Detection methods and their development

What methods do we use to examinate ticks? 

In the case of examination of diseases transmitted by ticks, we choose to detect nucleic acids of pathogens by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Due to the specific primers, the DNA / cDNA region of the pathogen is amplified and subsequently detected by the computer because of fluorescent labeling. This molecular-biological method is the most sensitive and most robust method available, so that the results can be passed on to the customer with a clear conscience. We use both positive and negative controls to make sure that the reaction has gone as expected and the result is not false negative or false positive. The stability and quantity of pathogen nucleic acids in the body of the tick, together with the sensitivity of qPCR, allow us to detect even those ticks that have not been optimally stored prior to delivery to the laboratory. It is also possible to examine the parts of the tick, which was pulled or torn during removal and handling by the customer.

As a company we strive for maximum customer satisfaction. This is closely related not only to the optimization of existing methodologies, but also to the development of new tests. That is why we employ molecular biologists and parasitologists to deal with these tasks. We do not resist the development of custom tests.

The results of our tests provide information on the risk of infection after a tick attack. If the test is positive, the risk of transmission is high, but not 100%. Transmission and course of infection are influenced by a number of other factors such as the length of the sucking, the way of removal of the tick, the immunity and the health condition of the person.