DNA Lyme Test Detects Borrelia miyamotoi and Lyme Disease

Standard Lyme tests may miss Borrelia miyamotoi.
Researchers explored a DNA Lyme test.
Sequencing identified multiple Borrelia infections.

Krause and colleagues reported that Borrelia miyamotoi can cause human illness and is treatable. However, they also noted that traditional Lyme disease tests for Borrelia burgdorferi cannot reliably diagnose B. miyamotoi.¹

This distinction is important because patients infected with B. miyamotoi may present with symptoms similar to Lyme disease while standard 2-tier Lyme testing remains negative.

---

Researchers Explored a DNA Lyme Test

Dr. Lee and colleagues from the Department of Pathology at Milford Hospital in Connecticut described a DNA sequencing test capable of detecting both Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi in blood samples from patients in Southern New England.²

Borrelia miyamotoi has also been identified in California, Japan, and other regions where tick-borne illnesses continue to emerge.

The investigators used DNA sequencing methods to identify spirochetes directly in blood specimens, including cases with low bacterial density.

---

Why Borrelia miyamotoi Testing Matters

Traditional Lyme disease testing relies heavily on antibody responses. However, antibody-based testing may not detect newer or less common Borrelia species.

Direct detection methods such as DNA sequencing were explored as a possible way to identify active infection and distinguish between different Borrelia organisms.

Potential advantages discussed by researchers included:

• Detection of active infection
• Identification of multiple Borrelia species
• Evaluation of atypical presentations
• Detection in early or low-density infections

At the same time, these early DNA-based Lyme tests required additional clinical validation and further study in broader patient populations.

---

Borrelia miyamotoi Is an Emerging Tick-Borne Infection

Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete transmitted by Ixodes ticks, the same ticks associated with Lyme disease.

Patients may develop:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Relapsing symptoms

Unlike Lyme disease, patients with B. miyamotoi infection may not develop a classic erythema migrans rash.

---

Early Research Into DNA Lyme Testing

The DNA sequencing test described by Lee and colleagues performed well against controls, though further studies were needed to determine how these tests would perform in routine clinical practice.

Research into direct detection methods continues as clinicians encounter patients with suspected tick-borne illness who test negative using conventional antibody testing.

---

FAQ: DNA Lyme Testing and Borrelia miyamotoi

Can standard Lyme tests detect Borrelia miyamotoi?

Traditional Lyme disease tests designed for Borrelia burgdorferi may not reliably detect Borrelia miyamotoi.

What is a DNA Lyme test?

A DNA Lyme test attempts to identify Borrelia genetic material directly in blood or other specimens rather than relying solely on antibody responses.

Is Borrelia miyamotoi found in the United States?

Yes. Borrelia miyamotoi has been identified in the northeastern United States, California, and other regions.

---

Final Thoughts

Emerging infections such as Borrelia miyamotoi continue to challenge traditional approaches to tick-borne disease diagnosis.

Early DNA sequencing technologies explored whether direct detection methods could improve identification of Borrelia infections that standard antibody testing might miss.

As tick-borne illnesses evolve, clinicians and researchers continue searching for more sensitive and clinically useful diagnostic tools.

---

---

Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.

Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention