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What does the difference between the igm and the igg? Does one mean present and the other past? Also why would I show positive on the igm 18 but negative on the igg, and positive on the igg 58 and negative on the igm? Any info on how to explain would be appreciated. Cheri
Posts: 23 | From Illinois | Registered: Jun 2009
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Dear Cheri, I was wondering about why some bands are positive on one of the Western Blots, but negative on the other. From what I understand, the IgG is a long-standing infection. IgM demonstrates more recent exposure. If you had more positives on the IgG, this may indicate past exposure as a cause of symptoms. Does that make sense?
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The IGM happen first when something bad is detected, then they are converted to IGG over time, why they differ I am not sure, see what happend Bb is it cycles so if your not recently infected, and treating your immune system may be re-picking up on ketes giving you new IGMs and the IGGs are there from past exposure
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
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Dr C's Western Blot explanation is discussed here:
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
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.
Response to antibiotics is the same if either is positive, or both. Some antibodies against the borrelia are given more significance if they are IgG versus IgM, or vice versa.
Since this is a chronic persistent infection, this does not make a lot of sense to me. A newly formed Borrelia burgdorferi should have the same antigen parts as the previous bacteria that produced it.
But anyway, from my clinical experience, these borrelia associated bands usually predict a clinical change in symptoms with antibiotics, regardless of whether they are IgG or IgM."
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