While most tick bites do not transmit infectious disease, some very serious infections can be contracted from the bite of this vector. There are more than a dozen tickborne diseases in the United States and several others that are found only in other countries.

Massachusetts-based infectious disease physician, Steven LaRosa joined me on the show to go over the laboratory testing and findings and treatment of several of the most common tickborne infections seen in the US--anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and tularemia.

Dr LaRosa also gave his thoughts on some Lyme disease topics to include antibiotic prophylaxis and some testing issues.