Tickborne Diseases 2.0
Performed by: Vibrant Wellness
Tickborne Diseases 2.0 – Comprehensive Molecular & Serologic Panel by Vibrant Wellness
Advanced testing for Lyme disease and other clinically relevant tickborne infections in the United States
Tickborne diseases (TBDs) are among the fastest-growing vector-borne infections in the U.S., driven by expanding tick habitats and increased human exposure. The Tickborne Diseases 2.0 panel by Vibrant Wellness is a comprehensive, multi-pathogen test designed to improve detection of Lyme disease and other tick-associated infections using advanced serologic methodologies.
This panel is structured to support clinicians in evaluating patients with acute, chronic, or unexplained inflammatory, neurologic, or multisystem symptoms where tick exposure is suspected.
Why Tickborne Diseases Are Clinically Challenging
Ticks can transmit pathogens after approximately 24–72 hours of attachment, depending on the organism and tick species. Early removal reduces transmission risk, but many infections still go undetected due to:
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Nonspecific early symptoms
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Overlapping clinical presentations
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Delayed seroconversion
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Co-infections that complicate the clinical picture
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reported tickborne disease cases have more than doubled over the past decade. Lyme disease, caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, accounts for the majority of cases in the United States.
Other clinically important tickborne infections include:
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Anaplasmosis
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Babesiosis
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Ehrlichiosis
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever
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Bartonellosis
Co-infections are common in endemic areas and may influence symptom severity and treatment response.
Common Symptoms of Tickborne Diseases
Clinical manifestations vary by pathogen and stage of infection. Frequently reported symptoms include:
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Fever and chills
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Headache
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Fatigue
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Myalgias and arthralgias
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Neck stiffness
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Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
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Rash (including erythema migrans in early Lyme disease)
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Bell’s palsy or cranial neuropathies
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Cognitive changes (“brain fog”)
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Mood changes
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Anemia
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Lymphadenopathy
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Shortness of breath
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Neurologic symptoms (numbness, weakness)
Because these findings overlap with autoimmune, viral, and inflammatory conditions, laboratory evaluation plays a central role in differential diagnosis.
What Makes Tickborne Diseases 2.0 Different?
The Tickborne Diseases 2.0 panel uses advanced serologic testing with expanded antigen coverage to improve detection sensitivity while maintaining clinically interpretable reporting frameworks.
Key features include:
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Multi-pathogen evaluation
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Expanded Lyme antigen panels
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IgM and IgG differentiation
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Transparent interpretation criteria
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Support for CDC/IDSA-aligned and alternative reporting frameworks
Lyme Disease Testing: Interpretation Criteria
Lyme serology remains complex and controversial. Understanding reporting criteria is essential for correct interpretation.
CDC/IDSA-Based IgM Criteria
Lyme IgM is reported positive when:
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One of the following screening markers is positive:
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VlsE1
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C6 peptide
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Whole Cell Sonicate (WCS)
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AND
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At least 2 of the following 3 antigens are positive:
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23–25 kDa (OspC)
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39 kDa (BmpA)
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41 kDa (flagellin)
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Alternative IgM Criteria
IgM may be considered positive if:
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VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS is borderline or positive
AND
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At least 2 of the following antigens are borderline or positive:
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23–25 kDa
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31 kDa (OspA)
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34 kDa (OspB)
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39 kDa
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41 kDa
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83–93 kDa
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CDC/IDSA-Based IgG Criteria
Lyme IgG is reported positive when:
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VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS is positive
AND
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At least 5 of the following 10 antigens are positive:
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18 kDa
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23–25 kDa
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28 kDa
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30 kDa
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39 kDa
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41 kDa
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45 kDa
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58 kDa
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66 kDa
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83–93 kDa
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Alternative IgG Criteria
IgG may be considered positive if:
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VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS is borderline or positive
AND
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At least 2 of the above 10 antigens are borderline or positive
Clinical Considerations
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IgM antibodies are generally associated with early infection but may persist.
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IgG antibodies typically reflect longer-standing or past exposure.
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False positives may occur due to cross-reactivity with other infections or autoimmune conditions.
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Serology does not always distinguish active from past infection.
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Clinical correlation is mandatory.
Testing should always be interpreted alongside:
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Exposure history
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Symptom timeline
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Geographic risk
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Physical exam findings
Why Early and Accurate Detection Matters
Untreated tickborne infections may lead to:
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Chronic inflammatory symptoms
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Neurologic complications
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Cardiac involvement
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Persistent fatigue syndromes
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Hematologic abnormalities
Early identification allows for timely antimicrobial treatment, which significantly reduces the risk of complications in most bacterial tickborne diseases.
Who Should Consider Tickborne Diseases 2.0 Testing?
This panel may be appropriate for individuals who:
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Live in or travel to endemic regions
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Recall a tick bite or high-risk outdoor exposure
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Have unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or neurologic symptoms
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Have multisystem inflammatory symptoms of unclear origin
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Have persistent symptoms following suspected tick exposure
Summary
Tickborne Diseases 2.0 by Vibrant Wellness is a scientifically structured, comprehensive panel designed to evaluate Lyme disease and associated co-infections with expanded antigen analysis and clearly defined interpretation criteria.
Given the rising incidence of tickborne infections in the United States, accurate laboratory assessment — combined with clinical judgment — is critical for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved patient outcomes.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
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Learn moreFrom ticks and small rodents
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