posted
i am recently diagnosed with lyme with a positive western blot and a CD57 i really don't understand the CD57 test and what the numbers mean. i tried searching but still don't get it. my number was low --- a 5. so what does this mean?
Posts: 10 | From East Coast | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
A 5 is very low. The CD57 test is not the progress indicator they once thought it would be.
In many of the cases it appears that the higher the number the better the patient is doing. That is opposite of how the test was setup.
This test along with most things that accompany Lyme are controversal. Some LLMD's use it mine doesn't rely on it at all.
Posts: 649 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2003
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Carol B
Unregistered
posted
it means you're a sick puppy. it also means you are in the right place.
look in Newbie links- Dr. B's treatment guide 2005, it's discussed on page 8.
posted
thank you all that replied. i have used the search feature and searchd under CD57, i have found alot of informatyion but i am having trouble understanding it. maybe cause i am sucha sick puppy. i know that the western blot is a antibody test. so what is the CD57, what does it test for?
thanks for the help. i guess i'll keep reading. i have had lyme for a long time. i guess it shows.
Posts: 10 | From East Coast | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
As far as I know, the CD57 test is something measures a subset of the white blood cell, or lymphocyte count.
I think a study is underway to determine things about it.
But, it is used as a back up to a diagnosis. Like if it is low and you have a positive western blot then one plus one adds up to lyme.
They say 60 is low and below 60 is abnormal and have found that people with lyme are typically below this lower end of normal range.
I had a dr try to tell me there is no such thing as CD57 as a lymphcyte aspect.
Anyway, mine has been low and so it helped with my own acceptance of a lyme diagnosis. There is so much controversy around, it really makes things incredibly challenging.
But, some have said when their ranges went up into normal, they have felt worse. Others have said when their numbers were really low, they have felt better.
Some llmds, I believe, say that this number needs to be within normal range before treatment stops, or relapse is probable. Don't remember which LLMD said this.
My nurse made it clear to me not to get too wrapped up in this number. But I still measure it every few months jsut to see. I'll be getting another one soon.
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