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Powassan virus serology in Lyme Disease

In Lyme Disease (Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi infection), published studies report higher levels of Powassan virus serology, also described as Tick-borne encephalitis virus, than in Uninfected. The cited literature links this alteration to neurological co-infection. The finding is drawn from Swanson et al. 2022; it describes group-level differences, not a threshold that classifies an individual.

↑ ElevatedCo-infection

Summary

Direction in Lyme Disease↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryCo-infection
Also described asTick-borne encephalitis virus
Compared againstUninfected
Associated symptomsNeurological co-infection
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
SourceSwanson et al. 2022 — doi:10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101987
Condition atlasLyme Disease Biomarker Atlas

Related Co-infection markers in Lyme Disease

Full list: Lyme Disease Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Powassan virus serology high or low in Lyme Disease?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Powassan virus serology in Lyme Disease than in Uninfected. Source: Swanson et al. 2022.

What symptoms is Powassan virus serology associated with in Lyme Disease?

The cited literature associates this marker with Neurological co-infection. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Powassan virus serology?

It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.

Is one abnormal Powassan virus serology result diagnostic of Lyme Disease?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of Lyme Disease. Powassan virus serology findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Powassan virus serology in Lyme Disease: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/lyme/powassan-virus-serology.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from lyme.json · Browse: Lyme Disease atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.