Lyme disease testing

Background

The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the only tick species in California that is known to transmit Lyme Disease. Ticks are parasites that are dependent on the blood of humans and animals. If bitten by an infected deer tick, humans and animals can be infected and may develop Lyme Disease, which is caused by a spirochete bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.

Deer ticks in the nymph stage are about the size of a poppy seed. Because of their small size, these juvenile ticks are most likely to bite humans and are the main source of transmitting Lyme Disease. Nymphs are primarily active in March-August (Summer). Adult ticks are most commonly from October through June (Winter/Spring). For the transmission of the Lyme disease spirochete to occur, the tick must remain attached for more than 24 hours.

Ticks that are not known to transmit Lyme Disease include the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni), and the Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Tick Lyme Disease Testing

If Lyme Disease testing is desired, ticks can be referred directly to the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory. The collection instructions provides (see requisition 301) details on how to send ticks to this laboratory. Lyme Disease testing detects the presence of the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in the gut of the tick using an indirect fluorescent antibody technique. The laboratory report will indicate whether or not the spirochete bacteria was detected. Reports from the Santa Clara County Public Health Laboratory normally take a week to ten days following testing and are sent via US Postal Service.

Tick Removal and Payment Information

Please refer to requisition 301 for instructions.