The purpose of this page is to provide a short overview of scientific research available that discusses transmission of Lyme disease.

Modes other than Ticks

Scientific studies support potential alternate modes of transmission; however these potential transmission sources have not been fully researched. A small selection of available research is offered below.

Blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas and mites

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Transplacental transmission

The issue of transplacental (mother to child in utero) transmission is raised in the LDAA’s formal response to DoH Scoping Study on Lyme disease (page 16) from Gardner T. 2001, ‘Lyme disease’ in J Remington & JO Klein (eds), Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant, 5th edn. Philidelphia, WB Saunders; 519-641

A compilation of peer-reviewed journal articles indicating that Lyme could be contracted in utero is available on the LDAA website.

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Contact with urine and other bodily fluids from infected animals

The potential for humans to contract Lyme disease via an infected mammal is an area that has yet to be fully researched, however remains of concern to the LDAA and Lyme patients.

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Transmission via blood, tissue and organ donations

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Sexual transmission

There is a growing body of anecdotal evidence among the Australian Lyme community indicating that Lyme disease may be sexually transmitted. This anecdotal evidence is supported, at this stage, by limited scientific research; however Lyme patients are urged to practice safe sex as a precaution.

A 2001 study found that sexual partners of Lyme patients were likely to carry Borrelia themselves. Bach G. 2001 April, ‘Recovery of Lyme spirochetes by PCR in semen samples of previously diagnosed Lyme disease patients’, International Scientific Conference on Lyme disease.

Newly published research provides evidence that Borrelia burgdorferi may be transmissible through both vaginal secretions and seminal fluid, again suggesting sexual transmission.

Middelveen, MJ, Bandoski, C, Burke J, Sapi E, Mayne PJ, Stricker RB, 2104, ‘Isolation and Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi from Human Vaginal and Seminal Secretions’, Presented at the Western Regional Meeting of the American Federation for Medical Research, Carmel, CA, January 25, 2014.

Middelveen, MJ, Bandoski, C, Burke J, Sapi E, Mayne PJ, Stricker RB, 2104, ‘Isolation and Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi from Human Vaginal and Seminal Secretions’, Presented at the Western Regional Meeting of the American Federation for Medical Research, Carmel, CA, January 25, 2014. In an interview regarding this research, Australia’s Dr Peter Mayne said, “…the presence of the Lyme spirochete in genital secretions and identical strains in married couples strongly suggests that sexual transmission of the disease occurs.”

The LDAA contends further research is required to confirm the growing body of anecdotal evidence and preliminary research which suggests these alternate modes of transmission are possible. LDAA, Patient submission to the Australian Government Department of Health’s ‘Scoping Study to develop a research project(s) to investigate the presence or absence of Lyme disease in Australia’ (pages 11, 43, 44 and 47).

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