posted
I had the same result. From my understanding, the 31 epitope is definite for lyme. Band 31 on the igenex test has cross-reactivity with viruses. The 31 epitope does not.
Last week I attended a lyme conference and spoke with the Igenex people, as well as Dr. H., and they were infatic that the 31 epitope is lyme only.
I still question the whole thing, because if the 31 epitope is only lyme, then why is it not used for Band 31, on the original test?
Posts: 964 | From san diego | Registered: Oct 2009
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
As far as we know, so far (barring any discoveries), band 31 is only Lyme.
The reason a virus can make band 31 show up on a Western Blot is that there is a viral antibody/protein/whatever-it-is that, when it folds onto itself, looks just like the Lyme antibody detected in band 31.
So it's not that band 31 actually does cross react with a virus, it's that when the viral thing they are detecting is folded, it shows up as band 31 on a Western Blot.
That is why the band 31 test exists.
So I would believe the results of the 31 test....so you have exposure to Lyme. Then it's just a matter of making sure your symptoms are also due to Lyme and not other conditions.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Nspiker brings up an interesting point. Why doesn't Igenex automatically do the epitope test on WBs, if band 31 is positive?
Is it just a way to charge more for an additional test?
Based on the prices Igenex charges already, seems like they should throw in the epitope test for free on the WB...
Posts: 584 | From NY | Registered: Feb 2009
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
I believe it is useful for clinical testing/records but really has not much value to patients.
As many received the vaccine it may show up in the 31 band.
So to try to prove which it is I think they came up with that. But it is to my understanding not all inclusive.
If you have virus', etc. it can be rendered neg.
That does not mean you don't have Lyme. And it does not mean you got it from the vaccine.
Mine was neg. but it is definite Lyme.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
What about band 34? Can it be positive because of a virus or is this only lyme? I am STILL questioning my diagnosis. I also have positive 31, 41, 58, 39IND.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
I am reading "Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and other tick-borne disorders" by Karen Vanderhoof-forschner. It explains some about the differing bands that shows you are positive but does not address the 31 KDA Epitope tests. I suppose these tests were added after her last book was printed (2003). In the case of my daughter and I, we were told that the tests were run because results on band 31 were either borderline or a weak positive, and that the 31 Epitope confirmatory tests has "95% sensitivity and 98% specificity for late Lyme disease".
-------------------- Dx with Lyme & homozygous for MTHFR. Antibiotics & nutritional IV's didn't help. Posts: 57 | From Kansas | Registered: Jun 2010
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