Lyme Disease Antibody Screen (IgG + IgM)

IFCOR's Lyme Disease Antibody Screen detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi — the bacterial pathogen transmitted by tick bites — using recombinant antigen-based serology. IgM antibodies appear 2–4 weeks after infection and indicate recent or active infection; IgG antibodies develop 4–8 weeks after infection and can persist for years, indicating past exposure. The Czech Republic is one of the highest-incidence Lyme disease regions in Europe due to its forested landscape and high Ixodes ricinus tick density, making this test a routine consideration after tick bites or unexplained flu-like symptoms, joint pain, or neurological symptoms in summer and autumn. Results are available the next business day without fasting.

Lyme borreliosis (Lyme disease) is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe and is endemic throughout the Czech Republic, particularly in lower-altitude forests, meadows, and river valleys. It is caused by the spirochaete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato — in Europe, multiple genospecies (B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi s.s.) cause different clinical manifestations. Early localised infection (days to weeks after a bite) presents as erythema migrans — a characteristic expanding red rash — which may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, joint pains, and headache. Early disseminated infection (weeks to months) can involve cardiac conduction abnormalities, early neurological Lyme (facial palsy, meningitis, radiculopathy), or multiple erythema migrans lesions. Late disseminated Lyme (months to years) may cause Lyme arthritis, acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (skin), or late neurological Lyme (encephalopathy, myelopathy). IFCOR uses a two-tier serological approach aligned with European guidelines: the recombinant IgG and IgM ELISA detects antibodies against specific Borrelia surface proteins (including VlsE-derived C6 peptide, OspC, and other recombinant antigens) with high sensitivity and specificity compared to whole-cell lysate assays. IgM positivity with a compatible clinical history and tick exposure in the preceding 4–6 weeks supports early infection. IgG positivity without current symptoms indicates past exposure and is common in endemic populations — approximately 5–10% of asymptomatic individuals in Czech forested regions may be IgG seropositive. A positive first-tier ELISA should ideally be confirmed by immunoblot (Western blot) at a reference laboratory if clinical management decisions depend on the result. No fasting is required. Results are available the next business day.