posted
I received my test results today and noticed that my EBV VCA IGG is 5.85 (Less than 0.90 is the reference value)
EBV VCA IGM is within the normal range at 0.31
My high result seems pretty high to me, is it possible I currently have mono, in your opinion? I can't call my doctor until Monday, so I was curious to hear what others think. Thank you.
Igenex IgG: Igenex/CDC Negative. 39:IND 41:++ Posts: 12 | From New York | Registered: Jun 2010
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
IgG antibodies represent previous exposure or chronic infection. IgM antibodies represent an acute infection.
You probably contracted Mono as a child. Most of us do, and only some get symptoms.
You probably have a reactivated, chronic infection. In Lyme, we become immunocompromised, and all kinds of previously dormant infections can flare.
Others include Herpes 1 and 2, Varicella virus, HHV6, Parvo, Cytomegalovirus, Candida, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Chlamydia Pneumoniae...
In Lyme, as in HIV, these are considered opportunistic infections. A healthy immune system would keep them under control. Ours can't.
Maybe you knew all this and were only asking about the Mono.
Many Lyme docs test for all, but some don't test for any, with the thinking that treating the Lyme will get the other populations under control. Some docs treat for the reactivated infections.
If you are concerned about EBV, ask your doctor. I have treated all my viruses with herbs, in addition to antibiotics for the Lyme and co-infections. I do take antifungals for Candida.
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
I agree. Some are addressing the Mono first with IVIG and having mixed results.
As well as other treatments--herbs, coconut oil, etc.
I do believe it is imperative to get it under control to prevent syndromes like RSD.
Prayers for a easy road.
-------------------- 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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I also had high Epstein Barr titers, my Dr at the time used it more to piece together the puzzle for the 'Clinical' Lyme Diagnosis, not to necessarily treat the Mono(many with Bb and co. test high for viruses because we become immunocompromised). His idea was to treat the Lyme, immune system will keep the viruses et al in check.
LLMDs all treat differently for sure, both my LLMDs did not put much emphasis on treating viruses (I am well now if that means anything, but some individuals need antivirals/ viral treatment to get better and have some relief from symptoms - for ex, who is to say that fatigue, for instance, isn't caused by an active mono infection unless you try and treat it?).
I'd def discuss options with your dr and see if he feels you need it,
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
Probably not high enough to be considered active, chronic infection. I get my EBV tested at Focus Diagnostics lab, and it uses a titer of 1:XXX, instead of 1.X as your results are. However, some of my other labs (like Parvo and CMV) have a result like yours, with my results in the 7s and the doctors are not concerned. And they have treated me for other viruses such as EBV, HHV-6, HSV1 and Coxsackie B.
For more info on EBV see: Here is a link to an article about chronic EBV infection:
# Patients with "high" antibody titers against HHV-6 IgG ≥ 640, EBV VCA IgG ≥ 640 and detectable EA Ab at 1:160 or HHV-6 IgG ≥ 320 if EBV VCA IgG ≥ 1280 and has detectable EA Ab at 1:160 (measured by the average of a minimum of two time points obtained during screening at least 3 weeks apart).
Of course, ask your doctor what he thinks.
Best, Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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Haley
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Member # 22008
posted
My doctor doesn't even test for EBV because he says everyone has it.
I did get it tested by another doctor and I believe mine was also around 5.85. I'm assuming that many people would test in that range.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
You could run some Lauricidin� on your own. It doesn't always help but has helped some...
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
~ Valcyte- what if one tests super high for EBV (both Early AB and chronic for years), but negative for HHV-6? Any references/resources regarding that?
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
I'd make sure the HHV-6 test was run at Focus Diagnostics lab for starters....
quote:Originally posted by BoxerMom: IgG antibodies represent previous exposure or chronic infection. IgM antibodies represent an acute infection.
Correct. Unless you're talking about Lyme disease.
From Dr C's Western Blot Explanation:
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both."
***PS.. I don't know much about EBV tests!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
Thanks, Timca. I am checking out that link and will ask my LLMD to re-run the HHV-6 via Focus Labs.
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Lymetoo - I've read that piece on the Bb antibody titers. Everything is messed up in Lyme.
posted
My EBV tested high like that too. I can't tell if any of my symptoms are from that. I am taking coconut oil, but can't tell if it's having any effect either.
My Lyme seems to be gradually improving now, and I assume that when I recover, my viruses will get under control again.
-------------------- Don't forget to laugh! And when you're going through hell, keep going!
Bitten 5/25/2009 in Perry County, Indiana. Diagnosed by LLMD 12/2/2009. Posts: 756 | From Inside the tunnel | Registered: Jan 2010
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