Final answer:
Antibodies to Lyme disease antigens may not decrease after the first immune response because they can persist for a long duration in the blood, unlike non-Lyme disease antigens. A reliable diagnosis often requires a confirmatory test such as the Western blot following a positive EIA due to potential false positives. Confirmed Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immune Response to Lyme Disease Antigens
Antibodies to Lyme disease antigens do not decrease after the first immune response because antibodies can persist in the blood and continue to circulate for months to years after the antigen exposure occurred. This is in contrast to the response to non-Lyme disease antigens, where antibody levels might decrease once the pathogen is cleared. In the context of Lyme disease, a persistent immune response is significant due to the risk of reinfection and the nature of the disease which can be stealthy and chronic.
The need for a second test such as the Western blot after a positive EIA test stems from the possibility of false positives, especially considering mimicking conditions such as tick-borne relapsing fever, syphilis, and certain autoimmune disorders. It is crucial for these tests to be carried out at the appropriate time after infection for accurate interpretation by an experienced medical professional. Upon confirmation of Lyme disease, the typical treatment involves antibiotics because it is a bacterial infection, and an early diagnosis and treatment are critical for effective recovery.