FASTest® LYME IgG+IgM

FASTest® LYME IgG+IgM is a rapid immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato plasma or serum of the dog.

Borreliosis is a globally prevalent infectious disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacterial complex (including B. b. sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. afzelii). It is transmitted by ticks, up to 30 % are infected with borrelia bacteria in endemic areas.

Prevalence and course of infection: Depending on their country of origin, dogs generally exhibit widely varying antibody prevalence rates. Antibody prevalence correlates closely with the type of housing, time spent outdoors and the duration of tick attachment.

Seroconversion: Antibodies (first IgM, then IgG) can be detected no earlier than 2–3 weeks after exposure and can remain detectable for several months (IgM) or even years (IgG). The highest concentration is reached after approximately 3 months.

Clinical presentation: Only approx. 10% of infected dogs develop symptoms after 2–5 months. Lyme polyarthritis (lameness, fever, general malaise) occurs more frequently, whereas Lyme nephritis (protein-losing nephropathy) is rather rare.

Two-stage diagnosis: A significant rise in antibody titres almost always occurs before clinical symptoms appear. In cases of clinical suspicion, the two-stage diagnostic approach is the gold standard: 

Stage 1 (screening): Use of the FASTest® LYME IgG+IgM. If this test is negative, borreliosis can be largely ruled out. The advantage: by additionally detecting IgM antibodies in the rapid test procedure, the test detects past infections at an earlier stage than when using IgG-only rapid tests.  

Stage 2 (confirmation): If the rapid test is positive, confirmation is carried out using an IgG immunoblot (MegaLINE® BORRELIA IgG). Only this test allows for a clear distinction between vaccine-induced and field-acquired antibodies, as well as the detection of metabolically active Borrelia bacteria.

Conclusion: The use of highly specific, recombinant antigens in the FASTest® LYME IgG+IgM provides vets with a rapid and reliable basis for decision-making regarding further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Test Principle :  Lateral flow
• Packaging :  10
• Pathogenic :  Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato