I read a bit about Myco infections today. I'm thoroughly confused as to why so many on Lymenet say they have infections. The data says it clearly shows up on chest x-rays.
Am I missing something? It seems like such an obvious Dx. Are there multiple forms of Myco? p Are there certain labs that are better for testing?
I'm just astounded how so many people have 6-7 co-infections! It seems so hard to acquire.
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
Hi -- are you questioning why people have mycoplasmas at all, or if they get it from a tick? Wasn't sure of your question.
There are multiple forms of mycoplasma. A lot of us have m. pneumoniae, which is not necessarily tick-borne. M. Fermentans is a strain thought to be associated with gulf war syndrome, and possibly tick-borne. There are many others.
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I think many people pick up other infections due to being immune suppressed due to LD.
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
I was questioning how people have Myco if it's a pneumonia-type infection. When you have pneumonia, it's as obvious as a street sign. It shows up glaringly on a chest x-ray. I had it 3 times (twice viral, once bacterial).
How can it exist as a stealth infection in so many people on Lymenet? If there is a different form of Myco, I'm not aware of it. Maybe I'm just not educated enough on the topic .
I hope people aren't referring to IgG reactions because wouldn't most of us have them if ever exposed to pneumonia? I did.
I don't doubt for a minute infections are opportunistic when we're so sick.
Posted by artur737 (Member # 11151) on :
About 45% of general population has myco or recently had it. This stuff is very popular. Note, some species could be harder to get rid of than others.
I don't know, perhaps in Lyme they can be opportunistic. It is also possible that they have no role and the culprit is still hidden and unknown?
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Yeah, it seems like we could blame everything under the sun for contributing in some way. Who really has perfect tests? Eradicating every possible issue based on IgG testing seems like a never-ending and expensive endeavor.
Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :
Typical Mycoplasma pnuemoniae is in the lungs but atypical kinds can leave the lungs and survive elsewhere in the body and cause all kinds of problems. Don't underestimate mycoplasma, it can do a lot of damage in the body and really mimics lyme disease in a lot of ways.
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
In talking with Dr. Baseman's assistant (he's the mycoplasma expert in the country)...I learned that an IgG for mycoplasma pneumonia over 1:200 MAY indicate active, chronic infection. Titers less than that do not suggest active infection.
Best, Timaca
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Mine was 1:256. Active infection?
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
seekhelp~ There is that possibility that your titer is high enough to indicate active infection. You could talk with your doctor about it. You could also do internet searches on "Dr. Baseman mycoplasma" and either call his office or read articles written by him.
Best, Timaca
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
"...About 45% of general population has myco or recently had it..."
Scary, and may be true...but can you provide some additional information? References? Thanks Art!
Timica, thanks for the reminder about Dr. Baseman. One of the most useful summaries I have ever read on mycoplasmas (other than those of Dr. Nicolson) was written by Baseman. Somewhat surprisingly, it is still found on the CDC web site:
I have mycoplasma pneumoniae. My bloodwork reads <.90 as normal. I have consistently tested >5. Finally after a year of treatment, my last bloodwork read 358 which at least means I am now on the chart.
I have never had pneumoniae, but mycoplasmas are hugely implicated in rheumatoid arthritis which I do have. Lyme also is indicated and I have that. I also have babesia WA-1 (ducani) and CPN.
I LOVED your comment: Lots of opportunities to get well (based on the fact that you have lots of pathogens to conquer!)
Great comment!!! I'll be sure to use it. I see my doctor next week. I'll try to use that line as we go over all my elevated antibody titers.
Best, Timaca
[ 16. November 2008, 11:06 AM: Message edited by: timaca ]
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
Certain forms of Bb can also have characteristics of mycoplasma.
There are similarities between the L-form & cystic phases of Bb to mycoplasmas.
I think it has something to do with being a cell-wall deficient bacteria but I'm no scientist!
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
I think the following link explains mycoplasma best. If you have only a single mycoplasma you are probably ok, but if you have more then one you probably have a lot of issues. On the other hand if you have one myco and one borrelia it is the same as having multiple myco infections.
Also, states there is a high incidence of myco infections in all people who have fatigue oriented symptoms.
What antibiotics treat mycoplasma? I have both CPN and Mycoplasma. I know Cpn is usually treated with 3 abx, such as zithro, doxy, and flagyl...but what about mycoplasma?
I'm wondering if my current abx covers it.
I've heard these infections are very hard to eradicate.
Thanks mandy
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
Thanks Bob. I'm going the homeopathic route with this.
I had an Asyra test last week & they came up. I had a test done by Garth Nicholson's lab in 2002 (I think) & another one done by the Fibro & Fatigue Center more recently & they were both negative.
I'm posting this in case people might be interested in what happened with me. I had no idea that mycoplasmas might be an issue. There may be some forms that are not picked up by standard testing...
I don't know why these things didn't show up on the standard tests. I'm going to treat then with Deseret Biologicals remedies & the LightWorks.
I have the remedies - I'm just waiting for the clear vials to arrive. Should be interesting...
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)