Lyme Disease Consultations Common in France

Lyme disease consultations are common in France, but not all patients are ultimately diagnosed with Lyme borreliosis.

According to Haddad and colleagues, more than 1,000 individuals consulted one of three French centers for presumed Lyme borreliosis. However, only about 10% received a final diagnosis of Lyme disease.

“The most striking result is that approximately 10% of such patients have a final diagnosis of LB [Lyme borreliosis],” writes Haddad.

Concerns About Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment

In one of the studies reviewed, most patients (85%) had been treated with antibiotics for presumed Lyme disease prior to evaluation. The authors raise concerns about possible overdiagnosis and overtreatment, including the use of antibiotics, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral therapies.

Alternative Diagnoses Considered

Patients evaluated in these centers were ultimately diagnosed with a range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, burnout syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other stress-related or functional disorders.

Clinical Perspective

These findings highlight the complexity of diagnosing Lyme disease and the importance of careful clinical evaluation.

Diagnosis is not always straightforward. While some patients may be overdiagnosed, others may be missed—particularly when symptoms evolve over time or testing is inconclusive.

Editor’s note: These diagnoses are not always clear cut. It is important for clinicians to follow patients over time to ensure that evolving symptoms are not later attributable to Lyme disease.

Understanding Lyme Diagnosis Challenges

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be complex. Learn more about Lyme disease testing and diagnosis and why some cases are difficult to confirm.

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