Borrelia mayonii - IgG

What Does a Positive or Elevated IgG Result Mean?

A positive or elevated IgG result for Borrelia mayonii suggests that your immune system has been exposed to this bacterium in the past. This may indicate:

• A past infection, especially if you are no longer experiencing symptoms

• A resolving or chronic infection, depending on other test results and clinical findings

• Less commonly, a cross-reactive immune response that may not reflect true infection

Because IgG develops later in the course of illness, a positive result typically points to exposure at least several weeks prior—not necessarily an active, current infection.

Symptoms of Borrelia mayonii Infection

Symptoms may include:

• High fever

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Diffuse rashes

• Muscle and joint aches

These symptoms may overlap with other tickborne illnesses, making lab testing especially important for accurate diagnosis.

Next Steps

• Consult your healthcare provider to evaluate this result in the context of your clinical history and symptoms.

• Consider additional testing, such as IgM antibodies or PCR, to assess for active or recent infection.

• If symptoms are present, particularly following tick exposure, early treatment with antibiotics can help prevent progression or complications.

Summary

The Borrelia mayonii – IgG test detects long-term immune responses to a less common but clinically significant cause of Lyme disease. A medium or positive result suggests previous exposure and should be interpreted carefully, especially if symptoms persist or if you live in or have traveled to areas where B. mayonii is found. Always review these findings with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate next steps.

What is Borrelia mayonii – IgG?

Borrelia mayonii is a recently identified species of bacteria in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex and is known to cause a form of Lyme disease in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi, B. mayonii may lead to more severe or unusual symptoms such as higher fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diffuse rashes rather than the classic bull's-eye rash.

The IgG antibody test for Borrelia mayonii detects the body’s longer-term immune response to this bacterium. IgG antibodies typically appear several weeks after infection and can persist for months or even years.

What Does a Medium Result Mean?

A medium result for Borrelia mayonii – IgG indicates a moderate level of antibodies, which may reflect:

• Past exposure with lingering antibodies

• Early-stage IgG response, before levels reach a strong positive

• Low-level reactivity that may or may not be clinically significant

This result should be interpreted alongside other laboratory markers, especially IgM results, symptom history, and any potential tick exposure.