LymeNet Flash: wb cross-reactivity questions answered

This is topic wb cross-reactivity questions answered in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/36846

Posted by MNgirl (Member # 7744) on :

This pertains to an earlier post by me about my docs saying both of my Wb were false-positives because of an active EBV (Mono) infection....

I talked to Dr. Harris from Igenex. He told me that the lower molecular weight bands will not cross-react. This is at least for Mono, if not other agents that can cause false-positives.

The following bands are the ones he said were definitely Lyme:

23, 25, 31, 34, 39kDa

I think lower bands (like 18, 28, etc.) are indicitive also, but these are the ones he mentioned specifically on the phone. 39 is the most specific.

I noticed that several of the higher molecular weight bands are heat shock proteins.

I am a biologist and in my experience I know that hsp are turned on by many different stimuli, not just heat and are very commonly used all over the body.

I thought I would let you all know what the doc said, so you will know in the future. Good luck!

Kalen

Posted by krazykt1 (Member # 3739) on :

kalen, my test from igenex says "the igm western blot is considered positive ....if two of the starred bands are present.(same with igg) Is +/- (equivalent) considered being present? thanks kt

Posted by MNgirl (Member # 7744) on :

hi kt, i looked on the igenex website and can't answer your question....i'd hate to mislead you. my wb were done at laboratories other than igenex (but hopefully i'll do that too soon). to have your question answered, i'd suggest calling igenex directly. they were really nice when i called. 1-800-832-3200. hope this helps

kalen

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

quote:
Originally posted by MNgirl:
The following bands are the ones he said were definitely Lyme:
23, 25, 31, 34, 39kDa
I think lower bands (like 18, 28, etc.) are indicitive also, but these are the ones he mentioned specifically on the phone. 39 is the most specific.

Yep. Too bad all the ducks don't know this!

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