Abstract
Objective. To evaluate ecological factors influencing the geographic distribution of Lyme disease (borreliosis). Methods. A systematic review of studies published between 1990 and 2025 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review examined environmental, climatic, ecological, and land-use factors affecting the transmission dynamics of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato through Ixodes tick vectors. Search terms included “Lyme disease,” “Lyme borreliosis,” “Borrelia burgdorferi,” “Ixodes scapularis,” “Ixodes ricinus,” “climate change,” “range expansion,” and “habitat fragmentation.” Results. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infection in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its incidence and geographic range have expanded markedly in recent decades, driven by climate warming, altered precipitation, land-use transformation, biodiversity loss, and wildlife population changes. Rising temperatures have promoted the northward and altitudinal spread of tick vectors and increased human exposure. Conclusion. Ecological change and human activity substantially influence the global epidemiology of Lyme disease.
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