What do the different bands of Lyme disease mean?

Some Lyme specialists and scientists believe that there are five very specific bands on the Western blot test that are highly indicative of Lyme disease: band numbers 23, 31, 34, 39 and 93. If any of these bands are positive and the patient is experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, they may feel treatment is warranted.

What is the best clinical marker of Lyme disease?

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The test used most often to detect Lyme disease, ELISA detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi. But because it can sometimes provide false-positive results, it’s not used as the sole basis for diagnosis.

What is Stage 2 of Lyme disease?

Symptoms of early disseminated Lyme disease (stage 2) may occur weeks to months after the tick bite, and may include: Numbness or pain in the nerve area. Paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the face. Heart problems, such as skipped heartbeats (palpitations), chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Is band 41 Lyme specific?

What is the significance of band 41 on the IgM and IgG Western blot? It is not Lyme specific and the CDC requires more bands to be present before a diagnosis. However, it is a band for bacteria so what else could cause that to be positive if not Lyme? The 41 kd band is often found on the Western blot.

What is band 58 in a Lyme test?

Two types of antibodies are detected in the Western blot test. This particular marker is called 58 KD (IGG) Band and hence is a IgG antibody marker. IgG antibodies are a sign of an older infection.

What is the most accurate Lyme disease test?

A blood test does not only detect Lyme disease; it is the most accurate and preferred test for diagnosing the disease. If a patient with Lyme disease shows signs that the central nervous system has been affected by the disease, western blot testing on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be performed.

What does positive Lyme IgG mean?

A positive result means that Borrelia antibodies were found and that you may have had or have Lyme disease. False-positive results sometimes do occur. This means the test could say you have the infection when you don’t.

Can Stage 2 Lyme disease be cured?

Most people who develop Lyme disease recover fully following a course of antibiotics. In rare cases, Lyme disease symptoms may persist for weeks, months, or even years after antibiotic treatment.

Is second stage Lyme disease curable?

If you receive a diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics at this stage, you can expect to be cured of Lyme disease. Without treatment, complications can occur. Treatments are available for the complications. In rare cases, you may experience a continuation of Lyme disease symptoms after antibiotic treatment.