The value of seroprevalence data as surveillance tool for Lyme borreliosis in the general population: the experience of Belgium.

BACKGROUND: Serological surveillance, based on the measurement of the presence of specific antibodies in a given population, can be used in addition to traditional and routine disease surveillance methods. The added value of this has been largely documented for vaccine-preventable diseases, but to a lesser extent for vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of seroprevalence data as additional source of information on the epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis in Belgium. METHODS: In total, 3215 residual blood samples collected in 2013-2015 were analysed with Liaison® Borrelia... Mehr ...