Lyme Disease Total Antibodies IgG/IgM

Lyme disease is transmitted by a tick vector carrying Borrelia burgdorferi. Immunoblot testing qualitatively examines, with high specificity, antibodies in a patient’s specimen.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria which is carried by infected blacklegged ticks and spread to humans when they are bitten. There is currently no cure for lyme disease, and the symptoms are non-specific but can progress to severe central nervous system disease. This lab test for lyme disease includes an enzyme immunoassay test which tests for the presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies are produced in the initial stages of the disease, and is good for detecting current or recent infection. IgG antibodies eventually take over the job of the IgM antibodies, an indication for chronic or long-term infection.

This lab test is performed in following conditions such as:

• “bulls-eye” rash at bite site
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Meningitis
• Bell’s Palsy

Also Known As: ELISA, Recent or Past Exposure EIA test