Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG At in Cerebrospinal Fluid

The Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG At test in cerebrospinal fluid is a specialized test designed to detect antibodies against the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacterium in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This bacterium is responsible for Lyme disease, an infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. You can have this test, along with other bacteriological serology tests, performed at IntroLab, a private laboratory in Belgrade.

When should this test be done?

This test is especially valuable when there is a suspicion of neurological complications from Lyme disease. It is recommended to use this test alongside antibody testing in serum and only if clinical symptoms are present. These symptoms can appear in stages:

Early stage symptoms (a few days to a few weeks after a tick bite):

• A red, round rash spreading from the bite site, known as erythema migrans. This rash may be warm to the touch but is usually not painful.
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

Late stage symptoms (several weeks or months after a tick bite):

• Joint pain, particularly in the knee.
• Nervous system problems, such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), nerve pain, and issues with memory or concentration.
• Heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms, though this is rare.
• Additional rashes on other parts of the body.

Procedure for Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG At testing in cerebrospinal fluid

The Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG At test in cerebrospinal fluid requires a sample of the fluid, usually collected via a lumbar puncture. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, typically using qualitative immunoblot or ELISA methods. At IntroLab in Belgrade, we utilize highly accurate techniques for this test, ensuring reliable results for our patients.

Result interpretation

A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies to Borrelia Burgdorferi in the cerebrospinal fluid, potentially signaling a central nervous system infection. However, the possibility of blood contamination or the transfer of serum antibodies across the blood-brain barrier should be considered. A negative result means that no antibodies to Borrelia Burgdorferi were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, which does not support a Lyme disease diagnosis.

Scheduling an appointment

If you have symptoms that suggest a possible Lyme disease infection, visit our lab in Belgrade for the Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG At test in cerebrospinal fluid. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, providing all the necessary information and support.