How do people get Lyme Disease?
There is solid scientific evidence showing Lyme is transmitted through tick bites. Yet fifty percent of the time someone has chronic Lyme they do not remember a tick bite. In spite of this public health authorities and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) hold on tight to a ridiculous view that it is only transmitted through tick bites. Well, I think they have it wrong. In this article I review, based on science, the other ways Lyme may be transmitted. And it is more than the ticks.
Sex, Pregnancy, and Babies
There is scientific evidence and/or proof based on experience showing it is transmitted during pregnancy, through sexual intercourse, and possibly breast feeding. For more information about this see Lyme & Pregnancy: Will My Baby Get It; What About My Health? and Can Lyme Sexually Transmitted? Yes.
It’s in The Bugs
Now this is where it gets interesting. I have seen numerous people in my practice who come down with acute Lyme after mosquito bites or some other type of bug bites. So I think based on my experience that it addition to ticks Lyme is transmitted by other bugs.
There are studies that show mosquitos, fleas, mites, and flies carry Lyme (1, 2, 3). This does not prove that these insects transmit Lyme, but one has to wonder. In my review of the scientific research database, I cannot find any studies that have been conducted to see if any type of bugs other than ticks transmit Lyme.
What About Kissing, Holding Hands, Sharing Tooth Brushes or Spoons or Drinks?
In my opinion and based on what I see in my practice I do not believe Lyme is spread through kissing, touching, or sharing of tooth brushes, eating utensils like forks, or drinks. However, in my review of the scientific research data base I do not see that any research has been conducted looking at these ways of spreading Lyme.
Is It in The Air or Water?
I really do not think so. But when 50% of people with Lyme do not remember a tick bite it is a valid question that I am often asked by my patients.
1) Tetow, GJ et. al. Isolation of Borrelia Burgdoferi from Arthropods Collected in Texas. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1991 May; 44(5) 469-74.
2) Pokom, P. Incidence of the Spirochete Borrellia Burgdorferi in Arthropods and Antibodies in Vertebrates. Csek Epidemiol Mickrobiol Immmunol, 1989 Jan; 38(1) 53-60.
3) Kosik-Bogacka, DI et, al. Ticks and Mosquitoes as Vectors of Borrelia Burgdorferi S. L. in The Forested Areas of Szczecin. Folia Biol (Krakow) 2007; 55(3-4) 143-6.