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WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?

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Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (and, in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in the U.S. and Ixodes pacificus on the West Coast.

Lyme disease can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent chronic symptoms and long-term complications.

AcuDart Health offers state-of-the-art Lyme disease testing in convenient at-home tests to accurately detect both early and late-stage infections.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease progresses in three stages, though not all patients experience every stage:

Early Localized Lyme Disease (3–30 Days After a Tick Bite)

Erythema migrans (EM) rash – A bullseye-shaped rash (occurs in ~70–80% of cases).
Flu-like symptoms – Fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Swollen lymph nodes – A sign of immune system activation.

Early Disseminated Lyme Disease (Weeks to Months After Infection)

Multiple EM rashes – As the infection spreads.
Joint pain and stiffness – Early signs of Lyme arthritis.
Neurological symptoms – Facial palsy (Bell’s palsy), tingling, numbness, or brain fog.
Lyme carditis – Irregular heartbeats due to infection in heart tissue.

Late Lyme Disease (Months to Years After Infection, If Untreated)

Lyme arthritis – Chronic joint inflammation, often in the knees.
Neuroborreliosis – Cognitive issues, memory loss, nerve pain, or difficulty concentrating.
Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness – Lingering post-infection effects.

Because symptoms can mimic other illnesses, accurate testing is essential for diagnosis.

How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

Lyme disease diagnosis is based on symptoms, tick exposure history, and laboratory testing. Standard diagnostic methods include:

Antibody Testing (ELISA & ImmunoBlot)

Detects IgM (early infection) and IgG (later-stage infection) antibodies.
AcuDart Health’s next-generation ImmunoBlot provides higher accuracy than traditional Western blots

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Testing

Identifies Borrelia DNA in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or synovial fluid.
Useful for detecting early or persistent infections.

Clinical Evaluation

Doctors assess symptom patterns and exposure risk.
In endemic areas, Lyme disease may be diagnosed without lab tests if symptoms are classic.

How is Lyme Disease Treated?

Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, but early intervention is key.

Early-Stage Treatment

Doxycycline (first-line oral antibiotic) for 10–21 days.
Amoxicillin or cefuroxime as alternatives.

Late-Stage or Severe Lyme Disease

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics (Ceftriaxone) for neurological or cardiac involvement.
Anti-inflammatory medications for lingering joint symptoms.

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) may cause lingering fatigue, joint pain, or cognitive issues in some patients, even after treatment.

Preventing Lyme Disease

Early detection and testing are critical for preventing chronic Lyme disease complications. To reduce your risk of Lyme disease:

Avoid tick habitats – Stay on trails in wooded or grassy areas.
Use tick repellents – Apply DEET, permethrin, or essential oils to skin and clothing.
Perform daily tick checks – Especially after outdoor activities.
Remove ticks properly – Use fine-tipped tweezers to extract the tick close to the skin.
Monitor for symptoms – Seek medical attention if a rash or flu-like symptoms appear.

When Should You Get Tested for Lyme Disease?

Consider Lyme disease testing if you:

Had a recent tick bite and are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Develop a bullseye rash or multiple unexplained rashes.
Have neurological symptoms (facial paralysis, brain fog, nerve pain).
Experience joint swelling and stiffness, especially in the knees.
Have ongoing fatigue, pain, or cognitive difficulties after suspected Lyme exposure.

AcuDart Health offers high-precision Lyme disease diagnostics to detect infections at all stages.

Final Thoughts

Lyme disease is a serious but treatable tick-borne illness that can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart. If detected early, antibiotic treatment is highly effective, but delayed diagnosis can lead to chronic symptoms and complications.

Because Lyme disease symptoms overlap with other conditions, accurate testing is essential. AcuDart Health provides advanced Lyme disease testing to help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions.

Shop All Tick-Borne Disease Tests

Front of Package for AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease At-Home Screening Test Panel

Back of Package for AcuDart At-Home Screening Tests

Package Contents of AcuDart At-Home Screening Tests

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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