Vector-borne pathogens infectious disease tests are diagnostic assays used to identify pathogens that cause diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors, such as ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. These tests detect a wide range of vector-borne pathogens, including Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Zika virus, Babesia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Testing methods include serological tests that detect antibodies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that detect DNA, and antigen tests that detect pathogen proteins. Rapid and accurate vector-borne pathogens infectious disease tests are critical in diagnosing and preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases, as well as providing information on an individual's risk of infection and administering effective treatments.
Individuals who develop symptoms associated with vector-borne diseases, individuals who have recently visited areas where these diseases are endemic, or individuals who have been bitten by ticks, mosquitoes or other blood-sucking arthropods should consider getting tested.
Laboratory tests used to detect vector-borne pathogens include PCR-based tests, serological tests, and culture-based tests. PCR-based tests detect genetic material from the pathogen, serological tests detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection, and culture-based tests grow the pathogen in a laboratory culture.