Blood test for borreliosis

Analysis for borreliosis is a mandatory procedure for identifying a dangerous disease. As a material for research, human blood, joint fluid, body tick. Results are received on the same day or within a week. You can seek help at a public or private clinic.

Briefly about the disease

Lyme DiseaseLima or borreliosis spread by infected ticks. Pathogenic bacteria get into the bloodstream of a person with a bite. Microorganisms concentrate in the blood, feed on vital cells. The breeding rate of Borrelia, the incubation period and symptoms depend on the strength, the immune response.

Lyme disease affects joints, skin, and heart muscle. As borreliosis develops, symptoms increase:

• temperature rise;
• fever;
• nausea;
• a sore throat;
• weakness.

Initially, the symptoms resemble flu or a viral disease. Characterized by an acute onset, a rapid course. After 2-3 days, the symptoms disappear, but can be repeated again after a few days. In severe cases, death occurs.

The immune system fights pathogens by producing antibodies. The clinical picture depends on the strength of immunity. A chronic course of borreliosis occurs without pronounced symptoms. There are no acute manifestations during repeated infection.

Important!

The incubation period lasts from a few days to a month. A blood test for borreliosis should be taken 14 days after tick bite. Otherwise, the result cannot be reliable. However take the parasite to the laboratory for research need immediately. If infection is detected, a person is vaccinated in the first 4 days.

Research methods

Ixodid ticks both Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. It is recommended to take a comprehensive analysis to obtain more reliable information.

On a note!

Of the entire population of blood-sucking parasites, 5% spread viruses, 20% - borrelia.

For the detection of pathogens, direct, indirect diagnostic methods are used. As a material for the study take blood, cerebrospinal fluid, articular fluid, skin at the edges of erythrem. The simplest, most indicative method is serological analysis, during which the presence of antibodies to spirochete is detected.

Diagnostic Methods:

• Chemiluminescent immunoassay. The main way to detect borreliosis. As a material for examination using serum of venous blood. Detect the presence of antibodies to Borrelia. The probability of obtaining true results depends on the duration of the analysis - 2-4 weeks after the bite. The probability of getting false indicators is 5%. If the picture of the study is doubtful, an additional immunoblot is performed.
• Western blot or immunoblot borreliosis. It determines the presence of antibodies, the stage of development of the disease, shows a chronic course. Detects antibodies to 10 borrelia antigens. Indicator OspC p25 reveals the "freshness" of the disease. A blood test for Lyme disease is repeated after 4 weeks.Immunoblot complements the results of serological studies.
• PCR for borreliosis in real time. The biomaterial is cerebrospinal, articular fluid. The procedure for obtaining material for analysis for borreliosis is painful, carried out in a hospital by an experienced doctor. The application of the method is indicated when it is impossible to obtain reliable information by serological methods. PCR determines the DNA of borrelia burgdorferi sl borreliosis of living, dead bacteria. It is not possible to rely solely on PCR data. The examination is carried out comprehensively. Each method allows you to see the picture from different angles, complements the results of others.
• PCR - a study of the tick. A diagnostic method detects the presence of pathogens in tick DNA. When pathogens are detected, a person is given emergency preventive care. Assign to donate blood for borreliosis after 14 days.

KLA must be taken. It determines the general state of health, pathological processes in the body. Blood for research is taken from the finger. A comprehensive diagnosis takes several days, but some results can be found on the same day. After confirming the diagnosis, antibiotic treatment.

When to take an analysis for borreliosis after a bite

To get reliable information, you need to undergo research in a clearly defined time frame. On average, the incubation period of borreliosis lasts 14 days, after this time, you can begin examination. Otherwise, the result will be negative, unreliable.

The specialist needs to immediately report the fact of a bite by an ixodid tick. The doctor will give recommendations, advise on further action. It is also recommended to bring a living or dead tick. At home, the parasite is removed gently with tweezers special devicemaking circular motions. They are placed in a jar, at the bottom of which a wet cotton wool is spread. Close the lid tightly. It is important that the tick is in a humid environment.

The first immunoassay is given in 14 days. An immunoblot is prescribed after receiving questionable results in a few days. The maximum concentration of borrelia is observed 3 months after the bite.

On a note!

There is no need to do special preparatory procedures, but before giving blood, you should stop smoking, refrain from alcohol, and do not eat for 4 hours before the procedure.

Blood test transcript

If, as a result of the examination, borreliosis is not found, but characteristic symptoms are present, the procedure is repeated after a few days. The reason for the false-positive analysis is the development of antibodies to borrelia antigens in the past. If they are present, acute symptoms of the disease do not appear for 7 years or the disease proceeds without vivid symptoms. False positive analysis is also obtained with syphilis, endocarditis, mononucleosis.

Blood counts for Lyme disease are qualitative, quantitative.

• IgG antibodies. 10 U / ml - negative or analysis for borreliosis passed too soon. Up to 15 units is doubtful, over - a positive result.
• IgM antibodies. Up to 18 U-ml - a negative result, 22 - doubtful, from above - positive.
• The results of the immunoblot study are presented in the form of strips on a test membrane. By their presence or absence, a disease is diagnosed. Repeat after 6 weeks.
• The PCR method gives a qualitative result - Borrelia detected, not detected.

It is impossible to diagnose a complex disease using only one specific technique. An integrated approach, high-quality equipment, experienced specialists are required.

Where can I get an analysis

Diagnostics is carried out by state infectious diseases hospitals, virology, and commercial laboratories. In the case of applying for help to a state clinic, the analysis will be done free of charge.Modern private laboratories charge for their services, but provide the fastest result, a comprehensive study of materials.

Enjoy good authority Clinics INVITROThe network of laboratories is located in 200 cities of Russia. There are several centers in Moscow. You can get information, contact details via the Internet on the official website. Remotely make an appointment. The clinic conducts about 1000 different studies using modern equipment. Services are provided by highly qualified specialists. Preliminary results tests for borreliosis, the diagnosis can be obtained on the same day. The cost is negotiated individually.