Reduction in human Lyme neuroborreliosis associated with a major epidemic among roe deer

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Nanna Skaarup Andersen
  • Sigurdur Skarphédinsson
  • Fredrikke C. Knudtzen
  • Carsten Riis Olesen
  • Thøger Gorm Jensen
  • Jensen, Per Moestrup

Lyme neuroborreliosis is the most severe clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. In most of Denmark, and also Europe, the overall prevalence of Lyme borreliosis seems to be stabilising. This is not the case on the island of Funen, Denmark, where the number of human Lyme neuroborreliosis cases has markedly declined throughout the last decade. We propose the reason for the decline is a major epidemic among roe deer, killing almost half of their population, resulting in a reduction in the tick population which make it less likely to get a tick bite and therefore to contract Lyme neuroborreliosis. This is the first time such a relationship is described as a naturally occurring phenomenon in Europe.

Original languageEnglish
JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases
Volume9
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)379-381
Number of pages3
ISSN1877-959X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

ID: 195463792