The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 25, 2021; (Issue 1616)
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens
directed against some of the most common causative
pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are
listed in...
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens
directed against some of the most common causative
pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are
listed in Table 2; recommended antibiotic dosages for
treatment of CAP are listed in Tables 3 and 4. Joint
guidelines for treatment of CAP by the American
Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of
America (ATS/IDSA) were updated in 2019.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 7, 2019; (Issue 1582)
Patients who receive pretravel advice can reduce their
risk for many travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended
for travelers are reviewed in a separate...
Patients who receive pretravel advice can reduce their
risk for many travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended
for travelers are reviewed in a separate issue.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 20, 2019; (Issue 1572)
The FDA has approved omadacycline (Nuzyra – Paratek),
a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, for once-daily
IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial
pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial skin...
The FDA has approved omadacycline (Nuzyra – Paratek),
a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, for once-daily
IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial
pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial skin and skin
structure infections (ABSSSIs) in adults.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 3, 2017; (Issue 1524)
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV and viral hepatitis.
Some of the indications and dosages recommended
here have...
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV and viral hepatitis.
Some of the indications and dosages recommended
here have not been approved by the FDA.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 13, 2015; (Issue 1466)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often
ask for information about prevention of diarrhea,
malaria, and other travel-related conditions. Vaccines
recommended for travelers based on their...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often
ask for information about prevention of diarrhea,
malaria, and other travel-related conditions. Vaccines
recommended for travelers based on their destination,
length of stay, and planned activities were reviewed in
a previous issue.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 18, 2014; (Issue 1449)
Most patients with end-stage renal disease develop
hyperphosphatemia, which can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism,
vascular calcification, and cardiovascular
mortality. The FDA has approved sucroferric...
Most patients with end-stage renal disease develop
hyperphosphatemia, which can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism,
vascular calcification, and cardiovascular
mortality. The FDA has approved sucroferric oxyhydroxide
(Velphoro – Fresenius Medical Care), a chewable
phosphate binder, for treatment of hyperphosphatemia in
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It
is the first iron-based phosphate binder to be approved for
this indication.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 12, 2014; (Issue 1442)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
which was traditionally a nosocomially-acquired
organism but now frequently occurs in the absence
of healthcare exposure, is the predominant cause...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
which was traditionally a nosocomially-acquired
organism but now frequently occurs in the absence
of healthcare exposure, is the predominant cause of
suppurative skin and soft-tissue infections in many parts
of the US. Community-associated MRSA usually
causes furunculosis, purulent cellulitis, and abscesses,
but necrotizing fasciitis, necrotizing pneumonia, and
sepsis can also occur.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2013; (Issue 133)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact.
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis,...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact.
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis, and
enteric infections. Some of the indications and
dosages recommended here have not been approved
by the FDA.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2013; (Issue 131)
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results...
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results of
susceptibility studies, clinical trials, and the opinions
of Medical Letter reviewers. Tables 1 and 2 list the usual
dosages of antibacterial drugs.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2013; (Issue 1413)
The FDA has approved raxibacumab (rax” ee bak’ ue
mab; GSK), a fully human monoclonal antibody given by
intravenous infusion, for treatment of inhalational anthrax
in combination with appropriate...
The FDA has approved raxibacumab (rax” ee bak’ ue
mab; GSK), a fully human monoclonal antibody given by
intravenous infusion, for treatment of inhalational anthrax
in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs, and
for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax when alternative
therapies are not available or are not appropriate. It was
approved under the Animal Efficacy Rule, which allows
the FDA to approve drugs that demonstrate efficacy in
animals, providing that they would have a reasonable
human health benefit and are safe for human use.
Raxibacumab is only available from the CDC.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2013; (Issue 125)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting
chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the
follicle, causing inflammation.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2012; (Issue 118)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask
for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention
of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for
travelers is available from the Centers...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask
for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention
of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for
travelers is available from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel.
Guidelines are also available from the Infectious
Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2010; (Issue 95)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric infections. The drugs of choice, their dosages and alternatives are listed in a table that begins on page 54. A table listing the adverse effects of some of these antimicrobials begins on page 58.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2009; (Issue 87)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2008; (Issue 75)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 19, 2008; (Issue 1286)
The drug of choice for patients who require parenteral treatment for malaria is IV artesunate, which is available now from the CDC Malaria Branch (M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM eastern time, 770-488-7788 or, after hours,...
