LymeNet Flash: How accurate is a PCR test and other questions

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » How accurate is a PCR test and other questions

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Topic: How accurate is a PCR test and other questions

rosepaints
Junior Member
Member # 22771

posted

I,ve been treated for lyme, bartenella and babesia for the last 8 years. my doctor (lyme literate) feels I am cured, though I have some symptoms left (tremor in left hand,numbness in part of my left foot and difficulty walking - staying balanced).

My last test was a PCR by advanced labs it was negative, my CD57 is159. My doctor thinks I may have parkinson's or possibly brain damage from the lyme.

I was given sinement (sp?) for parkinson's which made me very sick and only increased my symptoms and added more ( intense anxiety).

Also almost all antibiotics I have taken in the last two years I've reacted to with a negative side effect. Is it possible i am cured of lyme and coinfections? any ideas?

Thanks, Rose

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Breaking up your post into a couple lines for easier reading for many here -

[ 04-11-2014, 12:42 AM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]

Posts: 2 | From oregon | Registered: Oct 2009 | IP: Logged |

lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230

posted

A pos pcr is for sure pos-unless they screwed up in the lab

A neg pcr means very little

There are many neg pcrs when the person is infected

Your doctor might be correct but the decision not to treat should be based on a different test than pcr or clinical signs

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Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself.

Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004 | IP: Logged |

Robin123
Moderator
Member # 9197

posted

If there were no spirochetes in the Advanced Labs blood sample, you'll get a negative result. I've heard that sometimes the test has had to be done a couple times and then it shoes positive. Kind of expensive, if you ask me...

I wouldn't use the term "cure," but rather, management.

Others will be along with comments soon.

Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

Eight Legs Bad
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13680

posted

Hello Rosepaints,

A PCR can also be negative if the primers used don't match the particular strain of Borrelia that you have. There are a huge number of strains, the DNA on the plasmids is particularly variable.

Are you absolutely sure your doctor is "lyme-literate"? The problems you describe are serious. It's usually the Denialists who put continuing neuro probs down to "damage after the infection is gone". How does he know it is gone? There is no definitive test to prove Borrelia is eradicated as yet, and you still have symptoms.

Elena

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Justice will be ours.

Posts: 786 | From UK | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

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