LymeNet Flash: Where is the bestest place for Babs WA-1 testing???

This is topic Where is the bestest place for Babs WA-1 testing??? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by tabbytamer (Member # 3159) on :

I know, I know. Do a search. But I did that and still am not sure of the up-to-date best lab to use to look for Babesia WA-1.

Any advice as to which lab and specifically which tests? Is there a test that will look for several forms of Babesia at the same time?

One year ago I tested negative at IGeneX for their Babs FISH. But from what I gather, that only looks for Bab microti (sp?).

Thanks,

Tabby

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

Hey hey little darling..

Where ya bin?

I been missin' ya!

I am not sure if any labs.. other than Igenex.. looks specifically for WA-1 in humans? I THINK that is THEIR specific test.

Bowen does a test where any species of babesia SHOULD show up.. if I am right? Don't quote me on that.. be sure to ask them before being tested. I mean.. they look for the organism.. not antibodies to it.

And a Babesia is a Babesia is a Babesia.. ain't it?

I personally don't find the FISH test to be my favorite.. and see it miss a number of folks who are positive. NOT that it is a bad test.. not at all. I just think it misses quite a few.. for whatever reason?

Also.. a test at Bowen will also cover Ehrlichiosis and several "forms" of Lyme.. and the price IS right.

Hope that helps some?

Happy Holly Days, my friend.

Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :

According to my LLMD (yesterday) there is no way to test for all the strains of babs. They just don't have the tests.

So a negative really never means negative. I was equivocal, I think to WA-1, so she had me start artemisinin. She said if I have what looks like a babs herx, we will consider mepron.

Posted by deb obrien (Member # 5239) on :

Igenex found my babs on two different tests so I'm partial to them - they didn't find lyme but my doc is sure that i have it....you can always call and talk to the folks at igenex - they're very nice about answering questions....
deb

Posted by tabbytamer (Member # 3159) on :

Thanks Miss Tincup

Missed you too!

I've been around now and then. Lurking mostly. Just kind of keeping on eye on things. Someone gots to keep you guys in line, afterall

I agree, Babs is Babs. But I would think a test that actually looks at the blood cells rather than just a antibody blood test would be the key. Just not sure. From what I've read, it seems "diagnosing" Babs through lab tests can be as difficult as it is with Lyme.

I will look around at the Bowen site, though. Thanks for suggesting that. I usually look at IGeneX for info, but they didn't seem to have the answers I am looking for.

Or maybe I don't have the right questions?

Aniek: Good suggestion, also. I think I will present that idea of an Artemisinin (did I put in too many "in"s?) trial to my doc and see what he says.

Were you to take it with your abx for Lyme? Or during a break from the abx?

Yes, WA-1 is suspected as being prevalent in California cases from what I've read. That's why I specifically mentioned the WA-1.

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Tabby

Posted by tabbytamer (Member # 3159) on :

Thanks, deb. I hadn't thought about calling.

Posted by Limping Lily (Member # 5099) on :

Mt. Laurel Lab here in NJ does PCR tests for 5 different mycos, babs,Lyme,Ehrlichia,Bart., and I think, RMSTF. Was this what you wanted to know? Don't remember if insurance or I paid for these.BTW mine were all negative,even when I had Lyme, which was positive at first IGenex testing.So, does that mean that I could actually have one or more of the coinfections?

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~*~ Carole ~*~
Grandmother of 4

Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :

quote:
Originally posted by tabbytamer:

Aniek: Good suggestion, also. I think I will present that idea of an Artemisinin (did I put in too many "in"s?) trial to my doc and see what he says.
Were you to take it with your abx for Lyme? Or during a break from the abx?

I am taking Artemisinin with the Lyme abx. I'm on Ketek now, which they suspect may actually kill Babs and other parasites. I was also taking Augmentin. I stopped that because of an irregular blood test related to my pancreas, so it wasn't Babs/Artemisinin related.

My LLMD purposely scared me about Mepron. She wants me to know that it is a serious drug and can cause some major side-effects. She knows it works, but is wary about using it if not needed. And this is a doc who often prescribes a specific abx on a hunch that turns out to be correct.

Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :

Mepron doesn't always work. I took many courses of it and still have Babs. Artemisinin is a much better bet, IMO. And lots cheaper. Aniek, your doc is right. It does have potentially severe side effects. Since it has not worked for me up to this point, I probably won't try it again.