Wednesday, September 03, 2008

How to read an EBV blood test (Post 13)




Remember that this is juat a post of my blog, and it evolves, so to see the full story go to: www.pochoams.blogspot.com (English) or www.sfc-tratamiento.blogspot.com (Spanish)
My current doc: Josepa Rigau Av Catalunya, 12, 3º, 1ª 43002 Tarragona Spain +34977220358 (I do recommend! hoeopathy and biological medicine, significant improvement)
My previous docs: De Meirleir (www.redlabs.be), Dra Quintana (CMD), (Lots of medication, antibiotics etc... no significant improvement)
This chart shows my 10 day average daily evolution since 2006. As you can observe there is a clear improvement.


Now, I will tell you how EBV works so you can understand your labtest, and also which one you need to ask for next time:

This is the medical theory for EBV:

In Bold, the markers that are supposed to be positive in blood for life, once you have contracted the virus. In Bold Italic the markers that are supposed to become negative once you passed the acute infection.

When the virus reactivates (like an herpes), the surum levels of antibodies anti VCA will rise significantly and the antibodies anti EA will turn back to be POSITIVE, but rarely will do turn positive the IgM anti VCA. It is possible, but not normal, to detect IgM anti VCA in absence of a first acute infection by EBV; for instance is some first acute infections by CMV or other herpes virus.


When there is a first infection, is normal to observe in the acute phase:

Antibodies IgM ANTI V.C.A. EBV (will disappear during the remission of the infection, very rare to see them after 6 months)
Antibodies IgG ANTI E.A. EBV (will disappear during the remission of the infection, very rare to see them after 6 months)
Antibodies IgG ANTI V.C.A. EBV (Will show up almost simultaneously ,but this once is detected will be positive ALWAYS)

Months after the infection we can observe:

Antibodies IgG ANTI E.B.N.A. EBV this will show up between 2 to 6 months after the infection, once they are detected, they remain positive for life, ALWAYS.

In my case:

Antibodies IgM ANTI V.C.A. EBV was POSITIVE and LOW (normally they would tell you you just got it recently and you will be ok in 1 or 2 months... you and I know that you did not get it last month ;-), I presume I simply was not able to solve the infection)
Antibodies IgG Anti V.C.A. EBV was POSITIVE and HIGH
Antibodies IgG Anti E.B.N.A. VEB was POSITIVE and HIGH
Antibodies IgG Anti E.A. EBV was negative, therefore not a reactivation, it would be an unsolved infection still active... immune problem.

Normally people with CFS have the same pattern, except for the IgM that is normally negative. But the key thing is a very high titer of the IgG, which is what cause us trouble, is like having a subacute non solved infection and activates our immune system. I was able to lower it to low levels, and since then I can do sports and my symptoms improved dramatically. (through labolife antivirals).


The following is an extract I copy paste from other site because it talks about Red Marine Algae as a method to get rid of EBV:

Fight Herpes With Red Marine Algae Supplements

This is not my post, but I though it was interesting


Red marine algae has been a valued food in Asia for many of years due to its high nutritious value and trace mineral qualities. Red marine algae has been used by people as a food staple for thousands of years in costal regions around the world. This alga is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, complex carbohydrates, enzymes, essential fatty acids, fiber and trace elements. It nourishes skin, balances skin oils and helps with various skin disorders.

You might wonder how Red Marine Algae can help you. Red marine algae can assist the body’s immune response to viruses. Some consider this alga to be one of the most beneficial ocean vegetables in the world, which has caught the attention of the modern scientific community for its immune supporting properties which may help with skin disorders such as herpes.

Herpes I also known as cold sores are not nice viruses because they can lie dormant for years and then be activated by one trigger or another. Herpes is a contagious viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Studies suggest that red marine algae has been shown to have significant inhibitory effects against herpes.

Red Marine Algae’s medicinal properties are thought to enhance the immune system’s response, indicating that it is an immuno modulatory perfect as an antiviral agent. The polysaccharides or long chained complex sugars stimulate interferon production as well as other anti-tumor and immune- enhancing agents such as T and B cells improving their action in the body. Because Algae stimulates the immune system, increases white blood cell count and promotes the growth of healthy flora, algae supplements are ideal for improving immune, skin, and overall health.

Herpes has some what of a bad reputation; there are five types of herpes viruses that are very common causing conditions such as cold sores, shingles and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Epstein Barr. Red marine algae through its immune boosting properties can reduce the formation of herpes virus colonies, also helping to reduce the number and severity of outbreaks when they occur. Eradication of the herpes virus will most likely never happen, but success in the short term temporarily suppression of the virus has been achieved with diet and marine algae.

The polysaccharides found in Red Marine Algae are what give this alga a powerful immune stimulator. This alga is often referred to as a sea vegetable, research has proven that the sulfated polysaccharides in red marine algae may provide nutritional support for immune health. Research has isolated and identified a number of sulfated polysaccharides from sea plants that improve immune function, but do sulfated polysaccharides only boost immune response or can they do more. Yes they can do more, clinical trials have shown that these sulfated polysaccharides can suppress HIV, herpes, and influenza viruses, and patients have reported a lessening or even a halting of their growth within the body. It is a great antiviral alga that anybody who suffers from the above listed viruses should consider.

In addition to antiviral properties, red marine algae has been useful in weight-loss, lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood, detoxifying and counteracting degenerative conditions. The antiviral polysaccharides found in sea algae can stimulate the production of interferons, which work with the immune system and strengthen it. A long series of scientific studies has confirmed that red marine algae has potent antiviral applications and that, when used as a medicinal food, could play and important role for people who are susceptible to herpes (Cold sore) conditions, including genital herpes and shingles, as well as other viral conditions.

In summary, we know that sufficient rest together with a good diet and exercise can do much to maintain a robust immune system. This ancient life-giving balance we receive from algae supplement takes on new meaning when understood as a major step towards strengthening our immune system to fight viruses. While outbreaks are never predictable, the number of outbreaks can be reduced through a proper diet and exercise to build up the immune system, proper amount of sleep, Stress management techniques, such as meditation, avoiding extended exposure to sunlight, and supplementing with red marine algae.