219: Tick-Borne Diseases: The Lab and Diagnostics

Tick-borne diseases continue to expand across North America, but diagnosing them in the clinical laboratory remains complex—especially when timing between symptom onset and testing isn't considered.

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Kyle Rodino, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Assistant Director of Microbiology, for a lab-focused discussion on tick-borne disease diagnostics.

They cover major bacterial, parasitic, and viral causes of tick-borne disease, and walk through how molecular testing, serology, and microscopy are used at different stages of illness. The conversation highlights why test selection and timing matter, common diagnostic challenges—particularly with Babesia and Lyme disease testing—and how laboratories can support better diagnostic decision-making.

A practical episode for microbiologists, laboratorians, and clinicians navigating real-world testing challenges in the lab.

Additional resources:
Update on North American tick-borne diseases and how to diagnose them
https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00807-23

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