Lyme disease diagnostic tests do not directly test for the Lyme bacteria but only measure antibodies and do not indicate if someone has an active infection. This can result in false negative tests, particularly in acute Lyme disease. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can delay treatment, putting patients at greater risk for persistent symptoms.
Innovative research at the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center is providing a path towards improved diagnostic tests and treatments.
Limitations of Lyme Disease Diagnostics
- Available diagnostic tests for Lyme disease do not directly test for the Lyme bacteria
- Lyme disease tests measure antibodies which can result in false negative tests, particularly in acute Lyme disease
- Current tests cannot tell if someone has an active infection
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can delay treatment putting patients at greater risk for persistent symptoms and more severe illness
Our Research Goals:
- Improve the early diagnosis of acute Lyme disease
- Improve recognition of the rash by patients and health practitioners
- Develop a direct diagnostic blood test
- Reduce misdiagnosis
- Better understand the complex biologic disease mechanisms of Lyme disease
- Improve treatments for patients with persistent symptoms
We are grateful to the many patients who have participated in our research studies. Our dedicated team is working on your behalf towards solutions.
