Serological testing for Borrelia is used for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease.
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Borrelia burgdorferi is responsible for Lyme disease (borreliosis). Borrelia are thin, flexible, helically coiled and highly motile spirals. In Europe, Borreliae are transmitted mostly by the Ixodes Ricinus tick, and in America from the Ixodes damini tick. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 30 days. If left untreated, the disease progresses through three stages, although the course of each individual patient often departs from this classic pattern.
Stage I: After 4-8 weeks after the bite of the infected tick, the typical migratory erythema develops on the skin.
Stage II: Generalized abnormal symptoms appear after 3 weeks. Flu symptoms occur and a large proportion of patients may develop lymphocytic meningitis and rhizopathy (Bannwarth syndrome), staffing and aseptic meningitis as well as arthritis and carditis episodes.
Stage III: Neurological Disorders (Chronic Encephalomyelitis), Chronic Atrophytic Acne, Lyme Disease Arthritis.
Lyme disease occurs throughout the northern hemisphere. There are some endemic outbreaks where the disease is more common, such as in central Europe, where approximately 3-7% of larvae and 10-34% of larvae and adult ticks are infected by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Various wild animals such as rodents, and larger animals such as deer, constitute the natural reservoir of Borrelia, although these species are rarely infected by the disease. The ticks feed by sucking the infected blood from these animals.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
