A comprehensive meta-study aggregating global research shows that over one in ten people worldwide has encountered Lyme disease. Prevalence is highest in Europe, particularly among men over 50 in rural areas.
Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, spreads through bites from ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While many cases are asymptomatic and non-contagious, severe instances can lead to debilitating symptoms like partial limb paralysis and chronic joint pain.
Published on June 13, 2022, in BMJ Global Health by researchers at China's Kunming University Institute of Tropical Medicine, this meta-analysis concludes that approximately 14% of the world's population has been affected. Central Europe reports the highest rate at 20%, with elevated risks for men over 50 in rural settings.
Other high-prevalence regions include East Asia (15.9%), Western Europe (13.5%), and Eastern Europe (10.4%). The Caribbean shows the lowest incidence at just 2%.
This landmark meta-study reviewed 137 studies from 4,196 candidates, drawing data from 89 involving 160,000 participants. Notably, 14.5% tested positive for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi.
Prior research indicates tick-borne diseases have surged 50% in the past 12 years, driven by climate change. Warmer winters, extended dry summers, and shifting ecosystems increase tick encounters with humans, pets, and livestock.
Caveat: Data may skew toward endemic regions where testing is more routine, potentially underrepresenting lower-prevalence areas where Lyme disease is less established.
