Explore 10,000+ laboratory markers, in plain English.

What is Borrelia burgdorferi VlsE1 – IgM? The VlsE1 – IgM marker detects early immune system activity against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. VlsE1 (Variable major protein-like sequence Expressed 1) is a highly specific surface protein used by the bacterium to evade the immune system through antigenic variation. Because of this, VlsE1 is a key target in serological testing for Lyme disease. IgM antibodies are typically the first type of antibody produced by the immune system in response to an infection. Therefore, a positive or elevated IgM result for Borrelia burgdorferi VlsE1 may indicate recent or current infection.

What is Borrelia garinii OspC – IgG? Borrelia garinii is one of several Borrelia species that can cause Lyme borreliosis, primarily found in Europe and parts of Asia. It is closely related to Borrelia burgdorferi, the main species responsible for Lyme disease in North America. B. garinii is especially associated with neurological symptoms, such as meningitis or nerve pain. The OspC (Outer surface protein C) is a major surface protein expressed by Borrelia during the early stages of infection, and it plays a key role in the immune system's recognition of the bacterium. The IgG antibody test for Borrelia garinii OspC measures your body’s longer-term immune response to this specific protein, indicating prior exposure or ongoing immune activity.

What is Borrelia hermsii – IgG? Borrelia hermsii is a bacterial species that causes tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), a disease characterized by recurring episodes of fever and other flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted to humans by soft-bodied ticks of the Ornithodoros genus, which typically feed quickly and are often found in rodent-infested cabins, campsites, or rustic buildings in the western United States and parts of Canada. The IgG antibody test for Borrelia hermsii measures your body's longer-term immune response to this pathogen. IgG antibodies typically appear weeks after infection and can remain in the bloodstream for months or years after exposure.

What is Borrelia maritima – IgG? Borrelia maritima is a lesser-known species within the Borrelia genus—a group of bacteria that includes species responsible for Lyme disease and relapsing fever. B. maritima has been identified in ticks and marine or coastal wildlife, but it is not currently recognized as a confirmed cause of human illness. Its presence on testing panels is typically used to explore environmental exposure to Borrelia species or potential cross-reactivity with more well-studied pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi. The IgG antibody test for Borrelia maritima detects long-term antibodies that the immune system produces weeks after exposure to the bacterium. IgG antibodies can remain in the blood for months or even years, indicating prior immune system recognition of the organism.

What is Borrelia mayonii – IgG? Borrelia mayonii is a recently identified species of bacteria in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex and is known to cause a form of Lyme disease in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Unlike Borrelia burgdorferi, B. mayonii may lead to more severe or unusual symptoms such as higher fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diffuse rashes rather than the classic bull's-eye rash. The IgG antibody test for Borrelia mayonii detects the body’s longer-term immune response to this bacterium. IgG antibodies typically appear several weeks after infection and can persist for months or even years.

What is Borrelia spielmanii OspC – IgM? Borrelia spielmanii is one of several Borrelia species known to cause Lyme borreliosis, primarily in Europe. While it is less well-known than Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia garinii, B. spielmanii has been identified in patients with skin-related Lyme symptoms, such as erythema migrans (the classic Lyme rash). It is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, the same genus responsible for spreading other Lyme-causing Borrelia species. The OspC (Outer Surface Protein C) is an early-expressed protein by Borrelia during infection. The IgM antibody test for B. spielmanii OspC measures your body’s initial immune response to this protein. Since IgM is the first class of antibody produced, it often indicates a recent or active infection.

Borrelia turicatae is a leading cause of tick-borne relapsing fever in the southwestern United States. It is transmitted by Ornithodoros turicata, a soft-bodied tick known for its rapid feeding, which makes transmission events difficult to detect and trace. This tick species is typically found in caves and in the burrows of ground squirrels and prairie dogs throughout the Plains and desert regions of the Southwest. There is strong epidemiological evidence linking B. turicatae to human infection. In addition to recurrent fever, affected individuals often experience a wide range of nonspecific symptoms. Clinical features of relapsing fever may include repeated febrile episodes, chills, nausea, headache, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, fatigue, and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), among others.