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Biolytix – Your partner for 20 years in fast and reliable molecular testing of ticks for pathogens

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What is it about?

Many ticks carry dangerous pathogens that can cause diseases in humans and animals once transmitted.

Successful treatment often depends on rapid diagnostics:
Molecular analysis of the tick provides clarity about possible pathogen presence and can support appropriate treatment.

In Switzerland, Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are among the most common diseases transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

Vaccination is available to protect against TBE. However, no vaccine currently exists for Lyme disease, the most frequently transmitted tick-borne illness. Likewise, there are no vaccines for other tick-borne pathogens such as Rickettsia, Babesia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Francisella tularensis, or the Alongshan virus.

Infections caused by these pathogens are often difficult to diagnose due to their non-specific symptoms. Real-time PCR analysis of the tick enables rapid and sensitive detection of these pathogens. A tick analysis can therefore help identify and reduce health risks at an early stage.

Ticks: Overview of Transmitted Pathogens and Diseases

What:
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is caused by various species of Borrelia bacteria. In Switzerland, between 5% and 30% of ticks — and in some areas up to 50% — are infected with Borrelia.

Detected pathogens:
Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana

Where:
Worldwide distribution, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and Austria

How:
Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick, usually the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). The bacteria are primarily located in the tick’s gut. Transmission typically requires a prolonged feeding period. Early removal of the tick greatly reduces the risk of infection.

Clinical presentation of Lyme disease:
The symptoms of Lyme disease vary widely and depend on the Borrelia species involved. It often starts with a circular rash around the bite site (erythema migrans) and flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.
In the second stage, neurological symptoms and cardiac complications may occur.
The third stage, which can appear months or years later, is characterized by joint inflammation, skin changes, and chronic involvement of the nervous system.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, making early detection essential.

What:
TBE is a viral disease caused by RNA viruses of the Flaviviridae family. Less than 1% of ticks in Switzerland are infected with the virus.

Pathogen detection:
TBE virus

Where:
Widespread in Europe and Asia

How:
Transmission through the bite of an infected tick, usually the common wood tick (Ixodes ricinus). The virus is in the tick’s saliva.

Clinical picture of early summer meningoencephalitis:
In the first phase of the disease, seven to fourteen days after the bite, flu-like symptoms with fever, tiredness, headache and aching limbs may occur. Most people infected with TBE do not show any symptoms or the second phase of the disease does not occur. In the second phase of the disease, the central nervous system is affected in 5 – 15% of those infected. Paralysis can occur in some of those infected and lead to permanent disabilities. In a small proportion of those infected, it can lead to meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis or meningoradiculitis. There is an effective vaccination to prevent TBE.

What:
The Alongshan virus (ALSV) is an RNA virus first discovered and described in 2017.

Detected pathogen:
Alongshan virus

Where:
Most reported cases so far have occurred in Asia. The first known cases in Switzerland and Europe were reported in 2022.

How:
Transmission is possible through the bite of an infected tick — usually the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) — or via mosquito bites.

Clinical presentation of ALSV infection:
The symptoms and disease progression of an ALSV infection are still poorly understood and considered non-specific.
Flu-like symptoms such as headache and fever may occur, similar to the early phase of a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) infection.
So far, no severe illnesses have been conclusively linked to ALSV infection.

What:
Rickettsiae are a genus of bacteria that can cause various types of rickettsiosis, including Mediterranean spotted fever, which is triggered by infection with Rickettsia conorii. In Switzerland, Rickettsia helvetica is the most commonly detected species and can cause febrile illnesses. In Central Europe, hard ticks of the genus Ixodes are frequently infected with Rickettsia.

Detected pathogens:
Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii

Where:
Worldwide distribution, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and Austria

How:
Transmission typically occurs through the bite of infected ticks of the Dermacentor genus or the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). In some cases, transmission is also possible via lice, fleas, or mites.

Clinical presentation of rickettsiosis:
Symptoms depend on the specific type of rickettsiosis but often begin with sudden onset of fever, headache, general malaise, and a characteristic skin rash.
Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications and improve recovery.

What:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly Ehrlichia phagocytophila) is a bacterium transmitted by ticks that can cause a febrile illness in humans.

