Tick-borne

Information

Lyme disease is caused by infection with Borrelia species transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. In the United States, the primary causative agent is Borrelia burgdorferi.² Early symptoms may include Erythema migrans (a characteristic expanding “bull’s-eye” rash), fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches.² If untreated, the infection can progress to neurological involvement (e.g., facial palsy, meningitis), cardiac manifestations (e.g., Lyme carditis) and Lyme arthritis, particularly affecting large joints.²

Lyme disease antibody testing

Antibody testing is the primary laboratory approach for diagnosing Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and provide treatment.³ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a two-step (two-tier) serologic testing algorithm with two accepted approaches.³

Standard Two-Tier Testing (STTT):

• Initial screening with an ELISA or enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
• If the result is positive or equivocal, confirmation is performed using an immunoblot (Western blot)

Modified Two-Tier Testing (MTTT):

• Initial screening with an ELISA or enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
• If the result is positive or equivocal, confirmation is performed using a second, different ELISA or EIA

Results are considered positive only when both steps are positive.

References

Tick-borne Products

For in vitro diagnostic use.

* For information on specific antigens, please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) or contact us for further assistance.