Homearrow Blogsarrow Lyme + TBRF Panel: Comprehensive Borrelia Species Testing
September 08, 2025

Lyme + TBRF Panel: Comprehensive Borrelia Species Testing

The Lyme + TBRF Panel detects a broad spectrum of Borrelia species—including Lyme and Tickborne Relapsing Fever strains—using IgG, IgM, and PCR for greater accuracy than standard Lyme tests.

Lyme + TBRF Panel: Comprehensive Testing for Borrelia Species

Introduction

When most people think of Lyme disease, they think of a single bacterium: Borrelia burgdorferi. But the reality is far more complex. Lyme disease and Tickborne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) are caused by multiple Borrelia species, each capable of causing serious illness.

Unfortunately, conventional Lyme disease testing in the United States usually looks only for B. burgdorferi. This leaves patients who are infected with other Borrelia strains—such as B. afzelii, B. garinii, or B. miyamotoi—at risk of being told their tests are “negative” even while their symptoms continue.

The Lyme + TBRF Panel was developed to address this critical gap. By testing for a broad spectrum of Borrelia species using IgG, IgM, and PCR-based DNA detection, it offers a much more accurate picture of Borrelia-related illness than standard two-tiered CDC testing.

Why Borrelia Testing Needs to Go Beyond B. burgdorferi

Global variation in Borrelia species

While B. burgdorferi is the most common cause of Lyme disease in the United States, other Borrelia species dominate in Europe, Asia, and even emerging pockets in the U.S. For example:

  • B. afzelii → more common in Europe; often associated with skin manifestations.

  • B. garinii → more common in Asia and Europe; associated with neurological disease.

  • B. miyamotoi → causes Tickborne Relapsing Fever in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Relapsing fever species

TBRF Borrelia species cause recurrent cycles of fever, headaches, fatigue, and neurological issues. Standard Lyme ELISA/Western blot testing does not detect TBRF Borrelia at all.

Consequences of missed diagnosis

When only B. burgdorferi is tested, patients may:

  • Receive false reassurance from a “negative” Lyme test.

  • Be misdiagnosed with autoimmune or psychiatric disorders.

  • Remain untreated while Borrelia continues to cause chronic illness.

This is why a comprehensive panel covering multiple Borrelia species is essential.

What the Lyme + TBRF Panel Measures

The Lyme + TBRF Panel is focused exclusively on Borrelia bacteria. It tests for a broad spectrum of species using both antibody (IgG and IgM) and PCR detection.

IgG & IgM Antibody Markers

The panel includes antigens from multiple Borrelia species, such as:

  • Borrelia burgdorferi

  • Borrelia afzelii

  • Borrelia garinii

  • Borrelia miyamotoi

  • Borrelia hermsii

  • Borrelia turicatae

  • Borrelia parkeri

  • Borrelia duttonii

PCR Markers

PCR testing detects the presence of Borrelia DNA in the sample. This is especially important for:

  • Early infection before antibodies have developed.

  • Immunosuppressed patients who may not mount a strong antibody response.

  • Relapsing fever Borrelia, which can cycle and evade antibody detection.

How the Lyme + TBRF Panel Improves on Standard Lyme Testing

Limitations of CDC two-tier testing

  • Uses ELISA + Western blot for B. burgdorferi only.

  • Sensitivity in early disease is only 30–40%.

  • Misses non-burgdorferi Borrelia species entirely.

Advantages of the Lyme + TBRF Panel

  • Covers a wide spectrum of Borrelia species, not just B. burgdorferi.

  • Dual methodology (IgG/IgM + PCR) increases detection accuracy.

  • Detects relapsing fever Borrelia, which cause significant but often overlooked illness.

  • Provides insight into whether the infection is recent (IgM), chronic/latent (IgG), or active (PCR positive).

Clinical Applications

Who should consider this panel?

Patients with:

  • History of tick exposure or residence in endemic areas.

  • Persistent Lyme-like symptoms but negative CDC Lyme testing.

  • Relapsing fevers, chills, or sweats.

  • Migratory pain (muscle, joint, or nerve pain).

  • Neurological symptoms (brain fog, headaches, neuropathy, mood changes).

  • Chronic fatigue or autoimmune flares.

  • Travel history to Europe or Asia, where non-burgdorferi Borrelia strains are common.

Example clinical scenarios

  • A patient in the U.S. with neurological Lyme symptoms but negative ELISA/Western blot is found to be positive for B. garinii.

  • A patient with relapsing fevers in Colorado tests positive for B. hermsii, a relapsing fever Borrelia common in the Rocky Mountains.

  • A traveler returning from Eastern Europe with skin rashes and fatigue tests positive for B. afzelii.

In each case, the Lyme + TBRF Panel uncovers infections that standard Lyme testing would have missed.

Functional and Integrative Medicine Approach

Once Borrelia infection is confirmed, treatment involves both conventional antimicrobial therapy and supportive integrative care:

Conventional Therapies

  • Antibiotics (doxycycline, cefuroxime, amoxicillin, or IV ceftriaxone in severe cases).

  • Longer treatment courses may be needed for disseminated or relapsing infections.

Functional Medicine Strategies

  • Immune support: Vitamin D, zinc, selenium, medicinal mushrooms.

  • Peptide therapies: Thymosin Alpha-1, LL-37, BPC-157 for immune balance and tissue repair.

  • Anti-inflammatory support: Omega-3s, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol.

  • Mitochondrial and energy support: CoQ10, NAD+, acetyl-L-carnitine.

  • Gut repair: Probiotics, glutamine, immunoglobulins (Immuno-30), bone broth.

  • Lifestyle medicine: Stress reduction, restorative sleep, moderate exercise, and detoxification strategies.

Why the Lyme + TBRF Panel Stands Out

  • Covers more species than any standard Lyme test.

  • Detects relapsing fever Borrelia, which are invisible to most conventional labs.

  • Dual methodology increases confidence in results.

  • Provides clarity for patients who have been dismissed or misdiagnosed for years.

This makes it one of the most comprehensive Borrelia-focused tests available today.

Conclusion

Lyme disease is not caused by a single bacterium—it is caused by a family of Borrelia species, many of which are missed by standard testing. The Lyme + TBRF Panel provides a comprehensive look at these infections by testing for multiple Borrelia strains using IgG, IgM, and PCR methods.

For patients with unexplained fatigue, neurological issues, migratory pain, or relapsing fevers, this panel can provide the diagnostic clarity that unlocks effective treatment and lasting recovery.