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Immuno-PCR Based Approach Enables Early and Objective Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
About
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) and is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks. Standard protocols for diagnosing Lyme disease involves testing blood sera using a subjective two-tiered system which often lead to misdiagnoses. The method also lacks sensitivity in the early stages of the infection. This multiplex immuno-PCR (iPCR) based diagnostic test uses specialized magnetic beads that complex with antibodies produced by individuals infected with B. burgdorferi. Additionally, the test makes use of specialized oligonucleotide reporters that are amplified by qPCR if antibodies from infected individuals are detected. The qPCR step offers a more objective readout of B. burgdorferi infection than the immune-blot analysis commonly used in Lyme disease testing. This diagnostic test enables earlier and objective detection of infection and a more simplified single-tiered approach for diagnosis.
Key Benefits
o Reduces the cost and complexity of current methods for diagnosing Lyme disease o Objective readout for Lyme disease o Increased sensitivity for earlier detection o Standardized reagents o Can be developed for high throughput automation
Applications
Lyme disease diagnostics