeletal and/or rare cardiological conditions. The most common late manifestations of Lyme disease include rheumatological and neurological symptoms.
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