Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG) - ELISA

Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi IgG) ELISA Test

The Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi IgG) ELISA Test is a laboratory blood test that detects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. The test is commonly used as part of the initial serological evaluation for patients with suspected Lyme disease, especially those with symptoms lasting more than a few weeks.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection transmitted by infected Ixodes (black-legged or deer) ticks. It is most common in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications affecting the joints, nervous system, heart, and skin.

Early symptoms may include:

• Expanding bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, Lyme disease may progress to:

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

Following infection, the immune system gradually produces IgG antibodies, which usually become detectable 2–6 weeks after infection. IgG antibodies often persist for months or years, even after successful treatment. Therefore, a positive IgG ELISA alone cannot distinguish between an active infection and a previous infection.

The ELISA test is primarily a screening test. According to current diagnostic recommendations, positive or equivocal ELISA results should be confirmed using an Immunoblot (Western Blot or line immunoblot) or another approved second-tier assay. Diagnosis should always consider clinical symptoms, history of tick exposure, and geographic risk.

Benefits of the Test

• Detects IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Useful for screening patients with suspected Lyme disease.
• Helps identify previous or ongoing immune exposure.
• Requires only a simple blood sample.
• Supports diagnosis in later stages of infection.
• Complements confirmatory Immunoblot testing.
• Assists clinicians in diagnostic evaluation.
• Supports timely clinical management.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors recommend the Lyme Disease IgG ELISA Test for patients with suspected Lyme disease, compatible symptoms, possible tick exposure, or as part of the recommended two-tier Lyme disease testing algorithm.

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: 2–5 Working Days

Reporting time may vary depending on the laboratory methodology.

Who Should Take This Test?

This test may be recommended for:

• Individuals with suspected Lyme disease.
• Patients with persistent joint pain after tick exposure.
• Individuals with neurological symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease.
• Patients with suspected Lyme arthritis.
• People living in or returning from endemic areas.
• Individuals with unexplained fatigue after tick bites.
• Patients referred by infectious disease specialists.
• Individuals requiring Lyme disease screening.
• Patients with compatible clinical symptoms.
• Anyone advised by their healthcare provider.