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Testing for Bart and Babesia

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Posted 2/27/2015 1:26 PM (GMT -5)
I've read these are even more unreliable than the Lyme tests.

What is the best test for each (through Igenex) - I am considering testing. My LLND says there are a lot of false negatives for bart...but if you get a positive...you definitely have Bart.


So, are there different tests on the Igenex sheet for bart and babesia? And what are the best ones to get?
Posted 2/27/2015 1:32 PM (GMT -5)
So I looked at the Igenex site...for Bart - should I get the antibody test, the FISH test, or the PCR test?

Do you think I should also add the CD57 test...or not bother with it?
Posted 2/27/2015 1:35 PM (GMT -5)
Golly, Horowitz talks about coinfection tests in his book. I'll try to look it up for you.
Posted 2/27/2015 1:39 PM (GMT -5)
Babesia......

IGenex: IFA, PCR, fish

Test both strains babesia microti and babesia WA-1 (duncani)
Posted 2/27/2015 1:42 PM (GMT -5)
Test for Bart.....

Galaxy Diagnostics triple draw, supposed to be best
......it tests more strains
.......draw 3 different times in the week


(I found this in my notes. I'm not sure of the source. But perhaps worth looking into)

Post Edited (Utahgal) : 2/27/2015 11:47:38 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/27/2015 1:46 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Utah. I'm in BC Canada, so don't know about Galaxy -

I went on the Igenex site...and they don't have the cost of each test listed.

I think I will just do Bart, as most symptoms point to bart...but if they're in the 200$ range each approx., then I will just get one, maybe two different tests done.

I guess I can call them for the prices.
Posted 2/27/2015 1:48 PM (GMT -5)
Girlie, the problem with doing these co-infections tests is they are very expensive, and they're less reliable than the Lyme tests. I just decided not to run them for that reason.
You can email them for a price list, they got back to me but it took a few days.
Posted 2/27/2015 1:49 PM (GMT -5)
I know what you mean! I hate spending money on labs that aren't completely reliable. You could test negative, but actually be positive! I just hate it.
Posted 2/27/2015 1:57 PM (GMT -5)
I know - it could be a total waste of money...but if I was to get the PCR for bart - and it was positive, it means I have it for sure, right? Isn't the PCR the one where they actually see the bacteria in the blood? And, the problem with that, is the sample they take may not have the bacteria in that little bit they take.
If I was positive, then I'd feel more comfortable treating with Rifampin.

What is the FISH?
Posted 2/27/2015 2:02 PM (GMT -5)
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridation

.....an RNA probe that binds to Babesia and causes it to fluoresce green under the microscope if present.


Oh no, I'm starting to sound like Lymepickle. Lol.

Post Edited (Utahgal) : 2/27/2015 12:06:00 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/27/2015 2:07 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Girlie -- I had a co-infection test through Igenex after I tested positive for Lyme. I think it was the FISH test and tested for Bartonella & Babesia (maybe something else, I can't remember). I paid a little over $800. It was very expensive and unfortunately it came back negative, but my LLMD said it is obvious I have Bartonella, regardless of the negative test. I sorto of wish I hadn't spent the money.

But, I really wanted to know FOR SURE what I had, so I got the test. Now I'm struggling with accepting a clinical diagnosis without the in-your-face proof of a positive test result. Even though my symptoms match Bart, and a very experienced LLMD is telling me it's Bart, I STILL sometimes say to myself "is it really Bart?"

I'm crazy...

Does anybody else go through this???
Posted 2/27/2015 2:12 PM (GMT -5)
Runner....

I totally feel the same way! The only tick test that came back positive for me was the mycoplasma. I figure if I have mycoplasma, I must have Lyme.

I had the Infectolab (German test done). It was $800. My Lyme came back "mildly positive" for 2 strains of Lyme.

What the heck is "mildly positive?"
Posted 2/27/2015 2:14 PM (GMT -5)
Right! I would think if you are "mildly positive" then you are just POSITIVE! It's not like you can just have "a little bit of the disease"...you have it or you don't!
Posted 2/27/2015 2:18 PM (GMT -5)
I guess I'm crazy with ya Runnergirl.

I had an Igenex positive (not CDC) - and I still question it.....talk about looney???


I don't think I would shell out 800, but if there was test for a couple hund, I might consider it.

Utah - That's a compliment if you ask me - that you're sounding like Lymepickle...I like his posts.
Posted 2/27/2015 3:01 PM (GMT -5)
You *can* pick and choose which tests you get, so if you want to do a few (once you see the price list), you can do it for less money. But I just figured all or nothing-- hahah! We're pretty sure I have babesia and bart anyway.
Posted 2/27/2015 10:34 PM (GMT -5)
Girlie I've been on the rifampin for 27 days now, herxed like heck in the beginning but don't notice any liver discomfort at all. I take it at night, do milk thistle in the morning and so far so good. It has kicked my butt, must really be killing stuff off. I had to back down to 1 pill though and tonight I started taking 2, my LLD has me on it constant instead of pulsing it.

I like it better than Biaxin, Flagyl or tindamax, those put a yucky taste in your mouth, like I sprayed hair spray in it.

I figure when I go to doc on Monday he will do blood work to check my liver out but seems ok so far.

I personally wouldn't spend the money on getting tested since they aren't accurate.

Some of my leg pains are gone in just 27 days and my feet don't hurt anymore, now if I can get rid of the back pain.

What are your symptoms that could be Bart or Babs?

I'm lucky I don't have any anxiety like some of you, praise God!
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