So the standard CDC tests for reactivity on these bands: IgM 24, 39 and 41 and IgG 18, 21, 28, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58, 66, and 93. As we know, the CDC recommends that two of the three IgM and five of the ten IgG bands show as positive before a Lyme diagnosis.
Online (on pro-ILADS/LLMD websites) there are many claims that some of these bands are specific for Borellia burgdorferi. These are 23-25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 39, 83 and 93 (http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/wb.html). From this claim we would conclude: if you have *any* of these bands show up in your Western blot, you have (or at least had) Lyme disease.
Now, I know that the denizens of Lymeland are not fans of the CDC and IDSA, but I find it hard to believe that these organizations could be that inept. If certain bands ONLY occur as a result of Bb, how could they claim that you need two of three IgM and five of ten IgG? It just doesn't make sense.
So I'm left to ask: what is the scientific evidence that some of the Western blot bands are uniquely specific to Bb? Does anybody know?
Going further, look at the IgeneX "double-starred" bands. These include 23-25, 31, 34, 39, 41 and 83-93. We know that 41 is definitely not specific to Bb. As for the others, according to Igenex you are positive if *two* of the double-starred bands are positive. Wait a second...if all the starred non-41 bands are considered specific to Bb, than why doesn't IgeneX claim that ONE band is enough for a positive diagnosis?
Lastly, several pro-LLMD websites claim that band 18 is Lyme specific. If that is so, then why isn't it a double-starred band with IgeneX? I emailed them about this and never got a response.