Diseases
Lyme Borreliosis
Lyme borreliosis, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is a spirochete-borne disease named after its discoverer, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, in 1982.
Borrelia burgdorferi, a species of bacteria primarily transmitted by ticks, particularly the common wood tick (Ixodes ricinus) in Europe, poses a significant health risk. These tiny parasites, feeding on blood, can transmit the bacterium to humans through a tick bite, leading to the development of Lyme borreliosis. Although transmission through ticks is most common, it's important to note that Lyme borreliosis can also be transmitted by other insects such as horseflies in rare cases. This disease can cause serious health complications, hence it's crucial to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions, especially in regions where tick activity is prevalent.
Lyme disease: Dangers and precautions
Lyme borreliosis is an inflammatory multisystem disease that can affect numerous organs and body parts, triggering diverse symptoms throughout the body. In only about 50% of fresh Borrelia infections, a "bull's-eye rash" and in approximately 20%, a "summer flu" following a tick bite are reliable signs of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. The Borrelia infection can progress to joint inflammation, neurological issues, and many other complaints in subsequent stages. Lyme borreliosis can manifest in, among other things, chronically progressing inflammations of the brain, heart, and nervous system.
Our tests
Appropriate for Lyme Borreliosis
Analytes (Measurands) marked with a * are not accredited. **Note: This procedure is not available in the USA.
Further informations
Lyme Borreliosis
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.) with the following subspecies:
- USA: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (B.b.s.s.), Borrelia andersonii, Borrelia americanum, B. carolinensis, B. bissettii, B. myamotoi
- Europe: Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae, B. bavariensis
- Asia: Borrelia japonica, B. rutdi, B. tanukii, B. sinica, B. yangtze
- Ixodes ricinus (Europe)
- Ixodes scapularis (USA, deer tick)
- Ixodes pacificus (USA)
There are 3 stages of an infection:
- Bull’s eye rash, summer-flu
- Recent infection of the organ system (peripheral nerve system, meningitis, encephalitis, joints, heart, eyes)
- Chronic infection of the organ system (peripheral nerve system, central nerve system, joints, muscles, heart, eyes, ears, skin)
Symptoms (according “Symptoms and Associated Medical Conditions on the Sixteen-Point MSIDS Map” by Dr. Richard Horowitz, Hyde Park, New York, USA):
Fatigue, unexplained fever, night sweats, chills, weight changes, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, joint and muscle pain, headaches, neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, facial paralysis), vision and hearing problems, dizziness and balance issues, cognitive difficulties (memory loss, confusion, concentration problems), mood swings, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, alcohol intolerance.
e.g. Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), autism, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sarcoidosis (Boeck's disease)
- outdoor activities (professional and hobbies)
- tick-bites
- insect bites
- horse-fly bites
