Controversies in the treatment and management of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of the deer tick. It is the most common vector-transmitted disease in the United States. Past treatment practices included the administration of oral and/or i.v. antibiotics. Today the question is "to treat or not to treat." The etiology, signs and symptoms, and current treatments and management of Lyme disease and its associated somatic complaints are discussed.