Q: Which equation best represents the calculation of sensitivity for the ELISA test for Lyme disease?

$$\text{Sensitivity} = \frac{\text{True Positives}}{\text{True Positives} + \text{False Negatives}}$$

Question 1

Which organism is the primary causative agent of Lyme disease, and what is its Gram stain and morphology?

Accepted Answer

Borrelia burgdorferi; Gram-negative spirochete

Question 2

A patient presents with a bull's-eye rash and joint pain after hiking in Connecticut. Which vector is most likely responsible for transmitting Lyme disease to this patient?

Accepted Answer

Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick)

Question 3

What is the minimum duration a tick must be attached to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi to a human?

Accepted Answer

36-48 hours

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for tick removal?

Accepted Answer

Twisting or jerking the tick

Question 5

A patient with Lyme disease develops meningitis and facial palsy. Which antibiotic is recommended for treatment of Lyme disease with neurologic sequelae?

Accepted Answer

Ceftriaxone (2 g once per day IV)

Question 6

Which laboratory test is used as the initial screening for Lyme disease, and what does a positive result indicate?

Accepted Answer

ELISA; exposure to B. burgdorferi at some previous point

Question 7

In the Western blot test for Lyme disease, which pattern of IgM and IgG bands is considered positive after 4 weeks?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{5 of 10 IgG bands}$$

Question 8

Which prevention strategy is LEAST effective in reducing the risk of Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

Crushing ticks with fingers

Question 9

A patient presents with arthritis in the knee months after a tick bite. Which stage of Lyme disease does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Late disease

Question 10

Which of the following statements about Lyme disease incidence is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Passive reporting leads to underestimation of true incidence

Question 11

Which tick-borne disease is associated with an allergic reaction to red meat and gelatin-coated medications?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-gal syndrome

Question 12

A new Lyme disease vaccine targets the 'outer surface protein A' of B. burgdorferi. If the vaccine has 70-73% efficacy in a Phase 3 trial but fails to reach approval, what is a plausible reason?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine did not meet regulatory endpoints despite moderate efficacy

Question 13

Which equation best represents the calculation of sensitivity for the ELISA test for Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Sensitivity} = \frac{	ext{True Positives}}{	ext{True Positives} + 	ext{False Negatives}}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a common misconception about Lyme disease diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A positive ELISA test always means the patient currently has Lyme disease

Question 15

A patient with Lyme disease develops atrioventricular block and myopericarditis. What is the recommended treatment duration for cardiac manifestations?

Accepted Answer

14 days

Question 16

Which of the following is a reservoir for Borrelia burgdorferi in the Lyme disease life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Small mammals and birds

Question 17

Which symptom is most characteristic of early localized Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

Erythema migrans rash

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason why Lyme disease may be underdiagnosed in Black patients?

Accepted Answer

Erythema migrans rash may be less visible or misinterpreted on darker skin

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a tick-borne disease mentioned as a special consideration alongside Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

Influenza

Lyme Disease: Microbiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards