TBRF ImmunoBlot IgM (345)

Overview:

The Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) ImmunoBlot is a qualitative immunoassay in which antibodies specific to the TBRF Borrelia antigens on a membrane strip are visualized. The ImmunoBlot is more sensitive and specific than the IFA and traditional Western Blot tests, its bands can be read more easily, and it can be used at multiple stages of illness. In early or late stage of the disease when antibody levels are very low, the ImmunoBlot can be positive whereas IFA tests can be negative.

The TBRF ImmunoBlot IgM is very sensitive indicators of exposure to TBRF Borrelia. The ImmunoBlot IgM may be positive as early as 2 weeks after a tick bite. This test will usually remain positive for six to eight weeks after initial exposure, and in some patients will remain positive for a very long time. For the testing to be complete, it is preferable that the IgM ImmunoBlot be run along with the IgG ImmunoBlot.

Principle: IB strips are prepared from recombinant proteins of interest. The recombinant proteins are applied to a membrane and cut into strips.

Immunoblotting: Patient serum or plasma is incubated with the IB strip. If specific antibodies to pathogen antigens are present, they will bind to the corresponding antigen bands. After washing off the unbound serum, the strip is incubated with alkaline phosphateconjugated goat anti-human antibody. Bound antibodies react with BCIP/NBT, a chromogenic substrate. A dark purple colored precipitate develops on the antigen-antibody complexes. Bands are visualized and scored for intensities relative to the positive and negative controls.

Stage of Disease: Early Disease

Test Methodology: ImmunoBlot