Clinical Question: When should patients be given antibiotics for lyme prophylaxis after a tick bite?
Bottom Line Answer: To provide antibiotic prophylaxis for Lyme disease ALL of these criteria should be met: Tick identified as an adult or nymphal deer tick Attached for \u3e or = 36 hours (by engorgement or time of exposure) Treatment started within 72 hours of tick removal Local rate of infection of ticks with B. Bourgdorferi \u3e=20% (assumed in Vermont) Doxyclycline is not contraindicate
