Madison Area Lyme Support Group

Background: Our group have recently reported that there is no evidence of an association between fibromyalgia and Borrelia-specific T lymphocytes. However, a small number of case reports has suggested that infection by the bacterial genus Borrelia may be associated with the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs).

Objective: To test the hypothesis that those fibromyalgia patients who are ANA seropositive are more likely to show evidence of Borrelia-specific T lymphocyte reactivity than those who are seronegative.

Methods: T lymphocyte reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (full antigen) was assessed using the enzyme-linked immunospot and serum ANA status was assessed using immunofluorescence in 27 fibromyalgia patients fulfilling the revised diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology.

Results: The ANA seropositive and seronegative groups were matched for age, sex and ethnicity; the T lymphocyte reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (full antigen) in the former group (mean 5.60) was significantly higher than that in the seronegative group (mean 1.81; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This novel study points to an association of ANA seropositivity in fibromyalgia with Borrelia-specific T lymphocytes.

For more:

• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2021/06/14/lyme-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-connection/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2021/01/22/is-it-lyme-fibromyalgia-or-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/03/03/neuroimmunology-what-role-for-autoimmunity-neuroinflammation-and-small-fiber-neuropathy-in-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-adverse-events-after-hpv-vaccination/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/12/28/widespread-inflammation-in-brains-of-those-with-fibromyalgia/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/06/26/fibromyalgia-diet-what-to-eat-what-to-avoid/