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What are IgG Antibodies?

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IgG antibodies are a type of immunoglobulin, or protein, produced by the immune system in response to infections. They play a crucial role in long-term immunity and are the most abundant antibodies in the bloodstream.

In the context of tick-borne disease (TBD) testing, IgG antibodies help indicate past or ongoing infections, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

AcuDart Health's advanced diagnostic tests analyze IgG antibody responses to detect persistent or late-stage infections, helping patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about their health.

The Role of IgG in Immunity

IgG antibodies serve as immune memory markers, meaning they remain in the body after an infection has been cleared. This allows the immune system to recognize and respond quickly if the same pathogen reappears. Their functions include:

Neutralizing pathogens: IgG binds to bacteria, viruses, or parasites, preventing them from infecting cells.
Activating other immune responses: IgG helps trigger complement proteins, which assist in destroying pathogens.
Enhancing phagocytosis: These antibodies tag microbes for elimination by immune cells like macrophages.

Since IgG antibodies develop weeks to months after infection, they are particularly useful for detecting late or chronic stages of tick-borne diseases.

IgG in Tick-Borne Disease Testing

When testing for tick-borne infections, IgG antibodies indicate whether an individual has been exposed to a pathogen in the past.

However, their presence alone does not confirm an active infection—additional clinical evaluation and tests, such as IgM antibody tests or PCR (DNA-based tests), are often required for a complete diagnosis.

Examples of IgG-Based Tests in TBD Detection

Western blot for Lyme disease: Measures IgG response to Borrelia burgdorferi proteins.
Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Babesia: Detects IgG antibodies against Babesia microti or Babesia duncani.
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): Screens for IgG antibodies to multiple tick-borne pathogens.

AcuDart Health offers multi-pathogen IgG antibody panels, allowing for comprehensive tick-borne disease screening.

IgG vs. IgM: Key Differences

While IgG antibodies indicate past or prolonged exposure to an infection, IgM antibodies appear early in an infection and usually decline over time. AcuDart Health uses both IgG and IgM antibody tests to provide a comprehensive picture of tick-borne infections.
Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature

IgG Antibodies

IgM Antibodies

Timing

Develops weeks to months after infection

Appears early, within days to weeks

Duration

Can persist for years or a lifetime

Typically fades within a few months

Indicates

Past exposure or chronic infection

Recent or active infection

Role in TBD Testing

Used for late-stage or chronic infection detection

Used for early-stage diagnosis

When Should You Get an IgG Test?

Testing for IgG antibodies may be recommended if you:

Had a tick bite weeks or months ago and are experiencing symptoms.
Have persistent, unexplained symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or neurological issues.
Previously had a tick-borne infection and want to check for persistent antibodies.
Are undergoing chronic Lyme disease evaluation.

Since IgG antibodies can remain in the bloodstream for years, they alone cannot confirm an active infection—additional tests and clinical correlation are necessary.

Final Thoughts

IgG antibodies play a key role in diagnosing tick-borne diseases, particularly in later stages. They help determine past exposure but are most useful when combined with other diagnostic methods like IgM testing, PCR, or antigen detection.

AcuDart Health provides advanced, multi-tiered TBD testing that incorporates IgG analysis to offer accurate, reliable results. If you're experiencing symptoms after a tick bite, consult with a healthcare provider and consider comprehensive testing.

For more information on tick-borne disease testing, visit AcuDart Health.

Shop All Tick-Borne Disease Tests

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AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Screening Test Panel

Sample AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease At-Home Screening Test Panel Results Report

AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Screening Test Panel

$499.00

$596.00

Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF), Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis share overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis difficult without comprehensive testing. Because these infections can mimic each other, relying on a single test for one disease may lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. That’s why AcuDart offers the most accurate and reliable tick-borne disease testing available.

Unlike standard tests from commercial labs like LabCorp or Quest, which typically screen for just one or two species per disease, the AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Test Panel is designed for maximum accuracy and coverage. It detects 19 species across four major tick-borne diseases, making it the most comprehensive tick panel on the market. Whether you're experiencing persistent symptoms or have been exposed to ticks, AcuDart's tick-borne disease panel provides the most thorough and precise testing to help you get the right diagnosis and treatment faster.

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