Clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of Lyme disease in Hailin county, Heilongjiang Province, China

Abstract

Clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of Lyme disease in Hailin county, Heilongjiang Province, China have been reported. The clinical picture of erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) is variable. ECM in the form of annular erythematous patch is uncommon. It is an extensive and indurated lesion. In some instances, a vesicle or necrosis appears in the center of the lesion. Secondary erythema may present in some patients. The neurologic abnormalities consist of meningitis, facial palsy, and polyneuritis. Cardiac abnormalities are rare. In addition, there were cases with lymphadenosis benigna cutis (LABC), which had heretofore only been reported in Europe. The attack rate of ECM is 8.4%. There was a significant sex difference, and most cases occurred in May and June. All patients had a history of tick bite. The prevalence rates of neurologic abnormalities and arthritis were 4.6% and 6.6%, respectively. Three strains of spirochete that are closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi were isolated from Ixodes persulcatus ticks and facial palsy patients. From the above results it is concluded that a focus of Lyme disease exists in this region.