A closer look at Lyme disease

Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can be rather intricate. Early recognized Lyme disease following a tick bite responds well to treatment with antibiotics. However, the picture becomes more complex in patients who suffer from later and more severe stages of the disease, or in patients who exhibit long-term complaints that are not typical of Lyme disease. A differentiated approach based on carefully weighed treatment options for different groups of patients is therefore indicated. This is one of the main points contained in the Dutch Health Council’s report A closer look at Lyme disease, that has been presented to the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament on 26 June 2013. It is based on the best available knowledge and uses the experiences of all those involved.