The drug of choice for patients who require parenteral treatment for malaria is IV artesunate, which is available now from the CDC Malaria Branch (M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM eastern time, 770-488-7788 or, after hours, 770-488-7100). Artesunate appears to be more effective than quinine1 and safer than quinidine, the other parenteral alternatives in the US. The CDC has supplies of artesunate in Atlanta and in 8 quarantine stations in major airports around the US. It will release the drug for appropriate patients (severe disease or unable to take oral drugs) if it can be supplied as quickly as quinidine, or if quinidine has failed, been poorly tolerated, or is contraindicated.
The herbal artemisinin derivatives artemether and artesunate are used worldwide for treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, but have not been marketed in the US.2,3 About 1500 cases of malaria are diagnosed each year in the US in returning travelers, and about 5% of these have severe disease.4
Artesunate is generally given over 3 days in 2.4 mg/kg doses at 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. It should be accompanied as soon as possible by an oral drug such as atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline (Vibramycin, and others; not for children <8 years old), clindamycin (Cleocin, and others) or mefloquine (Lariam, and others).
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2007; (Issue 61)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric infections. Guidelines are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with detailed recommendations for treatment of these diseases.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2007; (Issue 57)
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric...
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric treatment for some common types of infections are summarized in the text and a table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 40. The recommendations made here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2006; (Issue 45)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or www.cdc.gov/travel.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2006; (Issue 1228)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, which have been a concern for many years, previously occurred primarily in hospitalized patients and those recently treated with antibiotics. In...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, which have been a concern for many years, previously occurred primarily in hospitalized patients and those recently treated with antibiotics. In the past few years, there has been an increasing incidence worldwide of community-associated (CA) MRSA infections in patients without recent antibiotic exposure or contact with the healthcare system.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 5, 2005; (Issue 1223)
Many patients planning to travel seek advice about prevention of malaria. No drug is 100% effective for this indication; travelers should be told to take other protective measures as well. Malaria in pregnancy...
Many patients planning to travel seek advice about prevention of malaria. No drug is 100% effective for this indication; travelers should be told to take other protective measures as well. Malaria in pregnancy is particularly serious for both mother and fetus; prophylaxis is indicated if travel cannot be avoided. Countries with a risk of malaria are listed in the table on page 102. Some countries with endemic malaria transmission may not have malaria in the most frequently visited major cities and rural tourist resorts.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 28, 2005; (Issue 1218)
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis...
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in adults. Immediate-release azithromycin will probably become available generically later this year when its patent expires.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 23, 2005; (Issue 1209)
Lyme disease in North America is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by Ixodes scapularis or pacificus ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; coinfection...
Lyme disease in North America is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by Ixodes scapularis or pacificus ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; coinfection with Babesia microti or Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia) has been reported.1 In 2001 and 2002, 12 states (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, WI) reported about 95% of all the Lyme disease in the US, but cases occurred in all states except HI, MT and OK. Most Lyme disease in North America occurs between May and September.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2004; (Issue 26)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric infections. Guidelines are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with detailed recommendations for treatment of these diseases (MMWR Recomm Rep 2002; 51, RR-6:1). New guidelines are expected soon.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 20, 2004; (Issue 1192)
Gemifloxacin (Factive - Oscient), a new oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for 5 days' treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and 7 days' treatment...
Gemifloxacin (Factive - Oscient), a new oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for 5 days' treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and 7 days' treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. For the next 6-8 months it will only be available, presumably for commercial reasons, in states east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004; (Issue 1189)
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in...
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in patients age 18 and older. The drug is the first in a new class of antibiotics, the ketolides, derived from the macrolide erythromycin. Telithromycin has been marketed in Europe since 2001.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004; (Issue 1189)
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously...
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously unfamiliar parasites. The table below lists first-choice and alternative drugs for most parasitic infections. The brand names and manufacturers of the drugs are listed in this article.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2004; (Issue 19)
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the...
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 18. These recommendations are based on results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Local resistance patterns should be taken into account. Trade names are listed on page 24.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2003; (Issue 13)
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid...
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid conditions and whether the infection is community or hospital-acquired also need to be considered.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 20, 2003; (Issue 1148)
Augmentin XR (GlaxoSmithKline), an oral extended-release combination of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, is now being promoted for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and...
Augmentin XR (GlaxoSmithKline), an oral extended-release combination of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, is now being promoted for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Augmentin XR contains a higher dose of amoxicillin than Augmentin.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 15, 2002; (Issue 1128)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the CDC at...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the CDC at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or www.cdc.gov/travel.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 29, 2001; (Issue 1116)
Superseded by Handbook of Antimicrobial TherapyThe Medical Letter article on Drugs and Vaccines against Biological Weapons, published in the previous issue (October 15, 2001, page 87), included a brief...
