摘要 |
The invention relates to both a sensitive method for the capture and detection of low-abundance Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) bacterial antigens allowing for the diagnosis of Lyme Disease using standard immunoassays. Furthermore, this invention allows the antigen to be identified in a sample of urine, serum, or other biological fluids isolated from humans and animals. The invention provides a method to capture, concentrate, separate and specifically quantify the abundance of Bb antigens using immunoassays. The detection of Bb Outer Surface Protein A is presented as an example of the disclosed invention. High sensitivity levels, low cost and easily collected biofluids allow this technology to reach patients in clinics as well as POC applications for the early detection of Lyme disease prior to seroconversion. A kit containing necessary reagents and the method for diagnosis, monitoring or assessing lyme disease using an immunoassay such as an ELISA, western blot or RPPMA is disclosed. |