LymeNet Flash: What other illnesses can cause a positive IgM lyme test?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » What other illnesses can cause a positive IgM lyme test?

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Topic: What other illnesses can cause a positive IgM lyme test?

nybasketball212
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 28309

posted

I'm aware of how inaccurate western blot testing is, but what can cause a false positive lyme test?

Posts: 306 | From NY | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

Paul Mall
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 27581

posted

false positive lyme tests do not exist. the criteria is so strict only false negatives exist

if you want to understand the western blot read this:

http://lymekick.com/dr-cʹs-western-blot-explanation-t13.html

Paul

Posts: 925 | From Connecticut | Registered: Aug 2010 | IP: Logged |

kimmie
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 25547

posted

Only lyme can give you a positive western blot. NOthing else will cause you to make those antibodies as they are specific to lyme only.

Posts: 747 | From Utah | Registered: Apr 2010 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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I assume you have symptoms or you'd never have been tested. Be sure to get to an ILADS-educated Lyme Literate MD (LLMD). They can help you sort this out.

You should also be assessed by that LLMD for other tick-borne infections.

Good luck.
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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

MistyB
Member
Member # 27969

posted

Ok - so I have the following results, which the Infectious Disease Doc says is not Lyme:

Western Blot:
IgM P42 +
IgM P39 absent
IgM P23 +
IgM - Positive

IgG P66 present
IgG P41 present
(the rest are absent) IgG Negative

The Elisa test was negative. We are seeing a LLMD (neurologist) as well. I'm trying to make sense of all this.

Is there any typical Western Blot presentation with late Lyme? Is it common for Elisa to be negative but WB positive?

Thanks,
misty

Posts: 26 | From Worcester, MA | Registered: Sep 2010 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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ELISA is negative in most cases. It's a terrible test. Most WBs are not done correctly. The CDC criteria are ridiculous. Details to follow with a set of links.

Infectious Disease (ID) doctors are not lyme literate. Not at all.

Get to an ILADS-educated LLMD.
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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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LLMD = Lyme Literate MD, one who is "ILADS-educated" so to speak. Many LLMDs also suggest nutritional support, along with treatment.

LL ND = Lyme Literate ND (naturopathic physician), also best if ILADS-educated. Some have completed the ILADS physician's training program. In some states, NDs can prescribe antibiotics. Most LL NDs do suggest antibiotics along with support supplements.

ILADS = International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society

TBD = tick borne disease. There are many tick-borne infections and lyme rarely travels alone.

STEALTH Infection = hidden, sneaky, potentially fatal but still devastating even if it takes a slow approach. Not easy to find with normal tests. Special labs often do a better job with testing.

Lyme is just one of many chronic stealth infections.
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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673

posted

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www.ilads.org

ILADS - be sure to read all the articles in "Articles and Presentions" Get the DVDs of ILADS of past seminars.

=================

http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

Lyme Disease ASSOCIATION

- In the menu to the left of their home page, you can order DVDs of past ILADS seminars. You might also be able to borrow some from your local lyme support group.

This are invaluable to understanding how these infections work. And, none of this is taught in medical schools. None.

-================

http://cassia.org/checklist.htm

Symptom checklist for lyme.

=================

http://cassia.org/essay.htm

When to Suspect Lyme - by John D. Bleiweiss, M.D.

=================

http://www.lymeinfo.net/lymefiles.html

LYME DISEASE MEDICAL LITERATURE SUMMARIES

=================

http://www.ilads.org/lyme_research/lyme_articles4.html

Lyme Disease: Two Standards of Care

by Lorraine Johnson, JD (revised 2005)

=========================

This explains WHY you need an ILADS doctor:

www.clinicaladvisor.com/Controversy-continues-to-fuel-the-Lyme-War/article/117160/

From the May 2007 issue of Clinical Advisor

CONTROVERSY CONTINUES TO FUEL THE "LYME WAR"

======================

www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/5/1/40

http://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/5/1/40/abstract

Journal of Neuroinflammation 2008, 5:40

25 September, 2008

Persisting atypical and cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and local inflammation in Lyme neuroborreliosis

======================

http://www.underourskin.com

Documentary: UNDER OUR SKIN (you can purchase for $35 at the site or see if you local lyme support group has a copy to lend.)

========================

http://tinyurl.com/5crsjv

CURE UNKNOWN: Inside the Lyme Epidemic (2008) - by Pamela Weintraub

This details what an entire family went through. Having this knowledge of their journey will help others to get better, faster treatment.

http://www.cureunknown.com

============================

It is best to see a LLMD in person first for a physical exam, history and symptom assessment. Then the LLMD can guide you to the best tests.

www.canlyme.com/seronegreasons.html

(27) REASONS WHY A SERONEGATIVE TEST RESULT MIGHT OCCUR

============================

TESTING

You should also be evaluated for coinfections. Not all tests are great in that regard, either, but a good LLMD can evaluate you and then guide you in testing. One of the top labs is:

www.igenex.com

IGENEX

-----
There are a couple other good labs for certain tests. Your LLMD will know.

http://www.clongen.com/

CLONGEN LABS

----------------------

http://www.frylabs.com/

FRY LABORATORIES

================================

VERY important to read - even BEFORE testing:

Dr C's Western Blot explanation is discussed here:

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042077

=================================

In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069911#000000

TIMACA #6911 posted 03 August, 2008

I would encourage EVERY person who has received a lyme diagnosis to get the following tests.

- at link.

===============================

Find your local SUPPORT GROUP for help in finding a doctor, etc.

www.lymenet.org/SupportGroups/UnitedStates

==================================

Post in: SEEKING A DOCTOR

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=2

===================================

http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=020605

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LLMD VISIT
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Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007 | IP: Logged |

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