Tickborne
Performed by: Vibrant Wellness
Comprehensive Test for Detection of Tickborne Diseases in the United States
Tickborne diseases (TBDs) are a growing concern across the United States, with various tick species transmitting harmful microorganisms to humans and animals. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms often overlap with other conditions, making early detection crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Ticks, which carry a range of pathogens, need anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to transmit diseases to a host. If detected in time, ticks can often be removed before they pass on harmful microorganisms, helping reduce the risk of infection. However, many tickborne diseases remain undiagnosed for months due to nonspecific symptoms, leading to increased suffering and disease progression.
Symptoms of Tickborne Diseases
The symptoms of tickborne diseases can vary, but common signs include:
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Fever and/or chills
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Headache
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Bell’s palsy
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Neck stiffness
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Fatigue
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Muscle or joint aches/pains
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Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
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Rash
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
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Cognitive or psychological changes
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Anemia
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Enlarged, tender lymph nodes
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Painful abdomen
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Dizziness or shortness of breath
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Numbness or weakness in limbs
Rising Incidence of Tickborne Diseases
Tickborne diseases have more than doubled in the past 13 years and now account for 77% of all vector-borne disease reports in the United States. Among these, Lyme disease remains the most common, accounting for 82% of all tickborne disease cases. Other prevalent tickborne diseases include:
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Anaplasmosis
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Babesiosis
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Bartonella infections
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Ehrlichiosis
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Rickettsiosis
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)
Why Early Detection Matters
Because the symptoms of tickborne diseases can mimic those of other illnesses, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially in their early stages. This delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for preventing severe outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
Lyme Disease Testing Interpretation
The CDC/IDSA Lyme disease criteria require the following to report Lyme IgM as positive:
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One positive test for VlsE1, C6 peptide, or Whole Cell Sonicate (WCS), AND
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At least two of the following three antigens must be positive:
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23-25 kDa
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39 kDa
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41 kDa
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In the Alternative Lyme Criteria, IgM is reported positive if VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS is borderline or positive, and at least two of the following antigens are borderline or positive:
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23-25 kDa
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31 kDa
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34 kDa
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39 kDa
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41 kDa
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83-93 kDa
For Lyme IgG, the CDC criteria require:
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A positive result for VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS, AND
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Positive results for any five of the following ten antigens:
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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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According to Alternative Lyme Criteria, IgG is reported positive if VlsE1, C6 peptide, or WCS is borderline or positive, and at least two of the following antigens are borderline or 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
Conclusion
Tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease, present a significant health risk across the United States. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing these conditions effectively, as symptoms often overlap with other illnesses. By understanding the signs of tickborne diseases and utilizing diagnostic tests, individuals and healthcare providers can take the necessary steps to ensure prompt treatment, particularly for those who may be more vulnerable. Regular tick prevention measures and swift action upon finding a tick can also help reduce the risks associated with these potentially debilitating diseases.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
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Learn moreBorrelia afzelii is a species of Borrelia, a bacterium that can infect various species of vertebrates and invertebrates. B. afzelii and B. garinii are the primary causes of Lyme disease in Europe and Asia. Coinfection by this Borrelia species with
Learn moreBorrelia afzelii is a species of Borrelia, a bacterium that can infect various species of vertebrates and invertebrates. B. afzelii and B. garinii are the primary causes of Lyme disease in Europe and Asia. Coinfection by this Borrelia species with on
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Learn moreBorreliella burgdorferi is one of the pathogens of the Borreliella burgdorferi sensu lato complex causing Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a zoonotic, vector-borne disease transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Clinical presentation of Lyme disease is known fo
Learn moreBorreliella burgdorferi is one of the pathogens of the Borreliella burgdorferi sensu lato complex causing Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a zoonotic, vector-borne disease transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Clinical presentation of Lyme disease is known fo
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Learn moreUnderstanding Borrelia turicatae and Your Tickborne Disease Test Result Borrelia turicatae is a significant cause of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in the southwestern United States. It is transmitted by Ornithodoros turicata, a soft-bodied tic
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Learn moreFrom ticks and small rodents
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Learn moreHuman herpesvirus 7 is a herpes family virus that can stay in your body for life usually in a dormant state. It is ubiquitous worldwide and nearly 70% of all children will be exposed to the virus by the age of 4. DNA of the virus has been found in th
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