I don't know anything about either. I was tested due to extreme fatigue.
I'm wondering if they are co-infections or am I just unfortunate, thanks to Lyme.
Thanks for any info.
PS I have very poor vision due to wer macualar degeneration (possibly from Elmiron, a medication.) Please excuse any errors, I do my best.
Posted by kgg (Member # 5867) on :
I don't know if this has changed. But it was my understanding that Lyme and EBV are buddies. As you said, co-infections. And most people if tested would show EBV positive.
When you have Lyme, it suppresses the immune system. Which allows viruses, EBV, free reign. Take care of the Lyme, your immune system will take care of EBV.
But some have to go on antivirals to deal with them. Be forewarned, antivirals are not any easier to take than antibiotics. You can herx with them as well.
CMV, EBV and HHV6 are all considered viruses that can cause extreme fatigue.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I often have flare ups of EBV, so I am not surprised you have positive results for CMV as well.
Wish you the best.
Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :
I found a great link on EBV, CMV and other viruses that rear their heads in Lyme patients.
Here is a response to the poster’s question from the above link which pertains to your questions.
“ "Frequent exposures to Mycoplasmas are common, resulting in a high prevalence of seropositivity, so the best way to confirm active infection is by PCR.
Chronic viral infections may be active in the chronic patient, due to their weakened immune response. PCR testing, and not serologies, should be used for diagnosis. Commonly seen viruses include HHV-6, CMV, and EBV." (p. 5)
"DNA VIRUSES (HHV-6, EBV, CMV) • Persistent fatigue, made worse with exercise. • Sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and other viral-like complaints. • May see elevated liver enzymes and low WBC counts. • Autonomic dysfunction." (p. 27)
The first quote tells you what test to order to differentiate a past EBV infection from an active one--PCR.
The second quote tells you the symptoms of EBV in the lyme patient.
You said: "a present or current infection is what I'm guessing they found or why would they report it?"
The answer could be lack of knowledge. That is why, unfortunately, with lyme disease, the patient must become educated. This way, you can evaluate what tests the doctor did and the doctor's knowledge.
I strongly suggest you read and STUDY the Burrascano Guidelines to learn as much as you can about this disease and how it is properly treated.
You have to look up every medical word to be sure you understand what Burrascano is saying. For example: PCR, Serology, and seropositivity.
PCR testing looks for the DNA of the virus in your blood.
"Serologic" tests ("serologies") are blood tests that look for antibodies in your blood.
"Seropositivity" is having a positive serum reaction especially in a test for the presence of an antibody.”
I know Dr S P’s protocol for viruses is Lauricidin / Monolaurin. Clinical studies show Lauricidin can break the lipid envelope of viruses.