QualiCodeTM B. burgdorferi IgG/IgM Western Blot Kits
The Disease
Lyme disease is caused by infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Transmission of this disease is facilitated through the bite of an Ixodes tick, found throughout the United States, Europe, and Russia
In most Lyme patients, a circular skin rash, termed erythema migrans (EM), appears around the area of the tick bite within the first few days or weeks of the infection. With the rash, the infected individual begins to develop flu-like symptoms. Within weeks or months these symptoms (if left untreated), evolve into more serious, debilitating disorders such as musculoskeletal pain and arthritis, neurological abnormalities, and cardiac complications. Brief arthritic attacks, affecting large joints, become more persistent with time and may resolve into a chronic condition in late infection.
A specific IgM response generally peaks between three and six weeks after infection and may persist throughout the course of the disease. An IgG response then becomes detectable after several weeks and may remain elevated for years after clinical remission. The QualiCode Lyme Disease Kits are an ideal tool to effectively detect the presence of these IgG and IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi.
Highlights
The QualiCode™ B. burgdorferi IgG/IgM Western Blot Kits offer:
Qualitative detection of either IgM or IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi.
Sensitivity and specificity of a confirmatory test.
Fast turn around time - test results in 1½ hours.
Batch testing of samples.
Principle
The QualiCode™ B. burgdorferi IgG/IgM Western Blot Kits provide a sensitive and specific means for detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. Proteins from the spirochete are inactivated by detergent disruption. Purified B. burgdorferi antigens are fractionated according to molecular weight by electrophoresis on a polyacrylamide slab gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The separated B. burgdorferi antigens are transferred via electrophoretic blotting from the gel to a membrane. The membrane is then cut into strips for individual sample testing.
Methodology
Three Simple Steps:
Diluted serum/plasma, containing antibodies, is added to a strip containing B. burgdorferi antigens and incubated.
Goat anti-human immunoglobulin-alkaline phosphatase Conjugate is added and will bind to any B. burgdorferi antibody/protein complex.
Added BCIP/NBT Substrate Solution reacts with the enzyme. Antibody/protein complexes appear as colored bands. The bands of protein, like a bar code, are unique for B.burgdorferi.The strip is compared to the lot-specific immunostained Reference Strip included with every kit for band identification and the intensity of the bands is monitored by comparison to the B. burgdorferi Lyme Weakly Reactive Control.
Components
To simplify interpretation of results, the following components are provided with every kit:
Reference Strips - every kit contains a lot-specific immunostained Reference Strip. This strip is taken from the left edge of the same membrane used to create the kit’s strips. The strips have already been developed using the Positive Control providing a quick reference for all patient samples and controls.
Positive and Negative Controls (100 µl each) - provide internal QC to verify that the assay has run correctly.
Record Sheet - this sheet provides a grid for aligning the sample strips with the Reference Strips. This not only simplifies interpretation of results but also provides full documentation of the assay. On one slip of paper all results are recorded along with date, operator, kit lot number/expiration date, and interpretation of the band patterns.