Ticks are only active during certain times of the year, and this behavior varies geographically.

In some places, the ticks have different behaviors, which cause them to usually not bite humans (to transmit) and infected animals (to become infected).

Since ticks are not born with Borrelia bacteria, they need to feed on an animal (e.g.

Ixodes ticks only live in certain places.

Lyme disease is geographically and seasonally restricted for a number of reasons, including: Because of the low risk of transmission, post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis against Lyme disease is only recommended for high risk bites. In highly endemic areas like Connecticut and New York, studies have shown 2-3% of detected tick bites result in Lyme disease. Note: Transmission time may be lower in Europe. Europe has two additional major species: Borrelia Garinii and Borrelia afzelii, which may necessitate European-specific testing.Īfter a tick attaches, it takes time- typically 36-48 hours or more-for the bacteria to “wake up” and transmit to a human. In North America, Borrelia Burgdorferi and rarely Borrelia mayonii cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by a very geographically restricted bacterial infection spread by Ixodes (aka blacklegged or deer) ticks. If the level of Lyme antibodies in CSF is substantially greater than the level of Lyme antibodies in blood serum, than this may confirm a diagnosis of neurological Lyme disease, which is treated with 2-3 weeks of antibiotics. If neurological Lyme disease is suspected, experts recommend a spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It concentrates on serologic testing, which is useful for diagnosing and ruling out Lyme infections in the appropriate context.ĭirect detection testing-such as PCR/DNA genetic testing and culture-has been used in the lab setting but is not recommended in general clinical practice.įor discussion of diagnosis of neurological Lyme disease (aka Lyme neuroborreliosis), please consult North American or German guidelines. Notes about this articleĪs with most content on this site, this article is generally focused on testing in North America. Testing positive for antibodies is called seropositive and testing negative for antibodies is called seronegative. This is called serologic testing because the antibodies are found in blood serum. This confusion has contributed to false positive diagnoses and unnecessary treatment.Īs in other infections, typical testing for Lyme disease involves looking for antibodies produced by the body’s immune system in response to infection.

Lyme diagnosis and testing can be very confusing.

Lyme disease western blot