I had a Chronic/Active Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) test done at Labcorp - first time ever for this test.
Has anyone else had this test done at Labcorp?
Seeking help interpreting the results - they are are all considered 'positive' and labelled 'high', but I am trying to figure out just how high they really are? I get the impression they 'might' be very low compared to others?
Just trying to pinpoint which is more likely culprit for my neuro problems, Lyme, EBV or ?
Here goes:
EBV Early Antigen Ab, IGG = 4.7 EBV Ab VCA, IGG = 3.1 EBV Nuclear Antigen Ab, IGG = >8.0
Anything above or >1.0 for all of the above is considered positive by this lab/testing scale.
I realize that nearly all of us have been infected with EBV at some point in our lives - but I am trying to understand how this ties in with my neurological problems and equivocal Igenex Lyme Western Blot results?
BTW, my Igenex Lyme Western Blot had a total of 12 bands: 8 of the 12 bands were on the IGM portion which I ?think? is more likely to bring false positives from virus? What might this mean, given my positive EBV test, yet negative tests for HSV, Syphillis and Hep C?
Thanking anyone for their help or experiences with this?
[ 02-26-2010, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: MBB3 ]
Posts: 247 | From The Country | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
Are you saying that your Igenex lyme test had eight positive bands? If that's the case, how can it be equivocal? The band that cross reacts with viruses is band 31. I had the 31 epitope (an additional test)test run because it insures there is no cross-reactivity with viruses. It was positive, even though my Igenex test was negative.
Many of us have positive viral titers; EBV, HHV-6, CMV, etc. A positive EBV titer, which you do have, indicates an active EBV infection. There isn't much that can be done for EBV. There's antivirals like Valtrex, Valcyte, or Monolaurin, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
I've had CFS with many active viral titers for years, and now my hope is that killing lyme will take care of my CFS and active viruses.
Posts: 964 | From san diego | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
To give you some clarity...most Lyme patients have a positive EBV count...and it is extremely common to have. Once you treat the underlying infections, the viruses usually go back to formant. Some people need Valtrex to get the viral load down.
If you have even one Lyme specific band on your Western Blot that is considered conclusive for Lyme as far as tests go.
I had postitive EBV, HHV6, CMV, mycoplasma, along with Lyme, bartonella, babesia, and ehrlichia.
All my viruses went back to dormant during Lyme treatment.
IP: Logged |
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
To present another side of the story, I know people who had only viral infections who could not get well on their own...they needed antiviral treatment.
Here's an article on CAEBV infection. The reference range is different than yours.
I agree, I beleive the Lyme result is far more significant. Haven't really read much where EBV causes the neurological symptoms I have, yet untreated or neuro-Lyme commonly does.
My only reason for testing for EBV is because it is said to cross-react with the Lyme test and because I did not improve after 6-8 weeks of Lyme tx in 2008 which included some IV Rocephin.
I am just hoping that re-newed or different treatment can lessen the painful symptoms?
I suppose I need a competent LLMD?
MB
Posts: 247 | From The Country | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
Yes, you need a competent LLMD. Do you have any lyme co-infections? If you have any co-infections, they should be treated first, as there may not be improvement if you are treating the wrong thing first. I was on AP protocol for RA and Ceftin for months, without positive results, before seeing an LLMD. Started treating toxoplasmosis, and improved, now treating babesia, and improving.
I agree, if your lyme tests are positive, an experienced LLMD would know what clinical symptoms to treat first.
Posts: 964 | From san diego | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic