LymeNet Flash: A's viral test results

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » A's viral test results

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Topic: A's viral test results

timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911

posted

Hi~ I am posting in response to "A's" private message to me. I enjoy private messages, and respond to them as I am able. However, if I feel others can benefit from my answer than I try to post here as well.

So...to answer A's questions.

All labs were run at Focus labs:
http://www.focusdx.com/focus/0-home/index.asp

A's VZV was >= 1:256 (that was mine too) Here's what the lab says:
A four-fold rise in titer between acute and convalescent sera is required for serodiagnosis of acute chickenpox, zoster, or other diseases caused by Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). Single titers >=1:256 are considered suggestive of recent or active infection. Please note: This procedure is not intended for determinations of immunity or susceptibility to VZV. For this use, please request the anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF) procedure Focus Unit Code 41015, a test that has superior sensitivity.

Here's the link to show your doctor:
http://www.focusdx.com/focus/1-reference_laboratory/search_frame.asp?searchOptionScope=2&S1=1&S2=1&test=&sp=41020&Keyword=41015#an_41020

Here's another link at that lab to VZV:
http://www.focusdx.com/focus/1-reference_laboratory/search_frame.asp?searchOptionScope=2&S1=1&S2=1&test=&sp=41015&Keyword=41015#an_41015

Here's some info on EBV from that lab:
This panel detects antibody responses to EBV which may suggest chronic infection. Specimens with titers above the reference ranges (see below) are suggestive of chronic or reactivated EBV infection. Titers within the reference ranges are due to past infection.
Reference Range
VCA IgG-IFA: 1:10-1:2560
VCA IgA-IFA: 1:10-1:80
EA (R + D) IgG-IFA: 1:10-1:320

Many cases of chronic EBV disease display elevated EBV titers. However, it is difficult to diagnose serologically due to the variations of antibody responses possible. The Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) IgG appears immediately after primary infection and persists indefinitely, falling gradually with time unless restimulated as in reactivated infection or chronic disease. The VCA-IgA is considered an acute phase antibody and its presence at elevated levels may be related to chronic or reactivated EBV infection. Titers to EA are generally detectable at onset of acute primary disease and begin to fall in 3-6 months. However, many cases of chronic EBV disease display elevated EA titers.

Here's the link:
http://www.focusdx.com/focus/1-reference_laboratory/search_frame.asp?searchOptionScope=2&S1=1&S2=1&test=&sp=40445&Keyword=40445#an_40445

Here's Dr. Montoya's criteria for the study:
http://clinicaltrials-nccs.nlm.nih.gov/ct/show/NCT00478465?order=1

Patients with "high" antibody titers against HHV-6 IgG ≥ 640, EBV VCA IgG ≥ 640 and detectable EA Ab at 1:160 or HHV-6 IgG ≥ 320 if EBV VCA IgG ≥ 1280 and has detectable EA Ab at 1:160 (measured by the average of a minimum of two time points obtained during screening at least 3 weeks apart).

So, it looks like you meet the criteria for his study...and you have high titers to VZV.

It appears to me that chronic viral infections could be part of your problem.

Go to www.hhv-6foundation.org and read there, printing off articles for your doctor there. Direct her to this website as well. See if she will consider treating you with valcyte.

Best wishes,
Timaca

Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005 | IP: Logged |

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