Detected pathogen:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum (previously known as Ehrlichia phagocytophila)

Where:
Worldwide distribution, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and Austria

How:
Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick, most commonly the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

Clinical presentation of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA):
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain. In severe cases, it can lead to anemia, low blood cell counts, and organ failure. The symptoms typically appear a few days after the tick bite. Antibiotics are used for treatment.

What:
Babesiosis is a rare malaria-like disease caused by infection with parasites of the genus Babesia.

Detected pathogens:
Babesia divergens, Babesia microti, Babesia sp. EU1 (formerly Babesia venatorum)

Where:
Worldwide distribution, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and Austria

How:
Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick, primarily by ticks of the Ixodes genus.

Clinical presentation of babesiosis:
After a Babesia infection, initial symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. The incubation period for babesiosis typically ranges from one to four weeks. A few days later, high fever with chills, muscle pain, and headaches can occur. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics and antimalarial medications.

What:
Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Since 2012, an increase in cases has been observed in Switzerland, although the number of tularemia cases transmitted by tick bites reported from 2016 to 2023 remains relatively low, with 20–70 cases per year.

Detected pathogen:
Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica (type B) and F. tularensis ssp. tularensis (type A)

Where:
Present across the entire northern hemisphere, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, and Austria.

How:
Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick, an insect bite, aerosol exposure related to hunting or slaughtering animals, or ingestion of contaminated food.Clinical presentation of tularemia:
In addition to flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes, the clinical picture can be very diverse. Without antibiotic treatment, tularemia can lead to a fatal outcome.

Tick Screening

The most common tick-borne diseases in Switzerland are caused by Borrelia and the TBE virus. In recent years, infections with F. tularensis, the causative agent of tularaemia (hare plague), have increased. If left untreated, these diseases can have serious health consequences. Our tick screening enables targeted testing for these pathogens – quickly and reliably.

  • Tick Screening 1 (Borrelia, TBE Virus, and F. tularensis)

    214.28 €

    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological test methods, Borrelia, TBE virus, and Francisella tularensis can be detected or ruled out in the tick.

    Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana), TBE virus, and Francisella tularensis

    The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.

    Test now

  • Tick Screening 2 (Borrelia and TBE Virus)

    168.21 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological test methods, Borrelia and TBE virus can be detected or ruled out in the tick: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana) and TBE virus. The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

  • Tick Screening 3 (Borrelia and F. tularensis)

    139.28 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological test methods, Borrelia and the causative agent of tularemia (Francisella tularensis) can be detected or ruled out in the tick: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana) and Francisella tularensis. The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

  • Borrelia

    82.50 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological test method, a Borrelia infestation of the tick can be detected or ruled out: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana) The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

  • TBE Virus

    100.71 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological test method, the presence of TBE virus in the tick can be detected or ruled out: Real-time PCR analysis for TBE virus. The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

Extended Tick Screening

With the extended tick screening, we offer you a comprehensive analysis of the tick for additional tick-borne pathogens. This extended tick screening includes the lesser-known infectious agents Alongshan virus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia, and Babesia.

  • Comprehensive Screening for Tick-borne Pathogens

    424.27 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological testing methods, the viral pathogens TBE virus and Alongshan virus, as well as the bacterial pathogens Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Francisella tularensis, and Babesia can be detected or ruled out in the tick: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana), TBE virus, Francisella tularensis, Alongshan virus, Rickettsia spp. (R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. conorii), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. (B. divergens, B. microti, B. sp. EU1 [B. venatorum]). The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
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  • Screening for Babesia and Bacterial Tick-borne Pathogens

    298.92 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological testing methods, the four bacterial pathogens Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Francisella tularensis, and Babesia can be detected or ruled out in the tick: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana), Francisella tularensis, Rickettsia spp. (R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. conorii), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia spp. (B. divergens, B. microti, B. sp. EU1 [B. venatorum]). The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

  • Screening for Bacterial Tick-borne Pathogens

    227.14 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological testing methods, the four bacterial pathogens Borrelia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Francisella tularensis can be detected or ruled out in the tick: Real-time PCR analysis for Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana), Francisella tularensis, Rickettsia spp. (R. helvetica, R. monacensis, R. slovaca, R. conorii), Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

Tick Test for Dogs

The price of a tick analysis depends on the type of analysis selected. You can send up to 5 ticks, which we will examine for the relevant pathogens as a mixture.

