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Igenex Test - Can someone expain?

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Posted 2/7/2017 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have two daughters with Lyme disease. One who was treated at Hansa successfully and doing well. I have another one just recently diagnosed who we are hoping to also get to Hansa, but that may take several weeks or months. Her test came back from Igenex, and it seems to show it is a new infection, although she has had symptoms for several months to a couple years - shortly after her second child. She will be seeing a LLMD here who is going to put her on antibiotics. But the LLMD is extremely booked, and it will be a while to get in for her appointment. So, we haven't been able to really discuss these test results. I wonder if someone in the forum can help shed some light on them. Again, we are confused because symptoms have been going on for a long while. Her results are as follows:

Western Blot IgM
23-25 ++
39 +
41 ++
83-93 +
Positive for Igenex and CDC/NYS

Western Blot IgG
41 +
Negative for both Igenex and CDC/NYS

Are we interpreting this correct - that it is a new infection; and, is it possible to have results like this if you feel you've had symptoms for several months or so? I appreciate any thoughts you may share. Thank you!!
Posted 2/7/2017 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
This is a quote from our Igenex explanation section of our intro "New to Lyme?....start here".

"The Lyme IFA (performed as part of a Lyme Panel) detects IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies against
B. burgdorferi. IgM-specific titers usually persist in the presence of disease. Antibody levels tend to rise above background levels about 2-3 weeks after infection and may remain elevated in case of prolonged disease."
Posted 2/7/2017 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome. Your daughters test is definitely positive. Band 41amd 83 93 are Lyme specific bands. Igm and IgG both indicate a newer or older infection, so that's a tough call. It's wonderful you are getting her the care she needs. Prayers to your family
Posted 2/7/2017 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I forgot to add to the test results I posted that the PCR- Serum and Whole Blood are negative. Thank you again!
Posted 2/7/2017 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I just realized you're new, sorry! Welcome! What I was talking about is our intro at the top of our threads. We do encourage everyone to read through them.

It's always recommended that you make periodic calls to the LLMD to check on cancellations, because very often that happens and you can be seen earlier!
Posted 2/7/2017 12:35 AM (GMT 0)

righthand said...
I have two daughters with Lyme disease. One who was treated at Hansa successfully and doing well. I have another one just recently diagnosed who we are hoping to also get to Hansa, but that may take several weeks or months. Her test came back from Igenex, and it seems to show it is a new infection, although she has had symptoms for several months to a couple years - shortly after her second child. She will be seeing a LLMD here who is going to put her on antibiotics. But the LLMD is extremely booked, and it will be a while to get in for her appointment. So, we haven't been able to really discuss these test results. I wonder if someone in the forum can help shed some light on them. Again, we are confused because symptoms have been going on for a long while. Her results are as follows:

Western Blot IgM
23-25 ++
39 +
41 ++
83-93 +
Positive for Igenex and CDC/NYS

Western Blot IgG
41 +
Negative for both Igenex and CDC/NYS

Are we interpreting this correct - that it is a new infection; and, is it possible to have results like this if you feel you've had symptoms for several months or so? I appreciate any thoughts you may share. Thank you!!

Hi righthand - welcome to our community!

Oh yah..she's positive with those bands. Not only Igenex but CDC positive.

So as far as IgM meaning a new infection...that isn't necessarily so.

In most diseases, the IgM will come up first, early on...and then a few weeks later seroconvert to IgG. But in Lyme disease...that often doesn't happen. IgM will persist for months to years.

If you want to read about it, click on this link - LLMD Dr. J. explains it well.

jemsekspecialty.com/laboratory-testing-for-lyme-disease/

So, IgM positive plus symptoms = active lyme disease...but not necessarily a 'new' infection.

We encourage all new members to read through the thread at the top of the page titled: "New to Lyme"..Start Here!" It's packed full of useful information.
Posted 2/7/2017 12:37 AM (GMT 0)

righthand said...
I forgot to add to the test results I posted that the PCR- Serum and Whole Blood are negative. Thank you again!

The PCR can be negative even if one has active lyme disease. Instead of relying on antibodies, instead dna of the bacteria must be identified in the blood sample.
So, if that relatively small blood sample taken happens to not have the bacteria in it(even though it is there in your blood...just not in that small sample) ...the test will come back negative.
Posted 2/7/2017 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your quick response and helpful information!
Posted 2/7/2017 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I really appreciate this information! Thank you so much! I will definitely check out the intro at the top of the thread! Thank you also for the website from Dr. J to read! I'm grateful to have become a part of this forum!
Posted 2/7/2017 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Right Hand!
Welcome to our community! I'm so glad you found us.

I see that others have been able to help you, so I just wanted to say, Welcome!

Please do ask questions here, as we do like to help when we can. =)
Posted 2/7/2017 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Traveler!! smile
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