Methods to diagnose Lyme disease earlier and more effectively

3.2.2022

Question for written answer  E-000483/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Frédérique Ries (Renew)

Lyme borreliosis, which is transmitted to humans by infected ticks, is the most common zoonotic disease in Europe. It is often treated with antimicrobials, which work well if taken as of the first signs of infection (fatigue, fever, headache), but if left to reach a later stage, it can take a heavy toll on the body.

The blood tests systematically being used to screen for the disease are not reliable enough. Yet early diagnosis offers high chances of recovery.

Will the Commission agree to:

• 1.Fund research on new blood tests for Lyme disease in order to improve reliability at the beginning and end of infection?
• 2.Fund research on a group of patients to determine the optimal duration of treatment, using blood tests (potentially even experimental ones), such as phage-based tests, to confirm the end of infection?
• 3.Promote the use of products derived from plant extracts in the upcoming revision of the pharmaceutical legislation, with a view to substituting or limiting the use of some antimicrobials that are taken in large quantities by patients with Lyme disease?