One of the difficult things about treating chronic Lyme patients is figuring out when to stop antibiotics, since the antibody and PCR tests are so unreliable. Dr. Stricker has been doing research that measures the CD57 Natural Killer (NK) Cell levels as a way of determining if a chronic lyme patient is getting better. (The CD57 Natural Killer Cell is an aggressive white blood cell or "lymphocyte" that seeks out invading germs and destroys them.) It appears that Bb and all the coinfections somehow disable the production of the CD57 natural killer cells. (The "Stricker Panel," which is ordered by many Lyme Literate Physicians measures this immune system marker, among others.) www.anapsid.org/lyme/strickerpanel.html
In his study of 89 chronic Lyme patients over a year, he found that patients with chronic Lyme disease and very low CD57 NK levels have significantly more coinfections, delayed diagnosis, more neurologic disease and persistent immunologic defects, compared to patients with higher CD57 NK levels.
Posted by Nukegirl (Member # 6809) on :
I think in my area the CD57 test is around $150.00. My LLMD said it might be helpful, but not necessary.
I just paid $500.00 of co-infection testing from Igenex!
I haven't gone over my results yet so I am wondering about them. I go back on 05/05/06 to LLMD. I have been on antibiotics for over a year now with no breaks. I tried going off for almost a week but I went downhill so fast I had to go back on them.
I am still cleansing with SP natural choice products, continue to take Biaxin, waiting on my Bicillin problem to resolve itself and saying big prayers!
I just want to be rid of this so I can get pregnant with my first child. My hubby and I were in the middle of trying when I found out I had Lyme over a year ago.
I am 34 and know in my heart I will conceive someday. Maybe the Lyme explains at least some of the infertility issues.
Posted by humanbeing (Member # 8572) on :
anyone else?
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
I think there is still very valid basis behind the tests, and the top LLMDs that I know of are still using it. Mine is around 70. I would hope to see it more towards 150 at some point. Dr. B says that it tends to jump way up at the end of treatment. See my Notes under Conferences from Hope to Heal Lyme and search for CD57. There were several points made.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Here's a recent discussion and poll on the subject:
Personally, I wouldn't stop meds until symptom-free for at least 2 months.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
My last CD57 test was a 1/19 absolute. Down from 2/21 absolute prior to beginning treatment. I had the test done every three months during treatment, and nothing much went on.
I've been off abx for a year and a half, living a pretty normal life. I'm chronic, but I feel better than I have in a decade. My last test was run about 6 mos after I stopped treatment. 99% of the time I feel NORMAL. Yes, NORMAL...
So IMHO, I think the test may point to people being afflicted and help in diagnosis, but there's no correlation to your level of 'wellness'...
Posted by vachick (Member # 8353) on :
My CD57 was 24 or so back in October. I have not had the test redone yet. I have been on various abx on and off for six months now. I think my doc will retest my CD57 when I say I am feeling better which has yet to happen. Posted by on :
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