LymeNet Flash: Test for active lyme infection?? (from Cure Unknown)

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Posted by bystander (Member # 11893) on :

Hi.
In Cure Unknown (pages 229-230), the author describes the case of a man who wants to know if he currently has Lyme, so he does an antibiotic challenge test (takes antibiotics?) and then tests his urine for the DNA of the spirochete.

Does the antibiotic challenge urine test exist?
Does it work? What's it called and who does it?
There must be some reason we aren't all off having it done.

Thanks, as always.

[ 08-06-2009, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: bystander ]

Posted by 2roads (Member # 4409) on :

I don't think it is that reliable.

I did not read the book and its specifics. But, my family has started meds and then had a urinalysis for lyme. It did not show.

Not because they did not have it. It was isolated on other tests.

maybe someone else can be more helpful-up

Posted by bystander (Member # 11893) on :

Thanks 2roads.
Anyone else?

It sure would be helpful to distinguish current infection from past exposure.

Posted by losferwrds (Member # 19741) on :

Its a PCR urine test , they do it at IGENEX, the idea is the abx challenge will kill ketes and the residule dna will excreted in your urine. Unfortunatley PCR tests are like finding a needle in haystack, so unless you own a lab it may take many many trys and ALOT of money before you find bug dna in yout urine unless you are very lucky. I believe the % is less than 20 of PCR tests finding something. Doesn't mean ketes are not in you, just means there wasn't enuff or any dna in the sample. A positive PCR IMO though tells you for sure you got ketes, blots just show you have antibodies. IGGs can linger for 10 years. IGMs indicate more recent exposure. But both indicate exposure only. PCR indicates you got bugs.

Posted by bystander (Member # 11893) on :

thank you, losferwds.

I went to the IGenex site. I always thought PCR was a skin tissue test; now I see it can be skin or blood or urine....

Very helpful (the information, if not the test).

Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :

I wish I had some money to do 10 urine PCRs for free. lol. Is Mr. Harris of Igenex feeling generous? [Smile]