• Babesia: The parasitic pathogen causing canine babesiosis, commonly known as “dog malaria,” is a particularly feared disease among dog owners. Babesiosis can occur subclinically in dogs but can also become life-threatening or even fatal if untreated. In recent years, there has been an increase in Babesia infections in dogs, related to the spread of Babesia-transmitting ticks of the genera Dermacentor (wood tick) and Rhipicephalus (brown dog tick).

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum: The bacterial pathogen causing anaplasmosis, a life-threatening disease for dogs if untreated.

• Borrelia: The bacteria responsible for (Lyme) borreliosis. A Borrelia infection leads to an immune response in dogs, but the probability of the dog becoming severely ill is relatively low. There are only a few clinical cases described in Europe. However, if borreliosis occurs in dogs, it can lead to serious health problems. The earlier an infection is detected and treated, the lower the risk for the dog to become severely ill.

• FSME virus: Dogs can also suffer from tick-borne encephalitis (FSME), and unlike humans, pets cannot be protected by vaccination against this virus. Dogs show a high resistance to FSME, so usually only dogs with a weakened immune system become ill.

• Francisella tularensis: The bacteria responsible for tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. This is a rare but serious infectious disease. In dogs, it can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, especially rodents and rabbits, or by tick bites.

  • Tick Screening for Babesia and Anaplasma in Dogs

    139.28 €
    With our fast and highly sensitive molecular biology testing methods, the tick can be tested for Babesia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, or these pathogens can be ruled out: Real-time PCR analysis for Babesia spp. (B. gibsoni, B. canis canis, B. canis vogeli, B. canis rossi), Anaplasma phagocytophilum The analysis takes a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
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  • Comprehensive screening for Babesia, TBE viruses and bacterial tick-borne pathogens in dogs

    327.85 €
    With our rapid and highly sensitive molecular biological testing methods, the presence of the three bacterial pathogens Borrelia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Francisella tularensis, the protozoan Babesia canis, as well as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) viruses in the tick are ruled out. Real-time PCR analysis for Babesia spp. (B. canis canis, B. canis vogeli, B. canis rossi), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia spp. (B. burgdorferi, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and Francisella tularensis The analysis is completed within a maximum of three working days after the tick arrives.
    Test now

Off to the lab!

Once we receive your tick sample, we will begin the analysis. All analyses are performed using the real-time PCR method. The results will be available within 3 working days.

Step by Step: How It Works

Carefully remove the tick with tweezers. The Borrelia bacteria are in the tick’s stomach and TBE is in the tick’s saliva. If possible, keep the tick’s body intact.

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Carefully transfer the tick into a ziplock bag, close it airtight and place the tick in an envelope.

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Complete the order and enclose the order confirmation you received by e-mail and the tick in the envelope.

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Send the envelope to the following address:

Biolytix AG
Zeckentest Schweiz
Neumattweg 16
4243 Dittingen

Ticktest- neu

How We Analyze Ticks

Depending on the pathogen, it can be found in the tick’s saliva or gut. Therefore, it is best to send us the entire tick. This will be prepared for analysis and examined according to your request.

DNA (Borrelia, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia, Francisella tularensis, Babesia)
As with humans, the genetic material of bacteria and single-celled parasites is DNA. We analyze the extracted DNA using a highly sensitive, pathogen-specific real-time PCR method.

RNA (Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV), Alongshan Virus (ALSV))
The genetic information of these viruses consists of RNA. We analyze the sample using a highly sensitive, pathogen-specific real-time PCR method for RNA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If multiple ticks are found on one person, they can be collected and submitted as a single sample. We will analyze them together in one test.
Please note that ticks must be collected separately for each individual. Since the result always refers to all ticks in a given test, it would otherwise be impossible to determine from which person the tick carrying the detected pathogen originated in case of a positive result.

If you experience symptoms or notice skin changes after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Not every tick carries pathogens. In the case of TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) viruses, infection can occur immediately after the tick bites.
Borrelia bacteria, on the other hand, are located in the tick’s gut and take longer to be transmitted. The pathogens that cause Lyme disease are usually only passed on after several hours of feeding.
That’s why it is important to remove a tick as quickly as possible.

