Sexual transmission of Lyme disease: challenging the tickborne disease paradigm

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015;13(11):1303-6. doi: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1081056. Epub 2015 Aug 26.

Abstract

Lyme disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi has become a major worldwide epidemic. In this article, we explore the clinical, epidemiological and experimental evidence for sexual transmission of Lyme disease in animal models and humans. Although the likelihood of sexual transmission of the Lyme spirochete remains speculative, the possibility of Lyme disease transmission via intimate human contact merits further study.

Keywords: Borrelia burgdorferi; Lyme disease; genital secretions; sexual transmission.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Borrelia burgdorferi
  • Humans
  • Lyme Disease / drug therapy
  • Lyme Disease / transmission*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy*