There is no relationship between Lyme disease and autism. I have mentioned this topic before. Now, I am witnessing cases where individuals are mistakenly diagnosed with Lyme disease despite not having it. This situation may lead to unnecessary long-term use of multiple antibiotics in children with autism, resulting in significant destruction of the gut microbiota, which can trigger negative developments in children’s brain functions and neurological signs. Therefore, I will discuss the laboratory criteria for the correct diagnosis of Lyme disease:

The true causative agent of Lyme disease is Borrelia burgdorferi or Borrelia mayonii (in the USA). The criteria for the culture of these two bacteria include:

1. Obtaining DNA with Nucleic Acid Tests. Positivity for Borrelia burgdorferi-DNAor Borrelia mayonii-DNA.
2. Positive antigens.
3. Determining IgM positivity from IgM/IgG antibodies specific to these two species using the Western Blot method.
4. CD57+/CD3- NK Cells: NK cell deficiency; NK: Natural Killer cells; Borrelia burgdorferi can reduce the number of CD57 (natural killer) cells within T lymphocytes.

< 20 indicates severe Lyme disease.
20-60 indicates chronic Lyme disease.
60-100 indicates Lyme activity.

>200 is normal.

The measurement of CD57+/CD3- NK Cells is particularly important in monitoring chronic Lyme disease.

Positive IgM/IgG for Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia sensustricto obtained by the ELISA method is not sufficient for the diagnosis of Lyme disease. These positives should be interpreted as cross-reactions, and unnecessary multiple antibiotics should not be initiated.