Borrelia burgdorferi antibody levels in 105 patients with suspected Lyme disease.

Objective To identify the clinical manifestations and regional distribution of Lyme disease by analyzing the serological testing for suspected patients,providing scientific evidence for proper management of the disease.Methods The indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA) and the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay(ELISA) were employed for the detection of serum antibodies(IgM,IgG) against Borrelia burgdorferi for suspected Lyme disease patients.The results were then comprehensively interpreted combining clinical manifestations.Results From 2007 to 2008,a total of 105 suspected Lyme disease patients were subject to the analysis,resulting in 16 positives(15.24%),including 4 out of 44 patients with neurological disorders;1 out of 5 patients with cardiovascular conditions,6 out of 25 patients with skin lesions;1 out of 10 fever patients;2 out of 14 arthralgia patients;and 2 out of 7 patients with mental disorders.Of the 16 patients distributed in 9 provinces,87.50% responded favorably to the application of antibiotics.Most confirmed patients were from Heilongjiang,Jilin and Inner Mongolia.Conclusion Sporadic spirochete infections were observed in Chinese population.Serological testing contributes to the early detection of Lyme disease and the improvement of efficient diagnosis and treatment.