Molecular Test Detection

Test : Lyme disease DNA detection


Indications : The test is ordered to detect the presence of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi in patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, especially those in the high-risk group. Blood, cerebospinal fluid, synovial fluid are the samples used for the test. Blood is drawn from the patient and the DNA separated. This DNA is mostly inadequate and hence, is subjected to amplification using nested PCR method. This helps the target DNA sequences to multiply more specifically. The detection of the bacterial DNA is further confirmed with the help of DNA sequencing, a molecular method that helps to determine the exact order of nucleotides in a strand of DNA.

Physiology : Lyme disease is an infection caused by the spiral -shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi which are transmitted to humans through tick bites. The disease first came to light around 1975 when juvenile arthritis was reported in large numbers of children in Lyme, USA. Although the disease initially presented with skin rashes and flu-like symptoms, it gradually progressed to chronic and severe arthritis and problems related to the heart, brain and nerves. A DNA test for Lyme disease is a rapid method to detect the presence of B. burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease.

Normal Range : The diagnosis of Lyme disease is difficult by serological tests but detected by DNA based tests. This tests is a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of Lyme disease.

Interpretation : Nested PCR and DNA sequencing helps in the detection of the DNA belonging to the spirochete that is responsible for causing lyme disease. If bacterial DNA is not detected, despite the symptoms, further investigation will have to be carried out.

Sample : B. burgdorferi DNA

Test Method : DNA sequencing

Related Tests : Serum plasma, Cerebospinal fluid, Synovial fluid

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