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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.

How informed are you about Lyme Disease?

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Filed Under: Lyme Disease Awareness, Lyme Disease 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.

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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.

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