Borrelia burgdorferi (DNA, qualitative, blood)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

The Borrelia burgdorferi (DNA, qualitative test, blood) analysis is a laboratory test designed to detect the genetic material of the causative agent of Lyme disease in the blood. Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterium transmitted through tick bites and can cause a systemic infectious disease affecting the skin, joints, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. The test allows detection of infection at early stages, when clinical manifestations may be mild or absent. A positive result indicates the presence of bacterial DNA; however, a final diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation of clinical symptoms and additional laboratory findings. A negative result does not exclude infection, as the bacterial load in the blood may be too low at certain stages.

Indications

• suspected Lyme disease, especially at early stages
• presence of symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain
• confirmation of diagnosis in the presence of clinical signs of borreliosis
• suspicion of chronic Lyme disease
• monitoring the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy

Procedure

• venous blood collection, usually from the antecubital vein
• the procedure is performed by a healthcare professional and takes a few minutes
• mild discomfort at the puncture site may occur
• a small bruise may occasionally develop and resolves on its own

Method

• polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in the blood sample
• high sensitivity enables early-stage detection of infection
   

Sources:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=borrelia_antibody_lyme
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/resources/halperin_2012_chap4_johnsonb.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/64/8/1144/3055080

Important!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any symptoms or a flare-up of a condition, it is essential to consult a medical professional for diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment. Only a qualified specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.