LymeNet Flash: Confused Please Explain the Difference between Band 23-25 and Just Band 23 Positive ?

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Posted by eric555 (Member # 18343) on :

I am very Confused

Please Explain the Difference between being tested and the test shows Band 23 Positive instead of Band 23-25 Positive ?

I am tested positive for just band 23 in addition to a low CD57 count of 44

(I was also tested with high numbers of hhv6 and high numbers of EBV)

After lots of reading, I clearly see the always mention of Band 23-25 to be Lyme Specific.

Does that relate to all three bands into one, band 23, 24 and 25 ?

Is there even a band 24 for that matter ?

But what about just the Band 23 all alone ?

What does that mean ???

The infection is low ?

The infection is insignificant enough to be Lyme related ?

The test is inconclusive ?

The test was not done right or in a timely manner ?

This is defintely Lyme, and it is a Tick bite from either a very long time ago,
or vice versa, a very recent infection ???

There is no reason for treatment or treatment still required ?

Any Other Reasons or Actual Facts ???

I am very confused by this...

Please Help and Clarify this.

Thank you.

Best Regards,
Eric

[confused]

[ 06. January 2009, 04:42 AM: Message edited by: eric555 ]

Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :

Hello:

You need to understand what a Western Blot (WB) measures, and the definition of a "band".

The WB measures the amount of antibodies your body makes (of 2 types- IgM and IgG) in response to certain proteins a bacteria makes. Those proteins are differentiated by their molecular weights (measured in kilodaltons - i.e Kda).

To be considered "positive" to any of the singular proteins (also called BANDS) , you must have enough antibodies to reach a predetermined saturation threshold on the WB test.

So- for example.. positive to Band 39 on the WB test means that your body produced enough antibodes to Bacterial Membrane Protein 39 ( Bmp 39 Kda ) to saturate a test strip and be deemed a POSITIVE BAND.

Some of the proteins Lyme expresses, are so close to each other in their molectuar weight, that the WB can't differentiate between them, so they are tested for together. Hense band 23-25 are the molecular weights of 23, 24 and 25 Kda.

By the way. Band 23-25 is Outer Surface Protein C (Osp C) and it is HIGHLY specific for Lyme.. meaning no other bacteria expresses this protein. So if you have antibodies to this protein. There's no doubt you have Lyme.

UNFORTUNATELY - your Dr. doesn't know this.

Good luck,
Barb

Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :

UP for Eric

Posted by eric555 (Member # 18343) on :

Hi,

Thank you so much for the info you have posted...

Any other inputs or advice would be highly appreciated.

See my first Doc who decided that I go get my blood checked for Lyme is a Chiropractor who herself has Lyme,

so when she saw just the Band 23 positive, a low CD57 count of 44,

along with High numbers of EBV and High numbers of HHV6 she decided its time to go to LLMD.

And Yes I simply forgot in all my confusions, anxiety and depression by all this to get very specific with this question about band 23 only vs. band 23-25.

I wondered about that alot now since all the reading I have done usually only states band 23-25 and nothing about just the band 23 alone.

My LLMD does feel that I was surely in contact with Lyme at one time or another, so he now did more blood work for other possible co-infections.

I am on Ceftin pills now, 500mg 2 x days,
plus Acidophilus and Milk Thilus pills 2 hours apaprt,
as well as Vitamin C and Magnesium pills.

Any other input, advice or suggestions would all be highly appreacited from anyone who wishes to help, and would be all very well taken into account.

Thank you dearly for All Your Help.

Best regards,
Eric

[Smile]

Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :

I had a Quest WB done.

Only had IgM band 23 come back positive.

Enough info for a local duck to diagnose me with Lyme.

Basically, my body was only producing antibodies to this band.

My LLMD often says that it is his experience that those

Showing the fewest bands are usually his sickest.

Meaning the body isn't trying to fight the disease.

Instead it is being overwhelmed.

My LLMD saw no reason to test again via Igenex.

Symptoms and this band were enough for him.

Hugs,

Geneal

Posted by eric555 (Member # 18343) on :

Oyyyyy,

so the Less Bands seen then the Worse it is ???

I thought it was the other way around...

Ouch !!!

[confused]

Posted by Need Lots of Help (Member # 18603) on :

I don't know about the less bands being more sick, because I am CDC positive (5 bands)for Lyme by the IGM and IGG and I am sick!!

I have been trying to find out what was wrong with me for the last 20 years!!!

Posted by eric555 (Member # 18343) on :

up