Understanding 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 tick notable for its extremely rapid feeding—often completing a blood meal in minutes. This brief feeding period makes transmission events difficult to detect. These ticks are commonly found in caves and in the burrows of ground squirrels and prairie dogs throughout the Plains and desert regions of the Southwest.

Strong epidemiological evidence links B. turicatae to human infection. While recurrent fever is a hallmark of relapsing fever, infected individuals may also experience a broad range of nonspecific symptoms. Clinical features can include chills, nausea, headache, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, fatigue, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), among others. These symptoms can mimic those of many other illnesses, which often makes diagnosis challenging.

What a "Medium" IgG Result Means

If your Vibrant America Tickborne Disease panel shows a "medium" IgG result for Borrelia turicatae, this indicates a moderate level of antibodies in your blood. This level is higher than what’s considered normal (or negative), but it does not reach the threshold for a strong positive.

A medium IgG result can suggest:

• Past exposure to Borrelia turicatae, with antibodies lingering from a previous infection.

• Early or resolving infection, where IgG levels are still rising or beginning to decline.

• Low-level or nonspecific immune response, which may not indicate an active or clinically significant infection.

It’s important to understand that this result alone is not diagnostic of an active infection. It should always be considered in the context of your symptoms, known or possible tick exposure, and other lab findings such as IgM antibody levels or PCR testing.

Recommended Next Steps

1. Speak with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your clinical history, symptoms, and risk factors to determine the relevance of this result.

2. Consider repeat testing. A follow-up IgG test in 2 to 4 weeks may help assess whether antibody levels are increasing, which would suggest a recent or ongoing infection.

3. Review complementary test results. The Vibrant America panel often includes IgM testing, PCR, and screening for other tick-borne infections. These additional markers can provide a more complete picture of your immune status and infection history.

Summary

A medium IgG result for Borrelia turicatae suggests moderate antibody levels, which may reflect prior exposure, an early immune response, or a nonspecific finding. While this result is not definitive for active disease, it warrants further review with your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are present. Clinical correlation and follow-up testing are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

If you have results for IgM or PCR testing from the same panel, those can offer valuable context and may help clarify the stage or presence of infection. Let me know if you’d like help interpreting those results as well.

What is Borrelia turicatae – IgM?

Borrelia turicatae is a species of bacteria that causes tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), an illness marked by recurring episodes of fever and flu-like symptoms. This bacterium is transmitted to humans by soft-bodied ticks—specifically Ornithodoros turicata—which feed quickly and are commonly found in caves, animal burrows, and rustic shelters in the southern and southwestern United States.

The IgM antibody test for Borrelia turicatae measures your body’s early immune response to infection. IgM is the first type of antibody produced after exposure to a pathogen, usually appearing within 1–2 weeks of infection.

What Does a Medium Result Mean?

A medium IgM result for Borrelia turicatae indicates a moderate level of early antibodies, which may reflect:

• An early or developing immune response following recent exposure

• A waning IgM response, as the body transitions to producing IgG antibodies

• A nonspecific or borderline signal, especially if symptoms are mild or absent

Medium results are not diagnostic on their own and should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, exposure history, and additional markers like IgG or PCR.

The Borrelia Western Blot IgG (Immunoglobulin G) is a vital component in the diagnostic process for Lyme disease, an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. IgG antibodies are part of the body’s adaptive immune response and typically develop weeks to months after initial infection, indicating either past exposure or a current, longer-term immune response. Because Lyme disease is a complex, multi-stage illness with varying symptomatology depending on the stage, the IgG Western Blot test provides valuable insights, especially in patients with symptoms that suggest chronic or late-stage infection.

From ticks and small rodents

The Borrelia Western Blot (WB) IgM test is a significant tool in the diagnosis of Lyme disease, an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted primarily through tick bites. The IgM test specifically detects early immune responses to the bacteria and is a valuable marker during the initial weeks following exposure. The presence of IgM antibodies, which are the first line of defense, provides insight into whether an infection is recent, as IgM antibodies typically appear within one to two weeks of exposure and may decline after a few months. Given that Lyme disease can present with a range of symptoms that mimic other illnesses, accurately interpreting IgM and other biomarkers is essential for both timely treatment and effective management of the disease.

The Bradyrhizobiaceae is a family of bacteria within the order Rhizobiales, known primarily for their role in nitrogen fixation in soil. However, their presence in the human gut microbiome, although less commonly discussed, is gaining attention for potential health implications. These bacteria are Gram-negative and possess unique metabolic capabilities that could influence gut health. In the context of the gut microbiome, the role of Bradyrhizobiaceae is not as extensively studied as other bacterial families, yet emerging research suggests they might contribute to the metabolic diversity of the gut flora.

- Each of the BCAAs is catabolized by a dehydrogenase enzyme forming branched-chain keto acids (BDKA), or 2-oxo acids. The dehydrogenase enzyme is heavily dependent on B-complex vitamins, the lack of which may decrease pathway function, possibly leading to an elevation of the BCKA.

- Early research found a vitamin B1 (thiamin)-responsive form of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

- Higher urinary BCKA was found to decrease with B-complex vitamins supplementation.

- Evaluate intake of B-complex, primarily thiamin (B1).

- Evaluate dietary intake or supplementation with branched-chain amino acids.