Antibody ELISA Test for Lyme Disease

The test is called the C6 Lyme Peptide ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay).

A newly discovered protein called V1sE found in all strains of Borrelia burgdorferi has the ability to change its structure, thus avoiding the patient's immune response. V1sE consists of both variable and invariable parts. One of the invariable parts, C6, produces a strong antibody response in patients with Lyme disease, and is able to distinguish between patients with Lyme disease and those who have had the vaccine for the disease. This is in contrast to many of the current tests, which have a positive reaction when given to patients who have been vaccinated.

The test was developed by Boston Biomedica, Inc. (West Bridgewater, MA, USA; www.bbii.com). The company says the test can detect antibodies in all US and European strains of B burgdorferi. Also, the test is highly specific for Lyme disease, so that patients with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and lupus will not test positive. In addition, the test is sensitive in all stages of the disease, including the later stages.

It is the first commercially available test that can be used in vaccinated patients, said Dr. Richard C. Tilton, an internationally recognized expert on testing for tickborne infections. Because the test is so specific, there will be fewer false positive results than we currently see.