Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. The majority of cases will present in primary care but diagnosis can be challenging as tick bites frequently go unnoticed and the characteristic erythema migrans rash is often absent or atypical , resulting in delayed or misdiagnosis.

In this session, Dr Anne Cruikshank will provide insight into how Lyme disease may present in primary care settings, common diagnostic pitfalls, current testing limitations and the importance of early diagnosis and adequate treatment.

The presentation will also highlight key information and advice within the NICE Lyme Disease Guideline (NG95) and the updated RCGP Lyme Disease Toolkit, review epidemiological data on tick borne infections and present results from the 2024 Lyme Resource Centre Patient Experience Survey.

Designed to improve diagnostic confidence, this session will help clinicians recognise Lyme disease earlier and avoid missed opportunities for treatment.