Is there a Lyme-like disease in Australia?

Lyme Borreliosis is a common tick-borne disease of the northern hemisphere caused by the spirochaetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s. l.) complex. It results in multi-organ disease with arthritic, cardiac, neurological and dermatological manifestations.
Suggestions that a Lyme-like disease may exist in Australia remain controversial and no study to date has identified the presence of a Borrelia species infecting people that have a locally acquired Lyme-like syndrome.
If there is a Lyme-like disease that exists in Australia it may well be of a different aetiology. The authors of this review recommend that in Australia, in addition to following the RCPA protocol
for the diagnostic laboratory testing of Borreliosis, a minimum of live Borrelia culture combined with a positive, sequenced B. burgdorferi s. l. specific PCR and independent verification of the identity of that organism by an experienced reference laboratory is required to confirm any future diagnosis of Australian acquired Lyme Borreliosis.

Chalada, M. Stenos, J. and Bradbury, R. (2016). Is there a Lyme-like disease in Australia? Summary of the findings to date. One Health, 2. 42-54. [Open Access]