Running -
B cells, T cells and Natural Killer cells are lymphocyte immune cells, which are white blood cells. Different than antibodies but are also part of the White Blood Cell total count.
B's put a marker on the target, T's and NK's job is it to go kill it. Doesn't always work that way.
There are several variations of each and can be individually tested.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lymphocyteThe CD57 test that most llmd's do, measures a small average of these. When people are low in that test, the individual tests will show in detail what is low.
The CD57 test is a worthwhile "glance" at these. LLMDs who say its nothing if its low .....are not being honest, or need to educate themselves. Those who know how to test further will find malfunctioning levels of above lymphocytes.
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The iSpot lyme test has been mentioned here in the past. It was offered in Germany and by two labs in the US I think. This test measured what your blood sample lymphocytes do when exposed to lyme BB bacteria.
It was not a good way to test lyme, but did test your immune strength against lyme under the assumption that lyme will weaken these cells vs the healthier population without lyme.
I failed this test miserably. What little lymphocyte immune army I had left was trampled over by the labs lyme bacteria sample.
So that test AND repeated low CD57 suggested that my lymphocytes were low and part of the reason my WBC count was low. I approached my GP with this hypothesis suggesting individual lymphocyte testing. I was correct and was low, and under range in some.
Then we tested the immunoglobulin classes which are not just White Blood Cells , but also specific blood immune proteins. When low, these will lower the total protien and globulin measurements on a standard blood panel. I am low in immunoglobulin as stated earlier, and also in globulin which makes my total protien low.
Not to get confused: Albumin protein made by your liver is also part of the "Total protien" and is the protien most commonly known for your muscle development, its a transporter for vitamins, minerals and hormones but is not immune involved. In my case, Im fine there.
As important as this is, GP's dont remember this from school and 99% of their patients test normal in this stuff, they they dont further learn how its all intertwined.
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I like answers even if it cant be fixed (yet). At least I know whats going on and part of the mystery is solved. Some people dont want details and just want to be "fixed".
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How do we know whats causing what is obviously part guessing. Low immunoglobulins can cause low energy and keep illness in a chronic stage (no army to win). Autoimmune can cause low energy too. Any many people with one...also have the other.
One thing that has SOME affect on all of this is gut heath and food for our individual bodies. Which is why I concentrated in that area a lot.
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Cost-
I paid for: CD57 (repeated @ $100), iSpot ($300) and Leap MRI cytokine food test ($350..a deal apparently). .
All other immune blood testing (lots of it from three clinics and a hospital using different labs) was 100% covered by my med insurance lab coverage. I didnt always have good coverage.......once I did I made use of it.
Post Edited (astroman) : 10/13/2020 11:31:45 PM (GMT-6)