Clinical Microbiology: Open Access

Abstract

C6 Peptide Test: A Key to Diagnosis of Early Lyme disease?

Ritu Ramdeo Vyas, Seon Song and Deborah S Asnis

Lyme disease is a multisystem disease caused by infection with Borrelia. Cardiac involvement occurs during the disseminated phase of the disease, usually within weeks to a few months after the onset of infection. The most common clinical feature of Lyme carditis is atrioventricular (AV) conduction block, however, it can also cause cardiomyopathy and myopericarditis. With widespread travel, we need tests that have high sensitivity, irrespective of the borrelial species and the area where it was acquired. We believe that C6 peptide test will help us diagnose imported Lyme disease earlier in the course than the current CDC recommended two-tiered approach which might result in delayed or missed diagnosis.