Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test – Overview

What is the Lyme IgG Antibody Test?

The Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibody test detects IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. IgG antibodies appear later in infection and remain detectable for months or years, making this test useful for diagnosing later-stage or past infections.

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1. Why is the Lyme IgG Test Done?

✅ To confirm a past or chronic Lyme disease infection
✅ For patients with long-term symptoms (arthritis, neurological issues, heart problems)
✅ To follow up on a previous Lyme IgM test

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2. Test Procedure

📌 Sample Collection

• Blood sample (serum) drawn from a vein
• No fasting or special preparation needed

🧪 Testing Method

1. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) – First screening test
2. Western Blot (if ELISA is positive) – Confirms Lyme disease by detecting specific IgG bands

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3. Results Interpretation

🔴 False positives can occur due to other infections or autoimmune conditions.
✅ IgG results should be confirmed with a Western Blot test.

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4. When is Lyme IgG Testing Most Accurate?

• IgG antibodies appear 4–6 weeks after infection
• Peak levels occur after 6–8 weeks
• Remain positive for months to years, even after successful treatment

🛑 IgG alone cannot confirm an active infection. A clinical evaluation is needed.

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5. Lyme Disease Symptoms

🦟 Early Stage (1–4 weeks post-tick bite)

• Erythema migrans (bullseye rash)
• Fever, chills, fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches

⚠️ Late Stage (Weeks to Months Later)

• Severe joint pain & Lyme arthritis
• Neurological symptoms (memory issues, facial paralysis)
• Heart problems (Lyme carditis, arrhythmia)

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6. Other Lyme Disease Tests

🧪 Lyme IgM Antibody Test – Detects early infection (first 4 weeks)
🩸 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test – Detects bacterial DNA (useful for joint or cerebrospinal fluid samples)
🔬 Culture Test – Rarely used due to difficulty in growing Borrelia burgdorferi

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7. Treatment for Lyme Disease

• Early Lyme Disease: Doxycycline (first-line for adults), Amoxicillin or Cefuroxime (for children/pregnant women)
• Late-Stage Lyme Disease: IV Ceftriaxone for severe neurological or cardiac complications
• Chronic/Post-Treatment Lyme Symptoms: Supportive care, physical therapy

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Conclusion

The Lyme IgG test helps diagnose past or late-stage Lyme disease. Since IgG antibodies remain for years, a positive result does not confirm an active infection. Always use clinical symptoms, exposure history, and confirmatory Western Blot testing for an accurate diagnosis.