From what I understand a positive Igm test indicates a recent infection (with any bacteria, not just lyme) and an Igg indicates an infection that has been going on for awhile. However, my LLMD believes that with lyme the western blot does not often show up with IGg but only Igm even if you have had lyme for a long time. It has something to do with antibodies-after awhile I think your body stops making them against lyme and that is why your IGg comes back negative.
But research it yourself, I am soooo not a doctor
Posts: 58 | From boston | Registered: Apr 2006
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"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."
Read the entire link. YOu'll learn alot!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
IgM does not indicate recent infection with Lyme. The IgM and IgG cycle with Lyme and thus you may see one stronger now, then the other, then back again. If either are positive and you have symptoms, Lyme is likely an issue.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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bpeck
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3235
posted
The body can make IgM antibodies faster than IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies aren't as lethal as IgG's and IgMs are smaller than IgGs, and they relatively short lived as compared to IgG antibodies.
IgM's life span is only about 3 months. If Lyme hids in the tissues before the body can make IgG antibodies- well - then there are no IgG antibodies..... and if Lyme comes back into the blood again, then the body will spike a production of IgM's again.
So the short answer is- You have ACTIVE Lyme if you are IgM positive... but there is no way of telling when you were infected originally.
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