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Lyme disease in France: a primary care-based prospective study

2005; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 133; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0950268805004413

1469-4409

Laurent Letrilliart, Brittany Knick Ragon, Thomas Hanslik, Antoine Flahault,

Viral Infections and Vectors

To estimate the incidence of Lyme borreliosis in France, describe its clinical presentations, and assess its potential risk factors, we conducted a nationwide prospective study in the French Sentinelles Network, consisting of 1178 general practitioners (GPs). Of these, 875 (74%), i.e. 1·6% of all French GPs, participated in the study from May 1999 to April 2000. Eighty-six cases of Lyme disease were reported and validated, of which 77 (90%) consisted of erythema migrans. At national level, the incidence was estimated at 9·4/100000 inhabitants. Compared to the French general population, Lyme disease patients were older ( P <10 −4 ), more were living in rural areas ( P <10 −3 ), and amongst the working population, more were farmers ( P <10 −3 ) and fewer, salaried workers ( P <0·005). Cervidae density correlated strongly with the estimated regional incidence of Lyme disease ( r =0·82). Both incidence data and identified risk factors can help to target measures for its prevention and treatment.