Borrelia + VlsE IgG ELISA

Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium of the Spirochaetaceae, is the ethiologic agent of Lyme disease (Borreliosis) being the most common disease in Europe and the USA transmitted by tics (Ixodes sp.). Lyme borreliosis is a multi-systemic disease with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. A typical symptom of the acute phase is the erythema chronicum migrans (ECM), often accompanied by flue-like symptoms. In later stages of the disease arthritis, carditis, as well as neurological and dermatological manifestations may occur. Lyme borreliosis can be treated with antibiotics in all stages. Therefore, a safe and sensitive laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, also detecting the early stage of diseases, is of major importance, since an early treatment is most appreciated. IgM antibodies usually appear approximately three weeks after the infection, IgG antibodies after four to six weeks. The early immune reaction is mainly directed against the flagellin peptide (41 kDa) and the OspC (Outer surface protein C, 23 kDa) and is then spread on more and more bacterial proteins. Usually the acute phase is indicated by high titers of IgM antibodies. Elevated IgG titers with low or without IgM antibodies may occur when the borreliosis is subsiding (due to therapy or spontaneously) or during the chronic stage. The performance of the Borrelia IgG ELISA is important especially to detect a borreliosis even in cases showing negative 14 kDa + OspC titers and to monitor the immune status. The Borrelia IgG ELISA employs the very highly specific recombinant Borrelia burgdorferi VlsE antigen and a highly specific crude lysate antigen blend from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu strictu, B. afzelii and B. garinii and therefore determines IgG antibodies with extremely high sensitivity and specificity.