• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center

Show Search
Hide Search
  • Lyme Disease
    • Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease
    • Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
    • Lyme Disease Treatment and Prognosis
    • Lyme Disease Prevention, Tick Removal, & Health and Wellness Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Lyme Disease Video Introduction Series
    • Lyme Disease Video Education Resources
  • About the Center
    • Meet Our Team
    • Make an Appointment
    • Address & Directions
    • Refill a Prescription
    • Lyme and Tickborne Disease Fellowship Program
    • Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
  • News & Impact
    • Impact Report
    • Newsletters
    • Research News
    • In The News
    • Talks by John Aucott, MD
    • Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
  • Research Studies
    • Open Research Studies
    • Clinical Trials Network for Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases
    • Research Publications
    • Lyme Disease Epidemiology
  • Make a Gift
  • Newsletter Signup
Home / Lyme Disease Awareness / The Path to Better Diagnostic Tests is Through Innovative Research

The Path to Better Diagnostic Tests is Through Innovative Research

May 21, 2020 By Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Lyme disease diagnostic tests do not directly test for the Lyme bacteria but only measure antibodies and do not indicate if someone has an active infection. This can result in false negative tests, particularly in acute Lyme disease.  Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can delay treatment, putting patients at greater risk for persistent symptoms.

Innovative research at the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center is providing a path towards improved diagnostic tests and treatments.

Limitations of Lyme Disease Diagnostics

  • Available diagnostic tests for Lyme disease do not directly test for the Lyme bacteria
  • Lyme disease tests measure antibodies which can result in false negative tests, particularly in acute Lyme disease
  • Current tests cannot tell if someone has an active infection

Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can delay treatment putting patients at greater risk for persistent symptoms and more severe illness

Our Research Goals:

  • Improve the early diagnosis of acute Lyme disease
    • Improve recognition of the rash by patients and health practitioners
    • Develop a direct diagnostic blood test
    • Reduce misdiagnosis
  • Better understand the complex biologic disease mechanisms of Lyme disease
    • Improve treatments for patients with persistent symptoms

We are grateful to the many patients who have participated in our research studies. Our dedicated team is working on your behalf towards solutions.

Receive the Latest News from the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Receive the Latest News from the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology and the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center.

Interested In

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Filed Under: Lyme Disease Awareness, Lyme Disease Video Education Resources Tagged With: Johns Hopkins 2020 Lyme Disease Awareness Campaign

Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

The Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center is focused on patient-based research in all manifestations of Lyme disease. Our goal is to translate our pioneering research into improved patient care, education, and health outcomes.

Use of This Site

All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center website is intended for educational purposes only. Physicians and other health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources and confirm the information contained within this site. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Advances in Lyme Disease Webinar for Patients

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 7-9 PM
Free Webinar via Zoom
Open to the Public
Sponsored by the Lyme Care Resource Center

Register Today

Lyme Disease Symposium for Healthcare Practitioners
Clinical and Research Advances in Lyme Disease

Friday, May 6, 2022 10-4 PM ET
Free Symposium via Zoom
Available to healthcare providers
Sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center

Register Today

Footer

Johns Hopkins Rheumatology

  • Johns Hopkins Rheumatology
  • Arthritis Center
  • Lupus Center
  • Myositis Center
  • Scleroderma Center
  • Sjögren’s Syndrome Center
  • Vasculitis Center

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

U.S. News and World Report Rankings Badge

Johns Hopkins Medicine

© 2025 Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center
Patient Privacy