Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG (335) & Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG Speciation (395)

The Lyme ImmunoBlot is a qualitative immunoassay in which antibodies specific to the B. burgdorferi antigens on a membrane strip are visualized. It is a qualitative test and is more sensitive and specific than the ELISA, IFA, and traditional Western Blot tests. In early or late stage Lyme, when antibody levels are very low, the ImmunoBlot can be positive, whereas ELISA and IFA tests can be negative.

The IgG ImmunoBlot is an immunoassay and qualitative test in which antibodies are visualized. The IgG antibody is typically present a few months following initial infection.

The Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG is a sensitive indicator of an exposure to B. burgdorferi. IgG antibody is typically present a few months following the initial infection. Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG must be performed on any sample with positive or equivocal result for Lyme IgG/IgM antibody serology or Lyme IgG/IgA/IgM IFA.

Principle: The Lyme ImmunoBlot assay is based upon an antigen-antibody complex formation in the following steps:

1. Binding of anti-Borrelia specific antibodies in human serum to the ImmunoBlot strip. The ImmunoBlot strip is a membrane strip with fixed B. burgdorferi recombinant antigens on it.
2. Binding of enzyme labeled anti-human IgG or IgM antibodies to the human anti Borrelia antibodies bound to fixed B. burgdorferi antigens on the membrane.
3. Reaction with BCIP/NBT, a chromogenic substrate with bound antibodies on the strip. A dark purple colored precipitate (band) develops on the antigen-antibody complexes.

The speciation option can tell you which of the following Lyme species you are positive for: B. burgdorferi B31, B. burgdorferi 297, B. californiensis, B. mayonii, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana

Stage of Disease: Early Disease

Test Methodology: ImmunoBlot