posted
I have searched all over the internet and else where to find out what the bands mean in the Western Blot. Specifically the 41 and 58 bands. I have seen the charts that say that the 41 band is specific to the flagella and could be other bacteria, but what I want to know is what other bacteria could it be? I have found some very vague information but not quite the real answer. Some sites say that the 41 band is specific to spirochete bacteria only and others say that it is specific to hundreds of bacteria. I know that there are more bacteria that have a flagella (tail) then spirochetes but what I don't know is if this western blot test is specific to spriochete bacteria or others and if so, what are the other types of bacteria that it could be? I tets positive for 41 band IGM and test positive for 41, 58 IGG but both of those are so vague. Basically what I am trying to find out is if it is not Lyme Disease then what else could it be?
It seems like although my LLMD has begun treating me for Lyme becasue of symptoms, I still can't help thinking that it may not be. Since there is no definitive answer, I am constantly searching for answers. I have been on antibiotics for 3 weeks and really have had no Herx effects. Although 5 years ago when the symptoms began and then 2 years ago when they reappered worse, other things like detox protocols and milk thistle made me Herx. At the time I did not know it was a Herx and was being told that my body couldn't handle a detox so I stopped. The antibiotics I am taking are not doing the same thing that the detoxes were so its very confusing. I have 2 non specific bands which I would really need more information on, symtoms that mimic Lyme, CFS, MS, Mercury Poisoning, as well as others and have done many non conclusive tests as I am sure many others have as well. If anyone could shed some light on my questions I would be happy. I am trying to logically rule other stuff out so I can at least put my mind to rest. Thank you
Posts: 7 | From New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
oops, had to edit -
Leptospirosis, acute gum disease, and Syphilis.
These are the band 41 cross-reactive pathogen antibodies, according to studies referenced when creating the testing standards for Lyme WB.
Leptospirosis can be clinically observed and tested for. "Though being recognised among the world's most common zoonoses, leptospirosis is a relatively rare bacterial infection in humans. The infection is commonly transmitted to humans by allowing water that has been contaminated by animal urine to come in contact with unhealed breaks in the skin, eyes or with the mucous membranes. Outside of tropical areas, leptospirosis cases have a relatively distinct seasonality with most of them occurring August-September/February-March."
Gum disease (Treponema species/spirochetes) can also be clinically diagnosed and tested for. If it is showing up in a WB that means you should have visible pockets of pus in your gums and have very inflamed, bleeding, infected gums.
Syphilis can also be tested for, and does have some overlapping symptoms with Lyme so if there is a chance of congenital or other transmission you should get tested for that.
posted
Band 41 could also indicate gum disease... so if your gums are OK......
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
I just read the second part of your post.
One thing to keep in mind is that some people cannot tolerate Milk Thistle, regardless of health or detoxing abilities, so please be aware of that.
Also, not everyone has a Herx reaction, so it is not diagnostic, only supportive, just like the testing for Lyme (even the CDC says Lyme must be a clinical diagnosis, and testing is only for supporting a Lyme diagnosis).
One other thing that you are probably aware of but I need to mention, MS, CFS, and FMS, among other syndromes, are only descriptions of sets of symptoms. Lyme can be misdiagnosed as all of the above, and many more. Lyme can cause the same results on MRI or spinal tap as MS.
I know that doesn't really help you rule anything out directly, but it might help your perspective when looking for the right questions.
nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
More on band 41, and 58:
parvovirus B19 can also cross-react with band 41 and band 58, as well as 83.
That would be another thing you could test for and rule out or in. I'm not sure of the symptoms of that virus, and don't know what symptoms you have, but since you have 41 and 58, it's worth looking into I reckon.
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Since Lyme Disease is a "clinical" diagnosis, the bands should not be the deciding factor as to whether you treat LD or not.
Your symptoms and history should be enough for a good LLMD to make an informed decision as to whether or not you have LD.
Don't freak yourself out analyzing what each band means; leave that job to your LLMD. Thats what he's there for.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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