
Thursday, July 10, 2025 (https://PositivibemindNews) — Just 34% of individuals diagnosed with erythema migrans larger than 5 cm test positive for Lyme disease using the conventional two-step diagnostic method (STTT), and among those who still have symptoms, only 35% seek further medical attention, as reported in a research paper released online on July 10 in Frontiers in Medicine .
Dr. Elizabeth J. Horn, affiliated with the Lyme Disease Biobank based in Portland, Oregon, along with her team, outlined findings from lab tests conducted on 253 individuals who participated in the Lyme Disease Biobank from 2014 through 2023. Participants submitted early and follow-up blood samples collected two to three months apart, alongside medical information gathered during each blood draw.
Researchers discovered that 34% of specimens collected from individuals showing an erythema migrans rash larger than 5 cm during the initial test came back positive using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STTT method. IgG antibody conversion occurred infrequently, appearing in just 4% of cases. In the second testing session, more than three-quarters (78%) of participants did not exhibit any signs of Lyme disease; however, 22% continued experiencing symptoms, primarily involving joint discomfort, tiredness, and muscular ache. Of those who had persistent issues, only 35% sought medical attention regarding their condition.
Dr. Linden Hu, a professor of immunology at Tufts Medical School in Boston, stated: 'The Lyme Disease Biobank showed foresight by understanding very early that advancements in research relied on having a substantial collection of thoroughly characterized samples from patients exhibiting various forms of Lyme disease.'
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