IgM Antibody Test for Lyme Disease

This test detects specific IgM antibodies produced by the body in response to contact with antigens of *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

When to Perform the Test?

The test is recommended if an erythema migrans rash appears on the skin after a tick bite. The presence of IgM antibodies, along with medical history and clinical symptoms, may indicate a chronic or past infection.

Diseases

Infection with *Borrelia burgdorferi* results in Lyme disease.

Symptoms

Lyme disease may cause symptoms such as skin changes, often in the form of erythema migrans, inflammation in large joints, muscle fascia inflammation, headaches, cranial nerve palsies, peripheral neuropathies, musculoskeletal issues, myocarditis, and inflammation in the eye, liver, lungs, and kidneys, along with systemic symptoms.