Tick-borne coinfection

Honing in on multiple infections

Tick-borne pathogen coinfections are more widespread than commonly recognized by medical professionals and the public. Ticks can transmit multiple infectious agents through a single bite to the host. In studies reported in Clinical Microbiology reviews, coinfections appear with the greatest frequency among people with Lyme disease.

Mayo Clinic, a recognized center of excellence for vector-borne diseases, offers combined expertise with consultancy, integration of serologic and molecular testing, and enhanced reports with interpretation support.

Tick-borne coinfection Test menu

Serological testing

A tick-borne testing panel can assist in the detection of coinfections, even if they are not initially suspected by the provider. Such tests can evaluate patients who present with fever, myalgia, headache, nausea, and other symptoms and have a history or suspicion of tick exposure. Importantly, this testing is useful in patients presenting with more than seven days of symptoms.

Comprehensive panels

Included tests


Molecular testing

While two-tiered serological testing best identifies Lyme disease caused by B. burgdorferi, molecular amplification assays are the best detectors for acute ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and B. miyamotoi infections within the first seven days following symptom onset. This tick-borne panel offers sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of agents that cause these four diseases. Consider ordering this panel when systemic symptoms, such as fever, chills, and sepsis, are present.

Comprehensive panel

Included tests

Tick-borne sensitization

Highlights


References
  1. Swanson S, Neitzel D, Reed K, Belongia E. Coinfections acquired from Ixodes tick. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Oct;19(4):708-27. doi:10.1128/CMR.00011-06.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Fill out the form below and one of our specialists will be in touch.