A Model List of Essential Diagnostics Needs to Include Tick-Borne Diseases

Prior to the advent of laboratory testing medical decisions were based on the interpretation of a patient's symptoms. Today the majority of medical decisions are based upon diagnostic tests. Tests have become an essential part of modern healthcare.

"Without diagnostics, medicine is blind." ~ Alain Merieux

Four Stages of Lyme Disease: Borrelia burgdorferi

Lyme Disease is a vector borne illness caused by Borrelia Burgdorferi(Bb) a spirochete which is passed on to humans primarily by infected ticks. There are 21 known species of Borrelia and 3 genotypes of B.burgdorferi.  Ticks are small arachnids and can carry numerous bacteria, viruses and protozoa such as Rickettsia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Babesia. The tick has a two year life cycle, going from larva to nymph to adult, requiring blood at each stage. Many bites occur during the nymph phase. The typical nymph is about the size of a poppy seed.