Borrelia Burgdorferi Westernblot (Tick borreliosis IgG; IgM)

General Information

Borrelia burgdorferi is a representative of the family of spirochetes, which was first isolated from the body of a tick in 1982 (Ixodes dammini) was isolated by Dr. Willy Burgdorfer.

Three genotypic variants of Borrelia burgdorferi, which cause various pathologies, were confirmed by the conducted studies: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii და  B. Afzelii. Also found: Borrelia spielmanii. All species are united in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group.

Antibody western blotting is used to confirm positive or equivocal serological and immunoenzymatic data. Confirms the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia group bacteria.

Unlike screening tests, blotting allows detection of antibodies at different stages of infection.

Preparation of the patient: It is recommended to carry out the research on an empty stomach

Material for examination: Venous blood

Referral norms and interpretation

< 6 AU – negative

6 – 7 AU – Ambiguous

> 7 AU – positive

negative answer does not rule out the presence of borreliosis, especially in patients who are in the initial stage of the disease.

A positive answer It does not always indicate active Lyme disease, but rather that IgG remains in the body for a long time after contracting the disease.

The detection of anti-Borrelia antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid indicates the presence of neurological damage from Lyme disease.

In rare cases, there is a possibility of cross-antibodies after other infections - for example, an active form of syphilis or after transmission. In order to rule out an infection caused by Treponema pallidum, it is necessary to rule out this infection with appropriate tests.

Serological data should be discussed only in correlation with the clinical picture and the patient's anamnesis.

If the test result is negative or ambiguous, it is recommended to repeat the study in 3 weeks.