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Updated: May 19, 2026
Detecting the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia Burgdorferi, in Ticks Using Nested PCR
Published on: February 4, 2018
A direct, urine-based test to diagnose acute Lyme disease using actively secreted peptidoglycan as a biomarker
Abstract:
Lyme disease is a growing and prominent human health problem caused by a group of spirochaetal bacteria that belong to the Borrelia genus. Persistent Lyme disease infection produces a multi-system disorder that may result in severe arthritis, carditis, neurological problems, and even death. Preventing severe disease requires immediate treatment, but current approaches to diagnose Lyme disease are indirect, serology-based assays that may fail early in infection. All Lyme disease-causing Borrelia species shed distinct and unique fragments of their peptidoglycan cell wall during growth. We exploited this fundamental biological process to develop an acute, urine-based diagnostic test. Using a cocktail of unique and highly specific monoclonal antibodies, our ELISA-mediated approach accurately reports on the status of an active, acute infection, in a laboratory animal model of Lyme disease, as well as humans. This rapid, simple, and innovative approach detects an active infection in as few as 3 days of transmission and in 88% of human patients yet to seroconvert-more than ∼2 weeks before serology would be positive.
Insights
A new urine test detects Lyme disease early by identifying unique bacterial cell wall fragments. This diagnostic breakthrough enables faster treatment, improving outcomes for patients before antibodies develop.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by *Borrelia* bacteria, is a significant health concern.
- Current diagnostic methods, like serology, are often inaccurate early in infection.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe, multi-system complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, rapid diagnostic test for acute Lyme disease.
- To detect *Borrelia* infection before the development of antibodies (seroconversion).
- To utilize unique bacterial cell wall fragments for diagnostic purposes.
Main Methods:
- Developed an ELISA-mediated assay using monoclonal antibodies.
- Targeted unique peptidoglycan cell wall fragments shed by *Borrelia* species.
- Validated the test in a laboratory animal model and human patients.
Main Results:
- The assay accurately detected active Lyme disease in animal models and humans.
- Identified infection as early as 3 days post-transmission.
- Achieved 88% accuracy in human patients prior to seroconversion, significantly earlier than traditional tests.
Conclusions:
- A novel urine-based diagnostic test effectively detects early Lyme disease.
- This method offers a significant advancement over current serology-based diagnostics.
- Early detection via this assay facilitates timely treatment and potentially reduces disease severity.
