Assessing immune response in children with Lyme disease

Extensive Investigation of Immune Responses Against Borrelia Burgdorferi to Improve Diagnosis of Lyme Disease in Children: an Observational Study (BRILLIANT Study)

Observational University Children's Hospital, Zurich · NCT06045416

This study is testing a new blood test to see how children's immune systems respond to Lyme disease to help doctors diagnose it earlier and better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment502 (estimated)
Ages1 Month to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital, Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT06045416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the immune response against Borrelia burgdorferi in children diagnosed with Lyme disease. It will develop a new diagnostic tool using the Bb-specific ASC ELISpot assay to improve early diagnosis, addressing the limitations of current testing methods. The study will enroll 502 patients aged 0-17 years who present with symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, alongside healthy controls. Blood samples will be collected at initial hospital visits and follow-up appointments to analyze immune cell responses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 0-17 years presenting with symptoms indicative of Lyme disease.

Not a fit: Patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiency will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for early Lyme disease, potentially reducing misdiagnosis and treatment delays.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on Lyme disease diagnostics, the specific approach of using Bb-specific ASC ELISpot is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients presenting at the ED with differential diagnosis of LD according to the treating physician

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be excluded in cases of primary or secondary immunodeficiency

Where this trial is running

Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lyme DiseaseBorrelia InfectionsBorrelia burgdorferiLyme diseaseBorrelia specific ASCsBorrelia strains
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.