Rapid test for lyme bacteria

1. A method for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in a sample, the method comprising:

homogenizing a sample on a sample pad using a pestle;

applying biotinylated C6 peptide, streptavidin-gold, and flow buffer to the homogenized sample to obtain a homogenized sample solution;

allowing for capillary flow of said homogenized sample solution to occur along an elongated nitrocellulose strip contacting said sample pad at a first short edge;

allowing the homogenized sample solution to contact a first read-out line on the nitrocellulose strip and a second read-out line on the nitrocellulose strip;

wherein the first read-out line comprises at least one VisE-specific antibody;

further wherein the second read-out line comprises biotinylated albumin; and

collecting excess sample in a cellulose wick contacting a second short edge of said nitrocellulose strip;

wherein: (1) the first read out line does not change color if bacterial is detected in the sample; or (2) the first read out line changes color if bacteria is not detected in the sample.