Tufts discovers Lyme disease biomarkers

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine, led by Peter Gwynne and Linden Hu, have discovered that anti-lipid antibodies can serve as early biomarkers for Lyme disease and indicate persistent symptoms. Published in the American Society for Microbiology journal Infection and Immunity, these findings suggest a potential for improved diagnostic tests that can identify Lyme disease earlier than current methods and help clinicians better understand post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The study analyzed blood samples from 199 Lyme disease patients and found that two specific anti-lipid antibodies, anti-phosphatidic acid (αPA) and anti-phosphatidylserine (αPS), were elevated during early infection and αPS levels correlated with persistent symptoms. This research, supported by the United States — United States Department of Defense, the United States — National Institutes of Health, and the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, could lead to new therapies and more precise Lyme disease care, although further large-scale studies are needed for clinical validation.