IN
A 31-year-old male asked:
What is difference between igm and igg for western blot for lyme. positive for igm but not igg, what does that mean? tks
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
33 years experience
Recent infection: Hi. IgM is present only with recent infection. After IgM levels fall away, IgG takes over for ongoing and recurrent exposure to antigen. (The antibodies in this picture are IgG's). I'm glad your doc was on the ball. She/he may have saved you a world of hurt by making the diagnosis promptly. Good luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
Igm is negative but IgG is positive for Lyme disease, what to do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Ruppanswered
Allergy and Immunology 23 years experience
Old Infection: This most likely means you had an old infection with lyme disease. Our bodies make IgM early in an infection and IgG later. Even once the infection is gone there will be detectable IgG for quite some time. This is part of how our body remembers previous infections so we can fight them off better if we get them again.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.