Picaridin (KBR 3023), which has been used as an insect repellent for years in Europe and Australia (Autan Repel, and others), is now available in the US in 7% solution as Cutter Advanced (Spectrum Brands). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending it as an alternative to DEET.

Click here to view the free full article.

Lyme disease in North America is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by Ixodes scapularis or pacificus ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; coinfection with Babesia microti or Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia) has been reported.1 In 2001 and 2002, 12 states (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, WI) reported about 95% of all the Lyme disease in the US, but cases occurred in all states except HI, MT and OK. Most Lyme disease in North America occurs between May and September.

Insect repellents have been used on the skin for many years, primarily to prevent mosquito bites, which transmit malaria, West Nile virus infection, and various types of encephalitis. With increased concern about Lyme disease in recent years, skin and clothing repellents are now also recommended for protection against ticks. This review describes the effectiveness of the most widely used repellents DEET and permethrin , as well as some alternatives, and a new product called picaridin that may be available soon. The safety of these products is also discussed. The review concludes with an overall assessment of safety and efficacy and a recommendation on how to achieve the best protection.

Lyme disease, a multisystem bacterial transmitted by Ixodid ticks, particularly in early summer, continues to be a common problem in the USA and many other countries. Since last year (Medical Letter, 30:65, 1988), some new information has become available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still limited.

Insect repellents have been used on the skin for many years, primarily to prevent mosquito bites. With recent increased concern about Lyme disease, skin and clothing repellents are now also recommended for protection against ticks.