LYME DISEASE (WESTERN BLOT)

Western Blot method

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.

If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful in the later stages of disease.

Only a positive Western Blot test can confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease. A positive ELISA can help confirm the diagnosis, but isn't enough by itself because other infectious diseases and some types of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can give the same results.