Borrelia burgdorferi sl (Borreliosis), Real-time PCR-qualitative determination (tick research)

Lyme borreliosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Lyme complex. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The pathogen is transmitted to humans mainly through the bites of infected ticks of the genus Ixodes.

Clinical manifestations of Lyme disease depend on the stage of the disease and may include erythema migrans, neurological disorders, arthritis, and cardiac manifestations. In the absence of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the disease can lead to complications.

Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis by PCR

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) allows the detection of Borrelia DNA in biological material. Molecular testing may be useful for diagnosis when clinically indicated.

Specific regions of the pathogen's genetic material are used to detect it. The informativeness of the result depends on the type of biomaterial, the stage of the disease, and the clinical situation.

More about the research: Borrelia burgdorferi sl — borreliosis, qualitative determination by Real-time PCR method.

Interpretation of results

The result of the PCR test is evaluated in conjunction with clinical manifestations, history, and results of other examinations. A negative result does not always rule out Lyme disease, so if symptoms are present, further tactics are determined by the doctor.