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Lyme Disease can be a serious bacterial infection caused
by Borrelia burgdorferi, also known as a spirochete,
that is transmitted via a tick bite (perhaps also flea and
mosquito bites). There are many strains of Borrelia
and some are nonpathogenic. However, there are likely to be
as many as 100 strains of pathogenic Borrelia in the
United States and perhaps more. Certainly geographic strain
differences occur, especially with regards to continents,
as it is also found in Europe, Australia, China and South
America. Additionally, Lyme Disease and coinfections are likely
to be found in many other places as well but may yet be unidentified.
Lyme Disease can be an acute or chronic infection depending
on how long you have been exposed to the bacteria and what
your spirochetal load is. Often the infection is easily treated
with appropriate antibiotics, but other times with persistent
long term infection, treatment becomes more difficult. To
complicate matters further, ticks can carry other infectious
bacteria in addition to Borrelia. They can include:
Babesia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Mycoplasmas
for certain, but there may be other bacteria not yet identified
that are problematic and disease causing as well. Additionally,
a variety of viruses may also be present in ticks and therefore
transmitted by a bite. However, to date these have not been
scientifically documented. Additionally, the presence of Borrelia
may set the stage for the invasion of other bacteria, viruses
and yeast infections which further complicates the pathogen
load on the body. This is likely to occur as the result of
a compromised immune system resulting from long term exposure
to an extremely virulent bacteria. Further discussion of this
matter as it directly pertains to you will occur at your initial
office visit.
Lyme disease has variable symptom presentation which is one
of the reasons it is known to be so difficult to diagnose.
Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, a myriad of psychiatric
disorders, and Autism are just a few of the diagnoses where
Lyme Disease should be properly ruled out. Lyme Disease is
known as the "Great Imitator" because the constellation
of symptoms observed in a patient may be confused with another
diagnosis. In addition, the incidence of Lyme Disease and
coinfections in the United States alone has been steadily
escalating since the mid 1980's. Although it was first identified
by Dr. Willie Burgdorfer in Lyme Connecticut in 1975, global
recognition of its presence and severity remains elusive.
While practicing in Connecticut, I had the fortunate experience
to participate in the comprehensive health care for well over
4,000 patients which allowed me to perfect my clinical skills.
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Articles:
About Ticks
About Spirochetes
About Biofilms
Biotoxin
Illness
Symptoms
of Lyme Disease
Frequent Misdiagnoses
of Lyme Disease
Top 10 Tips
CDC reported
cases of Lyme Disease 2006 and 2007
Chronic
Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Systemic Infection
Candida Infection
What
is Neuroborreliosis?
Neuroinflammation
and Quinolinic Acid
Hypercoagulation
of the Blood
What
is a Herxheimer Reaction?
Tick Removal
Nutritional
and Hygenic Hints While Undergoing Antibiotic Therapy for
Lyme Disease and/or Coninfections
Free Radicals,
Nitric Oxide and Peroxynitrite
Dr.
Burrascano's Treatment Guidelines
Dr.
Nicholson's article on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Scientific
Abstracts for Persistent Borrelia Infection
Scientific
Abstracts for Seronegative Lyme Disease
Dr. Burdorfer
Lecture
Long
Term Antiobiotic Treatment
[click to enlarge]
CDC Lyme Disease Cases Reported 1990-2006
U.S. Canine Lyme Disease Cases
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 As the detection of Lyme Disease can be very tricky if a
Bull's Eye rash is not present, the specialty laboratory known
as Igenex, Inc., located in Palo Alto California has perfected
a variety of blood, serum, and urine assays to aid the physician
in documenting the presence of Borrelia. Under the
direction of Dr. Nick Harris, Igenex Inc. specializes in the
detection of Tick Borne Diseases and therefore has become
a world leader in diagnostic testing. To date, there are no
definitive tests for Lyme Disease, however, the tests currently
available can measure the immune system's antibody response
to Borrelia, or there are tests that can actually document
the presence of the bacteria DNA in blood or urine known as
polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR). However, these tests
are not 100% accurate because Borrelia is known to
dwell deep within the body's tissues, rendering great difficulty
in proper detection. Additionally, Borrelia is known
as "polymorphic", meaning that it "morphs"
into different forms in the body. Three forms are known to
date including: spirochete, spheroplast and cyst forms. The
fact that this bacteria is able to change form is probably
the result of an evolutionary adaptation to stressful environments
where it behooves the organism to change into "dormant"
forms to avoid harsh conditions. As a result, application
of polypharmacy to the patient may be required in order to
eradiate all forms of the bacteria in the body. This is determined
on an individual basis and will be discussed during your office
visits.
Spirochetes are interesting critters in that they are anaerobic,
meaning that they do not "like" oxygen. It is hypothesized
that this is one of the reasons that they dwell deep within
the tissues. Borrelia utilizes tissue plasminogen activator
(tPA) in order to degrade the collagen of the blood brain
barrier and enter the central nervous system. Spirochetes
do not manufacture their own fatty acids which may explain
why they exhibit "neurotropic" behavior. They gravitate
to areas in the body that exhibit a high density of fatty
acids such as the brain, and feed there. Spirochetes also
utilize sugar as an energy source which is why a diet low
in sugar intake is recommended during treatment to prevent
further proliferation.
Borrelia also have an uncanny ability to "evade"
the immune system by dwelling deep within tissues and in areas
such as joint capsules that are insulated from immune system
effects. This may be one of the reasons that Lyme Disease
can be a "latent" infection that requires some sort
of "trigger" to initiate symptom onset. Other factors
such as the strength of the host's immune system, the spirochetal
load delivered at the time of the tick bite, and the presence
of coinfections may contribute to a "dormant" appearance
of the disease. Nonetheless, silent proliferation of the bacteria
over time can render a host nearly incapacitated with fatigue,
malaise and a plethora of other symptoms that are disabling.
