Lyme borreliosis diagnosis currently relies on clinical assessment and detection of Borrelia-specific antibodies. However, serology does not allow reliable assessment of active infection. Evaluation of the cellular immune response through Borrelia-specific T lymphocyte monitoring may provide complementary diagnostic and prognostic information.
This study aims to assess Borrelia afzelii-specific T-cell responses using multiparameter flow cytometry after stimulation with standardized peptide pools. This approach enables the characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, including polyfunctional immune responses.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of this immunomonitoring strategy will be evaluated in patients with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, a late manifestation of Lyme borreliosis associated with B. afzelii.