A Review of Diagnostic Modalities of Four Common Bacterial Tickborne Illnesses in the United States

Abstract

Tickborne illnesses are constantly evolving, requiring proficiency to guide diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Diagnosing tickborne illnesses can be challenging due to the wide range of potential symptoms and their overlap with those of other conditions. Various diagnostic modalities can be used to identify the etiology of a tickborne illness accurately; however, not all tests have the same diagnostic value, particularly as a patient's disease progresses. This review investigates the diagnostic modalities for four tickborne illnesses to determine their clinical utility. These four illnesses (Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, spotted fever rickettsiosis, and ehrlichiosis) are the most reported tickborne illnesses nationwide. This article aims to provide an updated summative review to guide practitioners in diagnosing these infections.