Lyme Disease Awareness
29th August 2024
Lyme Disease in Canada: An Overview for ICL Practitioners
Lyme disease is becoming a significant health concern in Canada, with rising cases reported across the country. As a lab dedicated to comprehensive testing solutions, we aim to support you with the latest information and reliable diagnostic tools for your patients.
Current Statistics and Trends
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports a rise in confirmed Lyme disease cases from 144 in 2009 to over 2,000 in 2022. This increase is partly due to the expanding range of the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), the primary vector for Lyme disease. High incidence rates are observed in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lyme disease can present a wide range of symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Early signs include a characteristic rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. If untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial. The recommended two-tiered serologic testing approach includes:
- First-Tier Screening: ELISA to detect antibodies against B. burgdorferi.
- Second-Tier Confirmation: Immunoblot test to confirm the presence of specific antibodies.
Our lab provides access to Lyme disease testing through:
- Armin Labs: Specializes in tick-borne disease detection using ELISA and immunoblot methods.
- IGeneX: Offers a comprehensive range of tests, including PCR and immunoblot, to identify multiple strains of Borrelia.
- Mayo Laboratories: Utilizes immunoblot testing to confirm Lyme disease following a positive or equivocal ELISA result.
Your Partner in Patient Care
We are committed to providing you with the best diagnostic tools available. By offering a range of testing options, we empower you to choose the most suitable method for your practice and patient needs.
If you have any questions or need further information on our Lyme disease testing options, please contact us. Together, we can improve patient outcomes through early and precise diagnosis.
Lab Tests to Investigate Lyme Disease
| Armin Labs |
|---|
Armin is a specialized laboratory focused on diagnosing infections, particularly tick-borne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, Bartonella, Babesia, and more. Armin Lyme diagnostic tests, include EliSpot, Tickplex, and PCR, are used to provide accurate detection of various pathogens. We also provide consultations and comprehensive test reports to guide treatment.
Lyme Tickplex Basic IgG and IgM
Chlamydia trachomatis EliSpot*
Yersinia Elispot*
Campylobacter Jejuni IgG/IgA -Immunoblot*
HHV 6 Elispot*
| IGeneX |
|---|
IGeneX specializes in testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. They offer a range of tests for diseases such as Babesia, Bartonella, and Rickettsia. IGeneX provides comprehensive testing using methodologies like ImmunoBlot, PCR, and FISH. They emphasize accuracy and reliability, with tests validated through strict studies.
Broad Coverage Lyme Ab assay 601
Lyme Screen Immunoassay IgM #605
Lyme Screen Immunoassay IgG #606
| Mayo Laboratories |
|---|
This test is designed to detect antibodies specific to Lyme disease in serum samples. It is used to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease, particularly following a positive or equivocal first-tier screening test. The test employs immunoblot methodology to identify IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi.
Lyme Disease Antibodies & Immunoblot
LYME DISEASE FOCUSED EDUCATION
Armin Labs Webinar: TICKPLEX: IF YOU TEST, YOU CAN TREAT!
Armin Labs: INFORMATION: About Lyme Borreliosis