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HELP!! Cd57 level 12, WB negative, many Lyme Symptoms.....

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Posted 4/12/2012 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've been feelling ill with many classic Lyme symptoms for about 8 months. I've went through scans, blood work, etc. My past doctors dismissed Lyme because of the Elisa cam back equivical and Western Blot came back negative. All other blood work came back normal. My most recent doctor did the cd57 and it is 12.....the lowest he's ever seen. I've never heard of this test until he requested. My question is, has anyone else with lyme had a low cd57 with a negative Western Blot?
Posted 4/13/2012 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't had a negative western blot, but I also have a low CD57 (under 20). Sometimes when you start treatment, bands will start to show up positive on a western blot. Did you do the WB through Igenex?
Posted 4/13/2012 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Teambear,

The longer you have Lyme, the more likely it is that it has suppressed your immune system. That means you are not producing antibodies to fight the disease and it is the antibodies that the Western Blot test is designed to seek.

There are many different strains of the bacteria that causes Lyme, and the tests are not able to pick up all the strains. Also, if you have a co-infection, that can affect your test results for Lyme.

Basically, you need to see a Lyme Literate Doctor. They will diagnose you clinically, taking your history and symptoms into consideration.

Let us know if you need help finding a doctor.

Don't let the inaccurate testing stop you from getting the treatment you need!
Posted 4/13/2012 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, a low CD 57 with a negative Western Blot is very common in those with chronic Lyme.
Posted 4/13/2012 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the replies, it is much appreciated! I received a clinical diagnosis from a llmd but I was skeptical since the WB was negative. The second llmd ordered a lot more tests including the cd57 which seems to be conclusive based on the result of 12 and my symptoms. Looking at my history since 2005, it seems I may have had it back then with minor, intermittent symptoms and something triggered a whole myriad of symptoms starting September 2011. This doesn't seem consistent with most of the Lyme cases I've read about. At this point, I hope the doc is correct because anything else can't be favorable.
Posted 4/13/2012 10:09 AM (GMT 0)
My symptoms also started in September of 2011 after several tick bites between the spring and summer. With my CD57 being under 20 and some of the minor symptoms that I had for may years prior, several LLMD's thought that it was likely I had Lyme for years and was reinfected last year which is why the symptoms intensified suddenly.

I was skeptical too at first, but I think the CD57 should make you more comfortable with the diagnosis. Some doctors believe that only the Lyme bacteria (Bb) can lower the CD57 count. Generally it's useful if the number turns up low (for validating Lyme) but if it is in the normal or high range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you DON'T have Lyme because other factors could raise it like certain co-infections.

Posted 4/13/2012 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
Teambear,

I've heard a lot of Lyme stories and yours sounds very familiar. It sounds like your doctor is on the right track.

I'm glad you are in good hands now.
Posted 7/23/2013 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
If you have access to labs that can test you for coinfections, mycoplasma, and chlamydia pneumoniae, then do so. I have read and been told these can also bring down a CD57. Plus as all Lymies know, these can be transmitted via the tick bite.
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