I received my test results today and noticed that my EBV VCA IGG is 5.85 (Less than 0.90 is the reference value)
EBV VCA IGM is within the normal range at 0.31
My high result seems pretty high to me, is it possible I currently have mono, in your opinion? I can't call my doctor until Monday, so I was curious to hear what others think. Thank you.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
IgG antibodies represent previous exposure or chronic infection. IgM antibodies represent an acute infection.
You probably contracted Mono as a child. Most of us do, and only some get symptoms.
You probably have a reactivated, chronic infection. In Lyme, we become immunocompromised, and all kinds of previously dormant infections can flare.
Others include Herpes 1 and 2, Varicella virus, HHV6, Parvo, Cytomegalovirus, Candida, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Chlamydia Pneumoniae...
In Lyme, as in HIV, these are considered opportunistic infections. A healthy immune system would keep them under control. Ours can't.
Maybe you knew all this and were only asking about the Mono.
Many Lyme docs test for all, but some don't test for any, with the thinking that treating the Lyme will get the other populations under control. Some docs treat for the reactivated infections.
If you are concerned about EBV, ask your doctor. I have treated all my viruses with herbs, in addition to antibiotics for the Lyme and co-infections. I do take antifungals for Candida.
There are many approaches.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I agree. Some are addressing the Mono first with IVIG and having mixed results.
As well as other treatments--herbs, coconut oil, etc.
I do believe it is imperative to get it under control to prevent syndromes like RSD.
Prayers for a easy road.
Posted by Consuelachacha (Member # 26538) on :
Hi New York;
My Epstein Barr was also extremely high. I googled it to find out it was Mono.
My Dr. didn't even address THIS test she ran and I was also concerned.
I still have not been fully enlightened about that test (but I will).
I also tested positive for Parvovirus B19 which she didn't mention???
Only addressed the Lyme.
I don't really have an answer for you, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in test results.
Posted by MurphyNC (Member # 15275) on :
BoxerMom said it well,
I also had high Epstein Barr titers, my Dr at the time used it more to piece together the puzzle for the 'Clinical' Lyme Diagnosis, not to necessarily treat the Mono(many with Bb and co. test high for viruses because we become immunocompromised). His idea was to treat the Lyme, immune system will keep the viruses et al in check.
LLMDs all treat differently for sure, both my LLMDs did not put much emphasis on treating viruses (I am well now if that means anything, but some individuals need antivirals/ viral treatment to get better and have some relief from symptoms - for ex, who is to say that fatigue, for instance, isn't caused by an active mono infection unless you try and treat it?).
I'd def discuss options with your dr and see if he feels you need it,
Best, MurphyNC
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
Probably not high enough to be considered active, chronic infection. I get my EBV tested at Focus Diagnostics lab, and it uses a titer of 1:XXX, instead of 1.X as your results are. However, some of my other labs (like Parvo and CMV) have a result like yours, with my results in the 7s and the doctors are not concerned. And they have treated me for other viruses such as EBV, HHV-6, HSV1 and Coxsackie B.
For more info on EBV see: Here is a link to an article about chronic EBV infection:
# Patients with "high" antibody titers against HHV-6 IgG ≥ 640, EBV VCA IgG ≥ 640 and detectable EA Ab at 1:160 or HHV-6 IgG ≥ 320 if EBV VCA IgG ≥ 1280 and has detectable EA Ab at 1:160 (measured by the average of a minimum of two time points obtained during screening at least 3 weeks apart).
Of course, ask your doctor what he thinks.
Best, Timaca
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
My doctor doesn't even test for EBV because he says everyone has it.
I did get it tested by another doctor and I believe mine was also around 5.85. I'm assuming that many people would test in that range.
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
You could run some Lauricidin� on your own. It doesn't always help but has helped some...
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
~ Valcyte- what if one tests super high for EBV (both Early AB and chronic for years), but negative for HHV-6? Any references/resources regarding that?
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
I'd make sure the HHV-6 test was run at Focus Diagnostics lab for starters....
Best, Timaca
Posted by New York State of Lyme (Member # 26264) on :
Thank you so much everyone!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by BoxerMom: IgG antibodies represent previous exposure or chronic infection. IgM antibodies represent an acute infection.
Correct. Unless you're talking about Lyme disease.
From Dr C's Western Blot Explanation:
"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."
***PS.. I don't know much about EBV tests!!
Posted by Dawn in VA (Member # 9693) on :
Thanks, Timca. I am checking out that link and will ask my LLMD to re-run the HHV-6 via Focus Labs.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Lymetoo - I've read that piece on the Bb antibody titers. Everything is messed up in Lyme.
I was referring to the EBV, but what do I know?
Posted by LightAtTheEnd (Member # 24065) on :
My EBV tested high like that too. I can't tell if any of my symptoms are from that. I am taking coconut oil, but can't tell if it's having any effect either.
My Lyme seems to be gradually improving now, and I assume that when I recover, my viruses will get under control again.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by BoxerMom: Lymetoo - I've read that piece on the Bb antibody titers. Everything is messed up in Lyme.
I was referring to the EBV, but what do I know?
WEll, I was a tad confused too... As far as I could tell, the only Western Blot she posted was for Lyme.
The titer info was on the EBV.
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :