Could Race Affect the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease?
Race and Lyme disease diagnosis may influence delays in care, access to treatment, and clinical outcomes.
Using data from Geisinger electronic medical records, researchers identified 9,657 Lyme disease cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2014 in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Are African-Americans less likely to be diagnosed with Lyme disease?
Only 1.4% of Lyme disease patients in this cohort were African-American. More than 97% were white non-Hispanic, while 0.9% were Hispanic and 1.4% were black non-Hispanic.
The authors suggest that semi-rural and suburban environments—areas with higher tick exposure—are more likely to be populated by white and more affluent communities, potentially increasing exposure risk in this group.
However, other factors may also contribute to disparities, including differences in socioeconomic status, outdoor activity patterns, healthcare access, and awareness of Lyme disease.
“There is some evidence,” the authors write, “that African-Americans may be at higher risk than whites for delayed diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease,” citing earlier research.
When race, geography, or socioeconomic status influence whether a patient receives timely diagnosis and treatment, the issue extends beyond clinical care into ethics.
This broader concern is explored further in the ethics of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical Takeaway
Disparities in Lyme disease diagnosis may delay care and affect outcomes, highlighting the need for greater awareness and equity in clinical evaluation.
Related Articles:
Lyme disease diagnosis almost missed in patient with Babesia
Lyme disease in children rising in Pennsylvania: An inside look
References:
- Moon KA, Pollak J, Hirsch AG, et al. Epidemiology of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania 2006-2014 using electronic health records. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2018.
- Fix AD, Pena CA, Strickland GT. Racial differences in reported Lyme disease incidence. Am J Epidemiol. 2000;152(8):756-759.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
Could being a Southerner affect the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases?
Yes.
Interesting, however in my case, white female undiagnosed for 20+ years with access to endless doctors who had no clue and treated me horribly, so …
Thanks for sharing your frustration.
I’m african american suffering from Lyme Borreliosis and Candida for a few years. I’ve gone from physician to physician without treatment. I’m tired and weary. I see the disparity of treatment with regards to demographic info. My mother died from the same symptoms I’m experiencing. I just want help. I’ve spent my life savings on life sustaining treatments for my mother and I. In Alabama but willing to travel but require a physician who accepts Medicare/ Medicaid and Igenex results!
Hello sir.
Did you ever get help or diagnosed?
MX Hayes,
You should join the Facebook Lyme groups! I got so much information. The Lyme Support and Wellness is the most helpful, but I’m in about 5-6 groups. I learn something new everyday. I’m so sorry you are going thru this. It took 17 years of misdiagnosis to finally get a Lyme diagnosis for myself. You need a Lyme Literate Dr(LLMD). There is a directory online, if you Google that phrase! I wish you so much luck!
I have met many with darker complexions who couldn’t see the rashes or ticks in their scalps, etc.