Lyme DZ C6 antibody blood test? What is it in plain english?

Question

My doc ran this test after he told me I was Lyme positive. Can someone tell me in plain english what this test is looking for and why is it helpful? This is right off the labs website


Lyme Disease C6 Antibodies: This ELISA detects IgG and IgM antibodies to the C6 peptide, the immunodominant antigen of the VlsE surface protein of Borrelia species
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I have acute Lyme Disease and I have been debilitated. I am VERY ILL.
I just want to know what the test is looking for.

Answer 1

Borrelia burgdoferi is the spirochete (bacteria) that causes Lyme disease. This test is used to detect the occurrence of Lyme disease.

Bacteria all have a protein on their surface. When a foreign protein enters the body, it's recognized as foreign and the body's first response is to manufacture antibodies specific to that protein. Any foreign protein is an antigen. Antibodies are produced in the presence of an antigen. Antibodies themselves are also proteins (immunoglobulins) and are produced by lymphocytes, one type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. C6 peptide is a protein (therefore an antigen) found on the surface of the Borrelia bacterium.

DZ is an abbreviation for disease. If you've been exposed to Borrelia, you're body has produced antibodies to fight it and this test reflects that. You're correct, you have Lyme disease.

Answer 2

simply put, it means that you have at some time been exposed to lyme disease. It does not mean you are ill, in fact, it is a good thing. It means your immune system beat off the disease.

Answer 3

C6 Blood Test

Answer 4

lymeinfo.net is a great source of information. Also check out lymenet.com and ilads.org.