ANA Results Confusing. Different Tests

Thank you for the chance to ask for information on the Lupus forum. I've been on the Lyme Disease board for about 5 years.

I have confirmed Lyme Disease and have had it for years. Now, for the first time, I have tested what appears to be positive for possible autoimmune disease. This comes after more than a year of high EBV results and other co-infections with Lyme. I've read EBV can cause autoimmune to kick in.

For the first time, ANA tests are higher than they have been. CRP normal. The ANA Screen with reflex to ANA9 showed negative. But the Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), IgG by IFA showed "detected" with a note with an H for high. Then it showed the reference range as <1:80, which I thought is negative. Also, a speckled pattern was noted.

However, the ANA 1 test showed a 1:160 titer. In addition, my eyes have become somewhere between itchy and painful, especially when trying to sleep. Also, for some reason I am salivating a lot decent amount at night onto pillow. For about 8 months now, I get a low-grade fever late afternoon and become fatigued. Aso, I have mild vitiligo, but it is spreading.

I'm much more fatigued in general now. Finally, I am a male.

Any suggestions or information you can provide would be thanked and helpful. Was worn out with Lyme problems. This adds a whole new level of concern. Thanks, again.

A positive ANA by itself doesn't mean you have an autoimmune disease.

That is especially true when it's a low positive. A positive titer of 1:160 is a low-medium positive.

ANA can be positive due to autoimmune diseases, but also due to many types of infections, cancers, and unknown reasons.

It's probably a good idea to get an evaluation with a rheumatologist, who will likely run further tests (more blood tests, possible urinalysis, possible chest x-ray, among other possible tests), and then discuss your symptoms and history in detail.