Lyme disease can be transmitted by infected ticks throughout Switzerland.
Switzerland is now considered a risk area for TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) almost nationwide. As of summer 2024, the canton of Geneva has also been added to the list of TBE risk areas — with the exception of the canton of Ticino.
https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/zeckenuebertragene-krankheiten.html

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the risk of infection with TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) in Germany is mainly concentrated in the southern regions — especially in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as parts of southern Hesse, southeastern Thuringia, Saxony, and southeastern Brandenburg.
In contrast, Lyme disease — also transmitted by ticks — occurs throughout Germany.
For detailed and up-to-date information on TBE risk areas in Germany, please visit the RKI website.
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/F/FSME/Karte_Tab.html#:~:text=FSME%20%2DRisikogebiete%20in%20Deutschland%20(Stand,2022%20auch%20im%20s%C3%BCd%C3%B6stlichen%20Brandenburg

In France, studies have shown that ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease are widespread across the country — particularly in forested areas, humid regions, and the northeastern part of France.
Regions with lower risk include the Mediterranean zone and high mountain areas. For detailed information on regional risk areas, please refer to the following page:
https://www.inrae.fr/actualites/cartes-meteo-tiques-france-metropolitaine#:~:text=La%20carte%20confirme%20que%20les,m%C3%A9diterran%C3%A9ennes%20et%20de%20haute%20montagne.

Various pathogens can be transmitted by ticks. The most common and well-known tick-borne diseases in the Northern Hemisphere are Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
However, this does not mean that every tick carries or transmits these pathogens.
The prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia bacteria varies by region and ranges from 5% to 30% in Switzerland — and in some areas, it can be as high as 50%.
Less than 1% of ticks in Switzerland carry the TBE virus.

Ticks are widespread throughout Switzerland — wherever vegetation grows, even in urban areas. They are mainly active from March to November.
Protect yourself and your children when spending time outdoors. Here’s how you can protect yourself from tick bites:

Zecken sind in der ganzen Schweiz verbreitet – überall dort, wo Pflanzen wachsen, auch in der Stadt. Sie sind vor allem von März bis November aktiv. Schützen Sie sich und Ihre Kinder, wenn Sie draussen unterwegs sind. So können Sie sich vor Zeckenstichen schützen:

  • Wear closed, light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
  • Apply tick repellent to clothing, shoes, and exposed skin areas.
  • Avoid walking through undergrowth and tall grass.
  • After spending time outdoors, check your body thoroughly for ticks. Ticks prefer warm, moist, and thin areas of skin such as the backs of the knees, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, neck, nape, armpits, and hairline.

You can place the live or dead tick in a resealable (zip-lock) plastic bag and seal it carefully.
If you do not have a zip-lock bag, you may also use a small shatterproof container or a small plastic pouch.

Place an order on our website via the “Test now” button.
Print out the order confirmation and include it in the envelope together with the sealed zip-lock bag.

Send the stamped envelope to the following address:

Biolytix AG
Zeckentest
Neumattweg 16
4243 Dittingen
Schweiz

If you don’t have a printer, no problem. Simply write your name and the order number on the resealable bag or on a piece of paper and include it with the tick sample. The order number (Order Number) will be displayed after you complete your purchase, and you will also find it in the order confirmation email you receive.
Place the resealable bag with the order number in an envelope and send the stamped envelope to the following address:

Biolytix AG
Zeckentest
Neumattweg 16
4243 Dittingen
Schweiz

After the tick has been properly packaged, it can be stored at room temperature for a few days. However, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator (for up to one month).
If you plan to have the tick tested at a later date, you can also freeze it for longer storage at -20°C.

Biolytix AG
Zeckentest
Neumattweg 16
4243 Dittingen
Schweiz

No, dead ticks can also be analyzed.

No, damaged ticks can also be analyzed.

In Switzerland, a tick bite is legally considered an accident for insurance purposes. Any resulting infections are also regarded as consequences of this accident and are therefore covered by accident insurance.
It is recommended to carefully document every tick bite — photographic documentation can be especially helpful.

You will receive the result within three working days

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