Testing & Forms of Lyme Disease
Testing Procedures for Lyme Disease
The testing for Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases are not very reliable. I’d say you have a 50/50 chance that they could be correct or incorrect. This is a big problem to getting diagnosed quickly and correctly. The most recent (2012) new testing procedure by Advanced Labs hopes to increase your chances of a correct diagnosis. You will see, in your research for answers, that prevention and early and proper treatment is your best defense against developing chronic Lyme Disease.
Most swear by Igenex for testing but as most of you will find out, your insurance companies will not cover the costs so some of you will be relegated to use other labs. Dr. Burrascano does a nice overview on what a doctor should look for if you need to go to other laboratories which I have found they most often used LabCorp. Other labs that some recommend are Fry, Clongen and Galaxy; each, in my opinion, has their own specialties, it is really up to you to research and inform yourself as much as possible to find the best solution for you. You may also want to see an explanation of these tests and their downfalls by medical microbiologist Tom Grier. (Read explanation.)
You may also want to go to the Resources tab to find other testing laboratories that are also available. There also some sources listed for assistance in testing and treatment if you are in need; I would suggest even if you have had the test done and your insurance company did not pay for it, drop them a letter and ask for an appeal, it can’t hurt, they may actually cover the cost.
ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immune Sera Assay):
ELISA is not sensitive enough to serve as an adequate screen It measures the formation of antibodies to being exposed to the Lyme disease bacteria (Bb.). Many patients with Lyme who test negative by ELISA yet have fully diagnostic western blots. (You have a 50/50 chance of it being accurate)
Western Blot:
Western Blots (IgM and IgG) This test , especially in late disease, will not differentiate early from late stage disease but it will it does, however, propose an active infection.
“Western blots are reported by showing which bands are reactive. 41KD bands appear the earliest but can cross react with other spirochetes. The 18KD, 23-25KD (Osp C), 31KD (Osp A), 34KD (Osp B), 37KD, 39KD, 83KD and the 93KD bands are the species-specific ones, but appear later or may not appear at all. You should see at least the 41KD and one of the specific bands. 55KD, 60KD, 66KD, and 73KD are nonspecific and nondiagnostic.”
PCR (polymerase chain reaction):
PCR tests. The polymerase chain reaction test is a test that can search for a specific sequence of DNA. This is more sensitive but with Lyme Disease the bacteria Bb. has various forms and sub-species. This makes detecting the specific proteins or DNA sequences very difficult. (NOTE: The patient should be antibiotic free for at least six weeks before testing for best results.)
Dr. Burrascano’s treatment guidelines and overview cover these tests and the treatments used combat the different forms of Lyme bacteria and other coinfections. See guidelines.
Update: 2016 Recently, there have been several new testing procedures and methods introduced in hopes of more accurate testing.
The Three Forms of Lyme Bacteria (Bb.)
Borrelia Burgdorferi (Bb.) is the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.
Spirochete – This is the active form, which its spiral like shape can penetrate tissue, organs, and bone. This is the form that usually is present at the beginning of infection. It quickly adapts upon antibiotic treatment turning into the other two forms when feeling threatened by antibiotic treatment.
L-form or Cell Wall Deficient –This form doesn’t have a cell wall which makes it difficult for your body’s immune system to recognize to fight. It is less mobile and more difficult to kill than the spirochete form. It usually causes the worsening of your symptoms.
Cyst form – is the dormant form of the bacteria and isn’t actively mobile. Since it’s dormant, you will not experience symptoms. It can also survive conventional antibiotic treatment as well as starvation, freezing, heat, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide; and other means. When it feels conditions are right for the bacteria to survive, it will change to one of the other forms. This is usually the reason most people relapse because these forms weren’t killed off during their treatment.
A great overview of the three forms of Lyme bacteria can be found at the following sites:
The Three forms of Lyme Bacteria
New Lyme Disease Culture Test Could be Game Changer
LymeBook.com
Pictures of the different forms
A new test for Lyme disease comes from an unlikely source: a summer intern
New Test for Early Detection of Lyme Disease Developed
You may also want to read the following blogs:
What I Wish My PCP Knew
The Stages Of Lyme Disease And Symptoms