The genetic tests my Dr ran finally came back and although we had hoped for better news it turns out I do have the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) type 01 which is a type associated with Lyme-triggered autoimmune inflammatory illness. This means that there are molecular shapes on the outside of my own cells that are similar in shape to those on the outside of the Lyme germ. When my body makes proteins to fight Lyme disease, they mistakenly attack my own cells.
Some individuals are born with genetic mutations (abnormalities), which can potentially lead to autoimmune and/or inflammatory conditions such as MS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lyme triggered autoimmune illness. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues because they are incorrectly identified as harmful substances like bacteria or viruses. The theory is that these infections confuse the immune system essentially cascading out of control attacking both the good and the bad thus creating a set of symptoms.
Currently I am slowly upping the Lyme meds and have been pretty sick with what I assume is a Herxheimer reaction. At my next appointment with the specialist in MA she will discuss my options for treatment in light of this new HLA-1 information.
Some individuals are born with genetic mutations (abnormalities), which can potentially lead to autoimmune and/or inflammatory conditions such as MS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lyme triggered autoimmune illness. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues because they are incorrectly identified as harmful substances like bacteria or viruses. The theory is that these infections confuse the immune system essentially cascading out of control attacking both the good and the bad thus creating a set of symptoms.
Currently I am slowly upping the Lyme meds and have been pretty sick with what I assume is a Herxheimer reaction. At my next appointment with the specialist in MA she will discuss my options for treatment in light of this new HLA-1 information.