Improving Tick-Borne Diseases Awareness: Preventing Misdiagnosis and Improper Treatment

Abstract

Recently, we have had the pleasure of reading an article by Teodorowicz et al. [1], published in Health Problems of Civilization, which focused on ticks’ significance in transmitting selected bacterial pathogens to humans. Delving into this topic, we encountered several review articles that addressed environmental factors influencing the transmission of Lyme disease in Europe. This topic is crucial, as our experiences and information in the literature suggest that the range of tick-borne diseases may expand. Based on the data presented in the work of Giesen et al. [2], the authors conclude that higher temperatures and extended vegetation periods contribute to an increased number of Lyme disease cases. Furthermore, Europe’s diverse climate and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events can complicate the monitoring and controlling of Lyme disease. In relation to the article published in Health Problems of Civilization [1], w e a re c oncerned a bout t he authors’ conclusions regarding the rising occurrence of co-infections. For this reason, we recognize the need to establish standardized protocols to diagnose and treat other tick-borne diseases. Additionally, it is necessary to increase the vigilance of primary care physicians in seeking the causes of nonspecific symptoms related to other tick-borne diseases. After reviewing numerous data sources and conducting our research, we found that information on tick-borne diseases and their epidemiology is not easily accessible to Polish citizens.