How many tests are performed for ticks? - briefly
Typically a single multiplex PCR assay is performed on each tick to screen for the most common pathogens. Additional targeted PCRs may be added for specific agents, increasing the total to two or three tests per specimen.
How many tests are performed for ticks? - in detail
Ticks submitted for laboratory analysis undergo a series of diagnostic assays aimed at detecting a range of infectious agents. The exact count of examinations varies with the testing protocol of the reference laboratory, the geographic origin of the specimen, and the clinical or surveillance purpose of the request.
A typical comprehensive work‑up includes:
- Species identification by morphological keys or DNA barcoding.
- PCR panels targeting bacterial pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Ehrlichia spp.
- Reverse‑transcription PCR for viral agents, most commonly tick‑borne encephalitis virus or Heartland virus.
- ELISA or immunofluorescence assays for antibodies against Babesia spp. and Coxiella burnetii.
- Culture attempts for Rickettsia and Francisella when indicated.
- Additional screens for emerging agents (e.g., Neoehrlichia mikurensis) based on regional risk assessments.
In practice, a single tick can be subjected to anywhere from three to twelve distinct tests. Routine surveillance programs often run a core panel of three to five assays (species confirmation, Borrelia PCR, and one bacterial or viral target). Diagnostic submissions from clinicians frequently expand the panel to include up to ten or more assays, especially when the patient presents with nonspecific febrile illness and the tick originates from a high‑risk area.
The total number of examinations per specimen is therefore not fixed; it reflects a balance between laboratory capacity, epidemiological relevance, and the need for comprehensive pathogen detection.