LymeNet Flash: WB- band 41

This is topic WB- band 41 in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/36136

Posted by KC:michigan (Member # 4045) on :

My husband tested positive ONLY for band 41 on the IGG WB. IGM and IGG are considered negative, but that one band came up.

In contrast, I have 5 bands on IGG consistantly (tested 3 times over pst 5 years) and positive urinalysis.

He has an appointment with my LLMD in late AUg BUT we wanted to gather some info before hand.

The symp he has is not feeling 'right', swollen lymp node, disequal pupils, and lighheadedness. He is also looking into other causes of these sympt!

What else could cause the positive 41? Do that mean he got infected/bit in the same area as I did?

THANKS

Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :

Hi KC,

A positive band 41 can be a non specific infection. It can be Bb but it can be something else. So it is NOT specific to ONLY Bb.

This is copied from Treepatrol newbie help link on explaination of Western Blot:

41: Flagella or tail. This is how Borrelia burgdorferi moves around, by moving the flagella. Many bacteria
have flagella. This is the most common borreliosis antibody.

Hope this helps.
Lisi

What part of Michigan were you both bit? If you don't mind me asking.

[This message has been edited by Lisianthus (edited 21 July 2005).]

Posted by KC:michigan (Member # 4045) on :

I don't know to be honest. I don't remember ever being bit.

I worked at an outdoor education camp out near Jackson quite a few years ago (I've had it for at 5+ years) but we also make regular trips to upstate New York (endemic area) and SW Missouri/ARkansas.

We live on the Oakland/Genesee County borders.

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

Borrelia Burgdorferi is a clinical diagnosis, based on symptoms and on your response to treatment.

You may have passed it to him.

Has he been tested after high doses of abx's? as when you get the spirochetes dead by other methods like abx's and test while on them it frees the antigens from killing spirochetes so they show up in wb igg igm.

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/026659.html

[This message has been edited by treepatrol (edited 21 July 2005).]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Maybe this will help??

Western Blot explanation: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022767.html

------------------
Do not take anything I say as medical advice. I am not a doctor, but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express!
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by Areneli (Member # 6740) on :

41 doesn't mean much.

If necessary go by the symptoms but the lab result is negative.

Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :

Band 41 was my only band. Many others here also only had Band 41.

IMO, if you have symptoms and Band 41 chances are pretty good you have LD.

I also have Band 41 in my CSF. Still waiting for someone to explain to me how that got there without it being caused by LD.

Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :

Band 41 does not mean you have LD for sure. It can be one of many infections. It basically means you have or had an infection of some sort, or multiple infections.

Band 41 shows up on all of my tests. But, I also have a few other bands and a high positive antibody count. The antibody number may never decrease, even if I am cured. It implies that I have been exposed to an infection and have built up antibodies to it.

I say go with clinical symptoms. The tests are not terribly reliable or specific to LD.

Just my opinion.

Posted by KC:michigan (Member # 4045) on :

We are hoping that my LLMD will treat his sympt. for band 41, BUT insurance may not cover it since he is NOT positive (CDC).

Then again does anyone know if menengitis brings up band 41? He had it as an infant.

The info is great and even though no LD testing is clear it is nice to get others opinions and experiences!

If it is LD, then his symp are much differnt than mine!
KC