lyme serology 99% sensitve in detecting late stage lyme?

In the UK, the only test available from your doctor is the ELISA test. A WESTON BLOT test is only used if the ELISA test comes back with a positive result. I have been informed that the ELISA test, especially in late stage Lyme, is 99% sensitive in detecting the bacteria. Have i missed something?

From my understanding, ELISA is unreliable, as it is used to detect an immune response. It does not look for the actual bacteria. Is this test not worthless?
Is it not the case that the bacteria has the capability to suppress an immune response, and that it fools the immune system causing it to not fight the bacteria.

The HPA believe they have this thing under control, and they have the best test available. They also believe that there are many unorthodox testing methods available privately that should be avoided. This is due to false positive results and people receiving treatment for Lyme when they don't actually have it. What about the people who are left to suffer due to the use of inaccurate tests, who have the illness mis-diagnosed for many years, only to find out they have it.

Surely there is a test somewhere that looks for the actual bacteria.

Hi Mrseve,

You are totally in the right in thinking that the reliance on the ELISA is misguided. In reality, relying on any test to diagnose late stage lyme disease is something close to futile. Again and again it is stated (by the Center for Disease Control here in the States): Lyme disease must be diagnosed clinically.

There are so many variables: The progression of the disease, how the individual is reacting, whether co-infections are involved. The medical community is still educating themselves about this disease and it simply doesn't fit into any of their previously held suppositions. In the future, they will look back on this bit of history with a bit of embarrassment.

A test that looks for bacteria? That would be rather like me setting out on foot at midday to find the fox that was harassing my chickens last night! Don't know where he came from don't know where he went, and I'm pretty sure he's gone to ground. Ooh and imagine a fox that is actually a Master of Disguise... and that's the Borrelia burgdorferi!