Tick-borne disease
An expanding geographic threat
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) occur worldwide, but historically, only certain pockets of the United States posed a risk for infection. However, the geographic range of ticks continues to expand in North America, leading to higher risks of TBD exposure for the public. As a result of increasing exposure and the rising number of potential tick-borne pathogens, it is increasingly important to recognize who to test, when to test, and what test to use for patients who present with TBD symptoms.
We offer a full menu of individual tests and panels that aid in the diagnosis of TBDs. In addition to our comprehensive testing menu, we have developed multiple TBD testing algorithms, including modified two-tiered assays, to help guide and optimize diagnostic testing.
Panels
Serology panels
Included testing
- EHRC | Ehrlichia chaffeensis (HME) Antibody, IgG, Serum
- ANAP | Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis) Antibody, Serum
- BABG | Babesia microti IgG Antibodies, Serum
- SLYME | Lyme Antibody Modified 2-Tier with Reflex, Serum
- TLYME | Lyme Antibody IgM and IgG, Whole Cell Sonicate, ELISA, Serum
- Reflex test (if indicated).
Included testing
Molecular panel
Next-generation sequencing panel
This tick-borne assay was developed by Mayo Clinic to identify pathogenic bacteria infecting whole blood. It uses PCR and next-generation sequencing to detect and differentiate most of the tick-borne bacteria that can be present in a patient's blood sample. The assay can also detect bacteria that cause similar diseases to those of tick-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis. This assay targets a region of the 16s ribosomal RNA gene — a gene found in all bacteria — that allows us to taxonomically specifically report most of the tick-borne bacteria that may be present in a patient's blood sample. It may be useful for situations in which tick-borne bacterial infection is suspected but traditional laboratory methods have failed to yield a diagnosis.
- BRBST | Tickborne Bacterial, PCR and Sequencing, Blood
- Used for detection and identification of pathogenic tick-borne bacteria or organisms that have a similar clinical presentation (e.g., Q-fever due to Coxiella burnetii, leptospirosis) infecting normally sterile whole blood.
- May detect unexpected bacterial pathogens.
Highlights
Bobbi Pritt, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new assay identifies less-common tick-borne bacteria in whole blood. The assay is recommended when tick-borne bacterial infection is suspected but standard testing is unrevealing.
Alpha-gal Syndrome
Key testing
- ALGAL | Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal), IgE, Serum
- APGAL | Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose (Alpha-Gal) Mammalian Meat Allergy Profile, Serum
Highlights
Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., associate director of Mayo Clinic's Clinical Immunoassay Lab, explains how humans can develop an allergy to the alpha-gal molecule, and he describes a new allergen antibody test that can be used to detect it. Dr. Bornhorst also reviews other tests that should be used in conjunction with alpha-gal testing to accurately identify the scope and underlying cause of the allergy.
Anaplasmosis
Key testing
- ANAP | Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis) Antibody, Serum
- EPCRB | Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Babesiosis
Key testing
- BABG | Babesia microti IgG Antibodies, Serum
- BABPB | Babesia species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Borrelia miyamotoi disease
Key testing
Ehrlichiosis
Key testing
Heartland virus
Key testing
- HRTVS | Heartland Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum
- HRTVC | Heartland Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
Lyme disease
Key testing
- SLYME | Lyme Antibody Modified 2-Tier with Reflex, Serum
- TLYME | Lyme IgM and IgG, Whole Cell Sonicate, ELISA, Serum
- LNBAB | Lyme Central Nervous System Infection IgG with Antibody Index Reflex, Serum and Spinal Fluid
- LYME | Lyme Disease Serology, Serum
- LYWB | Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum
- NOTE: Not recommended to perform without initial positive first-tiered equivocal Lyme enzyme immunoassay.
- LYMPV | Lyme Disease, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
- PBORB | Lyme Disease, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
- NOTE: Not recommended to perform with concurrent Lyme disease serology testing (Mayo ID: LYME).
Powassan virus
Key testing
- POWV | Powassan Virus, IgM, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Serum
- POWVB | Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
- POWVC | Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
- POWVS | Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Serum
- POWVU | Powassan Virus, RNA, Molecular Detection, PCR, Random, Urine
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Initial symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by the Rickettsia rickettsii bacterium and transferred to humans through the bites of hard-bodied ticks, can be mild and non-specific. Lacking prompt and proper treatment, however, the infection can quickly progress to more severe symptoms. Including altered mental status, cerebral swelling, respiratory distress, and multi-organ damage, symptoms can lead to death if left untreated. Accurate, timely diagnosis is vital to prevent against serious harm.
Key testing
- SFGP | Spotted Fever Group Antibody, IgG and IgM, Serum
- Aids in diagnosing spotted fever infections.
- Includes detection of both IgM and IgG antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii.
- Note: Because antibodies can be absent for one to two weeks after symptom onset, initial seronegative results should not be used to exclude the diagnosis of rickettsial disease. Collection and testing of a convalescent serum sample approximately one to two weeks after initial testing is recommended to establish diagnosis.