Which Co-Infection Test?

Hi there

New member, just did an LTT MELISA Borrelia test which came up positive. Explains my neurological symptoms. I saw one of the UK's supposed best doctors about Lyme, and based on the above Borrelia test result, my case history (exposure to some tick bites that never visibly became infectied) and symptoms (neurological, IBS, weight loss, tired kidneys and liver etc.), she recommended that I take a course of antibiotics targetted at Borrelia.

The options given were:

1. Artesunate, Nattokinase, GSE daily - with Benzathine Benzylpenicillin IM injections x2/week
2. Artesunate, Nattokinase, GSE daily - with Minocycline tablets
3. Artesunate, Nattokinase, GSE daily - with Ceftriaxone IV once a day, 6 days a week - with GSH, ALA and Methyl B12 (oral)

I am concerned about Lyme co-infections and starting an ABX regime without having determined whether I have any co-infections or not, as they would change the course of treatment, and I don't want to hammer my kidneys, liver and GI tract for nothing. I don't have a full list of symptoms of the co-infections but a few symptoms of Babesia and Bartonella do sound familiar. I also had a blood microscopy done back in 2005 which showed I had protozoans in my blood, which might have been Babesia, or indeed another protozoan.

I am interested in getting some Lyme co-infection tests performed. The clinic has suggested using either:

- Neurosciences Lab's Lyme Panel B, which consists of ELISA and Western Blot tests for Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, Babesia, Ehrlichia and Bartonella, I believe.

- Bremen (not MELISA?) IgG and IgM antibody tests (IFA?) for Ehrlichia, Babesia and Bartonella.

I have read some articles on the above tests and they don't sound as accurate as I'd like and they are not cheap either. The Neurosciences Lab Panel B also reproduces the Borrelia tests which I don't need to have again imo.

I have been looking into other tests, e.g. PCR or FISH tests for some of the above, perhaps with either iGeneX or Fry Labs. Doing one or more FISH tests may also be worthwhile to see that we haven't missed anything else. I may also be interested in doing a Biofilm test but it might be taken as given that I have biofilms given that I have Borrelia and some recent history of severe malabsorption both from GI tract and from blood into cells.

It could be that doing a dark field live blood microscopy first might be a good idea, to see if there are still protozoans in the blood or not, before shelling out on the above tests.

WebMD presents a cynical view of PCR but to me it sounds better than either Western Blot or ELISA. WebMD can also be somewhat biased. What do you think? Is it worth starting the ABX now without a full diagnosis (if such a thing is possible)? I am inclined to wait for the full results and in the interim start a biofilm protocol. I have been taking various herbal antimicrobials with some but limited success so far.

I realise no test will be perfect and opinions vary! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.


P

Hi AG

Thanks! Well, one can never know too much. I had been told that if I had Ehrlichia for example, then I would be better off on Doxycycline rather than Minocycline. But I would assume that the Minocycline would have some effect on the Ehrlichia if present.

I gather there are rather complex protocols involving the eradication of co-infections first (in sequence) before the actual Borrelia can be effectively wiped out. I guess the question is whether I go herbal or ABX. I can rule out the IVs as they are too expensive so it's either Minocycline or Penicillin. Most likely Minocycline.

I don't want my symptoms to get any worse of course whilst I sit around doing a half effective regime. I would assume that the least accurate types of tests might not provide any real diagnosis for the co-infections but perhaps a series of less traditional tests might.

I know iGeneX do all of the traditional tests (Western Blot, IFA etc.) as well as some developmental/cutting edge tests (PCR and FISH), so I would expect you are referring to the latter when you refer to accuracy?

Thanks, I had a look at the New to Lyme? thread and some useful information on there.

Best


P

Post Edited (PliSsK) : 12/11/2011 5:55:34 AM (GMT-7)