Question re Igenex test

Hi Susan -

Glad you found us! And really glad you were able to get an IGeneX WB test done. Looks like more and more LLMDs are doing the DNA Connexions now, too so that's more info.

For several other reasons, studies have shown the WB tests to be about 50% inaccurate. The IGeneX is more accurate than other labs for a few good reasons but misdiagnosis is still more common than not.

Unfortunately, the CDC requires a process of WB interpretation that leads to endless confusion and misdiagnoses. But a Lyme specialist and many of us here who have gone through the process can confirm that your test shows positive results.

In short, bands 31 and 39 are Lyme-specific bands or in other words, no other organism will cause your immune system to react to those bands, as your test showed.

The reason your test indicates "negative" is because the CDC wants labs to indicate positive results only for + reactivity on 5 or more specific bands. The reason for this is because these WB tests were developed to serve case surveillance data for the purpose of tracking the spread of Lyme, not for determining diagnosis. So the interpretation criteria is very, very strict for a specific criteria, but this allows many if not most Lyme caes to be misdiagnosed with false negatives.

Both the CDC website and the test results in some states include a disclaimer statement that Lyme diagnosis should be a clinical diagnosis (meaning, health evaluation and symptom review) not solely determined by the test results.

The IgG vs. IgM response also doesn't provide very definitive information, since the Lyme microbe can trigger inconsistent responses from the immune system.

The DNA Connexions found Lyme DNA in your urine. So, like pregnancy, it's a little tough to "kinda" have Lyme. If it's found, you have Lyme.

The Erlichia dx will also be helpful!

If you haven't already, please read through the "New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the page - it has invaluable information for people who are just starting through the process as you are, explains the tests and inaccuracies and the steps for finding a Lyme specialist to partner with--this is key. It will also help you understand different treatment modalities and help you make decisions about that.

After you've read through some of that info - we can help answer any questions you may have more specifically about your situation and guide you toward good info.

-p

Thanks so much to you both (hope I'm doing this correctly, never been on a forum).

I also have Dx of CIRS (mold exposure) though feeling much better with that protocol as well as some mindfulness practices I have been doing.

I think my case is pretty mild. I did not do a challenge before testing but will say when I have been on any of Byron White's herbals, well, herxed a lot!

Symptoms anymore really only include air hunger and gut issues. Sometimes joint/neck pain.

I, too, am fairly convinced of co-infections.

I grew up across the river from Lyme, CT so no wonder. i think I have had this for many years!