Serological testing for Borrelia by Western Blot is used to diagnose Lyme disease.
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Borrelia burgdorferi is responsible for Lyme disease (borreliosis). Borreliae are thin, flexible, helically coiled, and highly motile spirochetes. In Europe, Borreliae are transmitted mostly by the Ixodes Ricinus tick and in America by 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 patient often departs from this classic pattern.
Stage I: Four to eight weeks after the bite of the infected tick, the typical migratory erythema develops on the skin.
Stage II: Generalized abnormal symptoms appear after three weeks. Flu symptoms occur, and many patients may develop lymphocytic meningitis and radiculopathy (Bannwarth syndrome), staffing and aseptic meningitis, as well as arthritis and carditis episodes.
Stage III: Neurological disorders (chronic encephalomyelitis), chronic atrophic acrodermatitis (acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans), 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 the disease rarely infects these species. The ticks feed by sucking the infected blood from these animals.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. 70 to 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 analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and other laboratory tests and information. Your 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 contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
