The TickPlex Basic panel is a specialized antibody screening that focuses exclusively on the various strains of Borrelia—the complex family of bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Unlike traditional Canadian testing protocols that often look for a single strain (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto), the TickPlex Basic utilizes highly sensitive ELISA technology to detect both IgM (recent/active infection) and IgG (past exposure/immune memory) antibodies against a broad spectrum of European and North American Borrelia species. This includes B. afzelii and B. garinii, strains that are frequently associated with neuroborreliosis and chronic skin manifestations, yet are often overlooked by standard local assays.

A critical clinical advantage of the Basic panel is its unique "all-in-one" antigen preparation, which allows for the identification of the bacteria in different morphological states. Borrelia is a highly adaptive pleomorphic organism, meaning it can change its shape from a spiral spirochete to "round body" or "persister" forms to evade the immune system and survive antibiotic treatment. Standard tests frequently yield false negatives because they only look for antibodies against the surface proteins of the active spirochete. TickPlex Basic utilizes antigens from multiple life stages of the bacteria, significantly increasing the likelihood of detection in patients with long-standing or dormant infections.

AvoVita Wellness coordinates the professional mobile collection of the serum required for this high-complexity analysis. Because the integrity of Borrelia antibodies can be sensitive to handling, we ensure that every specimen collected in Calgary is stabilized and prepared for transit according to the strict international standards required by ArminLabs. By managing the priority logistics from your door to the laboratory bench in Germany, we ensure that your results are based on a pristine sample, providing the most accurate diagnostic starting point possible.

Ticks rarely carry only one pathogen, and the clinical reality is that approximately 85% of individuals with Lyme disease also suffer from at least one other tick-borne infection. The TickPlex Plus is the most comprehensive version of this diagnostic suite, engineered to identify the complex "coinfection cocktail" that frequently complicates recovery and leads to multi-systemic symptoms. By screening for multiple bacterial and viral agents in a single assay, this panel offers a holistic view of your immune system’s current challenges, preventing the need for separate, disconnected tests.

The TickPlex Plus provides a detailed infectious map by screening for:

Primary Bacterial Co-Infections: Includes high-sensitivity detection of Babesia microti, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia chaffensis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. These pathogens often mimic Lyme symptoms while requiring distinct therapeutic approaches, making their identification critical for an accurate wellness plan.

Rickettsial and Mycoplasma Species: Screens for Rickettsia akari (spotted fevers) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae/fermentans, common co-pathogens that can trigger persistent respiratory and inflammatory issues.

Opportunistic Viral Reactivation: A unique feature of the TickPlex Plus is its inclusion of viral markers such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Parvovirus B19, and Coxsackievirus. In many cases, a tick-borne infection can suppress the immune system enough to allow these latent viruses to reactivate, contributing to severe fatigue and neurological "brain fog."

By facilitating the TickPlex Plus, AvoVita Wellness provides you with a comprehensive diagnostic blueprint. This "all-in-one" approach—analyzed by the expert team at ArminLabs—not only detects recent exposures (IgM) but also identifies long-term or ongoing immune activation (IgG). We handle the meticulous coordination of mobile collection in Calgary and manage the priority international shipping required to ensure your complex specimen remains stable throughout its journey to the laboratory. This level of facilitated precision ensures that your final report from ArminLabs reflects a complete and accurate picture of your total microbial load.