Lyme disease (Borrelia)

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a condition resulting from an infection caused by a bacterium transmitted through the bite of specific types of ticks. Symptoms can manifest initially at the site of the tick bite or appear elsewhere on the skin, and in some cases, they can progress to affect various other parts of the body. Lyme disease is brought about by a group of bacteria collectively known as Borrelia.

What is the purpose ofLyme disease testing?

The primary goal of the most common Lyme disease testing is to ascertain whether you have produced antibodies as a result of prior exposure to the Borrelia bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease. Antibodies are proteins generated by the immune system with the specific function of targeting and combating threats such as bacteria and viruses.

What are the most important Antibodies in this test?

IgM antibodies typically reach their highest levels within a few weeks following infection with Borrelia bacteria and start to decline approximately 4-6 months afterward. On the other hand, IgG antibodies take longer to develop, becoming detectable about 4-6 weeks after exposure and possibly peaking 4-6 months after exposure. While IgM is often linked to an ongoing infection, both IgM and IgG can remain in the bloodstream for many years.

Conducting tests for IgM and IgG antibodies can provide evidence of exposure to Borrelia bacteria, but it alone cannot definitively confirm whether or not you have Lyme disease.

How can I get a test for Lyme disease?

Lyme disease testing is typically prescribed by a healthcare provider when there are indications or symptoms aligning with Lyme disease.

A blood sample can be collected in a healthcare provider's office or another clinical setting. If a cerebrospinal fluid test is deemed necessary, it can be conducted through an outpatient procedure known as a lumbar puncture, typically performed at a hospital. Subsequently, these samples are examined in an accredited laboratory for analysis.

Does any option exist for at-home testing?

There are available options for conducting at-home testing for antibodies associated with Lyme disease. Typically, these test kits involve collecting a blood sample by pricking your fingertip. This blood sample is subsequently sent to a laboratory for analysis, specifically to detect IgM and IgG antibodies.