Prevalence and clinical characteristics of Norwegians who report persistent health complaints attributed to tick bites or tick-borne diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persistent symptoms attributed to tick bites or tick-borne diseases are poorly understood. We estimate regionally adjusted prevalence of persistent symptoms, investigate seroprevalence (IgG) and ongoing infections, and examine associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

Persons aged 18 years or older with persistent symptoms lasting six months or more attributed to tick bites or tick-borne diseases, were recruited into a nationwide cross-sectional study. Demographic data were recorded. Medical records were collected (February 2020 - April 2022) and reviewed for tick bites, tick-borne infections, antibiotic treatment, and clinical findings. Outcome measures included somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), physical health (RAND-36), and

SUBMITTER: Dahlberg AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659467 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature