![]() Helper T-cells stimulate B-cells to make antibodies, and help develop the other types of T-cells – Killer T-cells. There are two different types of T cells, however. Together they are responsible for your adaptive immunity.ī cells are responsible for making antibodies that can destroy foreign substances. T cells and B cells work together to recognize antigens, or foreign substances. The immune system is composed of two main types of Lymphocytes, or white blood cells: T cells and B cells. When your immune system doesn’t recognize a certain substance, the antigens on the pathogen cause your immune system cells to produce antibodies to fight it off. Antigens are proteins that are found on the surface of pathogens. Your immune system is a complex network of cells, chemicals, and organs that work together to help fight off harmful microorganisms like viruses or bacteria, known as pathogens. We’re here to help clear up some of the confusion, specifically when it comes to different types of cells and antibodies. Still, it can be difficult to navigate the world of testing and understand how different tests work. Sometimes an antibody test for Lyme disease finds antibodies to other bacteria.Getting accurate test results is the first step in getting treatment for Lyme disease. If Lyme disease bacteria DNA is found, you probably have an active Lyme disease infection.Once you have a Lyme disease infection, antibodies to the bacteria will usually stay in your body for the rest of your life. If antibodies are found, you may either have Lyme disease now or had the illness in the past.This is more likely with the antibody tests than with PCR.Īn abnormal, or positive, test for Lyme disease can mean one of the following: You have Lyme disease but it does not show up on the test ( false-negative).A negative PCR test usually means that you do not have a Lyme disease infection. A positive PCR test means the test detected Lyme disease bacteria DNA.Ī normal, or negative, test for Lyme disease can mean one of the following:.A negative PCR test means the test didn't detect Lyme disease bacteria DNA.The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test may be done to confirm a Lyme infection if you have a positive antibody test result. An abnormal (positive) test means that Lyme disease antibodies are found.A normal (negative) test means that no Lyme disease antibodies are found.Test results are usually available in 1 to 2 weeks.Īn antibody test checks to see if you've had an infection from a bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The PCR test is a blood or urine test, but can also be done on fluid from the spine or from a joint. ![]() PCR testing may be used to identify a current (active) infection if you have symptoms of Lyme disease that have not gotten better with antibiotic treatment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detects the genetic material ( DNA) of the Lyme disease bacteria. The Western blot test should be done for all people who've had a positive (or borderline positive) ELISA test. It is most often done to detect a chronic Lyme disease infection.Īntibody testing should be done in a two-step process, using the ELISA followed by the Western blot test. This test also identifies Lyme disease antibodies and can confirm the results of an ELISA test. This is a rapid test to identify Lyme disease antibodies.
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