It is my hope and intention to use a combination of antibiotic
therapy and alternative therapies to help my patients regain
health and balance in their lives when diagnosed with Lyme
Disease and/or coinfections, as these diseases can be life
threatening and devastating to individuals, families and society
at large. Currently there is great debate as to whether or
not Lyme Disease can be cured. I have seen it both cured and
properly managed. Of course there are no guarantees, but I
believe that with proper diet, nutrition, immune support,
emotional and spiritual support as well as antibiotic application,
a patient may regain a sense of well being which moves them
in the direction of "Optimal Health." Additionally,
at the risk of appearing "woo-woo", I do believe
in miracles and I have witnessed them in my office as well
as in Dr. Jones' office. So I have a great respect for that
which we do not know and that which we simply can not explain,
yet.
Babesia is an intracellular red blood cell parasite
that is akin to malaria. It is carried by a tick just as Borrelia
is and is found in many parts of Europe and the United States.
Symptoms of the Tick Borne Diseases are often difficult to
tease apart but "night sweats" are often a hallmark
indication that a Babesia infection is present. Similar
to Borrelia, the Babesia microbe is difficult
to detect in the blood. However, Igenex, Inc. has perfected
a diagnostic test known as Flourescent Insitu Hybridization
(FISH test) to maximize the potential of detection for this
parasite. Antimalarial medications are used to treat this
disease.
Ehrlichia is an Anaplasm coinfection also found in ticks
that can be transmitted with Borrelia and Babesia
as well. It is found all over the United States with pocket
areas of greater concentration. Often times this microbe affects
the white blood cells. Immune system antibodies are used to
detect this pathogen for the most part and antibiotics are
used to treat it.
Bartonella otherwise known as "Cat Scratch Fever"
is another coinfection of Borrelia and is considered
"the new kid on the block." Bartonella presents
as a myriad of symptoms as well and is often overlooked diagnostically.
Immune system antibodies as well as PCR tests are available
as diagnostic tools. Various antibiotics are used to treat
this pathogen with success.
Mycoplasma is a very small bacterial coinfection carried
in a tick. It is an intracellular pathogen which renders it
difficult to detect. PCR diagnostic tests as well as antibody
tests are useful, yet it too can be very elusive. Antibiotics
that penetrate the cell wall have been useful in treating
this disease.
The presence of these bacteria place an enormous pathogenic
burden on the host's immune system. Therefore, it is not uncommon
to find a plethora of secondary infections in a chronic Lyme
Disease patient which ultimately results from a suppressed
immune system. These can include: Chlamydia, Strep, Candida,
Epstein Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Human Herpes 6 virus.
Several other infections may be found in the blood of a Borrelia
infected patient also. This complicates the treatment plan
considerably as these too obviously need to be addressed and
eradicated for health and well being to be embraced.
 The science, diagnostics and treatment for Tick Borne Diseases
is quite complicated and in a period of infancy. Scientists
and physicians are beginning to recognize the danger of the
impending epidemic of theses diseases. However, more extensive
research and educational efforts are desperately needed to
facilitate the awareness of the dangers and prevalence of
these diseases. It is my hope through a solid patient -physician
relationship, we can begin to tackle some of these areas of
concern and move individuals, families and society to a deeper
appreciation and need for prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of these diseases. It is my belief that we will find a cure
with continued steadfast efforts on the part of us all. I
urge you to contact my office for an appointment if you have
been bitten by a tick or suspect any of the above infections.
I believe that my services will lend nicely to your healing
journey.
Many of you are aware of the current political arena around
the diagnosis and treatment for chronic Lyme Disease. There
is tremendous controversy regarding the diagnosis and treatment
of Lyme Disease, and many reputable physicians and health
agencies deny even the existence of "chronic Lyme Disease"
and disagree with the use of long term antibiotics. All I
can offer is an opinion on this issue as well as note that
there are thousands of scientific articles documenting the
presence of a persistent disease state. It is unfortunate
that this schism in the medical community exists as it only
confuses patients. Nonetheless, it is my opinion that in fact
chronic Lyme Disease does exist as is evident in a relapse
of symptoms and a "harmonic motion" or cyclicity
of positive IgM antibodies in infected individuals. In essence,
I believe that Lyme Disease is a clinical diagnosis based
on history, risk of exposure, and geographical location that
is supported by laboratory tests. I firmly believe that Igenex,
Inc is the world's leading specialty laboratory for the detection
of Tick Borne diseases. I apologize for the confusion around
this issue, but as a single individual I can only embrace
what I know and practice what I preach. Eventually the truth
will prevail, and all of the antagonism around this issue
will dissipate.
Maintaining a healthy "bioterrain" while undergoing
treatment for Lyme Disease and coinfections is very important.
This means maintaining minimal exposure to toxins, sufficient
oxygen to the cells of your body, healthy blood flow and healthy
immune system balance. We can review some of these issues
during your office visit.
Many people wonder how they can protect themselves against
tick bites because they live in endemic areas and cannot move.
There is controversy over this issue and as a Naturopath,
I don't like to encourage the use of chemicals. However, Lyme
Disease is so serious, that I do recommend tick repellent
use for some people. The tick repellents I suggest are Duranon,
Permanone and Permakill because these contain .5% Permethrin
in aerosol or pump sprays. These can be applied to your clothing
while outside. Please visit the website www.permethrin-repellent.com.
I also recommend eating LOTS of garlic as ticks don't like
garlic and avoid attachment when you have eaten garlic.
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