Work

Things We Do for No Reason – Polymerase Chain Reaction for Lyme Disease Diagnostic Testing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Borrelia burgdorferi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing demonstrated a low positivity rate of 1.9% (17/885), minimal impact on clinical decision-making, and considerable healthcare cost expenditures in a Lyme disease endemic area. These findings reinforce adherence to guideline-recommended serologic testing and support diagnostic stewardship initiatives to limit unnecessary PCR utilization.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofag700

Authors: Wesley D Kufel, Alicia A Zimmer, Rahul Mahapatra, Kristopher M Paolino

Institutions: Binghamton University, SUNY Upstate Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Vector-borne infectious diseases

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,053