Lyme disease (Borellia burgdorferi) IgG & IgM - Immunoblot

Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG & IgM Immunoblot Test

The Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG & IgM Immunoblot Test is a highly specific confirmatory blood test used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. It is typically performed after a positive or equivocal Lyme disease screening test (ELISA or EIA) to confirm the diagnosis.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes (black-legged or deer) ticks. The disease is most common in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. If diagnosed early, Lyme disease usually responds well to antibiotics. Untreated infection may spread to the joints, nervous system, heart, and other organs.

Early symptoms may include:

• Expanding "bull's-eye" skin rash (erythema migrans)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, later manifestations may include:

• Lyme arthritis
• Facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy)
• Meningitis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Lyme carditis
• Chronic joint inflammation

The immune system initially produces IgM antibodies, usually within 1–2 weeks after infection, followed by IgG antibodies, which generally appear 2–6 weeks after infection and may persist for months or years.

The Immunoblot detects antibodies against several specific Borrelia proteins, making it much more specific than screening tests alone. Combining IgM and IgG Immunoblot helps improve diagnostic accuracy when interpreted according to established laboratory criteria.

However, a positive Immunoblot result alone does not prove active Lyme disease. Antibodies may remain detectable long after successful treatment. Diagnosis should always consider clinical symptoms, history of tick exposure, geographic risk, and other laboratory findings.

Benefits of the Test

• Confirms Lyme disease after positive screening.
• Detects both IgM and IgG antibodies.
• Highly specific confirmatory assay.
• Helps reduce false-positive screening results.
• Requires only a blood sample.
• Supports diagnosis of both early and later Lyme disease.
• Assists clinicians in treatment planning.
• Complements clinical evaluation and exposure history.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors recommend the Lyme Disease IgG & IgM Immunoblot Test for patients with positive or equivocal Lyme antibody screening results, compatible symptoms, and possible exposure to infected ticks.

Preparation Before the Test

No special preparation is required.

You may eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise. Inform your healthcare provider about recent tick bites, travel to Lyme-endemic areas, previous Lyme disease, antibiotic treatment, and current symptoms. A blood sample is collected from a vein for laboratory analysis.

Normal Reporting Time

Typically: 3–7 Working Days

Reporting time may vary depending on laboratory methodology.

Who Should Take This Test?

This test may be recommended for:

• Individuals with positive or equivocal Lyme ELISA/EIA results.
• Patients with suspected Lyme disease.
• Individuals with a history of tick bites.
• Patients with erythema migrans and atypical presentation.
• People with Lyme arthritis.
• Individuals with neurological symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease.
• Patients with suspected Lyme carditis.
• Travelers returning from Lyme-endemic regions.
• Individuals referred by infectious disease specialists.
• Anyone advised by their healthcare provider.