posted
Hi, i was told that some where on this sight there is help in reading the western blot test?
Where do i go for that, i was told my test was negative, but i have gotted a hold of the copy and it says it's nonconfirmatory, and the band 23 is listed on it. Can anyone help?
Posts: 25 | From Northome, MN | Registered: Jan 2006
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You can find the explanation on the Western Blot on the Newbie links under the Medical Questions section. Sorry, but I don't know how to put the link right here for you. I'm sure someone will come along and do that.
You need to look at all 10 bands on your Western Blot and see if you are positive on any bands. I have read numerous articles from doctors who say that even if only one band is positive and you exhibit symptoms, there is a high probability that you have Bb. The CDC (Center for Disease Control), however, says that you need to be positive on 5 or more bands of the Igg to be positive for Lyme.
Others on this board are more adept at reading Western Blots and will help you. You should post your results.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Cinder Posts: 60 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2005
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char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
posted
Hi,
I can't help with interpreting Western Blot, but thought I would share our family's experience.
We all had lyme for 4yrs before we were tested.
My daughter,14, tested positive on ELISA and Western Blot.
My son,12, tested negative on ELISA, but positive on Western Blot.
I tested negative on the ELISA and the Western Blot. I got diagnosed based upon my symptoms.
We are definitely an example of the way the the tests are not reliable.
REASONS WHY A SERONEGATIVE TEST RESULT MIGHT OCCUR
1. Recent infection before immune response 2. Antibodies are in immune complexes 3. Spirochete encapsulated by host tissue (i.e. lymphocytic cell walls) 4. Spirochetes are deep in host tissue 5. Only blebs in body fluid; no whole organisms needed for PCR 6. No spirochetes in body fluid on day of test 7. Genetic heterogeneity (300 strains in U.S.) 8. Antigenic variability 9. Surface antigens change with temperature 10.Utilization of host protease instead of microbial protease 11.Spirochete in dormancy phase 12.Recent antibiotic treatment 13.Recent anti-inflammatory treatment 14.Concomitant infection with babesia may cause immunosuppression 15.Other causes of immunosuppression 16.Lab with poor technical capability for Lyme disease 17.Lab tests not standardized for late stage disease 18.Lab tests labeled "for investigational use only" 19.CDC criteria is epidemiological, not a diagnostic criteria
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
The explanation by Dr. Charles Jones helped me to understand. Check it out in full, but here is an excerpt: "There are nine known [Lyme] Borrelia burgdorferi Genus species specific KDA Western Blot antibodies (bands): 18, 23, 31, 34, 37, 39, 83 and 93. Only one of these Borrelia burgdorferi genus specific bands is needed to confirm that there is serological evidence of exposure to the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete and can confirm a clinical diagnosis of Lyme Disease." http://www.personalconsult.com/articles/drjonesapproach.html
-------------------- Be well, SAK Posts: 371 | From Up North | Registered: May 2005
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