NEW TESTING COULD GREATLY IMPROVE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease (TBD) in the United States and at present it’s diagnosis requires 2 tests. Even then the results fall to interpretation and are often less than accurate. Tests and their accuracy for other TBDs including Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia vary from lab to lab as well. Other diseases, Powassan and Heartland virus, do not even have specific blood tests. Researchers, Rafal Tokarz and Nischay Mishra, both PhDs and research scientists at the Center for Infection and Immunity say that because of this inaccurate testing, true results in the incidence of TBDs is greatly underestimated and most people are not tested for the full range of tick-borne pathogens that could be present.

These two researchers, along with a group of other scientists from the CDC, the Center for Infection and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, to name a few, have authored a report that details creation of a new blood test called the Tick-Borne Disease Serochip. This test is stated to identify and distinguish between the pathogens carry Lyme disease, Anaplasma, Babesiosis, and 5 other tick-borne pathogens. They believe that as other TBDs are discovered they will be able to modify the test to include them. As well as accurately detecting specific TBDs in humans this test claims to be able to detect co-infections. Were you even aware that sometimes ticks can carry and infect you with several diseases, not just one?

WHAT WILL THIS TESTING MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF LYME DIAGNOSIS?

Sometimes the science of it all can be overwhelming. To break it down in layman’s terms, easier and more specific testing can lead to more accurate and quicker diagnosis which leads to quicker treatment, more specific to the exact need. And now in JUST ONE TEST.

At Mosquito Squad of Leominster , we look forward to a time when tick-borne illnesses are no longer a concern in the United States or Worldwide. Until then we will continue the fight on the homefront. Call us today and we can schedule your first barrier treatment as well as discuss our tick tube system which helps to keep your yard free from ticks all year long.