Abstract

BRIANCON AYO, Carola. Lyme disease in Tarija - Bolivia. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2003, vol.42, n.3, pp.166-169. ISSN 1024-0675.

Research question. Is there Lyme disease in Bolivia? Objective. To determine the disease in a possible endemic area. Population. People living in the Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna in Tariquia. Design. Exploratory and descriptive study Method. Blood samples were taken in the key areas of the people in the reserve who were informed of the purpose of the study. There were two screening tests: Immune assay and indirect immunofluorescence. Immunoblot test to confirm positive cases and a VDRL test to rule out cross reactions with the T. pallidum. Results. Four cases of Lyme disease and 11 cases of syphilis were found. Conclusions. This is the first time that cases of Lyme disease are found in Bolivia. Health personnel and population should be informed and made aware of the disease, its consequences and treatment.

Keywords : Lyme disease; Borrelia burgdorferi; borreliosis.