PCR testing is now a commonly recognized term in large part due to COVID-19. Despite its rising prevalence, some people are otherwise unaware that there are two different types of PCR tests, and the technology can be used to detect several infectious diseases.
A critical application of PCR testing is in the case of tick-borne diseases, which have been historically difficult to diagnose. When navigating the realms of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, having the proper test can make a world of difference regarding treatment.
This blog post will discuss the various forms of PCR testing, enabling readers to make an informed decision about their health regarding testing for tick-borne illnesses.
What is a PCR test?
Many other tests work by detecting antibodies – the proteins your immune system creates in response to a pathogen. The delay in developing proteins is why physicians often turn to PCR tests instead, which work by detecting pathogens (disease-causing organisms) rather than antibodies.
Most viruses contain genetic material in the form of DNA or RNA. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests work by detecting this RNA or DNA. They can also detect abnormal cells in a sample and the DNA or RNA of other disease-causing pathogens.
Besides their accuracy and efficiency, PCR tests are often turned to for their ability to detect diseases in the early stage of infections, unlike many other tests. This is because, in the early stages of a disease or infection, different testing methodologies might not be able to detect minute traces of pathogens or antibodies within a given sample.
How do PCR tests work?
PCR tests are done using a biological sample of saliva, mucus, tissue, or blood. This sample is placed into an automated thermocycler, which rapidly heats and cools the reaction tube. That cooling and heating process causes the sample to produce copies of itself using enzymes called polymerases. This process is repeated multiple times until billions of copies are made. The automated thermocycler can then detect if a pathogen or virus is present in the sample, indicating an infection.
PCR tests often detect an infection before the patient experiences symptoms, making them a highly beneficial diagnostic tool.
Traditional PCR tests vs real-time PCR tests
Traditional PCR testing was developed in the 1980s and is often used as a benchmark within other processes or as a diagnostic tool. PCR testing is commonly associated with forensic science and biotechnology.
Real-time PCR, also called qPCR, detects pathogens in real-time, as the name suggests. To elaborate, qPCR testing methods detect which DNA or RNA sample a technician wants to target during the testing process, as opposed to afterward. They can also be more precise and easier to use than traditional PCR tests. Unlike traditional PCR tests, qPCR tests require the use of fluorescent dye or probes.
Both types of tests can be used to detect diseases like COVID–19, HIV, hepatitis C, and tick-borne diseases.
Multiplex PCR
Advances in the biotechnology field have revolutionized infectious disease testing, especially when it comes to PCR tests. That’s where multiplex PCR comes in.
Multiplex PCR tests are able to detect more than one target sequence during the same test. It can detect multiple pathogens or possible infections without requiring numerous tests. Multiplex PCR technology can be used with both traditional and rapid PCR testing.
Some of the advantages of Multiplex PCR include:
- More cost-effective
- Saves time
- Can collect more information with less sampling
- Increased accuracy
PCR and tick-borne diseases
One groundbreaking application of PCR tests is to combine it with culturing, such as with IGeneX’s Culture Enhanced PCR (cePCR) test. These tests utilize multiplex PCR testing technology to easier detect pathogens after they are grown in culture. These tests are highly specific, more sensitive than standard PCR tests, and provide comprehensive results for multiple tick-borne diseases.
While most people generally only think of Lyme disease, there are many tick-borne infections out there. A single tick can carry multiple pathogens, which can lead to co-infections. Yet another benefit of cePCR tests.
cePCR tests detect the following tick-borne diseases:
- Lyme disease
- Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever
- Bartonellosis
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Rickettsiosis
This test has made culture testing more manageable, more affordable, and more accessible for those who need it.
Preventing tick-borne diseases
Getting access to the correct type of test is essential for treating tick-borne diseases. That’s why IGeneX offers the most comprehensive and accurate testing available.
That being said, avoiding tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases in the first place. Here are our top tips:
- Know when you’re in an area where ticks are prevalent, such as tall grasses or wooded areas.
- Protect arms and legs with long sleeves and pants.
- Prevent ticks from hitching a ride on long hair by putting it up.
- Use a bug spray containing DEET or a natural solution.
- Check yourself and your pets for ticks after possible exposure.
PCR testing has changed the way researchers and healthcare providers diagnose infectious diseases. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider about the best testing option for your specific case.