Detection of IgG antiobodies in cerebrospinal fluid by ELISA

Detection of IgG antibodies to a mixture of whole antigen extracts of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii and recombinant VlsE of B. burgdorferi in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Fresh human serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A minimum volume of 0.5 mL of both serum and CSF is required.

In order to perform this test, the total albumin and total IgG concentrations of both the serum and CSF must be provided.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes. Collect CSF into sterile tube without preservatives. The serum and CSF specimens MUST be collected within a 24 hour interval.

Store samples refrigerated up to 5 days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry or wet ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Potential exposure to blacklegged ticks accompanied by clinical symptoms of neuroborreliosis.

Completed requisition for Tick-borne Disease Diagnostic Testing. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, are not collected within a 24 hour time interval, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information and the indices stated above.

Commercial microplate ELISA kit. This is a quantitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies produced in the CNS to B. burgdorferi and pathogenic European genospecies of Borrelia.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing. However, if neuroborreliosis is suspected based on clinical symptoms, treatment should be initiated.

15 calendar days.

1. Reiber, H. 1994. The hyperbolic function: a mathematical solution of the protein flux/CSF flow model for the blood-CSF barrier function. J Neurol Sci 126:243-245.