I'm curious to learn more about the what cd57 test results mean. My number was extremely low "8". This in conjunctin with many Lyme symptoms, an equiv. Western Blot, a borderline positive for erlichiosis and a positive Bowen bone biopsy test have led us to the the Lyme treatment path.

My Lyme tests done by regular docs have all come back as negative: Elisa, PCR for Erlichiosis, spinal tap.

Of course reg docs say I have no lyme disease, they dx depression and fibro.

Right now our only option is to go with the llmd's, we've started a course of rifampin and ketek.

I have been on abx for the past year but not at high doses nor extended courses. The longest was 8 weeks on iv rocephin but only 75ml/day.

Hopefully the highdose/extended course will be the answer.

I have been bedbound since Sept 04 and slowly declining since last April. I have a 3 year old son. So needless to say life has been tough.

Thanks for any insight on the cd57 test.

I actually thought co-infections made the count a bit higher ...for instance I have Babesia and Bartonella and have had these infections 15 yrs but my first CD57 was 53.

Most LLMD's use Rocephin in combination with other oral abx to get all the Bb forms. Also make sure you stay on abx until your CD57 goes over 180 to prevent relapse.

Lisa, I would be aggressive with this. It sounds like your only hope of recovery. And that's worth alot to your 3yr old!