Borrelia Species DNA, Real-Time PCR, with Reflexes, Blood

Laboratory assay overview

The diagnosis of Borreliosis is most often made by clinical examination combined with exposure in endemic areas. Amplification of Borrelia genomic DNA from blood can support the diagnosis. This test detects Borrelia species which are associated with either Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), or relapsing fever (Borrelia miyamotoi). A positive result for Borrelia species but negative result for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi, may indicate that infection is caused by other Borrelia species. A negative result for Borrelia species does not rule out Borrelia infection and appropriate serology testing may be clinically warranted.