littlebit27
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posted
Ok. My IgM was Igenex Pos CDC Neg. My IgG was completely neg with only band 41 showing positive. I have been sick for over a year and possibly since 2004.
I keep reading that IgG shows up after longer cases of Lyme and IgM shows up after newer cases of Lyme. But that doesn't seem to be the case.
And if some bands show that you've been sick for more than a year why would they show up on a IgM and not IgG?
My LLMD said that because of my results from Igenex he is sure not that I have Chronic Lyme that has been present for sometime.
So I'm confused...hope that made sense to everyone.
An immunoglobulin or antibody refers to proteins that bind to antigens in specific cases. Both IgM and IgG refer to a class of immunoglobulin.
Antibodies are produced by the immune system to fight antigens like bacteria and viruses. IgM refers to those antibodies that are produced immediately after an exposure to the disease, while IgG refers to a later response. IgG generally confers immunity to a patient so far as that particular disease is concerned.
There are a different immune responses to different antigens or enemies that threaten the body. For instance, the antibody produced by your body in response to an exposure to chicken pox is different from the response it produces in case of mononucleosis.
At times, the body may mistakenly produce antibodies even against itself! This results in an autoimmune disease.
Immunoglobulin G or IgG is the antibody that is found most abundantly in the human body. It is found in all bodily fluids and it protects the human body against bacterial and viral attacks.
Immunoglobulin M on the other hand is found mainly in the lymph fluid and in blood. This is the first antibody that is produced by the human fetus. It is also the first antibody that is produced in case of an exposure to a particular disease.
IgG and IgM are usually measured together by your doctor when you go in for a test. When they are evaluated together, they give your doctor a better idea about the functioning of your immune system.
An important difference between the two antibodies is related to exposure. While IgM antibodies are usually found in a human body after it has been exposed to a disease, IgG is the long term response of the body to a disease. For instance, if a kid is exposed to chickenpox, he will show elevated results of IgM in the blood in the period following the exposure. Once the child gets the disease, he acquires long term immunity against it by developing IgG antibodies.
While IgM is an indicator of a current infection, an IgG indicates a recent or past exposure to the illness.
IgM is the first antibody that the body produces in an acute infection. It is approximately six times larger than IgG and is multivalent. This means that it has multiple binding sites. In the case of IgM, the number of binding sites is 10! However, only about half of these can actually bind to an antigen.
IgM is a temporary antibody that disappears within two or three weeks. It is then replaced by IgG which lasts for life and provides lasting immunity to the person.
Summary:
1. IgM is the immediate antibody that is produced once a human body is exposed to a bacteria, virus or a toxin
2. IgG is found throughout the body, mainly in most of the bodily fluids, while IgM is found mainly in the blood and lymphatic fluids.
3. IgM is larger in size compared to IgG
4. IgM is temporary and disappears after a few weeks. It is then replaced by IgG.
-------------------- Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!! Posts: 153 | From St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Littlebit..I know full well your confusion. Our 13 year old son had a positive IGM response and only band 41 on IGG. He definitely has Lyme and Babesia.
Here are a couple of thoughts. It appears that at some point the Lyme was under control and when we started Plaquenil for the Babesia, all heck broke loose. I've heard that Plaquenil helps bust open biofilms.
If this is true, and the biofilms were broken open, I can understand why my son would again test positive only on IGM due to the fact that his body has mounted another response to a perceived new bacteria that was hidden for a while.
Another explanation in his case is that we've had some recent immunology testing performed and it looks like he may not be able to convert to IGG, therefore he will only have an IGM result.
In my opinion, because everyone's body responds so differently, it is extremely difficult for any physician to say conclusively whether or not you have an acute ongoing infection (IGM) or a chronic infection (IGG) without considering your symptoms right now today. In other words, I might have an IGG positive test but feel like a truck hit my body. Treat the patient for how they are feeling, not what the labs indicate.
We were first told that our son was likely infected last fall but now believe it could have been 2 years ago. We just don't know. What we do know is that we will continue to seek treatment until ALL symptoms resolve and he is able to walk, talk, and enjoy life like a normal teen deserves.
Blessings...
Posts: 66 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
One more thing...during immunology testing my son is not showing any indication that he has ever had an ear infection, cold, flu, etc. His body did not show any response to S. Pneumoniae when tested.
He was so sick as a child. Multiple ear infections, colds, swollen glands, etc. He should have had a positive antibody response to the above but did not.
All this to say that sometimes these tests are difficult to discern because they are based on antibody responses which may or may not be possible in all patients. Hence, many people are misdiagnosed because the doctors only look at the labs.
Posts: 66 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Regarding Imhis4life's response, I think there are certain "illnesses" we have that once we have them they will always "show up" in labs. Like chicken pox, Lyme Disease.
I don't think ear infections, colds, flu, etc. would be something that would show up later in life.
The Dr. that dx. my Lyme told me that now I have tested positive for Lyme, it would ALWAYS show up in labs.
I'm definitely not a pro at this, just what I have been told and learned.
Good luck to your son.
Oh yes, I am curious....I have read so many people say they were just tested positive for Lyme, however, they have had it for 15 (ex) years.
You said you were told your son was probably infected 2 years ago. How do they know that?
I am clueless how long I have had Lyme. Only because of everything I have been dx. with over the past 15 years, i.e. Lupus, Fibromy., IBS, Diverticulosis, Spastic Colon, Arthritis.....I feel I have probably had it for many, many years.
-------------------- Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!! Posts: 153 | From St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
It is the opinion of a Pediatric Immunologist we're seeing that on a recent antibody test for S. Pneumoniae, our son should have responded since he HAS been exposed to pathogens that cause this disease, i.e. colds, sinusitis, ear infections. And yes, it should show up when running this particular test.
His immune system shows no reaction whatsoever even though he was very sick as a child. It is their opinion that his body can not mount the proper response to infections and are investigating the cause. The underlying cause could be related to why he continues to test IGM positive and not converting to IGG.
So...in his case (not sure about everyone else) he could very well have chicken pox for example and not always show positive for that antigen. It is just the way his body is working at this moment. If your immune system is intact, I think the theory that once you have it you'll always have it might hold true. Unfortunately, not in my son's case.
My 2 year comment is based on his current LLMD's assessment taking into account his neurological/musculoskelotal issues to date. Like I said, not sure exactly of the timeframe but we will definitely seek treatment until he has recovered.
I do hope you find resolution to all of your medical issues. You sure have been battling for a long time. Do not give up...you will get better so keep fighting:)
Posts: 66 | From Northern Virginia | Registered: Jun 2010
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