Help with western blot interpretation

after having weird symptoms (i.e. Numb face, sharp hand pain and chills.) I followed up with my family physician and got the lyme Elisa done twice both negative. I also had a test done for Cat Scratch Disease (bartonella henslae) by public health Canada which came back reactive twice. The postive bartonella test has lead me to Igenex to get a more accurate Lyme testing as I've read bartonella henslae is a common co-infection of lyme. I proceeded and got results from Igenex for the western blot igg, igm along with the complete co-infection panel. Oddly enough, the bartonella along with everything else came back negative even though I had a positive Bartonella through public health canada twice, which confuses me.
I am also wondering if you could help me interpret the western blot. Looking at my results would this be conclusive as negative for Lyme? The mix of positive and "I" bands are what confuses me.

Western blot igm all negative except bands:

23-25 : I
31: I
34: I
41: +
58: +

Igg:
39: I
41: +++

Declared negative by cdc and igenex for both
But i have my suspicions

Hi Msloray!

Welcome to the forum. Please visit the "New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the page - it has a lot of great info about lyme, testing, treatment, coinfections, etc.

I'm sorry your symptoms led you to seeking help but it's good you got the IGeneX. It can be VERY confusing - again, there is more info in the thread I mentioned but here is also a good discussion that has some of the same info I would share with you about what these tests investigate and what they can and can't tell us definitively about lyme:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3724977

Your results for lyme-specific bands are "indeterminate" (there is a list in the thread I linked to that tells you what the numbered bands mean). So, your results can be very confusing - there is much controversy over what "indeterminate" means. IMO it is a weak response (not a non-response) to lyme-specific bands and I would consider it positive. Your immune system generally can't produce a response to those bands if there is nothing to respond to. SO I consider "I" a positive reaction, particularly given the fact that you had a response to more than just one band and you have lyme-specific symptoms. Most good LLMDs won't just rely on tests anyway.

Your symptoms could also be from bartonella. The tests for bart are just as unreliable as the tests for lyme. I'm not familiar with the other Canadian tests for bart - hopefully someone else more educated about that can provide input. And, lyme and bart symptoms overlap so it is very difficult to pinpoint which is causing what symptoms.

You also need to consider your need to rely on test results for a diagnosis. Again, a good LLMD won't need definitive test results. But some MDs and/or insurance companies require it, so it's worth it to work to get a more definitive response that your MD and/or the insurance company will work with. If this is your case, you can try provoking a stronger immune response (by taking an immune booster for 4-5 weeks and then retesting w/ IGeneX). I had a negative ELISA test and then provoked with olive leaf extract for 6 wks and retested and the IGeneX was CDC positive.

If you are just looking for personal confirmation, you could go a cheaper route and start taking a lyme-specific herbal antimicrobial and observe your reaction. We can make a few suggestions if you're interested.

Hope this is helpful -

-p

Hi Msloray - welcome to our community.

The other members have given you great information.

I am from BC, Canada. I can help you find a Lyme Literate Dr.

If you're from BC, there are quite a few to choose from..and if you're wanting to do the antibiotic route...some of them are licensed to prescribe.

Ontario has some LLND's as well...but they can't prescribe antibiotics. But, you can be treated herbally, or choose to go across the border to the U.S. or travel to BC if you want antibiotics.

I tested positive through Igenex for lyme, but didn't test the co--infections...until recently, I used a lab in Ontario - Health Genetics. I was positive for Bartonella.

You get a Lyme Literate Dr. to treat you.

You can email me by clicking on the envelope below my name on the left.

I will give you contact information for LLND's in Ontario, LLND's in BC as well as LLMD's across the border.

Hi Msloray!
Welcome to our community! I'm so glad you found us.

You have already been given good information, but if I can be of any help, please let me know!