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quote:

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quoted from:Endemic Babesiosis in Another Eastern State: New Jersey

Barbara L. Herwaldt, Paul C. McGovern, Michal P. Gerwel, Rachael M. Easton, Rob Roy MacGregor

Emerg Infect Dis 9(2), 2003. � 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Posted 02/28/2003
Abstract and Introduction


quote:

The laboratory tests CDC offers for babesiosis, when indicated, include examination of blood smears, hamster inoculation, and PCR[5] for parasitologic diagnosis and an indirect fluorescent antibody assay for total immunoglobulin for serologic diagnosis.[4]

Using PCR for detection of DNA from Babesia spp. has not yet become a routine diagnostic method, and the analysis should be conducted by experienced reference laboratories.

Immunoblot testing for IgG and IgM is investigational. However, an immunoblot test for IgG performed well in a recent evaluation, with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 99%.[10]

A positive serologic result for IgM[11] is insufficient for diagnosis without a positive result for IgG. If the IgM result is positive but the IgG result is negative, a follow-up specimen should be tested.

If IgG seroconversion is not noted, the IgM result likely was a false positive. Future serologic testing might involve recombinant and synthetic antigens[12] rather than whole parasites or soluble antigens.

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???????

I know some of the symptoms for Babs can be similar to Lyme.


I found some info on HHV6 here:dermatology.cdlib.org
HHV-6 primarily affects children between 6 months and 2 years.

Maternal antibodies play a role in preventing infection prior to 6 months of age. By 12 months, two-thirds of children have been infected with HHV-6 with peak antibody levels being reached at 2-3 years.

HHV-6 is shed in the saliva. In adults, primary infection with HHV-6 can produce a mononucleosis-like illness; it more rarely causes severe disease, including encephalitis.

This same illness can be caused by HHV6 during reactivation, particularly in immunocompromised persons.[63]

The incubation period of HHV-6 is estimated at 5-15 days, followed by abrupt onset of high fever (39-40� C), cervical lymphadenopathy and mild upper respiratory symptoms.

The fever lasts 3-5 days, after which there is an abrupt defervescence, coinciding with rapid onset (subitum is latin for suddenly) of a rash within 24-48 hours.

The exanthem consists of nonpruritic, rose-pink, 2-3-mm discrete macules and papules that blanch on pressure and are surrounded by white halos. The eruption is first seen on the trunk, then spreads to the neck and extremities.

The rash fully evolves in 12 hours and lasts 1-2 days. Palpebral and periorbital edema (Berliner's sign, heavy eyelids, is quite common.[63]

In addition to RI, HHV-6 has been associated with seizures and in some cases it is unclear whether seizures are secondary to fever or to the HHV-6 infection itself.[64]

There are also rare reports of hepatitis, pneumonitis, neuropathy, meningoencephalitis, thrombocytopenia, intussusception, and encephalopathy having been observed after classic exanthem subitum.[63]

Even though many patients with central nervous system involvement have a normal recovery, chronic neurologic sequelae such as hemiparesis have been reported.[65]

It is postulated that active viral replication occurs in the central nervous system, because the virus has been cultured from the cerebral spinal fluid.[66]


I read somewhere that recently they are of the belief that HHV6 can cause a chronic infection in some individuals.


I don't know if any of this info will help you.

Hope so.

Good Luck,

Ali

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Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner.

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