Because immuneosuppressive treatment is listed, I would not be surprised if chronic stealth infections that induce immuneosuppression (such as Lyme) would be capable of also suppressing immunoglobulin levels.
Which brings up another point - if Lyme/co's can suppress IgM, I'd think that would be a factor in false negative Lyme ELISA and Western Blot tests...
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Hi Razzle!
Good point!
Perhaps a serum IgM deficiency, (secondary-caused by lyme and co.), explains why chronic lyme patients often do not produce any/enough IgG antibodies. I had two piddly IgG bands on my WB
IgM 'switches on' the immune system sequences necessary for the immune system to fight infections.
So if IgM never switches to IgG-perhaps that 'not switching' is why some people with lyme get better, and some do not...(ie. OTHER immune functions don't get the signal to start).
Hmmm... very interesting.
But which came first-the chicken or the egg?
IgM low...tick bite...very sick
or
tick bite...very sick...low IgM
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
From the above link,
"Other associated signs may include features of dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, wheezing, and splenomegaly, as well as those of other primary conditions associated with secondary SIgM deficiency, such as malignant or autoimmune disorders. "
Hmmm...
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
I see Brucella is listed as an example as a pathogen causing low serum IgM
Brucella is another very ssslllooowww growing pathogen. (Similarity to lyme)
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
quote:Originally posted by GretaM: But which came first-the chicken or the egg?
IgM low...tick bite...very sick
or
tick bite...very sick...low IgM
Yes - exactly! We don't know. And what role does tick saliva play in the ability of Lyme to immediately begin to suppress IgM?
Many unanswered questions...
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Are there any other people on this forum with low IgM immunoglibbin (sp?).
I am curious to know if the levels improve as the lyme infection recedes.
And also trying to figure out an immune-boosting plan for when cold & flu season hits this fall.
I don't want to have the flu or a head cold on top of everything else caused by lyme and co.
Any feedback or tips appreciated Posted by ds2013 (Member # 41435) on :
Does positive Lyme IgM means recent Lyme infection? And do chronic patients show postive Lyme IgG and negative IgM? Thanks.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
GretaM,
My total serum IgM is normal.
For prevention of colds/flu, Andrographis is a good option if you can tolerate it.
Otherwise, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Elderberry (don't take this more than a couple weeks at a time), Berberine, Zinc, Garlic taken regularly can help.
ds2013,
Lyme doesn't play by the usual rules when it comes to IgM & IgG. Chronic Lyme patients are actually more likely to show positive IgM than IgG.
Thanks Razzle. Berberine seems like a good one to try-heard lots of positives about it.
Ds-razzle is right. Chronic lyme people can have a positive IgM and negative IgG because lyme and co suppress the immune system/stay well hid in our own cells.
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Ds: also just wanted to say, "welcome to lymenet" lots of good information and knowlegable and supportive people here I've learned so much since joining this board
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Found this today:
" IgM
1. Increases (in adults) in:
a) Waldenström's macroglobulinemia b) Trypanosomiasis c) Actinomycosis d) Carrión's disease (bartonellosis) e) Malaria f) Infectious mononucleosis g) Lupus erythematosus h) Rheumatoid arthritis I) Dysgammaglobulinemia (certain cases)
Note: In the newborn, a level of IgM above 20 ng./dl is an indication of in utero stimulation of the immune system and stimulation by the rubella virus, the cytomegalovirus, syphilis, or toxoplasmosis.
2. Decreases in:
a) Agammaglobulinemia b) Lymphoproliferative disorders (certain cases) c) Lymphoid aplasia d) IgG and IgA myeloma e) Dysgammaglobulinemia f) Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia"
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