HISTORY
Lyme disease is a cyclic disease which has chronic, multi-systemic, neuropsychiatric manifestations. [1] It causes functional, chemical, and structural changes to the brain and alters almost every organ system of the body. It is caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer ticks [2]. In 1975, Lyme Disease was classified as a new disease in response to approximately 50 cases of pediatric arthritis in the town of Lyme, Connecticut. These cases were originally diagnosed as “Lyme Arthritis,” until the unique symptomology indicated a different etiology. This was not the first reported incidence of Lyme, as it been documented as early as 1883 by Alfred Buchwald, but it paved the way for further research into the disease.
Since 1975, the prevalence of the disease has increased many fold, but so has our understanding of it. The determination of the causative agent of the disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, and its vector, the Ixodes tick has led to the development of various medical interventions and vaccine approaches. As our understanding of the disease deepens, the prospects for vaccine development become more numerous and more promising.
|
Timeline of important events in the history of Lyme Disease |
|
Year |
Event |
1883 |
The first recorded case of Lyme Disease is described by Alfred Buchwald. He described it as a degenerative skin disorder now known as ACA (acrodermatitis chronica atorphicans). |
1909 |
Arvid Afzelius presents his research on expanding ring like lesion (erythema migrans) associated with what would become known as Lyme Disease. |
1921 |
Arvid Afzelius publishes his work and speculates on the origin of the disease as the Ixodes Scapularis tick and connects the disease with joint problems. |
1922 |
The disease is found to be associated with neurological problems. |
1930 |
The disease is found to also cause psychiatric problems. |
1934 |
Appearance of EM or ACA is associated with benign lymphocytomas. |
Arthritic symptoms are reported in connection with the disease. |
|
1970 |
Rudolph Scrimenti, professor of dermatology publishes reports of the rash . |
1975 |
Allen C. Steere, Yale, investigates a group of rashes and swollen joints in Lyme, Connecticut.
Scrimenti publishes about his treatment of the rash with penicillin. |
1976 |
A clustering of cases of the disease is reported in a Naval Medical Hospital in Connecticut. |
1977 |
Steere et. Al misdiagnoses Lyme Disease as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and names the condition Lyme Arthritis.
|
1982 |
The etiological agent of the disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is discovered by Dr. Willy Burgdorfer. |
1983 |
Treatment of Lyme disease with oral and intravenous antibiotics begins and clinicians define the three stages of Lyme Disease. |
1986 |
Skeptics denounce the existence of Lyme Disease. |
1988 |
Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF) Founded. |
1997 |
Borrelia burgdorferi genome sequenced by TIGR. |
1999 |
Smith Kline Beecham receive FDA approval and place LYMErix vaccine on the market. |
2002 |
LYMErix vaccine removed from market. |
