posted
I had a bullseye 27 years ago. I was given a short course of doxy. I have been asymptomatic since. In ignorance, I got a western blot 12 years ago to use as a 'baseline' thinking it would be reduced by then and good to have if I got reinfected, I would see the numbers go up. Silly me. I had 8 IgG bands and 2 IgM bands - 15 years after infection - and I didn't know to question it. Now I have an unexplained femoral neuropathy. A new test shows 10 IgG bands and 2 IgM bands. How do I know if this is new infection, continued infection or just lingering antibodies? Any insight would be appreciated. Thank You.
Posts: 2 | From pittsburgh, Pa | Registered: Jun 2017
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"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa."
For one thing, your test will always show positive.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
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Go Steelers!
Sorry to hear about your neuropathy. That is a very common Lyme symptom, however, it can also be caused by Bartonella (any other non-TBD related conditions).
I don't know if you will ever know for sure if you have a new or old case, but either way you've got Lyme.
Having "lingering antibodies" 27 years after being exposed and treated for Lyme would not be at all normal at the strength you are showing.
They can linger for a while, but typically would not, IF they are present, be that strong.
Right now you have a very positive test and symptoms. Of course I'd have to suggest treating it.
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