Description
ELISPOT (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot)-a method for detecting cells (T-lymphocytes) that secrete certain products (cytokines, mediators, etc.).
Benefits of the Borrelia ELISPOT assay:
- is highly sensitive and can detect even a single T-cell reacting to an infection
- 20 to 200 times more sensitive than conventional ELISA (ELISA)
- suitable for the diagnosis of both fresh infection and chronic borreliosis
can be useful in monitoring treatment. ELISPOT usually becomes negative about 4 to 8 weeks after completion of effective therapy.
ELISPOT gives both qualitative (type of immune protein) and quantitative information (number of cells activated by a particular antigen).
Antigens in the Borrelia ELISPOT assay :
- Borrelia burgdorferi antigen in full: Borrelia burgdorferi B31 reference strain Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto
- Borrelia burgdorferi protein combination: OspA Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto , Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii + native OspC + recombinant DBPA
- Borrelia burgdorferi LFA-1 (lymphocyte functional protein): the body's own protein + Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (epitope). The indicator is often associated with autoimmune diseases: collagenoses, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis.
EliSpot assays are recommended approximately 6 weeks after treatment completion to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Detailed description of the method - ELISPOT
