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Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG IgM (Western Blot)

Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM Western blot is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies against the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the causative agent of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash. The diagnosis of Lyme disease is typically based on clinical symptoms, but laboratory tests, such as the Western blot, can be used to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from other diseases. The Western blot is a type of immunoblotting technique that separates and identifies specific proteins from a mixture of proteins. In this test, a sample of a patient's blood is applied to a membrane that contains proteins from B. burgdorferi. If the patient has been infected with B. burgdorferi, their immune system will produce antibodies against the bacteria, which can be detected by adding a secondary antibody that binds to the patient's antibodies. The Western blot test can detect both IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi. IgM antibodies are produced early in the infection, while IgG antibodies are produced later and can persist for years. The presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies in a Western blot test is a strong indication of a current or past infection with B. burgdorferi. In summary, the Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM Western blot is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies against B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. This test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease and differentiate it from other diseases.

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