I appreciate these researchers going through a vast number of studies to start more awareness of this infection in asia: 18 studies included… 11,498 people in the meta-analysis. These studies encompassed countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Türkiye, Singapore, and Indonesia.
They found: a high seroprevalence of Lyme disease in Asia, indicating that it has become a significant public health concern in the region.
Critique: they strongly depend on ELISA, IFA and two-tear testing. These are outdated and IgeneX FDA approved immunoblots are vastly more advanced. And Galaxy nanotrap testing of urine as approximately 100% detection.
Since the 1980s biopsies of bulls-eye rashes culturing Lyme had 36% missed as negatives on two-tiered testing or the exact testing they trust. Immense research showing the two tier may limit Lyme patients used for research, but never for individuals.
They do not appreciate the over 20 ways Lyme hides.
There is no appreciation that in Asia about 38% have Bartonella using simple testing for merely 1-2 species when there are 23 species (Schaller, 2025. This blog)
They are worried about false positives when false negatives are the norm.
Despite these limitations, I respect their immense work and wish to prevent suffering.
Song J, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Zhou G, Wu X, Gao L, Wu H, Peng L, Yang J, Ji Z, Li B, Fan Y, Chen J, Liu M, Kong J, Ma W, Zhong L, Ma W, Liu A, Bao F. Seroprevalence of Lyme Disease in Asian Human Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2025 Jul;25(7):444-453. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2024.0092. Epub 2025 May 23. PMID: 40406824.