Rising Concerns Over Unverified Lyme Disease Tests and Treatments

Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. However, the expanding industry of unapproved testing methods and alternative therapies poses significant risks to patients. The complexity of diagnosing Lyme disease stems from limitations in the standard diagnostic tests, which primarily detect antibodies that may not appear immediately after infection or may persist long after the infection has cleared. This diagnostic challenge has created a market for unproven tests, including over-the-counter kits and laboratory services offered by unlicensed providers, often using saliva or urine instead of blood, which are not FDA-approved. Patients frequently incur substantial costs for these unreliable tests, which can lead to false positives or negatives and distract from effective medical care.

Furthermore, many individuals pursue unestablished treatments such as herbal remedies, lasers, electromagnets, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These treatments are often promoted by self-described "Lyme literate" practitioners with backgrounds unrelated to infectious diseases. Alarmingly, some clinics advertise long-term intravenous antibiotics—despite the lack of evidence supporting their use—and charge thousands of dollars. Such practices can result in severe health complications, including life-threatening infections caused by prolonged antibiotic use.

Experts emphasize the importance of sticking to scientifically validated approaches for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. The standard blood tests, despite their limitations, are generally reliable when used appropriately. When classic symptoms like the bull’s eye rash occur, antibiotics are typically effective. However, the ambiguity in diagnosis and symptoms that overlap with other illnesses can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

The medical community calls for increased research funding to better understand persistent symptoms post-treatment and to develop safe, effective diagnostic tools. Meanwhile, consumers are urged to exercise caution and avoid unproven products and therapies, as they can be costly, ineffective, or harmful.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-unproven-lyme-disease-treatments-proliferating.html