Entomologic index for human risk of Lyme disease

Authors

Thomas N. Mather, University of Rhode Island
Matthew C. Nicholson, University of Rhode Island
Edward F. Donnelly, Rhode Island Department of Health
Bela T. Matyas, Rhode Island Department of Health

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

12-1-1996

Abstract

An entomologic index based on density estimates of Lyme disease spirochete-infected nymphal deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) was developed to assess human risk of Lyme disease. The authors used a standardized protocol to determine tick density and infection in numerous forested sites in six Rhode Island towns. An entomologic risk index calculated for each town was compared with the number of human Lyme disease cases reported to the Rhode Island State Health Department for the same year. A strong positive relation between entomologic risk index and the Lyme disease case rate for each town suggested that the entomologic index was predictive of Lyme disease risk.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

American Journal of Epidemiology

Volume

144

Issue

11

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Mather, Thomas N., Matthew C. Nicholson, Edward F. Donnelly, and Bela T. Matyas. "Entomologic index for human risk of Lyme disease." American Journal of Epidemiology 144, 11 (1996). doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a008879.