The IgM B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bb ss) test detects early-stage antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the primary bacterial species that causes Lyme disease in North America. Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne infection that can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart.
IgM antibodies are among the immune system’s first responders to infection. In Lyme disease:
IgM typically appears 1–2 weeks after a tick bite
Peaks during the first month of infection
Declines as the longer-lasting IgG response develops
Detecting IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto can therefore indicate:
A recent or early-stage infection (acute or early disseminated Lyme disease)
Ongoing immune activity in patients with persistent symptoms
Rarely, false-positive results or persistent IgM without IgG, which underscores the need for clinical correlation
A positive IgM response against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto is a key diagnostic clue in early Lyme disease, particularly in patients with:
Tick exposure in endemic regions
Early Lyme symptoms such as erythema migrans (“bull’s-eye” rash), fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or headache
Neurological signs (e.g., facial palsy, meningitis) or musculoskeletal symptoms (e.g., joint pain, early arthritis) that arise within weeks of infection
If untreated, early Lyme infection can progress to Lyme arthritis, neuroborreliosis, or Lyme carditis. Early recognition through IgM testing supports timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
While IgM testing is valuable, results require cautious interpretation:
False positives may occur due to cross-reactivity with other infections or autoimmune conditions
Isolated IgM positivity without subsequent IgG conversion—especially beyond 6–8 weeks after symptom onset—may not reflect active infection
Confirmatory testing with additional Borrelia antigens (e.g., Osp proteins) or co-infection panels improves diagnostic accuracy
The IgM B. burgdorferi sensu stricto test provides important insight into the early immune response to Lyme disease. A positive result suggests recent or current infection, but interpretation should always be based on clinical presentation, exposure history, and other laboratory findings. As part of the broader Lyme immunoserology panel, this marker helps guide earlier detection and management of Lyme disease.
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The IgM B. burgdorferi sensu stricto test measures early antibodies your body may produce in response to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Results are reported as index values, and here’s what they can mean:
What it means: No IgM antibodies were detected. This usually suggests there is no current early immune response to Lyme disease.
Important to know: If the test was performed within the first week after a tick bite, antibodies may not yet be detectable. If symptoms continue, repeat testing may be advised.
What it means: The result is uncertain and may represent an early or low-level antibody response. This includes results that are just above the positive threshold. Sometimes these values reflect non-specific reactivity rather than true Lyme infection.
Next steps: Because borderline or low-positive results can be difficult to interpret, your doctor may recommend repeating the test in a few weeks, running additional Lyme antibody tests, or reviewing your symptoms and exposure history to clarify whether infection is present.
What it means: IgM antibodies are present, which may suggest a recent or early Lyme disease infection.
Important to know: A positive IgM result is not definitive on its own. Some people remain IgM-positive for months, and false positives can occur with other infections or autoimmune conditions. Results should be confirmed with IgG testing or immunoblot analysis.
Timing matters: IgM testing is most reliable in the first month after infection.
Confirmation is key: Additional tests (IgG antibodies, immunoblots, or multi-antigen panels) provide more diagnostic certainty.
Clinical context counts: Your doctor will consider your test result, symptoms, and exposure history together before making treatment decisions.
Note: This test is one part of diagnosing Lyme disease. Lab results alone should not be used to confirm or rule out infection. Always review your results with your healthcare provider.
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Unlimited Plan Member since 2021
I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
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