A new DNA sequence test for Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi Infections

Krause et al. reported that B. miyamotoi can cause illness and is treatable. Yet, Krause et al also reported that traditional tests for Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) cannot be used to diagnose B. miyamotoi (B. Miyamotoi). [1]

Dr. Lee, an investigator at the Department of Pathology, Milford Hospital, Connecticut described a novel DNA Sequencing test that can detect both Bb and B. miyamotoi in the blood of patients in the Southern New England US.[2] B. miyamotoi has also been described in California and Japan.

The new DNA sequence test for Bb and B. miyamotoi performed well against controls. Further studies should allow us to better understand the value of these tests in actual practice.

There are plans for a roundtable scientific discussion of the DNA test September 16, 2014. I have been invited to the roundtable to be held at the State Capitol building in Hartford, Connecticut. The hours and locations are on www.calrb.org.

1. Krause PJ, Narasimhan S, Wormser GP et al. Borrelia miyamotoi sensu lato Seroreactivity and Seroprevalence in the Northeastern United States. Emerg Infect Dis, 20(7), 1183-1190 (2014). PubMed
2. Lee SH, Vigliotti JS, Vigliotti VS, Jones W, Moorcroft TA, Lantsman K. DNA Sequencing Diagnosis of Off-Season Spirochetemia with Low Bacterial Density in Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi Infections. PubMed International journal of molecular sciences, 15(7), 11364-11386 (2014).