Superseded by Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy The Medical Letter article on Drugs and Vaccines against Biological Weapons, published in the previous issue (October 15, 2001, page 87), included a brief discussion of post-exposure prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax. Recent events call for more detail.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2000; (Issue 1077)
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; co-transmission of Babesia and Ehrlichia species has been...
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; co-transmission of Babesia and Ehrlichia species has been reported.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 21, 2000; (Issue 1072)
Gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin are now available for once-daily treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or acute...
Gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin are now available for once-daily treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or acute sinusitis.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 24, 2000; (Issue 1070)
Patients planning to travel often ask for advice on prophylaxis against malaria. None of the antimalarials used in the past for prophylaxis has been entirely...
Patients planning to travel often ask for advice on prophylaxis against malaria. None of the antimalarials used in the past for prophylaxis has been entirely satisfactory.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 28, 1998; (Issue 1034)
Cefdinir (Omnicef - Parke-Davis), a third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute sinusitis, otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis,...
Cefdinir (Omnicef - Parke-Davis), a third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute sinusitis, otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, community-acquired pneumonia and skin infections. Other drugs available for these indications are reviewed in The Medical Letter Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy, 1998.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 9, 1997; (Issue 1000)
Lyme disease, a multisystem infection transmitted by ixodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common vector-borne illness in the USA. Cases have been reported in 44 states, and...
Lyme disease, a multisystem infection transmitted by ixodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi is the most common vector-borne illness in the USA. Cases have been reported in 44 states, and also in Canada and many countries in Europe and Asia (ME Falagas and SL Gorbach, Infect Dis Clin Pract, 5:217, 1996).
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 16, 1992; (Issue 881)
Lyme disease, a multisystem infection transmitted by ixodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi the most common vector-borne illness in the USA. It occurs, mainly in the northeast, upper...
Lyme disease, a multisystem infection transmitted by ixodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi the most common vector-borne illness in the USA. It occurs, mainly in the northeast, upper midwest, and California, but cases have been reported in 48 states, and also in Canada and many countries in Europe.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 15, 1992; (Issue 870)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott) and azithromycin (Zithromax - Pfizer), two macrolide antibiotics chemically related to erythromycin, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of...
Clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott) and azithromycin (Zithromax - Pfizer), two macrolide antibiotics chemically related to erythromycin, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of respiratory, skin, and skin structure infections. Azithromycin has also been approved for treatment of nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 1992; (Issue 869)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Legal requirements for entry and epidemiological conditions in...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Legal requirements for entry and epidemiological conditions in different countries vary from time to time, often unpredictably, but some reasonable recommendations can be made. More detailed information is available in Health Information for International Travel, published annually by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Up-to-date automated information is available by telephone from the CDC (404-332-4559).
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 15, 1991; (Issue 857)
Two new topical corticosteroids - fluticasone (Cutivate - Glaxo), a mediumpotency product, and halobetasol propionate (Ultravate - Westwood-Squibb), a superhigh- potency drug- were recently approved for...
Two new topical corticosteroids - fluticasone (Cutivate - Glaxo), a mediumpotency product, and halobetasol propionate (Ultravate - Westwood-Squibb), a superhigh- potency drug- were recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 16, 1989; (Issue 794)
Lyme disease, a multisystem bacterial transmitted by Ixodid ticks, particularly in early summer, continues to be a common problem in the USA and many other countries. Since last year (Medical Letter, 30:65,...
Lyme disease, a multisystem bacterial transmitted by Ixodid ticks, particularly in early summer, continues to be a common problem in the USA and many other countries. Since last year (Medical Letter, 30:65, 1988), some new information has become available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still limited.
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 1988; (Issue 769)
Lyme Disease, a multisystem inflammatory disorder transmitted by lxodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is now the most common tick-transmitted illness in the USA. It has been reported...
Lyme Disease, a multisystem inflammatory disorder transmitted by lxodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is now the most common tick-transmitted illness in the USA. It has been reported in 32 states and on all other continents except Antarctica. Infected ticks have been found not only in wooded areas, but also on well-maintained suburban lawns (RC Falco and D Fish, Am J Epidemiol, 127:826, April 1988). Optimal treatment for this newly discovered disease is still being determined, but some recommendations based on published experience and work in progress can be made.