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What Are Tick-Borne Diseases (TBD)?

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Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are infections transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can affect multiple organ systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe neurological and cardiovascular complications.

Some of the most common and serious TBDs include Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), and Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF). Due to the complexity of TBD symptoms and limitations of standard diagnostic tests, accurate detection often requires advanced molecular and serologic testing.

How Are Tick-Borne Diseases Transmitted?

TBDs are primarily transmitted through tick bites, but in rare cases, some TBDs can spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or congenital transmission (from mother to baby during pregnancy).

The main tick species that transmit diseases in North America include:

Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis, "deer tick") – Spreads Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan virus.
Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) – Transmits Lyme disease on the U.S. West Coast.
Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) – Carries Ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, and Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy).
American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) – Transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).
Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) – Spreads Colorado tick fever, RMSF, and Tularemia.
Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) – Associated with RMSF outbreaks in the southern U.S.

Ticks become infected after feeding on wild animals such as mice, deer, and birds, then transmit pathogens to humans when they bite.

Common Tick-Borne Diseases and Their Symptoms

1. Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia mayonii)

Vector: Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, joint pain, bullseye rash (erythema migrans), neurological and cardiac complications.
Testing: ELISA, Western blot, PCR, Tick-Borne Disease Panels.
Treatment: Doxycycline (early stage); IV antibiotics (late-stage neuro-Lyme).

2. Babesiosis (Babesia microti, Babesia duncani)

Vector: Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Symptoms: Malaria-like illness, high fever, chills, sweats, hemolytic anemia.
Testing: Blood smear, PCR, antibody tests.
Treatment: Antiparasitic medications (Atovaquone + Azithromycin).

3. Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum)

Vector: Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle aches, low white blood cell count.
Testing: PCR, antibody tests.
Treatment: Doxycycline.

4. Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii)

Vector: Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

Symptoms: Fever, rash, nausea, liver damage.
Testing: PCR, blood tests.
Treatment: Doxycycline.

5. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) (Rickettsia rickettsii)

Vector: American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, spotted rash, organ failure (if untreated).
Testing: Serologic antibody tests, PCR, skin biopsy.
Treatment: Immediate doxycycline.

6. Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) (Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae)

Vector: Soft ticks (Ornithodoros species)

Symptoms: Recurrent high fevers, muscle pain, nausea.
Testing: Blood smear, PCR.
Treatment: Doxycycline.

7. Powassan Virus

Vector: Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Symptoms: Neurological issues, encephalitis, seizures.
Testing: PCR, spinal fluid testing.
Treatment: No cure; supportive care only.

8. Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy)

Vector: Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

Symptoms: Severe allergic reaction to red meat, hives, swelling, anaphylaxis.
Testing: Alpha-gal IgE blood test.
Treatment: Avoidance of red meat.

Each of these TBDs requires early detection and proper treatment to prevent long-term complications.

How Are Tick-Borne Diseases Diagnosed?

Because TBD symptoms can mimic viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses, accurate testing is essential.

Common Diagnostic Methods for Tick-Borne Diseases:

Test Type

What It Detects

Best For

Limitations

Serologic Testing (ELISA & Western Blot)

Antibodies (IgM/IgG)

Lyme disease (late-stage), RMSF, Ehrlichiosis

May miss early infections

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Bacterial or viral DNA

Lyme disease (early stage), Babesia, Anaplasmosis

Bacteria must be present in sample

Blood Smear

Parasites inside red blood cells

Babesiosis

Requires trained specialist

Tick-Borne Disease Panels

Multiple pathogens at once

Co-infections

Availability varies by lab

How to Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases

The best way to avoid TBDs is to prevent tick bites.

Tick Prevention Tips:

Use insect repellent – DEET (20–30%) or permethrin-treated clothing.
Wear protective clothing – Long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing.
Perform daily tick checks – Focus on underarms, scalp, behind ears, and groin area.
Shower immediately – Washing within 2 hours can remove unattached ticks.
Proper tick removal – Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks without twisting or squeezing.

Prompt removal of ticks reduces infection risk—Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) transmission takes 24–48 hours, while RMSF and Ehrlichiosis can transmit in less than 6 hours.

Key Takeaways

Tick-borne diseases are among the fastest-growing infectious diseases worldwide, with Lyme disease alone affecting over 476,000 people per year in the U.S.

Many TBDs can cause long-term complications if not diagnosed and treated early, making accurate testing and prevention critical.

If you suspect a tick-borne illness, consider comprehensive testing with AcuDart Health for early detection and more precise results. Learn more at AcuDart Health.

Shop All Tick-Borne Disease Tests

Front of Package for AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease At-Home Screening Test Panel

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AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Screening Test Panel

Sample AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease At-Home Screening Test Panel Results Report

AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Screening Test Panel

$499.00

$596.00

Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF), Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis share overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis difficult without comprehensive testing. Because these infections can mimic each other, relying on a single test for one disease may lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. That’s why AcuDart offers the most accurate and reliable tick-borne disease testing available.

Unlike standard tests from commercial labs like LabCorp or Quest, which typically screen for just one or two species per disease, the AcuDart Tick-Borne Disease Test Panel is designed for maximum accuracy and coverage. It detects 19 species across four major tick-borne diseases, making it the most comprehensive tick panel on the market. Whether you're experiencing persistent symptoms or have been exposed to ticks, AcuDart's tick-borne disease panel provides the most thorough and precise testing to help you get the right diagnosis and treatment faster.

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