LYME TESTING
Bowen Research & Training Institute, Inc.  has developed a research project to identify the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antigen, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Bb is difficult to detect by most laboratory methods in use today.  Through our research we have developed a new test, the "Rapid Identification of Borrelia burgdorferi" (RIBb). The Bb antigen is identified by the presence of fluorescing structures upon microscopy.

We also examine stained blood smears for the presence of co-infection frequently associated with Lyme disease.  Babesia, a parasite, is seen in red blood cells.  Ehrlichia, a bacterium, is observed in the white blood cells.

! RAPID DETECTION – RESULTS WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS OF RECEIPT OF SPECIMENS.

We can identify the presence of Babesia within the red blood cells and the presence of Ehrlichia in the monocytes and granulocytes.
See the full web page, including pictures:
http://www.bowen.org/index_004.htm

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Q. How different is the RIBb from other tests?
A. The RIBb test looks specifically for the Borrelia burgdorferi antigen. Other tests such as Western Blot and Elisa look for an antibody response in the patient’s blood. Because the antibody response does not usually occur immediately following infection, many false negative results are observed. The RIBb test is extremely accurate. We have developed controls to ensure no false positive or false negative results. A quantitative reported value is obtained through serial dilutions. Check the research update.

Q. What if I am on antibiotics? Will the test be reliable?
A. Yes. You do not need to stop any prescription. The RIBb test is capable of identifying the Bb antigen regardless of medication. * From Bowen FAQ old web page:
http://www.bowen.org/f_a_q_s.htm

Bb has been found in dogs, cats, Florida and California mosquitoes, well water, breast milk, placental tissue, seminal fluid, and even African dust. See the full web page:
http://www.bowen.org/index_004.htm

About Bowen
Bowen Research and Training Institute, Inc. is a research facility in Tarpon Springs, Florida. After finding that there were few accurate tests for Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), researchers at Bowen Research and Training developed a new direct immunofluorescent test that identifies the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antigen.

This research project had found the Bb antigen in whole blood, breast milk, placental tissue, semen, eye fluid, tooth, foot nodule, shoulder fluid, spinal fluid, finger joint fluid and African dust. This test, called the Rapid Identification of Borrelia burgdorferi (RIBb) test, looks for an antigen of the Bb spirochete. Findings are documented with digital photography. We have now tested over 2900 specimens including over 700 very sick children from all geographic areas, and as previously described, all are positive for the Bb antigen.

We have recently developed a titration serial dilution method for quantitating the amount of Bb antigen in the blood. This may help to differentiate the carrier state from the patients with serious disease by comparing persistence of fluorescing structures. This method will also help us to determine the efficacy of antibiotic and other treatment therapies. We strongly recommend that physicians order the serial dilution RIBb test pre and post antibiotic therapy to determine the efficacy of treatment.

A large epidemiological study needs to be done with a sensitive specific test for Borrelia burgdorferi to help understand its many complexities. This study should alert us that Lyme disease is a very serious problem, quite possibly the fastest growing epidemic in the world and one that is very difficult to diagnose and treat. The RIBb test as well as the identification of the presence of other tick borne infections is vitally important so that the disease can be diagnosed early in order for treatment to be started immediately to prevent the morbidity of chronic Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.
See the full web page:
http://www.bowen.org/index_004.htm

JoAnne Whitaker, M.D.
President and Director of Research - CV - PUBLICATIONS - PROFILE
Bowen Research & Training Institute

* Images and info courtesy of Bowen - 

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