Ticks will no longer be examined at the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. This can only happen in private laboratories, and the approximate cost of the research is BGN 18. Until now, a microscopic examination of a tick for infection with the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in the center cost BGN 9.
In May 2024, compared to May last year, there was a nearly 70% increase in the various types of tests for Lyme disease. This is shown by the data of one of the largest private laboratories in our country.
One of the reasons why ticks are not tested at the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention is that, for the first time, T-cell immunity is also being tested there. According to Prof. Hristova, this is the most important indicator of whether Lyme disease is active.
"In addition to antibodies, we can also examine the presence of T-lymphocytes. It is not possible to study a huge number of ticks in one reference laboratory, and it is not done anywhere in the world. The reference laboratory is to confirm a controversial diagnosis from a peripheral laboratory or to do unique tests that are not done anywhere else," said Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the NCZPB.
The number of ticks studied in May in one of the large private laboratories was 658, which is twice as many as a year ago. 63 of them tested positive for Lyme disease.
"The number of examined ticks is almost 100% increased and the percentage of positive tests is more or less the same. That is, this population, which is positive in nature, is available," added Dr. Blagovesta Pencheva.
Despite the treatment of lawns, there is fear among parents.
"I don't allow them on lawns as whether it is sprayed or treated the green area often has ticks. I am a surgeon and very often in my practice it has happened, no matter what, that we remove ticks from children", comments Monika Momchilova.
With the highest frequency of people bitten by ticks is the South Park area. The Metropolitan Municipality stated that, following orders from the Metropolitan Regional Health Inspectorate, emergency treatments against ticks are currently being carried out in some of the capital's parks.