Author Spotlight: Expanding the Scope of Multiplex Immunoassays for Lyme Borreliosis Diagnostics and Pathogen Research

Lyme borreliosis diagnostics is still suboptimal despite several years of research investigation and lacks sensitivity. With our dual-reporter multiplex Borrelia assay, we can identify immunoreactivity against different Borrelia species to discern early IgM and later, more durable, IgG immunoreactivity in patient samples. The Intelliflex instrument from Luminex with its multiplexing capability combined with its dual-reporter system is one of the state-of-the-art technologies to maximize information output using small volumes of donor material.

The dual-reporter immunoassay approach improves upon traditional immunoassays by simultaneously detecting both IgG and IgM antibodies against any of the implemented Borrelia antigens in human serum samples. In this way, we double the information we can extract from valuable sample material in one assay run. Our approach provides decisive Borrelia pathogen identification and sensitive detection of the early infection stage and the later, more durable, immunoreactivity at the same time.

Thus enabling cost, material, and time efficiency, as well as a more precise detection of Lyme borreliosis infection. Our assays support global serosurveillance and pathogen elimination strategies in identifying regional species distribution and infection sources. Our lab is involved in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine development against several viral pathogens with a special focus on serological differentiation of vaccine versus infection immune response and deep immune response characterization.