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Will the IGeneX test come out positive if infection came from Lone Star tick?

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Posted 2/3/2009 9:52 PM (GMT -5)
I believe I was bitten in 1997 while living in Florida as that is when a bulls-eye rash developed around my eye. A lot of information out there suggests that frequently, people who become infected in the South are bitten by a Lone Star tick.

I now reside in Pennsylvania and am going to get an IGeneX test tomorrow from an LLMD. He accepts no patients unless they receive a positive test from IGeneX and makes the standard test available on a walk-in basis. It seemed like getting the test done before investing tons of money in treatment with an LLMD is a good idea.

Is B. Lonestari still considered Lyme or is it a different type of infection? Will it show up on the test?
Should I postpone getting the test done tomorrow and ask my primary to order something more specific?
Posted 2/3/2009 11:09 PM (GMT -5)

You can call Igenex, ask them the question they should have an answer for you. 800-832-3200.

Posted 2/3/2009 11:36 PM (GMT -5)
I could be totally wrong but I don't think that's the south that strand is from. I think it's mid-south. Like Missouri.

I got my tick in lower MO and my test came back not positive but close. Others have come back + tho. I think it may have a lot to do with the immune system too. But the lyme disease organization that told me to send it to igenex told me they do test for that strand. I don't know totally tho.
Posted 2/4/2009 9:01 AM (GMT -5)
The Lonestar tick is also found in the south.

This is from tickinfo dot com:

"The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is found throughout the southeastern and south-central states. The distribution, range and abundance of the lone star tick have increased over the past 20-30 years, and lone star ticks have been recorded in large numbers as far north as Maine and as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. All three life stages (larva, nymph, adult) of the lone star tick will feed on humans, and may be quite aggressive. Lone star ticks will also feed readily on other animals, including dogs and cats, and may be brought into the home on pets. The saliva from lone star ticks can be irritating; redness and discomfort at a bite site does not necessarily indicate an infection."

I was also bit in the south. My first e-mail to IgeneX said that the WB does not test for lonestari. I sent a second message after seeing something on the net, and they haven't replied. I should try again as well.
Posted 2/4/2009 2:23 PM (GMT -5)
MDL does a PCR for B. lonestari, but PCR's are rarely positive.

Mine was negative, of course.
Posted 2/4/2009 6:13 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the replies.
The LLMD at the place where I went to get the test said IGeneX tests for all strains and it should show up. He was really helpful and spent time explaining a good deal about the various tests & what else to look for if it comes up with another negative. It was the first place I've been to that seemed to get it. They told me to stop taking the Doxy for 3-4 weeks and then come back to take the test.

One doctor from before did request a number of tests from MDL and one of them was a PCR for B. lonestari but it was negative.

I will check out the Cure Unknown book and do a little more research, thanks.

It seems like God is trying to teach me about patience... :)
Posted 2/4/2009 9:50 PM (GMT -5)
Wow- you daughter has 2 Euro strains?

As you said, a melting pot it is!
Posted 2/5/2009 5:54 PM (GMT -5)
I wonder why the LLMD you are seeing refuses to treat anyone that does not test positive. I just saw an LLMD yesterday. My test result from IGENEX came back negative for bartonella but he is treating me for it anyway based on symptoms. He said they only test for one strain at IGENEX (two at fry lab) and there are 30 strains. Besides that, the strains here in Montana for lyme have not been identified yet and there is no test for it. I was very fortunate to have the rash. Maybe you should see someone else.
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