When a WB Igm results read:

[LYBLM: Band 23 (Osp C Present)
Band 39 present
Band 41 Present

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
C - Reactive protein <0.3 (0.0-1.0) mg/dl]

What does the 'Band 23 (Osp Present)' mean?

I tried to find out by reading the "Western Blot Explained" a number of times, but it just wasn't clear to me....BRAIN FOG...hard time comprehending or absorbing what I'm reading.

Is it significant to my tx? Please to anyone that can explain it, I'd appreciate your help.

The 31 kDa band represents the OSPA protein and is specific for just a few species of Borrelia, as is the 34 band OSPB, and 23 kDa OSPC.

IgM WESTERN BLOT

The IgM Western Blot is a very sensitive indicator of exposure to B. burgdorferi. It may be positive as early as one week after a tick bite, and will usually remain positive for six to eight weeks after the initial exposure. Re-exposure and recurrent disease also cause this test to be positive for a period of time. For the testing to be complete, the IgM blot should be run along with the IgG blot. However, for economic reasons, the IgG blot may be run first: when the IgG blot is negative, the IgM blot should be performed.

The antibody specificities of importance for the IgM blot are similar to those for the IgG blot (with the exception of 83-93 kDa, which is still being investigated for significance). The CDC/ASTPHLD criteria for a positive result are two of the following three bands: 23-25 kDa (Osp C); 39 kDa; and/or 41 kDa.8,9 IGeneX adds the 31 kDa (Osp A), and/or the 34 kDa (Osp B) to the criteria,10,12 with the argument that these two antigens are used for the vaccines and therefore their antibodies should be included in the interpretation of positivity. The IgM Western blot is often positive in patients with persistent infection.6 Sometimes it is the only antibody marker detected.

http://www.igenex.com/lymeset2.htm

Markers,Antigens for lyme that you have.

Here is the link to the entire article: Addendum Regarding Lyme Serology
http://www.personalconsult.com/articles/drjonesapproach.html

"There are nine known [Lyme] Borrelia burgdorferi Genus species specific KDA Western Blot antibodies (bands): 18, 23, 31, 34, 37, 39, 83 and 93.

Only one of these Borrelia burgdorferi genus specific bands is needed to confirm that there is serological evidence of exposure to the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete and can confirm a clinical diagnosis of Lyme Disease."